RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS AMONGST FITNESS FACILITY USERS IN LAGOS METROPOLIS

BY

AKINBO SRA, AKODU A.K, IWUCHUKWU IC

sonnyakinbo@yahoo.com, akoduashiyatkehinde@yahoo.co.uk

Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine University of Lagos.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: akoduashiyatkehinde@yahoo.co.uk, akoduashiyat@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Although exercise is unequivocally of benefit relative to the detriments of physical inactivity, there is an associated risk of cardiovascular complications during vigorous exercise. Previous studies have ascertained this risk to be majorly due to underlying cardiovascular disease. Simple tools such as a pre-exercise participation questionnaire may be used to screen susceptible individuals. Hence this study aimed to identify exercisers in fitness facilities who are at risk of exercise –related cardiovascular complications and stratify them according to their levels of risk.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Adopting a cross – sectional survey, 160 fitness facility users in Lagos Metropolis (104 Men and 56 Women), aged 16 to 65 years (mean = 36.06 + 11.37), were screened using the Exercise Readiness Assessment Questionnaire. Based on their responses to specific sections of the questionnaire, the participants were stratified into risk categories for cardiovascular complications during exercise.

RESULTS: The results suggested that the participants were at low risk ( 11.25%, n =18), moderate risk ( 45.63%, n = 73), and high risk ( 43.12%, n = 69).

CONCLUSION: The findings from this study indicate that it is pertinent for fitness facilities and exercisers in general to work with healthcare professionals to identify individuals with signs and symptoms, risk factors, or history of cardiovascular disease. They would inform prompt referral to the appropriate  practitioner or prepare them for effective responses to forestall cardiovascular complications during exercise or recreation.

Key word: Exercise, Cardiovascular complications, Fitness facility, Risk Assessment