Researchers from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), in Zona da Mata Mineira, analyzed the dirtiest equipment found in gyms. The study analyzed visible and invisible dirt, taking into account bacteria and microorganisms present on the objects. The goal was to determine the risk of a student contracting a disease when attending the gym.
The article “Fitness centers, how safe are these environments?” was published in the scientific journal “Journal of Human Ecology and Health Promotion”. Professor at the UFJF School of Nursing, André Luiz Alvim, in partnership with students in the eighth period of the course, Bianca Ananias and Daniela Batista, analyzed the equipment in two gyms in Juiz de Fora: one public and one private.
In total, the study included 120 assessments, including 48 visual inspections, 48 protein (dirt) tests, and 28 tests using the fluorescence method. You The equipment inspected by the group is that which has a high turnover rate in use and touch..
What are the dirtiest devices?
Among the dirtiest items, the following stood out: Squat bar, 8kg dumbbell, leg pressHowever, according to the research, visible dirt was found in 95.8% of public gyms and in 33.3% of private gyms.
Furthermore, only a dispenser containing 70% alcohol could be detected in the gyms analyzed, and there were no cleaning towels. From the data collected, The researchers considered – Insufficient level of cleanliness in gymsThey also claim that Environmental cleaning should be improved to reduce the risk of contamination among users..
“The gym needs to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, including the floor, walls, bathrooms and, most importantly, the exercise equipment. The volume of people who frequent the place is very high, so this frequency is important. The gym also needs to provide the necessary supplies for users to sanitize,” explains student Daniela Batista.
How to prevent infections?
According to Professor Andre Alvim, to prevent and avoid infection between users, Gyms should provide hand hygiene supplies (such as 70% alcohol, soap, water, and paper towels).
Furthermore, the teacher highlights the importance of Each user brings their own towel to place on the surface they will touch.in order to reduce the risk of infection transmission.
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