[Level of noise at the workplace environment among physical education teachers in indoor bike classes].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the level of noise at the workplace environment among Physical Education teachers during indoor bike classes and its association with some aspects of health.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study carried out in 15 different gyms with 15 teachers in Rio de Janeiro (Southeastern Brazil) in 2007. A standardized questionnaire, tested in relation to its replication, was used in order to find out the characteristics of the process and the way this job is organized, as well as complaints related to health reported by these teachers. The SRQ-20 (Self-Report Questionnaire) was utilized in order to verify the existence of minor psychiatric disturbances. The levels of sound pressure were measured by a portable appliance. The level of pressure was verified in dB(A) at equivalent energy levels (Leq) in different places of the room at different moments during the class. ANOVA, chi-square and Pearson's correlation analyses were performed.


RESULTS
The levels of sound pressure varied from 74.4 dB(A) to 101.6 dB(A). The results during the class were: a) warm-up (mean=88.45 dB(A)); b) main part (mean= 95.86 dB(A)); and, closure (mean= 85.12 dB(A)). The mean background noise was 66.89 dB(A)). There were significant differences (p<0.001) among the background noise levels within different moments of the class. The noise was not related to minor psychiatric disturbances.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical education professionals working with indoor bike classes are under high levels of sound pressure during their classes. This physical agent has been related to several health problems and should therefore be more controlled.
Palma
Alexandre
A
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. palma_alexandre@yahoo.com.br
Mattos
Ubirajara A de O
UA
Almeida
Marcelo Nunes de
MN
Oliveira
Giselle Estrella Martins Coelho de
GE
D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D020446:Fitness Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012016:Reference Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult