Abstract
With an increasing demand for gyms, especially during summer, the risk of contamination rises despite preventive care. In many sports, exercising must require attention to hygiene, mainly due to great chances of contracting diseases. Staphylococcus aureus has widely spread caused by its ability to express various virulence factors, which can cause diseases ranging from simple to most severe infections as a pathogen. This paper investigates the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus in equipment from a gym of physical activities in Alfenas-MG and identifies the appropriate level about the importance of cleaning equipment. In this study, three collections were carried out per equipment in different places, at three times; totaled 54 samples. Staphylococcus aureus was identified by sowing in Mannitol Salt Agar, medium coloration and colonial morphology, catalase, and coagulase tests. Twenty-nine samples obtained growth from the sowings, being positive for gram staining, catalase, and coagulase. In samples with micro-organisms (53.70%) and correspondents (50%), gym-goers did not clean the equipment, and the others (50%) only used the individual towel. Therefore, the measures that can decrease the incidence of micro-organisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are disinfecting with 70% alcohol and disposable paper before and after manipulating equipment in a gym.
Highlights
In the 21st century, physical activities have gained significant importance due to the increasing amount of studies and lifestyle changes; according to Professor Leonardo Lima: “When a person exercises, the musculature works, and the alignment and support of the body improves” (Santos et al, 2007)
The percentage of surface contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus in the analyzed devices was approximately 53.70%
Even though we are aware that the safe method, according to ANVISA, is using 70% alcohol and disposable paper in all equipment before and after use, this type of cleaning is not used by those present in physical activity establishments. 50% of respondents, gym-goers, do not use cleaning equipment, and the other 50% only use the individual towel
Summary
In the 21st century, physical activities have gained significant importance due to the increasing amount of studies and lifestyle changes; according to Professor Leonardo Lima: “When a person exercises, the musculature works, and the alignment and support of the body improves” (Santos et al, 2007). Regular physical exercise promotes quality of life and can act on the immune response, reducing the risk of developing systemic inflammatory processes and stimulates cellular immunity against pathogens (Silveira et al, 2021; Nieman et al, 2019). To functions related to preventing excess body weight, systemic inflammation, and chronic non-communicable diseases, a potential benefit of exercise in reducing communicable diseases, including viral pathologies (Laddu et al, 2020). The search for gyms increased by 30%, according To Sebrae News Agency, which increases possible contamination in this environment. During this season, the body is most vulnerable to be infected by fungi and bacteria. The practice requires much attention to hygiene (Silveira et al, 2020)
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