It is not just exercise?: Physical education professionals? Work in health promotion

Abstract

The study sought to identify and analyse the work of Physical Education professionals with adults and elderly people in health promotion, beyond disease prevention. Based on the theory of salutogenesis, the research project employed the qualitative method of grounded theory proposed by Charmaz (2009) and condensed fieldwork (STENHOUSE, 1978) in four health promotion public programs. Participants included four Physical Education professionals, three health centre coordinators and 34 adults and elderly people. Data were produced through interviews and non-participant observation. Inductive analysis of data identified four practices that are representative of the professionals??? work: a look at people, caring relationships, development of health resources, and encouraging community protagonism. In conclusion, the ways of working of the Physical Education professionals demonstrated a salutogenic character, suggesting possibilities for overcoming the biomedical model.