"Estratégias de Aconselhamento para a Mudança Comportamental na Atividade Física: Um Caso Prático numa utente com diabetes"

Abstract

Throughout my second year of my master's degree in Physical Activity, Exercise and Health - Exercise in Clinical Contexts, I had the opportunity to perform my internship in Espregueira Clinic (Clínica Espregueira) in the Dragon Stadium (Estádio do Dragão). This document is structured into four fundamental sections. In the first section, the literature review is carried out, where theoretical concepts are explored to fundament the internship. In the second section, the internship location is introduced, with a detailed description of the environment and activities performed. The third part focuses on the application of a brief counselling model for physical activity promotion in a person with diabetes, which is the case study carried out as part of the internship. Finally, the last section is dedicated to the conclusion, where the results and the implications of the study are reflected, highlighting the lessons learnt and the contributions to the area in question. This internship report explores counselling strategies towards the promotion of behavioural change in a 65-year-old patient with type II diabetes mellitus. The study aims to develop structured interventions to promote physical activity, recognised as one of the pillars in the effective management of diabetes, among other diseases. Using brief counselling and motivational interviewing techniques, the research focuses on overcoming barriers such as tiredness and lack of motivation, adopting strategies including walking after work and exercising at home. The patient demonstrates understanding of the importance of physical activity, setting concrete goals to increase regularity, with rewards such as buying a smartwatch or new clothes to sustain motivation. Through the use of questionnaires and interviews, the report underlines the importance of self-effectiveness and goal setting in ensuring continued adherence and improving quality of life.