CDE and Non-CDE Dietitians’ Knowledge of Exercise and Content of Exercise Programs for Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveTo study differences between non-certified diabetes educator registered dietitians (non-CDE-RDs) and certified diabetes educator registered dietitians (CDE-RDs) in the design and content of programs to promote physical activity in older adults with type 2 diabetes.DesignThe Exercise Teaching Questionnaire was used to assess knowledge of and promotion of physical activity.Setting and ParticipantsSurveys were sent to CDE-RDs and non-CDE-RDs in Florida, California, and Texas. Ninety-four CDE-RDs and 73 non-CDE-RDs completed the study.Main Outcome MeasuresThe independent variable was CDE status. The dependent variables were knowledge, design, content, and total exercise scores.AnalysisTwo-way ANOVA’s tested for Knowledge, Design, and Content scores by RD status and one of the following: years practicing in diabetes education, state, and practice setting.ResultsThe exercise Knowledge, Design and Content scores were significantly (P < .001) higher in the CDE-RDs compared to those of the non-CDE-RDs.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results of this study indicate that education and experience play a key role in the design and content of programs to promote physical activity in older adults. Therefore, the results raise the question of the role the dietitian and nutrition educator should play in the promotion of physical activity in older adults.