Evaluation of the quality and content of YouTube videos as a source of aerobic exercise training for diabetic individuals

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the quality and characteristics of aerobic exercise training videos for diabetic individuals published on YouTube. Methods: In this study, 57 videos were included by searching with the keywords "aerobics, exercise, diabetes". For the reliability assessment, the modified DISCERN scale and Journal o the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria were used and for the quality and usefulness assessment, the Global Quality Scale (GQS) was used. Results: It was observed that most of the videos (64.9%, n=37) we analyzed (n=57) were produced by non-health video sources in this study. Although DISCERN scores of videos produced by healthcare professionals showed a statistically significant difference compared to videos produced by non-health video producers, they were found to be more reliable (p<0.05). When evaluated with JAMA and GQS quality scores, there was no statistical difference (p=0.773; p=0.797, respectively). Conclusion: It was demonstrated that videos produced by health professionals were of higher quality and more reliable. In order to increase the quality and reliability of YouTube as a source of aerobic exercise training information for diabetic individuals, there is a need for more video content produced by health professionals, enriched with exercise variety and practical demonstrations.