Mobile-based health apps to promote physical activity during COVID-19 lockdowns

Abstract

Objective Periods of lockdown due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a negative effect on individuals’ physical health and quality of life, and may result in a weakened immune response, leading to enhanced risk of infection. Due to lack of access to public resources during periods of lockdown many individuals cannot perform their usual daily physical activities. The aim of this short report is to discuss the use of mobile-based health applications and virtual reality systems for promoting physical activity at home through an interactive and motivating digital environment. Methods and results Information on tele-health, available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and data on physical activity during lockdowns were reviewed. A list of mobile-based health applications suitable for use in promoting physical activity at home was compiled. Conclusion This report makes recommendations for mobile-based health applications to promote physical health, which can be used at home during periods of lockdown. LAY ABSTRACT Being physically inactive or sedentary during COVID-19 lockdown may increase the chance of getting infection due to the reduced fighting ability of body against germs and decreases health. Day-to-day physical activities gets reduced due to the restrictions imposed by the competent authority and forced to be at home. Regular exercise strengthen the defence mechanism of the body. In this short communication, we have listed the available various mobile based application which might assist in maintaining the regular physical activity during these days of lockdown.

Fitness Apps, Live Streaming Workout Classes, and Virtual Reality Fitness for Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Empirical Study

“…And all those mHealth applications are enlisted that are used in the physical activity promotion at home. After observing these things, they concluded that mHealth applications could physically enhance health and be utilized during lockdown at home ( 34 ). Health and fitness apps mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 preventive measures on physical activity.…”

“…In public health, digital sports through live streaming encourage people to stay active during the pandemic restrictions ( 7 , 42 , 43 ). Srivastav et al ( 34 ) published a report to discuss mHealth applications and VR systems for enhancing PA at home via a motivating and interactive digital environment. From WHO and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the telehealth information was collected, and PA's data for the period of lockdown was also reviewed.…”

A Rapid Review on the Influence of COVID-19 Lockdown and Quarantine Measures on Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the General Population

“…If schools have the capacity, streaming exercise classes by the physical education teachers are recommended [3]. For all other age groups, online videos and mobile-based apps are recommended for the promotion of physical activity [103]. To further prevent physical inactivity and resulting physical and psychological consequences due to a lockdown, indoor and outdoor activities (e.g., aerobic exercise, strength, flexibilitystretching, and balance exercises) on the individual level are suggested [104][105][106][107].…”

The Effect of COVID-19–Related Lifestyle Changes on Depression

“…To facilitate the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle in the current non-face-to-face environment, the healthcare and wellness industries have made considerable advances in the development of e-health programs and in the field of wearable technologies designed to help users maintain healthy habits such as increasing their levels of physical activity [ 20 ], boosting their immune systems, and following balanced diets [ 21 ]. Hence, we suggest that governments and other stakeholders develop policies and programs that promote and support healthy lifestyles during both the pandemic response and recovery periods.…”