Moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior changes in self-isolating adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a cross-sectional survey exploring correlates

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic imposed major changes on daily-life routine worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, no study quantified the changes on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) and its correlates in Brazilians. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the changes (pre versus during pandemic) in time spent in MVPA and SB in self-isolating Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ii) to explore correlates. Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective, self-report online web survey, evaluating the time spent in MVPA and SB pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic in self-isolating people in Brazil. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical measures, and time in self-isolation were also obtained. Changes in MVPA and SB and their correlates were explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Models were adjusted for covariates. Results A total of 877 participants (72.7% women, 53.7% young adults [18-34 years]) were included. Overall, participants reported a 59.7% reduction (95% CI 35.6-82.2) in time spent on MVPA during the pandemic, equivalent to 64.28 (95% CI 36.06-83.33) minutes per day. Time spent in SB increased 42.0% (95% CI 31.7-52.5), corresponding to an increase of 152.3 (95% CI 111.9-192.7) minutes per day. Greater reductions in MVPA and increases in SB were seen in younger adults, those not married, those employed, and those with a self-reported previous diagnosis of a mental disorder. Conclusions People in self-isolation significantly reduced MVPA levels and increased SB. Public health strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of self-isolation on MVPA and SB.

Associations between Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Time Spent Outdoors with Mental Health during the First COVID-19 Lock Down in Austria

“…Studies from various countries have shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic physical activity (PA) decreased while sedentary behaviour increased. This was shown in various cross-sectional studies worldwide [4][5][6][7][8][9][10], and confirmed by several review articles [11,12]. Similar to international trends, studies from Austria have shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic, PA levels decreased by up to 48.9% [12,13].…”

Effectiveness of Facebook Remote Live-Streaming-Guided Exercise for Improving the Functional Fitness of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented policies for social distancing and varying degrees of quarantine or isolation at home ( 13 ). Such strategies have had unintended negative effects on the functional fitness of older adults ( 33 , 34 ) due to decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behavior ( 14 , 15 ). Therefore, based on the results of this study, we propose that live-streaming home-based exercise programs may be an effective alternative method for increasing the functional fitness of community-dwelling older adults during the pandemic.…”

“…Many countries have implemented policies for social distancing and varying degrees of quarantine or isolation at home ( 13 ). Such strategies further deteriorates the motivation for engagement in physical activity ( 14 , 15 ). Although conducting home-based exercises could be an alternative and a feasible method for eliminating barriers to engage in physical activity, one of the challenges of implementing home-based exercise training is the provision of instructions or feedback during the exercise intervention.…”

Multidimensional Factors Can Explain the Clinical Worsening in People With Parkinson's Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Trial

“…Interestingly, only the self-reported decline in the physical activity volume was a predictor of self-reported decline in the emotional and mental health scores. The decreased physical activity level during social distancing has been appointed as one of the main causes of poor mental health (8,(22)(23)(24), followed by pandemic fear (25), and sedentary behavior (26). In fact, the best available evidence recommends increasing physical activity levels in this population to alleviate PD severity and to improve mental health (27).…”