Challenges and strategies to stay physically  active in the face of COVID-19 pandemic: A  review

Bruno F. Camilo; Gabriela Baranowski-Pinto; Brandel J. P. Lopes Filho; Gislaine Cristina-Souza

doi:10.20453/rmh.v34i1.4452

Bruno F. Camilo State University of Minas Gerais, Campus Passos, Passos, Brazil. Research Group in Physical Activity, Health and Aging, State University of Minas Gerais, Passos, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3039-2194
Gabriela Baranowski-Pinto State University of Minas Gerais, Campus Passos, Passos, Brazil. Research Group in Physical Activity, Health and Aging, State University of Minas Gerais, Passos, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6364-1484
Brandel J. P. Lopes Filho State University of Minas Gerais, Campus Passos, Passos, Brazil. Research Group in Physical Activity, Health and Aging, State University of Minas Gerais, Passos, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6666-9637
Gislaine Cristina-Souza State University of Minas Gerais, Campus Passos, Passos, Brazil. Nutrition and Exercise Research Group, State University of Minas Gerais, Passos, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7770-4514

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20453/rmh.v34i1.4452

Palabras clave: Coronavirus infections, health, exercise, physical activity, social isolation

Resumen

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 has influenced peoples’ lifestyles. Home-confinement scenario might impair physical activity practice, resulting in new challenges for maintaining health during the pandemic of the COVID-19. The aim of this study was to present the current context of COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the practice of physical activity, and the strategies available to remain active during home-confinement according to international recommendations. The narrative review was conducted based on studies that analyzed themes related to physical activity and COVID-19. Virtual Health Library (VHL), CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant papers. Although an increased number of experimental studies are still necessary, people should devote more time to physical activity during social isolation. Guidelines were adjusted by international entities in order to encourage people to remain active, through practice regular physical activity, using alternative strategies such as fitness program applications, exergames, online exercise classes, and even chores. Reduction of prolonged sedentary behavior could contribute to maintain health and improve quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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