Physical activity pattern before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and association with contextual variables of the pandemic in adults and older adults in southern Brazil.

Aim: To compare the physical activity pattern before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and verify the association with contextual, behavioral, and health variables related to the pandemic in adults and older adults from southern Brazil. Subject and methods: This is a panel-type, population-based study in Rio Grande-RS and Criciúma-SC, with 4290 individuals. The physical activity pattern (dependent variable) was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-IPAQ. In addition, contextual, behavioral, and health aspects related to the pandemic (independent variables) were assessed by questionnaires. Fisher's exact test was used for bivariate analyses and Poisson regression with robust variance to calculate crude and adjusted prevalence, with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: There was a 72% reduction in commuting physical activity and a 145% increase in physical inactivity when compared before and during the pandemic. Social distancing, excessive search for information about COVID-19, fear of the pandemic, and COVID-19 infection were all factors that contributed to the decline in physical activity during the pandemic. The home office was a protective factor for physical inactivity. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the pattern of physical activity in the general population, except for those who switched to working from home. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-022-01789-x.

An online behavior change intervention to promote physical activity in adults with asthma: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Behavior change interventions have been the focus of recent studies, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of online interventions. However, no previous studies have investigated behavior change techniques to improve physical activity in adults with asthma through online intervention. METHODS: This double-blind clinical trial will investigate the effectiveness of an online behavior change intervention in increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior in adults with asthma, as well as in improving other clinical outcomes in short and medium terms. Patients with clinically stable moderate to severe asthma, who are physically inactive and do not have cardiovascular and/or osteoneuromuscular impairments will be randomized into control or intervention groups (23 in each). Both groups will carry out an online educational program (1 h). Additionally, the intervention group will receive weekly individual online sessions for 12 weeks of motivation-based behavior change intervention to promote an increase in physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior based on both self-determination theory and transtheoretical model. The intervention group will also receive an activity monitor with specific strategies related to it. Both groups will be reassessed immediately after the intervention and 6 months after that. The primary outcomes are physical activity and sedentary behavior, which will be objectively assessed by a triaxial accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT). Secondary outcomes are Asthma Control Questionnaire, Incremental Step Test, Sit-To-Stand, Timed Up-and-Go, 4-Metre Gait Speed, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Actiwatch 2, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. DISCUSSION: The intervention is unprecedented and was carefully developed to joint most characteristics and techniques of both behavioral strategies (transtheoretical model and self-determination theory). Therefore, this intervention has the potential to improve physical activity levels and asthma management and reduce sedentary behavior. As a consequence, this novel intervention will improve global health in this population and support its use in clinical practice. The intervention will be carried out online with direct weekly contact with the therapist. Consequently, it has low implementation costs, might improve patient's attendance, and has the potential to be largely offered elsewhere. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05241223 . Registered on January 22, 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenges physical activity with two emerging paradigms

We are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the COVID-19, with social distancing measures. These measures have adverse impacts and exercise professionals need to gear efforts to promote active lifestyles. This assay has two purposes: 1) To discuss the role of web­based physical activity interventions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, debating pros and cons, and offering preliminary guidance;2) To discuss the role of physical activity on mental health, and proposing strategies to exercise interventions. We suggest a more positive outlook to web­based physical activity as internet can expand the scope of exercise as a self-care tool to health enhancement. The use of the internet as a professional tool to support exercise promotion can become a trend. Professional should weigh up the pros and cons when using such approach. After this pandemic we will cherish the psychological well-being benefits of exercise Estamos enfrentando uma crise sem precedentes em virtude da pandemia de COVID-19 e isso inclui a necessidade de isolamento social. O isolamento social tem efeitos adversos para a saúde mental e manter um estilo de vida ativo é importante. Este ensaio tem como objetivo discutir a atividade física no formato remoto, assim como, a relação da atividade física e saúde mental. São evidenciados prós e contras da atividade física remota através da internet, além de recomendações práticas. Observa-se que a promoção da atividade física remota, utilizando-se da internet, pode ampliar e favorecer o escopo da atividade física para o autocuidado e promoção da saúde. O uso da atividade física remota pode virar uma tendência, contudo, os profissionais devem equilibrar os prós e os contras quando da sua utilização. Evidencia-se que depois da pandemia os benefícios da atividade física sobre a saúde mental serão mais valorizados