The Protective Role of Group Activity Prior to COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine on the Relation between Loneliness and Quality of Life during COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Studies of aging have suggested that QoL is positively associated with active social contacts and supportive face to face social networks. However, social networks and contacts in later life decrease due to a variety of reasons; the narrowing of social networks contributes to increased social isolation and loneliness and leads to the deterioration of well-being and QoL among adult persons. The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between loneliness feelings and QoL during the COVID-19 quarantine as potentially moderated by group physical activity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. METHODS: A convenience sample of 99 older adults aged 60 and over was interviewed. Using bootstrapping, we tested the strength and significance of the conditional moderation effect of group physical activity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on the relationship between loneliness feelings and QoL during the COVID-19 quarantine. RESULTS: the results demonstrated a direct negative effect between loneliness feelings and QoL during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the relationship was moderated by group physical activity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: the findings indicate that policy makers and professionals working with older adults should seek ways to attract older adults to participate in group physical activity and enjoy its long-term social benefits.

[Physical activity during pregnancy--facts and practical guidelines].

Physical activity during pregnancy is known to have a positive effect on both the mother and the fetus/newborn, as long as there are no specific contraindications relating to maternal pathology. Physical activity during pregnancy is known to be associated with reduced incidence of several gestational pathologies, as well as boosting physical and mental capabilities. Furthermore, a positive effect was found in newborns whose mothers continued their physical activity habits throughout pregnancy. Nevertheless, the intensity and duration, and specifically their efforts against resistance, have not been adequately emphasized. Herein, we review the main recent findings and insights on physical activity during pregnancy, and provide a practical set of recommendations.