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

• DOI: 10.1007/s11332-021-00788-x
• Publication Date: 2021-06-05T12:03:06Z
• Authors: Felipe Barreto Sc...; Rugero A. Bulzing; Jacob Meyer; Guillermo F. Lópe...; Igor Grabovac; Peter Willeit; Davy Vancampfort; Cristina M. Caper...; Kabir P. Sadarangani; André O. Werneck; Philip B. Ward; Mark Tully; Lee Smith
• Keywords: Sedentary behavior; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Pandemic; Physical activity; COVID-19; Original Article; 3. Good health

AbstractBackgroundSelf-distancing measures imposed major changes in daily life. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the changes (pre-versus during pandemic) in time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in self-isolating Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ii) to explore correlates of MVPA and SB.MethodsA cross-sectional self-report online survey, evaluating the time spent in MVPA and SB pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, variables, and time in self-isolation were also obtained. Changes in MVPA and SB and their correlates were explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE).ResultsA 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 to 82.2) in time spent on MVPA during the pandemic. Time spent in SB increased 42.0% (95%CI:31.7 to 52.5). Greater reductions in MVPA and/or 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.ConclusionsPeople in self-isolation significantly reduced MVPA levels and increased SB. Public health strategies should be implemented during epidemic times to mitigate the impact of self-isolation on MVPA and SB, particularly in vulnerable groups.