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Exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercises among older adults during physical distancing as a result of covid-19

Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise among older adults during the period of physical distancing because of covid-19 and analyse associated factors in the Federal District, Brazil.

Method

This is an epidemiologic survey with cross-sectional design and sample representative of a Brazilian state (n=745 older adults). Data were collected through a computer-based questionnaire. The outcome variable was practice of physical exercises during physical distancing (≥2/week and ≥30 minutes). To analyse data, associative procedures (binary logistic regression) were used.

Results

The prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise was 42.8%, which was associated to lack of physical activity prior to physical distancing (p<0,001), lack of online physical activity lessons (p<0,001) and exposure to sedentary behaviour during physical distancing (p=0,005).

Conclusion

Physical distancing has resulted in high prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise among older people, which can have deleterious health effects. Measures are needed to guide this population on strategies to maintain active habits during similar periods.

Keywords
Physical exercise; Aged; Physical distancing; Covid-19

Resumo

Objetivo

Determinar a prevalência da exposição ao nível insuficiente de exercícios físicos entre as pessoas idosas durante o período de distanciamento físico decorrente da covid-19 e analisar os fatores associados, no Distrito Federal, Brasil.

Método

Pesquisa caracterizada como epidemiológica, do tipo survey, com delineamento transversal e amostra representativa de um estado brasileiro (n=745 pessoas idosas). Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário em formato eletrônico. A variável desfecho foi a prática de exercícios físicos durante o distanciamento físico (≥2/semana e ≥30 minutos). Para análise dos dados foram utilizados procedimentos de associação (regressão logística binária).

Resultados

A prevalência de exposição ao nível insuficiente de exercícios físicos foi de 42,8% e associou-se a não praticar exercício físico antes do distanciamento físico (p<0,001), a não praticar exercício físico por meio de aulas on-line (p<0,001) e à exposição ao comportamento sedentário durante o distanciamento físico (p=0,005).

Conclusão

O distanciamento físico resultou em alta prevalência de exposição ao nível insuficiente de exercícios físicos entre as pessoas idosas, o que pode provocar efeitos deletérios à saúde. São necessárias medidas para orientar essa população sobre estratégias de manutenção de hábitos ativos durante períodos semelhantes.

Palavras-Chave:
Exercício físico; Pessoa idosa; Distanciamento físico; Covid-19

INTRODUCTION

The new coronavirus (covid-19) was firstly reported in December 2019 in China (Wuhan), and, within only three months, the disease became a worldwide pandemic, with more than 353,000 confirmed cases and 15,000 deaths11 Jiménez-Pavón D, Carbonell-Baeza A, Lavie CJ. Physical exercise as therapy to fight against the mental and physical consequences of COVID-19 quarantine: Special focus in older people [Internet]. Vol. 63, Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases. W.B. Saunders; 2020. p. 386–8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.03.009
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.03.0...
. The evolution of the pandemic can be followed through several official websites, such as the interactive web-based panel to trace covid-19 in real time, developed by the Centre for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University (https://www.eficiens.com/coronavirus-statistics/). On September 5th, 2022, 604,636,131 cases had been registered, as well as 6,496,157 deaths.

Most epidemiology specialists agree that success in combating the virus in China and in other countries is due to quick measures taken by authorities to enforce physical distancing to the majority of the population22 Kraemer MUG, Yang CH, Gutierrez B, Wu CH, Klein B, Pigott DM, et al. The effect of human mobility and control measures on the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Science (1979) [Internet]. 2020;368(6490):493–7. Available from: https://www.science.org. After nineteen months of pandemic, Brazil had 21,644,464 covid-19 infection cases and 603,282 deaths33 Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Coronavírus, COVID-19 [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2021 Sep 30]. Available from: https://coronavirus.saude.gov.br/
https://coronavirus.saude.gov.br/...
. Data reveal that this unprecedented health crisis has affected the entire population, especially those at higher risk, such as older adults and people with pre-existing conditions44 WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2021 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
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Although physical distancing is recommended to interrupt the rapid spread of the new coronavirus until mass vaccination is reached, this can result in negative impacts on other health dimensions of older people, such as changes in lifestyle, especially regarding low levels of physical activity55 Lavie CJ, Ozemek C, Carbone S, Katzmarzyk PT, Blair SN. Sedentary Behavior, Exercise, and Cardiovascular Health [Internet]. Vol. 124, Circulation Research. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2019. p. 799–815. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.312669
https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.3...
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However, it is consensus in the scientific literature that, to maintain adequate health status, to neutralize the negative consequences of certain diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases) and to ensure healthy aging, thus reducing risks of frailty, sarcopenia and dementia, older adults must engage in physical activities66 Fletcher GF, Landolfo C, Niebauer J, Ozemek C, Arena R, Lavie CJ. Reprint of: Promoting Physical Activity and Exercise: JACC Health Promotion Series [Internet]. Vol. 72, Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Elsevier USA; 2018. p. 3053–70. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.025
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.0...
. The American College of Sports Medicine (2020) recommends that, to maintain physical health during the period of physical distancing, older adults should accumulate 150-300 weekly minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, and 2 weekly sessions of muscle training performed at home through technology, music, and mobile applications77 American College of Sports Medicine. Staying Active During the Coronavirus Pandemic [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://doi:10.1089/dna.2020.29015.csr
https://doi:10.1089/dna.2020.29015.csr...
. In addition, it is necessary to limit sedentary behaviour (sitting time), and although there is no consensus in literature on the cut-off point for older adults, there is evidence that exposure should not exceed 4 hours daily88 Dos Santos RG, Medeiros JC, Schmitt BD, Meneguci J, Santos DAT, Damião R, et al. Comportamento Sedentário em Idosos: Uma Revisão Sistemática [Internet]. Vol. 11, Motricidade. Edicoes Desafio Singular; 2015. p. 171–86. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.3184
https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.3184...
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Although there are some physical (inadequate facilities) and psychological barriers (fear, laziness, tiredness) to the practice of regular and intentional physical activity such as physical exercises and sports among older adults in a situation of physical distancing, there are many possibilities to do exercises at home99 Nyenhuis SM, Greiwe J, Zeiger JS, Nanda A, Cooke A. Exercise and Fitness in the Age of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Internet]. Vol. 8, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; 2020. p. 2152–5. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.039
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.0...
. In this sense, online classes, supervised by professionals, have become especially essential for this population during physical distancing to maintain physiological function and especially mental health, reducing risk factors for anxiety and depression1010 Burtscher J, Burtscher M, Millet GP. (Indoor) isolation, stress, and physical inactivity: Vicious circles accelerated by COVID-19? [Internet]. Vol. 30, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. Blackwell Munksgaard; 2020. p. 1544–5. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13706
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However, despite the knowledge about the numerous benefits of physical activity and physical exercise, a high prevalence of insufficient levels worldwide with increasing trend is observed, as demonstrated in the study that included data from almost 2 million participants (96 % of the global population) in 2016, which revealed that more than a quarter of all adults were insufficiently active, with prevalence being twice as high in high-income countries (36.8%, 35.0–38.0) compared to low-income countries (16.2%, 14.2–17.9) and increasing over time in high-income countries (31.6%, 27.1–37.2, in 2001)1111 Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1·9 million participants. The Lancet Global Health [Internet]. 2018 Oct 1;6(10):e1077–86. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(...
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In addition, there is evidence that physical distancing resulting from Covid-19 has resulted in significant decrease in levels of physical activity and increase in sedentary behaviour among older people worldwide, with harmful consequences for the physical and mental health of these individuals1212 Ammar A, Brach M, Trabelsi K, Chtourou H, Boukhris O, Masmoudi L, et al. Effects of COVID-19 home confinement on eating behaviour and physical activity: Results of the ECLB-COVID19 international online survey. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;12(6). Available from: http://doi:10.3390/nu12061583 -1414 Werneck AO, Silva DR, Malta DC, Souza-Júnior PRB, Azevedo LO, Barros MBA, et al. Physical inactivity and elevated TV-viewing reported changes during the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with mental health: A survey with 43,995 Brazilian adults. Journal of Psychosomatic Research [Internet]. 2021 Jan 1;140. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110292
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.202...
. Physical inactivity, even in the short term (1-4 weeks) can cause rapid deterioration of the cardiovascular health and death in population with increased cardiovascular risk1515 Peçanha T, Fabiana Goessler K, Roschel H, Gualano B. Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase physical inactivity and the global burden of cardiovascular disease. PERSPECTIVES Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol [Internet]. 2020;318:1441–6. Available from: www.ajpheart.org. A nationwide cross-sectional survey (n=43,995 Brazilian adults) revealed that increases in physical inactivity and screen time during the Covid-19 pandemic were associated with worse mental health indicators, with individuals with depression and physical inactivity being the most likely groups to experience loneliness and sadness1414 Werneck AO, Silva DR, Malta DC, Souza-Júnior PRB, Azevedo LO, Barros MBA, et al. Physical inactivity and elevated TV-viewing reported changes during the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with mental health: A survey with 43,995 Brazilian adults. Journal of Psychosomatic Research [Internet]. 2021 Jan 1;140. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110292
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.202...
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Therefore, considering the practice of physical exercise at recommended levels as a challenge for health public policies to prevent diseases and their complications, and observing the importance of monitoring this behaviour among older adults in physical distancing during the covid-19 pandemic, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise during physical distancing and analyse associated factors.

METHODS

This research is characterized as an epidemiologic survey, with cross-sectional design and sample representative of a Brazilian state about the practice of physical exercise by older adults during the period of physical distancing resulting from covid-19.

The study was conducted in the Federal District, located in the Mid-Western region of Brazil, with total area of 5,779,999 square kilometers1616 Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Síntese de Indicadores Sociais. Uma Análise das Condições de Vida da População Brasileira. [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2019 Sep 30]. Available from: http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/populacao/condicaodevida/indicadoresminimos/sinteseindicsociais2010/SIS_2010.pdf
http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/...
, and total population of 2,974,703, of which 447,957 are older adults1717 Companhia De Planejamento Do Distrito Federal – CODEPLAN. Perfil dos idosos no Distrito Federal, segundo as regiões administrativas de 2011 [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2019 Sep 30]. Available from: https://www.codeplan.df.gov.br/perfil-dos-idosos-no-distrito-federal/
https://www.codeplan.df.gov.br/perfil-do...
. Older adults are considered individuals aged 60 years or older, as established in the first paragraph of Law 10.741/2003, the “Estatuto do Idoso”.

To carry out the research sample planning, the population survey sampling process or descriptive study was used, with random sampling (non-cluster) through the Statcalc application of the Epi Info software version 7.2.2.6, considering: total population of older adults in the Federal District, with frequency of 50% as expected value, confidence level of 95%, tolerable error in sample of 1.5 percentage point and 80% power. The required sample size was n=350 individuals. To avoid losing sample representativeness, sample size was increased by 20% for several reasons, such as: participant refusal, lower age than that established for this study and failure to respond to important questions in the questionnaire. The final minimum sample included 420 older adults.

Their participation in the project was voluntary, and the following criteria were used for insertion in the study: people aged 60 or older of both sexes, who agreed to participate by signing the Consent Form and adequately answered the online questionnaire. On the other hand, questionnaires filled out by individuals who did not live in the Federal District, Brazil, were excluded from the study, as well as duplicates.

Aiming to answer the research question, a questionnaire was developed and sent to participants from the Federal District, Brazil, in the period between September 2020 and April 2021. The electronic questionnaire was sent through email and WhatsApp with link access generated using Google’s free tool, Google Forms. The questionnaire was available at the following URL: https://forms.gle/SszeurxAAAZQBfVTA.

Data collection was mainly chosen due to the physical distancing practices required during the covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, as the number of internet users increases every year across all ages, especially in the elderly, email has become a favourable method for collecting data for scientific research in the Health Sciences because it represents a cost-effective possibility that is also faster, more practical, and more convenient for the participants of the study, which may positively impact the number of answers obtained1818 Faleiros F, Käppler C, Pontes FAR, Silva SS da C, de Goes F dos SN, Cucick CD. Use of virtual questionnaire and dissemination as a data collection strategy in scientific studies. Texto e Contexto Enfermagem [Internet]. 2016;25(4). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072016003880014
https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-07072016003...
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The outcome variable was the practice of physical exercise during physical distancing because of the covid-19 pandemic, measured through the question, “During physical distancing, have you practised physical exercises regularly, repetitively, and intentionally (physical exercise or sport), twice a week or more, for at least 30 minutes? (yes/no).”

This study analysed demographic variables such as age (60-69 years / 70-79 years / ≥80 years), sex (male / female), socioeconomic variables such as education (did not attend school / incomplete Elementary School / complete Elementary School / High School / Higher Education), place of residence by Human Development Index (high HDI / very high HDI / No data), type of residence (apartment / house), how many people in the household (lives alone / lives with other people), including variables about risk behaviours prior and during the covid-19 pandemic, such as negative health self-perception, exposure to sedentary behaviour, and insufficient level of physical exercise.

Chart 1 shows the independent variables on risk behaviours related to the respective and objective question in the questionnaire, added by the categorisation applied to the model.

Chart 1
Independent variables on risk behaviours in relation to health, as analysed in the study.

Descriptive analysis was performed through the calculation of prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95%IC) for the variables of interest in this study. For the multivariable analysis, binary logistic regression was used, presenting the odds ratio as a measure of association. Variables with p<0.20 in the gross multivariable analysis were maintained for adjustment by sex, age, and education. Variables whose p value was below 0.05 were considered significantly associated to the outcome.

This project was approved by the Ethics Committee in Research with Human Beings at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia (CEP/FS-UnB), under CAAE protocol number 33798220.3.0000.0030.

RESULTS

Data from 780 older adults were analysed, and 35 were excluded because they did not live in the Federal District, Brazil. The final sample was composed of 745 individuals (74.9% women, 25.1% men), aged 60 years or older and with the most frequent age ranging from 60 to 69 years old (60.9%).

Table 1 presents the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of participants. The sample showed higher proportion of individuals with higher education (72.1%), who live in areas of very high HDI (83.0%), who live in apartments (50.2%) and those who live with other people (74.9%).

Higher proportion of participants who practised physical exercise before (77.7%; 95%CI 74.7-80.7) and during (57.2%; 95%CI 53.6-60.8) physical distancing (PD) was verified. However, it was possible to observe that there was a reduction of approximately 20% among individuals who practised it before in relation to those who kept exercising during PD. Likewise, the prevalence of health self-perception classified as “good” was observed in 51.0% (IC95% 47.4-54.6); “equal” health self-perception during PD, when compared to the previous period, was observed in 72.1% (IC95% 68.9-75.3). Higher proportion of individuals who did not practise physical exercises by following online classes during PD was also evidenced (63.1%; 95%CI 59.6-66.6), compared with individuals who were exposed to sedentary behaviour prior to PD (63.0%; 95%CI 59.5-66.5), and those who reported increase in exposure to sedentary behaviour during PD (56.1%; 95%CI 52.5-59.7). Results are shown in Table 2.

Table 1
Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of participants, Federal District, Brazil, 2020-2021 (n=745).

In the model obtained through gross logistic regression, variables for health risk behaviours associated with the outcome were: practice of physical exercise before PD (No), practice of physical exercise through online classes (No), sedentary behaviour during PD (Exposed). On the other hand, exposure to sedentary behaviour prior to physical distancing was not associated to the outcome, and health self-perception before and during PD (Negative) was a protective factor (Table 3).

Table 2
Prevalence of health risk behaviours for individuals in physical distancing due to the covid-19 pandemic, Federal District, Brazil, 2020-2021.

In the final model obtained through adjusted logistic regression, individuals who did not practise physical exercise before PD and those who did not practise exercises through online classes were, respectively, 4 to 6 times more likely to not exercising during PD when compared to their peers (OR=4.10; 95%CI 2.78-6.04) and (OR=6.22; 95%CI 4.30-9.00). Likewise, those exposed to sedentary behaviour during PD were 16% more likely to not practising physical exercise during PD. On the other hand, negative health self-perception both before and during PD was a protective factor for exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise, when compared to their peers (Table 3).

Table 3
Crude and adjusted multivariable analysis of health risk behaviours associated with exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise among participants during physical distancing due to the covid-19 pandemic, Federal District, Brazil, 2020-2021.

DISCUSSION

The main findings of this study were: 1) increase in prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise during physical distancing in comparison to the previous period; 2) exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise was associated to the lack of exercise before physical distancing, lack of exercise through online classes during physical distancing, and exposure to sedentary behaviours during physical distancing; 3) negative health self-perception prior to and during physical distancing was a protective factor for exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise during physical distancing.

It was observed that exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise among participants increased during physical distancing, and the results are similar to those obtained in studies conducted in Brazil and in other countries1212 Ammar A, Brach M, Trabelsi K, Chtourou H, Boukhris O, Masmoudi L, et al. Effects of COVID-19 home confinement on eating behaviour and physical activity: Results of the ECLB-COVID19 international online survey. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;12(6). Available from: http://doi:10.3390/nu12061583,1919 Malta DC, Szwarcwald CL, Barros MB de A, Gomes CS, Machado ÍE, Souza Júnior PRB de, et al. A pandemia da COVID-19 e as mudanças no estilo de vida dos brasileiros adultos: um estudo transversal, 2020. Epidemiologia e servicos de saude : revista do Sistema Unico de Saude do Brasil [Internet]. 2020 Jan 1;29(4):e2020407. Available from: https://doi: 10.1590/S1679-49742020000400026

20 Yamada M, Kimura Y, Ishiyama D, Otobe Y, Suzuki M, Koyama S, et al. Effect of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging [Internet]. 2020; Available from: http://10.1007/s12603-020-1424-2

21 Qin F, Song Y, Nassis GP, Zhao L, Dong Y, Zhao C, et al. Physical activity, screen time, and emotional well-being during the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2020 Jul 2;17(14):1–16. Available from: https://doi:10.3390/ijerph17145170
-2222 Goethals L, Barth N, Guyot J, Hupin D, Celarier T, Bongue B. Impact of home quarantine on physical activity among older adults living at home during the COVID-19 pandemic: Qualitative interview study. JMIR Aging [Internet]. 2020 May 1;3(1). Available from: https//doi:10.2196/19007. A cross-sectional study carried out in Brazil with data from the virtual health enquiry showed that, before covid-19, 30.4% (95%CI 27.2-33.8) of older adults practised exercises at sufficient level and, during the pandemic, values dropped to 14.2% (95%CI 11.9-16.9)1919 Malta DC, Szwarcwald CL, Barros MB de A, Gomes CS, Machado ÍE, Souza Júnior PRB de, et al. A pandemia da COVID-19 e as mudanças no estilo de vida dos brasileiros adultos: um estudo transversal, 2020. Epidemiologia e servicos de saude : revista do Sistema Unico de Saude do Brasil [Internet]. 2020 Jan 1;29(4):e2020407. Available from: https://doi: 10.1590/S1679-49742020000400026.

Likewise, a study carried out in Japan showed that, in only three months of pandemic, the total time of physical activity dropped significantly among older adults in the community2020 Yamada M, Kimura Y, Ishiyama D, Otobe Y, Suzuki M, Koyama S, et al. Effect of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging [Internet]. 2020; Available from: http://10.1007/s12603-020-1424-2. An electronic investigation carried out by thirty-five research organisations in Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia, and the Americas demonstrated that home confinement during covid-19 brought negative effects across all levels of physical activity intensity (vigorous, moderate, walking, and in general), for both adults and older adults1212 Ammar A, Brach M, Trabelsi K, Chtourou H, Boukhris O, Masmoudi L, et al. Effects of COVID-19 home confinement on eating behaviour and physical activity: Results of the ECLB-COVID19 international online survey. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;12(6). Available from: http://doi:10.3390/nu12061583.

This study also observed that older adults who did not exercise before physical distancing were more likely to not do exercises during it. This result corroborates an online survey carried out in Canada, in which 40.5% of adults and older adults were inactive, and 22.4% of those who were active became less physically engaged. Moreover, 33% of inactive individuals and 40.3% of active ones became more physically active2323 Lesser IA, Nienhuis CP. The impact of COVID-19 on physical activity behavior and well-being of canadians. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;17(11). Available from: http://doi:10.3390/ijerph17113899.

Even though evidence on the relationship between physical exercise and viral respiratory infections is scarce, especially regarding a highly contagious virus such as SARS-CoV-22424 Abdelbasset WK. Stay Home: Role of physical exercise training in elderly individuals’ ability to face the covid-19 infection [Internet]. Vol. 2020, Journal of Immunology Research. Hindawi Limited; 2020. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8375096
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8375096...
, studies have shown that not adhering to the recommended levels of physical exercise can negatively impact the health in older adults during a pandemic2525 Sepúlveda-Loyola W, Rodríguez-Sánchez I, Pérez-Rodríguez P, Ganz F, Torralba R, Oliveira D v., et al. Impact of Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Health in Older People: Mental and Physical Effects and Recommendations. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging [Internet]. 2020; Available from: http://doi:10.1007/s12603-020-1469-2,2626 Damiot A, Pinto AJ, Turner JE, Gualano B. Immunological Implications of Physical Inactivity among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Gerontology [Internet]. 2020 Sep 1;66(5):431–8. Available from: http://doi: 10.1159/000509216 because, among the several benefits of regular practice of physical exercise during the aging process, control and protection against cardiovascular diseases and mortality, cancer, fractures, recurring falls, functional incapacity, cognitive decline, and depression can be highlighted1313 Cunningham C, O’ Sullivan R, Caserotti P, Tully MA. Consequences of physical inactivity in older adults: A systematic review of reviews and meta-analyses [Internet]. Vol. 30, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. Blackwell Munksgaard; 2020. p. 816–27. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13616
https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13616...
,2727 Sellami M, Gasmi M, Denham J, Hayes LD, Stratton D, Padulo J, et al. Effects of acute and chronic exercise on immunological parameters in the elderly aged: Can physical activity counteract the effects of aging? [Internet]. Vol. 9, Frontiers in Immunology. Frontiers Media S.A.; 2018. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02187
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02187...
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Another behaviour that seems to be associated to the outcome was the exposure to sedentary behaviours. Despite being different and independent constructs, this study observed that exposure to sedentary behaviour increased the likelihood of older adults not practising physical exercises during physical distancing. This result suggests that not practising exercises during the isolation period can lead to other risky behaviours, such as prolonged sitting periods using screens such as smartphones, computers, or TV1212 Ammar A, Brach M, Trabelsi K, Chtourou H, Boukhris O, Masmoudi L, et al. Effects of COVID-19 home confinement on eating behaviour and physical activity: Results of the ECLB-COVID19 international online survey. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;12(6). Available from: http://doi:10.3390/nu12061583,1919 Malta DC, Szwarcwald CL, Barros MB de A, Gomes CS, Machado ÍE, Souza Júnior PRB de, et al. A pandemia da COVID-19 e as mudanças no estilo de vida dos brasileiros adultos: um estudo transversal, 2020. Epidemiologia e servicos de saude : revista do Sistema Unico de Saude do Brasil [Internet]. 2020 Jan 1;29(4):e2020407. Available from: https://doi: 10.1590/S1679-49742020000400026,2828 Machado CLF, Pinto RS, Brusco CM, Cadore EL, Radaelli R. COVID-19 pandemic is an urgent time for older people to practice resistance exercise at home. Experimental Gerontology [Internet]. 2020 Nov 1;141. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.111101
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.111...
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Moreover, a study carried out in China showed that, during the national lockdown, more than half of all Chinese adults temporarily adopted a sedentary lifestyle, with insufficient physical activity, more screen time, and lowered emotional state; on the other hand, individuals who engaged in vigorous physical activity (physical exercise or sports) presented improved emotional state and shorter screen time compared to those with light physical activity2121 Qin F, Song Y, Nassis GP, Zhao L, Dong Y, Zhao C, et al. Physical activity, screen time, and emotional well-being during the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak in China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2020 Jul 2;17(14):1–16. Available from: https://doi:10.3390/ijerph17145170.

The reduction in levels of general physical activity and the increase in exposure to sedentary behaviour during physical distancing may represent health risks for older adults in several dimensions, especially decline of functional capacity due to a period of skeletal muscle disuse and reduction in neuromuscular skills. Therefore, practising physical exercises at home became a strategy to mitigate physical inactivity and improve or maintain muscle function and functional performance during physical distancing due to the covid-19 pandemic2828 Machado CLF, Pinto RS, Brusco CM, Cadore EL, Radaelli R. COVID-19 pandemic is an urgent time for older people to practice resistance exercise at home. Experimental Gerontology [Internet]. 2020 Nov 1;141. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.111101
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.111...
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This investigation also revealed that older adults who did not practise physical exercises through online classes were more likely to be exposed to insufficient levels of physical exercise during physical distancing. Likewise, study carried out in France showed that the covid-19 pandemic affected the number of individuals who attended programs of group physical activities, and that older adults expressed their need of remaining physically active by practising home exercises2222 Goethals L, Barth N, Guyot J, Hupin D, Celarier T, Bongue B. Impact of home quarantine on physical activity among older adults living at home during the COVID-19 pandemic: Qualitative interview study. JMIR Aging [Internet]. 2020 May 1;3(1). Available from: https//doi:10.2196/19007.

Therefore, among barriers for the practice of physical exercises during physical distancing, environmental factors stand out, because places destined to the practice of exercises, either in open environments such as parks and squares, or indoor spaces, such as gym complexes, were prevented from operating by health authorities as a measure for containing SARS-CoV-2. Despite being widely recommended, physical activity through online classes and through videos, websites, and applications2525 Sepúlveda-Loyola W, Rodríguez-Sánchez I, Pérez-Rodríguez P, Ganz F, Torralba R, Oliveira D v., et al. Impact of Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Health in Older People: Mental and Physical Effects and Recommendations. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging [Internet]. 2020; Available from: http://doi:10.1007/s12603-020-1469-2 are not accessible to the general population, especially those with low socioeconomic status2929 Vancini RL, Camargo-Neto L, de Lira CAB, Andrade MS, Viana RB, Nikolaidis PT, et al. Physical activity and sociodemographic profile of brazilian people during COVID-19 outbreak: An online and cross-sectional survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2020 Nov 1;17(21):1–9. Available from: https://doi:10.3390/ijerph17217964.

In this study, it was also observed that negative health self-perception, before and during physical distancing, was linked to the outcome, but as a protective factor. This shows that older adults who perceive their health as “regular,” “poor,” or “very poor” were less likely to be exposed to low levels of physical exercise during physical distancing. This result diverges from other studies, which suggested a relationship between practice of physical exercise and higher prevalence of positive health self-perception, or between less practice of physical activity and negative health self-perception3030 Andrade GF de, Loch MR, Silva AMR. Changes in health-related behaviors as predictors of changes in health self-perception: Longitudinal study (2011-2015). Cadernos de Saude Publica [Internet]. 2019;35(4). Available from: http://doi: 10.1590/0102-311X00151418,3131 Bortoluzzi EC, Doring JPM, Graeff DB, Portella MR, Scortegagna H de M, Dalmolin BM. AUTOPERCEPÇÃO DE SAÚDE DE IDOSAS PRATICANTES DE ATIVIDADES FÍSICAS E FATORES ASSOCIADOS. Estudos Interdisciplinares Sobre O Envelhecimento [Internet]. 2018;23(2):119–31. Available from: https://doi.org/10.22456/2316-2171.64619
https://doi.org/10.22456/2316-2171.64619...
.

A possible explanation for this result is the socioeconomic profile of participants, with high education level and income. Studies have shown association between low education and income with negative health self-perception3131 Bortoluzzi EC, Doring JPM, Graeff DB, Portella MR, Scortegagna H de M, Dalmolin BM. AUTOPERCEPÇÃO DE SAÚDE DE IDOSAS PRATICANTES DE ATIVIDADES FÍSICAS E FATORES ASSOCIADOS. Estudos Interdisciplinares Sobre O Envelhecimento [Internet]. 2018;23(2):119–31. Available from: https://doi.org/10.22456/2316-2171.64619
https://doi.org/10.22456/2316-2171.64619...

32 Kupske JW, Bisognin E, Oliveira KR de, Krug R de R, Krug MM. Caracterização e fatores associados à autopercepção de saúde de idosos nonagenários e centenários. Saúde e Pesquisa [Internet]. 2021 Feb 26;14(1):e7715. Available from: https://doi:10.17765/2176-9206.2021v14n1.e7715
-3333 Krug RDR, Schneider IJC, Giehl MWC, Antes DL, Confortin SC, Mazo GZ, et al. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and health factors associated with positive self-perceived health of long-lived elderly residents in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia [Internet]. 2018;21. Available from: https://doi:10.1590/1980-549720180004. Moreover, low prevalence of negative health self-perception (17.8%) was observed with only 2% of perceptions classified as “poor” and “very poor.”

The present study has some limitations that should be highlighted, among them the use of cross-sectional design, which does not allow inferring cause and effect relationships involving independent variables with the outcome; data collection through the internet may not reach lower-income individuals, since not everyone has access to this means of communication and/or has difficulties with technology, making data generalization for all older adults living in the Federal District impossible; and the difficulty in helping participants when they did not understand a given question. However, this limitation was minimized by the considerable increase in the sample size and care in sample selection and dimensioning

CONCLUSION

It could be concluded that physical distancing resulted in significant changes in the lifestyle of the elderly population, especially with regard to exposure to low levels of physical exercises, which can result in deleterious health effects in the near future. Therefore, not interrupting or even starting a physical exercise program during the period of physical distancing and adopting other healthy behaviours is particularly important to maintain or improve the health of these individuals, as they are considered a risk group for many diseases, including Covid-19.

In this sense, measures are needed to guide the elderly population on strategies to maintain active habits during the period of physical distancing. Public policies aimed at promoting physical exercises for older adults in similar situations are suggested, such as online training, considering accessibility for low-socioeconomic individuals and/or with limitations in the use of technologies.

  • Funding: This study was partially financed by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.

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    Krug RDR, Schneider IJC, Giehl MWC, Antes DL, Confortin SC, Mazo GZ, et al. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and health factors associated with positive self-perceived health of long-lived elderly residents in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia [Internet]. 2018;21. Available from: https://doi:10.1590/1980-549720180004

Edited by

Edited by: Yan Nogueira Leite de Freitas

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    21 Nov 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    16 May 2022
  • Accepted
    31 Aug 2022
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