The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on levels of physical fitness

Pinho, Cristiano Silva; Caria, Alex Cleber Improta; Aras Júnior, Roque; Pitanga, Francisco José Gondim

doi:10.1590/1806-9282.66.S2.34

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Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira

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POINT OF VIEW • Rev. Assoc. Med. Bras. 66 (Suppl 2) • 2020 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.66.S2.34 copy

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on levels of physical fitness

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by infections from a novel human coronavirus, has been reported since December 2019 in China but was only made official in March 2020. Since then, it has had an impact worldwide, both due to its aggressiveness and its fast propagation. Society has been facing this pandemic by following the recommendations and determinations of the WHO and the strategies deployed by governmental institutions. Among these, social isolation has been shown to be the most important, because when isolating, society tends to move less, with a consequent increase in physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, affecting its levels of physical fitness. The objectives of this review were: to review the most important effects of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior on the physical fitness levels of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

The role of a regular practice of activities on the levels of physical fitness is fundamental to define the balance of quality of life during a COVID-19.

Physical Fitness; Coronavirus Infections; Sedentary Behavior; Betacoronavirus

Physical Fitness	Effect observed	Functional impact
Strength and Power of muscles	The levels of isometric and concentric strength decrease quickly during periods of physical inactivity. Power declines faster than Strength.	Deficits of strength and power are predictors of disability and increased risk of mortality
Endurance, Fatigability and Cardiorespiratory function	Endurance decreases. The maintenance of strength becomes difficult. The maximum aerobic power (MAP) decreases.	It can affect the recovery from repetitive daily activities; Cardiorespiratory system overload
Balance and Mobility	Changes in the sensory, motor, and cognitive patterns that would affect the biomechanics (sitting, standing, moving, etc.). These elements, added to the matter of environment limitations, would affect balance and mobility	Loss of balance causes fear of falling and may lead to a rejection of the practice of physical activity.
Performance and Motor control	Increases the reaction time (may lead to accidents). The speed of simple and repetitive movements may decrease Change in the control of gesture precision. Difficulty in performing complex tasks.	Impact on instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Flexibility and Amplitude of Joint Movement	There is a marked decrease in the flexing degree of joints such as the hips, spine, and ankle	Little flexibility, increase risk of injury, decreased mobility, backache, and falls.

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[1] CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Cristiano Silva Pinho R. Basílio da Gama, s/n, Canela, Salvador, BA, Brasil – 40110-040 Tel: +55 71 99145-9283 E-mail: cristiano.pinho@gmail.com