Physical Activity Recommendations during COVID-19: Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Exercise Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity is vital for managing cardiovascular diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
• COVID-19 lockdowns led to reduced mobility and unhealthy habits, increasing disease risk.
• Establishing clear physical activity guidelines during pandemics is essential for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review scientific literature on physical activity recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To establish specific physical activity guidelines tailored to different populations during confinement.
• To synthesize evidence-based recommendations for exercise during pandemic-related restrictions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature search across Embase, PubMed, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science (WoS) up to May 14, 2020.
• Included articles providing recommendations for aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, flexibility, meditation-relaxation, and balance exercises.
• Evaluated 29 selected articles based on publication type, exercise proposals, language, and activity parameters (volume, frequency, intensity, rest).

Main Results:

• Identified 29 articles discussing physical activity patterns during the pandemic.
• Found a lack of consensus on universally applicable physical activity recommendations for confinement.
• Noted that existing recommendations were not suitable for all population groups.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity is strongly recommended during COVID-19 confinement to mitigate health risks.
• Aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises are key components of recommended physical activity.
• Further research is needed to develop population-specific, consensus-based guidelines for exercise during pandemics.