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Moving Together While Staying Apart: Practical Recommendations for 24-Hour Home-Based Movement Behaviours for Those
Carley D O'Neill1, Sol Vidal-Almela1,2,3, Tasuku Terada1
1Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
This review offers practical advice for individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) to manage sedentary time, sleep, and physical activity during public health restrictions. Key recommendations include self-monitoring, regular exercise, and maintaining sleep schedules for better health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a global health crisis, disproportionately impacting individuals with pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Modifiable risk factors for CVD, including physical inactivity and obesity, are critical public health concerns.
- Public health restrictions implemented to curb COVID-19 spread may negatively affect 24-hour movement behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide practical, at-home recommendations for managing sedentary time, sleep, and physical activity in adults with CVD.
- To support adherence to public health guidelines while mitigating adverse effects on movement behaviors.
- To empower individuals with CVD to maintain healthy habits during pandemic-related restrictions.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature and guidelines.
- It synthesizes practical strategies for at-home management of sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sleep.
- Recommendations are tailored for adults with varying exercise capacities and CVD risk factors.
Main Results:
- Key recommendations include self-monitoring sitting time and exercise intensity using scales or wearable devices.
- Suggested exercise frequency varies: 2-3 days/week for low capacity, >3 days/week for moderate-to-high capacity.
- Emphasis is placed on maintaining a regular sleep schedule and daily movement.
Conclusions:
- Adults with CVD can benefit from practical guidance to reduce sedentary time, increase purposeful exercise, and optimize sleep patterns.
- Clinicians play a vital role in communicating the importance of these behaviors and providing clear, actionable advice.
- Effective communication and practical strategies are fundamental for optimal patient response to pandemic-related health challenges.
Abstract:
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 is a global public health crisis that disproportionately affects those with preexisting conditions. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and many key CVD risk factors are modifiable (e.g., physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, obesity). To limit the spread of coronavirus 2019, most governments have implemented restrictions and recommended staying at home, reducing social contact to a select and exclusive few, and limiting large gatherings. Such public health constraints may have unintended, negative health consequences on 24-hour movement behaviours. The primary purpose of this review is to provide practical at-home recommendations for sedentary time, sleep, and physical activity in those living with CVD. Adults with CVD will benefit from practical recommendations to reduce sedentary time, increase purposeful exercise, and maintain optimal sleep patterns while being at home and adhering to public health restrictions. Our recommendations include the following: (i) self-monitoring sitting time; (ii) engaging in 2-3 days per week of purposeful exercise for those with low exercise capacity and > 3 days per week for those with moderate-to-high exercise capacity; (iii) self-monitoring exercise intensity through the use of scales or wearable devices; (iv) maintaining a regular sleep schedule; and (v) moving daily. Clinicians should be aware that clear communication of the importance of limiting prolonged sedentary time, engaging in regular physical activity and exercise, and ensuring optimal sleep in association with the provision of clear, comprehensible, and practical advice is fundamental to ensuring that those living with CVD respond optimally to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
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