Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
[Physical activity, biochemical and somatometric profile's residents physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic]
Paola María Moreno-Pesquera1, Clara Lilia Varela-Tapia2, Hermelinda Hernández-Amaro3
1Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Unidad de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación Norte de la UMAE Traumatología, Ortopedia y Rehabilitación "Dr. Victorio de la Fuente Narváez", Servicio de Rehabilitación. Ciudad de México, México.
Background:
During the COVID-19 containment, a decrease in physical activity, vigorous physical exercise and an increase in sedentary lifestyle were documented.
Objective:
To describe the physical activity, biochemical and somatometric profile of Rehabilitación resident physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the correlations between these variables.
Material And Methods:
A cross-sectional, analytical study of medical residents was carried out. Clinical, somatometric and biochemical data were taken. The average number of steps for one day was recorded. Correlations between these variables were sought. A p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
57 residents were recruited. The median number of steps was 3,187 (36 - 6,338) in men and 4,935 (2,139 - 7,731) in women. The median waist circumference was normal in women and men (77.5 (67.4 - 87.6) cm and 90 (74.5 - 105) cm); the waist/hip ratio remained within normal limits (0.84 (0.77 - 0.91) and 0.91 (0.78 - 1.04)) and the percentage of fat was high in both sexes (35.42 ± 7.41% and 29.82 ± 8.67). Significant correlations were found between the number of steps and serum triglycerides (-0.34), BMI (-0.49), waist circumference (-0.44), and fat percentage (-0.55).
Conclusions:
The physical activity of medical residents in the COVID-19 contingency was low. The percentage of fat was found to be increased in both sexes. Total cholesterol was found in the upper limits of normality. Significant correlations were found between the number of steps and serum triglycerides, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...

