Remote Exercise Training Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• COVID-19 societal measures negatively impacted health and well-being.
• Physical exercise is known to benefit physical and mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the feasibility of a remote physical exercise intervention.
• Evaluate its stress-buffering potential in pre-COVID-19 and lockdown cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with intervention and control groups.
• Weekly individualized remote training recommendations.
• Assessed aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and depressive symptoms.

Main Results:

• Low dropout rates (0-16.7%) and high adherence (84%) in the intervention group.
• Lockdown cohort: Control group declined in VO2peak and depressive symptoms; intervention group did not.
• Pre-COVID-19 cohort: Intervention group showed increased VO2peak compared to control.

Conclusions:

• Remote exercise intervention is feasible for healthy adults, even during pandemic stressors.
• Intervention may buffer against deconditioning and stress.
• Findings require replication due to limited statistical power.