Exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercises among older adults during physical distancing as a result of covid-19

Abstract

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise among older adults during the period of physical distancing because of covid-19 and analyse associated factors in the Federal District, Brazil. Method This is an epidemiologic survey with cross-sectional design and sample representative of a Brazilian state (n=745 older adults). Data were collected through a computer-based questionnaire. The outcome variable was practice of physical exercises during physical distancing (≥2/week and ≥30 minutes). To analyse data, associative procedures (binary logistic regression) were used. Results The prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise was 42.8%, which was associated to lack of physical activity prior to physical distancing (p<0,001), lack of online physical activity lessons (p<0,001) and exposure to sedentary behaviour during physical distancing (p=0,005). Conclusion Physical distancing has resulted in high prevalence of exposure to insufficient levels of physical exercise among older people, which can have deleterious health effects. Measures are needed to guide this population on strategies to maintain active habits during similar periods.