Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status in adults and older adults: a retrospective observational study

Authors

  • Alcivandro de Sousa Oliveira School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4688-0800
  • Euripedes Barsanulfo Gonçalves Gomide Claretiano – University Center, São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0020-4682
  • Lisa Fernanda Mazzonetto School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0813-5842
  • Gianna Fiori Marchiori Collective Health Research Group, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6363-0059
  • Jéssica Fernanda Correa Cordeiro Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8212-9032
  • Márcio Fernando Tasinafo-Júnior School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6111-1199
  • Leonardo Santos Lopes da Silva School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
  • Pedro Pugliesi Abdalla Study and research group in anthropometry, training and sport, Ribeirão Preto. School of https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7490-9466
  • Ana Cláudia Rossini Venturini Study and research group in anthropometry, training and sport, Ribeirão Preto. School of
  • Camila de Moraes School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3735-1165
  • Jorge Mota Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7571-9181
  • Dalmo Roberto Lopes Machado School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7327-0800
  • André Pereira dos Santos School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0055-4682

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.33549

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2, Physical Exercise, Elderly, Behaviour Change

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status pre-diagnosis and post-recovery in individuals diagnosed with COVID-19; to assess the influence of COVID-19 signals, symptoms, and clinical outcomes on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status in adults and older adults. A total of 509 individuals (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021 in Ribeirão Preto/SP were evaluated. The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior, and the “profile of people diagnosed with COVID-19” questionnaire was used to self-report general health status. Data were collected via telephone regarding the week before the COVID-19 diagnosis (pre-diagnosis) and during the interview (post-recovery). There was a significant reduction in physical activity in adults and older adults (p < .001) post-recovery. Sedentary behavior increased in adults (p = .021). General health status worsened in both adults and older adults (p < .001). Symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and muscle pain affected physical activity; respiratory difficulty and the need for oxygen support negatively influenced sedentary behavior. Sore throat, fatigue/tiredness, and muscle pain affected general health status in adults and older adults. COVID-19 signals and symptoms negatively influenced physical activity, sedentary behavior, and general health status.

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Published

2025-05-28

Issue

Vol. 21 (2025): Motricidade

Section

Original Article

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