Physical inactivity and sedentarism and its interfaces with public health on Covid-19: scope review of national studies

Abstract

Measures to combat Covid-19 in the form of “stay at home” policies potentiate risks associated with the development of physical inactivity and/or sedentary lifestyle, risk factors related to chronic non-communicable diseases (cardiometabolic, endocrine, renal and pulmonary diseases), making individuals even more vulnerable to the harmful effects of Covid-19 itself. Public policies aimed at coping with these conditions must consider available evidence that will allow for discussions about this issue. The aim of the study was to conduct a scoping review on inactivity and sedentary lifestyles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three databases were consulted, and 24 different search strategies were used. The guidelines proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for this type of study were respected. Eight manuscripts make up the Final Sample, with a prevalence for increase (in some cases, significant) of physical inactivity (36% and 48.5% for minimum and maximum values ​​respectively) and sedentary lifestyle (44.4% and 100%) during the pandemic. The impact of actions on the management of physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle was investigated in only one manuscript. Future studies should consider measures of the impact of pharmacological and or non-pharmacological approaches aimed at promoting physical activity and preventing physical inactivity and/or sedentary lifestyle.