Physical activity level before and after the pandemic in residents of a city in Alagoas

Authors

• MAYARA DAMASCENO UFAL
• Maressa Omena Costa Bertoldo de Viveiros Secretaria de Saúde, Prefeitura Municipal de Pilar https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3512-9260

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17058/k6qs1n47

Keywords:

Physical activity, COVID-19, Sedentarism

Abstract

Introduction: during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lifestyle of the Brazilian population changed, including modifications in physical activity levels. After the official end of the pandemic, it is necessary to analyze whether differences persist compared to the pre-pandemic period. Objective: to compare the physical activity level of residents from a city in the countryside of Alagoas before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: the sample included 664 adults (331 pre-pandemic and 333 post-pandemic), aged 18 to 65 years, residents of XXX. All participants answered the short version of the IPAQ questionnaire. The chi-square test was applied, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: comparing 2019 to 2024, there was an increase in the percentage of sedentary individuals (from 5.8% to 15.6%) and a reduction in active individuals (from 31.3% to 16.8%). Only the frequency of moderate physical activity showed a statistically significant difference between the years (p = 0.028), suggesting an increase in practitioners. However, the duration of physical activities (walking, moderate, and vigorous activity) decreased in 2024 compared to 2019 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: these changes may be associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased sedentary behavior and made it harder to resume regular exercise. The findings highlight the need for public policies to promote physical activity and combat sedentary lifestyles in the post-pandemic period.

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