Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase physical inactivity and the global burden of cardiovascular disease

Author(s)

Pecanha, Tiago ^[1] ; Goessler, Karla Fabiana ^{[2, 1, 3]} ; Roschel, Hamilton ^{[2, 1, 3]} ; Gualano, Bruno ^{[4, 2, 1, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med FMUSP, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Appl Physiol & Nutr Res Grp, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Rheumatol Div, Hosp Clin HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Gualano, Bruno, Univ Sao Paulo, Food Res Ctr, Sao Paulo, Brazil.Pecanha, Tiago, Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med FMUSP, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Appl Physiol & Nutr Res Grp, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Food Res Ctr, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY; v. 318, n. 6, p. H1441-H1446, JUN 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Emerging data indicate a substantial decrease in global physical activity levels during the period of social isolation adopted worldwide to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Confinement-induced decreases in physical activity levels and increases in sedentary behavior may provoke a rapid deterioration of cardiovascular health and premature deaths among populations with increased cardiovascular risk. Even short-term (1-4 wk) inactivity has been linked with detrimental effects in cardiovascular function and structure and increased cardiovascular risk factors. In this unprecedented and critical scenario, home-based physical activity programs arise as a clinically relevant intervention to promote health benefits to cardiac patients. Many studies have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of different models of home-based exercise programs in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and major cardiovascular events among different populations. This body of knowledge can inform evidence-based policies to be urgently implemented to counteract the impact of increased physical inactivity and sedentary behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak, thereby alleviating the global burden of cardiovascular disease. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/13552-2 - Reducing sedentary time in clinical populations: the take a stand for health study
• Grantee: Bruno Gualano
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/07150-4 - Breaking up sedentary time in rheumatoid arthritis: effects on vascular function
• Grantee: Tiago Peçanha de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 19/18039-7 - Reducing sedentary time in bariatric patients: a randomized controlled trial
• Grantee: Karla Fabiana Goessler
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral