PP: 31

Impact of covid-19 on physical activity levels in Asia and its future perspective: A review study

Aditi jain  I , Prateek Srivastav  II , Salunke Bhagyashree Santosh  III , Amala Rose Jiji  IV , Jade Celeste Alphonso V

I: Post graduate, Department of physiotherapy, MCHP, MAHE,

aditi.jain@learner.manipal.edu, 8109074640

II: Assistant Professor (selection grade) Department of Physiotherapy, MCHP, MAHE

prateek.srivastav@manipal.edu, 8971984556

III, IV, V: Intern, Department of physiotherapy, MCHP, MAHE,

bhagyashree.santosh.salunke@learner.manipal.edu, amala.rose@learner.manipal.edu, jade.celeste@learner.manipal.edu

Objective: To investigate the impact of covid-19 on physical activity among Asians and

provide future recommendations to maintain the physical activity

Design: A review study was conducted using keywords and their mesh terms in PubMed

using “COVID-19” and “Physical Activity”, Boolean operator “AND” “OR” from the year

2019-2020.

Result: Total of 556 articles were found, only 12 studies were included in the review. The

studies showed 19.7% decrease in PA levels in Asians due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Lockdown restrictions including closure of public places, exercise facilities and sporting

arenas was considered to be the main reason. Participants also reported that work from home

in view of the pandemic increased sedentary time apart from screen time and complained

about lack of awareness regarding PA at home which consequently increased their sedentary

behaviour.

Conclusion: Decreased PA during COVID shows urgent need to increase awareness among

general population and stakeholders. Government should take measures to increase

awareness about PA through social media and other accessible media. There is need to open

the exercise facilities for people with appropriate COVID-19 restrictions. Increase in

awareness on family time with PA as the main focus. Maintaining PA levels is essential for a

healthy lifestyle and the prevention of chronic diseases. Hence the Asian population and

government must form new guidelines to help increase the PA at home.

Keywords: Physical Activity, COVID-19, Impact, Asia