The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives, including significant shifts in physical activity patterns. A recent study titled Don’t Walk So Close to Me: Physical Distancing and Adult Physical Activity in Canada provides valuable insights into these changes and offers guidance for practitioners looking to enhance their skills in promoting physical activity.
Understanding the Impact of Physical Distancing
The research conducted by Di Sebastiano et al. (2020) utilized data from the ParticipACTION app to track physical activity levels among Canadians before and after the implementation of physical distancing measures. The findings revealed a significant decline in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and steps post-pandemic declaration. While MVPA levels eventually returned to pre-pandemic levels, LPA and steps did not recover as quickly.
Key Findings:
- MVPA declined from 194.2 minutes pre-pandemic to 176.7 minutes post-pandemic but returned to 204.4 minutes six weeks later.
- LPA dropped significantly from 1,000.5 minutes pre-pandemic to 874.1 minutes post-pandemic and remained lower at 732.0 minutes after six weeks.
- Steps decreased from 48,625 pre-pandemic to 43,395 post-pandemic and stayed low at 41,946 after six weeks.
Implications for Practitioners
The study highlights the importance of addressing the sustained decline in incidental physical activity (LPA and steps) during periods of physical distancing. As a practitioner, understanding these dynamics allows you to tailor your approach when advising clients or developing programs that encourage maintaining or increasing LPA.
Actionable Strategies:
- Promote Active Breaks: Encourage clients to incorporate short active breaks throughout their day to counteract sedentary behavior.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize fitness trackers or apps that provide reminders and track progress towards daily step goals.
- Create Safe Outdoor Opportunities: Advocate for public health measures that provide safe spaces for outdoor activities while maintaining social distancing.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings from this study also underscore the need for ongoing research into the effects of pandemics on physical activity patterns. Practitioners should stay informed about new research developments and consider participating in studies that explore innovative strategies for promoting physical activity under varying conditions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Don’t Walk So Close to Me: Physical Distancing and Adult Physical Activity in Canada.
