Physical Activity Trajectory In The First 10 Months of The COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Brazil: a Follow-Up Study

Background: A continuous tracking of the PA level during the COVID-19 pandemic is important to understand how people’s behaviour has varied along time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity (PA) trajectory over the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the south of Brazil. Methods: Data from three timepoints of the PAMPA Cohort were used, as follows: 1) pre-COVID-19 (retrospective); 2) Jun-Jul 2020; 3) Dec 2020/Jan 2021. PA practice, frequency, duration, and place where activities were performed (at or out of home) were assessed. Results: A reduction in any, sufficient and out of home PA, as well as mean days and minutes were observed from the first (pre-COVID-19) to the second (Jun/Jul 2020) timepoint, followed by an increase in the third timepoint (Dec 2020/Jan 2021). Female participants showed lower PA prevalence for any, sufficient and out of home PA. No marked differences of PA prevalence were observed for income and educational level. Conclusion: During the first 10 months of COVID-19 pandemic there was a marked variability on PA pattern in adults from southern Brazil. An ongoing tracking of PA behavior during COVID-19 pandemic is important to understand how this behaviour varies and what actions are needed in order to increase PA on populational level.