Rethinking Physical Activity Promotion During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on a 24-hour Day

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; caused by SARS-CoV-2) a pandemic. By mid-March, all Canadian provinces and territories states of emergency, which triggered measures to support response pandemic.1 Some these have posed new barriers for people with arthritis manage their health daily activities. With chance contracting COVID-19 unclear among using immunosuppressive medications, many avoided regular activities such as grocery shopping pharmacy visits reduce exposure in public spaces early pandemic.2 Gyms swimming pools were closed, leaving without access exercise facilities. Even when facilities reopened local transmission was getting under control, some cautious about resuming indoor group routines. This unprecedented situation has challenged how professionals staying physically active. Worldwide, 28.5% not sufficiently active, nearly 37% high-income Western countries.3 For more than decade main message physical activity promotion been centered on achieving concrete goals, namely at least 150 minutes/week moderate/vigorous (MVPA), plus strength training 2 days week adults aged 18 or older.4 Further, 65 over are advised engage multicomponent that includes balance fall prevention. These recommendations echoed 2020 WHO guidelines,5 phrase “every move counts” coined encourage participation any type duration, sedentary time. A recent editorial Jakiela, et al 6 also recommends patients start walking 10 minutes/day during pandemic gradually increase duration speed. Maintaining an active lifestyle is … Address correspondence Dr. L.C. Li, Department Physical Therapy, University British Columbia, 2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada. Email: lli{at}arthritisresearch.ca.