Mobile-Based Health Apps to Promote Physical Activity During COVID-19 Lockdowns.

Abstract

ObjectivePeriods of lockdown due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a negative effect on individuals’ physical health and quality of life, and may result in a weakened immune response, leading to enhanced risk of infection. Due to lack of access to public resources during periods of lockdown many individuals cannot perform their usual daily physical activities. The aim of this short report is to discuss the use of mobile-based health applications and virtual reality systems for promoting physical activity at home through an interactive and motivating digital environment.Methods and resultsInformation on tele-health, available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and data on physical activity during lockdowns were reviewed. A list of mobile-based health applications suitable for use in promoting physical activity at home was compiled.ConclusionThis report makes recommendations for mobile-based health applications to promote physical health, which can be used at home during periods of lockdown.LAY ABSTRACTBeing physically inactive or sedentary during COVID-19 lockdown may increase the chance of getting infection due to the reduced fighting ability of body against germs and decreases health. Day-to-day physical activities gets reduced due to the restrictions imposed by the competent authority and forced to be at home. Regular exercise strengthen the defence mechanism of the body. In this short communication, we have listed the available various mobile based application which might assist in maintaining the regular physical activity during these days of lockdown.