Video-Based Physical Exercise Effects on Young Adults in Social Isolation During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based exercises on the physical activity levels of individuals between the ages of 18-40 in social isolation to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: 64 volunteers participated as the control and 64 study groups were divided randomly and equally into two groups, the video-based exercise group (VEG) and the control group (CG). The video-based exercise group was included in an exercise program for 20 minutes, 7 days a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form) (IPAQ-SF). Secondary outcome measures were the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), sit and reach test, shoulder flexibility test, squat test, plank test, lateral bridge test (LBT), crunch test and single leg stance test (SLST). Tests were applied to the groups at the beginning and the end of the study. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in all parameters in the study group before and after the application (p<0.05). According to the intergroup comparisons, there was a statistically significant increase between the groups in IPAQ-SF, Sit and Reach Test, Push Up Test, Plank Test, LBT, and SLST Tests; there was a statistically significant decrease between the groups in DTS, BAI, PSQI, and NHP scores (except for pain and social isolation scores) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings will shed light on the management of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation process by contributing to the increasing evidence in the literature on the effectiveness of video-based exercises and improving health-related multifaceted parameters in various post-pandemic situations where access to health services and preventive rehabilitation is restricted.