ABC | Volume 114, Nº6, June 2020

Viewpoint Pitanga et al. Physical Activity and Coronavirus Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(6):1058-1060 equivalents, including the specific behaviors of sitting, reclining, or lying down to read, study, watch television, use the computer, etc., excluding sleep hours. 6 A recent publication has demonstrated that reduced sedentary behavior is associated with beneficial effects on diverse variables that represent cardiometabolic health in adults. 10 In this same study, the authors also demonstrated that, when the reduction in sedentary behavior was associated with regular practice of physical activity, the benefits were maximized. Suggestions for continuing practice of physical activity during the novel coronavirus pandemic Places for practicing physical activity Considering that Brazil is a country of continental dimensions, it is important to accompany decisions published by state or municipal health departments and by the Ministry of Health regarding restricted access to gyms, clubs, clinics, and other spaces intended for practicing physical activity and exercise. In the event that these spaces are closed to the public, physical activity should, whenever possible, continue in open-air environments. In this case, people should prioritize individual activities, always taking care to avoid crowds or even small groups of people. If these conditions are restricted, physical activity should be continued at home, preferably with the assistance of technology, such as exercise videos, applications, or professional guidance online. Types of Physical Activity/Exercise When it is possible to practice physical activity outdoors, aerobic activities are recommended, especially individual activities; crowds should be avoided. At this moment, it is necessary to avoid practicing group sports, even in small groups. In the event that it is necessary to exercise at home, muscle-strengthening exercises (squats, push-ups, sit‑ups, and others), stretches, balancing exercises, and climbing up and down stairs are recommended, preferably with the assistance of technology, such as exercise videos, applications, and professional guidance online. It is, furthermore, worth emphasizing the importance of increased domestic physical activity, i.e., general housework, such as washing dishes, washing and ironing clothes, and similar activities. Intensity of Physical Activity During the coronavirus pandemic inBrazil, it is recommended that the intensity of physical exercise be light to moderate, given that very high intensity may lead to more accentuated immunosuppression, requiring longer recovery time. Duration of Physical Activity During the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil, it is recommended that the duration of each exercise session be approximately 30 to 60 minutes daily. It is suggested that total time not be too long due to the immune system depression with longer recovery time. Suggestions for reducing sedentary behavior during the novel coronavirus pandemic Considering that, in addition to regular practice of physical activity, it is very important to reduce sedentary behavior, the following are recommended: 1. Reduce sedentary behavior to a maximum of 6 to 8 cumulative hours daily. 2. Reduce to a maximum of 2 to 4 hours sitting in front of the screen daily. 3. Attempt to maximize the number of interruptions/pauses to sitting time, namely, for every hour spent sitting, stand up for at least 5 minutes. Final considerations Based on the studies consulted, the evidence confirms the importance of continuing to practice physical activities during the novel coronavirus pandemic, with light tomoderate intensity and duration, preferably in outdoor environments or at home. In addition, it is also very important to emphasize reducing sedentary behavior, namely, time spent sitting, lying down, or reclining, excluding sleep hours, and time spent in front of the television, computer, and similar devices. Author contributions Conception and design of the research: Pitanga FJG; Writing of the manuscript and Critical revision of the manuscript for intellectual content: Pitanga FJG, Beck CC, Pitanga CPS. Potential Conflict of Interest No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Sources of Funding There were no external funding sources for this study. Study Association This study is not associated with any thesis or dissertation work. Ethics approval and consent to participate This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. 1059