Effect of COVID Pandemic on exercise patterns in APFP participants

Abstract

Exercise is one of the many facets of life, as we know it that has been altered due to the life threatening COVID-19 virus. However, it is important to recognize all the other comorbidities and mortality risk that goes along with the lack of exercise and physical activity. The APFP was started in the late 1960s by Dr. Bud Getchell and has operated continuously since its inception. The mission of the APFP mirrors the educational, research, and service missions of Ball State University. The APFP is designed for adults research, and service missions of Ball State University. The APFP is designed for adults who can be classified as low or moderate risk for developing cardiovascular disease (according to national guidelines from health and medical organizations); however, the program does provide services for some individuals with chronic diseases. This project will look at the PA status of 39 apparently healthy adults (25 men and 14 women) from the Adult Physical Fitness Program (APFP), evaluating overall health and effects of being physically active or physically inactive during the lockdown due to the global pandemic. This protocol was guided by the APFP staff structured as a self-reported survey as well as manual blood pressures and body weight that was gathered pre and post pandemic. In this study we hope to find strong evidence to support exercise is medicine for the treatment of isolation during COVID-19. The conclusion of this study provided evidence judging that exercise is an affective intervention on elderly (44-86 YO) APFP participants, and will help aid in guiding further intervention and researches within the realm of exercise as medicine.