YouTube as a Source of Information About Physical Exercise During COVID-19 Outbreak

Physical inactivity levels in the course of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak increased significantly. Our aim was to address how the information related to the physical exercise and COVID-19 posted on YouTube reaches the general public during COVID-19 outbreak.

For this, research was carried out crossing the terms covid 19 and physical exercise in the YouTube database. The search was conducted only in the English language and was established/closed on April 26th (2020) to June 26th (2020) in order to observe the dynamics of video production on YouTube.

The main terms and concepts mentioned in the analysis of YouTube videos were COVID-19, pandemic, quarantine, social isolation and distance, physical activity, physical exercise, home-based physical exercise, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and mental health. The information was posted and supported by renowned health and physical exercise experts and entities. The recommendations for physical exercise in the current scenario focused on programs that require little equipment and space (carried out indoors and at home) and at low cost in an attempt to maintain and improve physical and mental health from different population groups.

Information about COVID-19 and exercise was growing and progressive throughout the pandemic on YouTube. However, care and guidance are needed in using the information provided by YouTube as a source of reference for the practice of physical exercise during the COVID-19 outbreak.