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Background Many countries have restricted public life in order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). As a side effect of related measures, physical activity (PA) levels may have decreased. Objective We aimed (1) to quantify changes in PA and (2) to identify variables potentially predicting PA reductions. Methods A systematic review with random-effects multilevel meta-analysis was performed, pooling the standardized mean differences in PA measures before and during public life restrictions. Results A total of 173 trials with moderate methodological quality (modified Downs and Black checklist) were identified. Compared to pre-pandemic, total PA (SMD − 0.65, 95% CI − 1.10 to − 0.21) and walking (SMD − 0.52, 95% CI − 0.29 to − 0.76) decreased while sedentary behavior increased (SMD 0.91, 95% CI: 0.17 to 1.65). Reductions in PA affected all intensities (light: SMD − 0.35, 95% CI − 0.09 to − 0.61, p = .013; moderate: SMD − 0.33, 95% CI − 0.02 to − 0.6; vigorous: SMD − 0.33, − 0.08 to − 0.58, 95% CI − 0.08 to − 0.58) to a similar degree. Moderator analyses revealed no influence of variables such as sex, age, body mass index, or health status. However, the only continent without a PA reduction was Australia and cross-sectional trials yielded higher effect sizes (p < .05). Conclusion Public life restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in moderate reductions in PA levels and large increases in sedentary behavior. Health professionals and policy makers should therefore join forces to develop strategies counteracting the adverse effects of inactivity.

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BackgroundSmoking consumption alters cardiac autonomic function.ObjectiveAssess the influence of the intensity of smoking and the nicotine dependence degree in cardiac autonomic modulation evaluated through index of heart rate variability (HRV).Methods83 smokers, of both genders, between 50 and 70 years of age and with normal lung function were divided according to the intensity of smoking consumption (moderate and severe) and the nicotine dependency degree (mild, moderate and severe). The indexes of HRV were analyzed in rest condition, in linear methods in the time domain (TD), the frequency domain (FD) and through the Poincaré plot. For the comparison of smoking consumption, unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney was employed. For the analysis between the nicotine dependency degrees, we used the One-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey's post test or Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn's test. The significance level was p < 0,05.ResultsDifferences were only found when compared to the different intensities of smoking consumption in the indexes in the FD. LFun (62.89 ± 15.24 vs 75.45 ± 10.28), which corresponds to low frequency spectrum component in normalized units; HFun (37.11 ± 15.24 vs 24.55 ± 10.28), which corresponds to high frequency spectrum component in normalized units and in the LF/HF ratio (2.21 ± 1.47 vs 4.07 ± 2.94). However, in the evaluation of nicotine dependency, significant differences were not observed (p > 0.05).ConclusionOnly the intensity of smoking consumption had an influence over the cardiac autonomic modulation of the assessed tobacco smokers. Tobacco smokers with severe intensity of smoking consumption presented a lower autonomic modulation than those with moderate intensity.

ResumoConhecer as características de tabagistas é fundamental para estruturar adequadamente os programas de cessação tabagística, de forma a atender as necessidades específicas dessa população. Analisar características sóciodemográficas e o padrão de consumo tabagístico de fumantes que procuram atendimento em programas de cessação. Foi realizada análise retrospectiva de 38 meses dos dados da avaliação inicial de tabagistas que buscaram o Programa de Orientação e Conscientização Antitabagismo da UNESP-Presidente Prudente. A amostra foi constituída de 209 mulheres e 150 homens com idade de 48,16±12 anos; 34% cursaram ensino médio completo ou superior incompleto; 38,44% apresentaram nível elevado de dependência e 72,15% se apresentaram na fase motivacional de contemplação. Neste trabalho foram evidenciadas algumas características de tabagistas que procuram atendimento especializado para a cessação tabagística. Esses achados facilitarão a abordagem por profissionais que trabalham com essa temática, permitindo melhor direcionamento no tratamento e consequentemente aumento na taxa de sucesso na cessação tabagística dessa população. Knowing the characteristics of smokers is essential to adequately structure tobacco cessation programs in order to meet the specific needs of this population. To analyze socio-demographic characteristics and the smoking pattern of smokers seeking care in cessation programs. A 38-month retrospective analysis of data from the initial evaluation of smokers who sought the Anti-Smoking Counseling and Orientation Program of UNESP-Presidente Prudente was conducted. The sample consisted of 209 women and 150 men aged 48.16 ± 12 years; 34% did not complete high school or university, 38.44% presented a high level of dependence, and 72.15% presented themselves in the motivational phase of contemplation. In this study, some characteristics of smokers seeking specialized care for smoking cessation were evidenced. These findings will facilitate the approach by professionals who work with this theme, allowing for better targeting in the treatment and consequently an increase in the smoking cessation success rate of this population. Palavras-chave: