Effectiveness of Video-Based Exercises on Quality of Life during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of video-based exercise program on quality-of-life (QoL) domains. Material and Methods: A total of 68 participants, aged 18–35 years, were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups on the basis of their willingness to exercise-the exercise group (n=39, 26.74±3.91 years, 28.2% men) and the control group (n=29, 27.59±2.82 years, and 41.4% men). Both groups were evaluated with Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity and World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF through web-based forms, and the exercisers’ aerobic capacities were evaluated with a two-minute walk test (2MWT). The exercise group attended 35 minutes of video-based exercise intervention three times a week for six weeks, whereas the control group continued their regular life. At the end of the study, the change in the general health status of the participants was rated with the Global Rating of Chance Scale (GRCS) and exercise satisfaction with the 10-point Likert scale. Results: There were no differences in the QoL domains within or between the groups (P > .05) except within the group change in 2MWT total walking distance parameter in the exercise group (P < .001). However, GRCS scores were statistically higher in the exercise group (P < .001). The overall satisfaction with the video-based exercise program was 8.28±1.76 points. Conclusion: There was no significant increase in QoL domains with video-based exercises compared to the control group. However, these exercises may contribute to the preservation of aerobic capacity during periods when face-to-face exercises cannot be performed. © 2022 Archives of Health Science and Research. All rights reserved.