The use of digital platforms and physical activity practice in a population from southern Brazil: Findings from the PAMPA Cohort.

Objective: We aimed to identify the factors associated with using digital platforms for physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults living in Southern Brazil. We also compared the trajectory of physical activity between users and non-users and by type of digital platform used.

Methods: We analyzed data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health in Adults) cohort. The study started in June 2020, and tracked participants through three waves (December 2020, June 2021, and June 2022). The exposure variable was usingf digital platforms for physical activity. The outcome measure was minutes per week of physical activity. We employed a generalized linear model with robust variance to explore the interaction between time and the use of digital platforms, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and the presence of chronic diseases.

Results: The proportion of participants using digital platforms for physical activity declined from 36.8% in 2020 to 25.6% in 2021 and further to 13.5% in 2022. Using digital platforms for physical activity was associated with a higher mean daily physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who used digital platforms were more likely to be physically active when compared to their inactive contemparts throughout the entire study period. Notably, social media emerged with greater influence in the physical activity practice among digital platforms.

Conclusion: Using these platforms had a positive impact on increasing the level of physical activity among the participants.