Mobile-Based Health Apps to Promote Physical Activity During COVID-19 Lockdowns

OBJECTIVE: Periods of lockdown due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a negative effect on individuals’ physical health and quality of life, and may result in a weakened immune response, leading to enhanced risk of infection. Due to lack of access to public resources during periods of lockdown many individuals cannot perform their usual daily physical activities. The aim of this short report is to discuss the use of mobile-based health applications and virtual reality systems for promoting physical activity at home through an interactive and motivating digital environment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Information on tele-health, available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and data on physical activity during lockdowns were reviewed. A list of mobile-based health applications suitable for use in promoting physical activity at home was compiled. CONCLUSION: This report makes recommendations for mobile-based health applications to promote physical health, which can be used at home during periods of lockdown.