TY - ABST

T1 - Covid-19 and unstructured physical activity in those with long-term conditions

AU - Blackwell, Jo M

AU - Henderson, Hannah

AU - Evans, Adam B.

AU - Allen-Collinson, Jacquelyn

N1 - (Abstract)

PY - 2021/3/25

Y1 - 2021/3/25

N2 - Whilst the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on structured Physical Activity (PA) may have been more widely discussed, unstructured PA has perhaps not been as extensively explored. Unstructured PA relates to practices undertaken incidentally, for example as part of leisure activities such as shopping, as a means of commuting and that undertaken occupationally. Additionally, those who have long-term health conditions, such as coronary heart disease, may find themselves clinically vulnerable or may feel vulnerable during these times. Structured PA is a recommended part of cardiac rehabilitation and individual vulnerabilities may influence PA participation, either structured or incidental. In a UK-based Bourdieusian ethnographic study of 10 adult post cardiac event participants, interviews and observations revealed that those who did not display dispositions towards purposeful structured PA prior to the cardiac event, felt the pandemic was stifling their ability to resume the incidental practices which they previously engaged in, and perhaps restore their social positioning. Participants expressed that this was due to either work furlough, requirements to shield or worries about their vulnerability. Some shared their fears for what this ‘perceived enforced inactivity’ may do to their recovery, others indicated how they could feel their bodies becoming deconditioned. Participants identified opportunities to participate in purposeful PA and even shared what they felt this may include, such as local walks and exercises from the rehabilitation programme, however engagement seemed sporadic and there was uncertainty expressed about adapting things safely to their bodily needs.

AB - Whilst the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on structured Physical Activity (PA) may have been more widely discussed, unstructured PA has perhaps not been as extensively explored. Unstructured PA relates to practices undertaken incidentally, for example as part of leisure activities such as shopping, as a means of commuting and that undertaken occupationally. Additionally, those who have long-term health conditions, such as coronary heart disease, may find themselves clinically vulnerable or may feel vulnerable during these times. Structured PA is a recommended part of cardiac rehabilitation and individual vulnerabilities may influence PA participation, either structured or incidental. In a UK-based Bourdieusian ethnographic study of 10 adult post cardiac event participants, interviews and observations revealed that those who did not display dispositions towards purposeful structured PA prior to the cardiac event, felt the pandemic was stifling their ability to resume the incidental practices which they previously engaged in, and perhaps restore their social positioning. Participants expressed that this was due to either work furlough, requirements to shield or worries about their vulnerability. Some shared their fears for what this ‘perceived enforced inactivity’ may do to their recovery, others indicated how they could feel their bodies becoming deconditioned. Participants identified opportunities to participate in purposeful PA and even shared what they felt this may include, such as local walks and exercises from the rehabilitation programme, however engagement seemed sporadic and there was uncertainty expressed about adapting things safely to their bodily needs.

M3 - Conference abstract for conference

T2 - ESA Research Network 28 Society and Sport Midterm Conference

Y2 - 25 March 2021 through 26 March 2021

ER -