Counseling for Physical Activity in Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scope Review

Objective: The aim of this scope review was to map the available scientific evidence on physical activity counseling for adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, SciELO, and CINAHL databases. Studies that described the population of adults over 18 years of age that used physical activity counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic context were selected. Data extracted were author, study location, sample, age group, sex, population characteristics, design, means used for intervention, time of intervention, professionals involved, and intervention or counseling strategy. Results: Physical activity counseling interventions were aimed at participants with insufficient levels of physical activity or with comorbidities; counseling was carried out in the online format; by health professionals, in the highest proportion of coaches, physicians, researchers, and nutritionists; through educational contents regarding the practice of physical activity; and using the transtheoretical model of behavior change as a reference method. Conclusions: The results of this review can provide tools for health professionals to assist in the process of coping with physical inactivity.