EFFECT OF VIRTUAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON PHYSICAL FITNESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Physical activity is well known as an activity that benefits human health and fitness. Many physical activities can be practised among people. However, there is an increasing health problem in many developing countries, and Malaysia is no exception. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis of unprecedented affected social life and daily routine. The government announced the Restricted Movement Order to minimize people in crowded areas and contact other individuals for safety precautions. Due to this situation, people were not allowed to do physical activity at the recreation park or the gymnasium. One suggestion for improving university students’ lifestyle during a pandemic is virtual physical activity approaches. The virtual physical activity was designated according to the systematic plan suitable for beginners. This paper investigated the effectiveness of physical activity on physical fitness among university students. Fourth-eight university students participated in cardio exercise (n = 24), and a control group (n = 24) were recruited. The intervention group received an eight-week intervention of about 60 minutes of exercise. The types of cardio exercise comprised brisk walks, jogging, skipping and jumping. The control group involved an educational program of physical activity. Outcome measures in physical fitness were cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance and muscular strength. Results showed there was a significant difference between before and after intervention exercise. Performing physical activity virtually during the pandemic would increase physical fitness and maintain quality of life.