Online adapted physical activity during the covid-19 Pandemic: investigation of a pilot experience

The crucial role of adapted physical activity (AFA), addressed to elderly people or people with chronic degenerative diseases, in counteracting the decline of functional capacities and in positively affecting the maintenance and/or improvement of motor skills necessary for autonomy and participation in activities, the expansion of social relationships, and the maintenance and/or acquisition of new roles in the community is now widely recognized. The physical distancing imposed by the health emergency from the new coronavirus SARS CoV-2 and the consequent closure of gyms has led to the discontinuation of physical activity courses aimed at people with chronic degenerative diseases and the elderly. In Umbria a pilot project was initiated to transfer the courses that were held in presence to a digital platform. The work presents the results of a survey that aimed to find out the perception of participants in online physical activity courses with respect to meanings, motivations, expectations, advantages and disadvantages, and those in the gym.