A physical activity and socioemotional intervention for residents of a large vulnerable community in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled study.
Frontiers in public health January 1, 2025 Mateus Torres-Cruz, Mariana Moura-Alves, Renata Pereira Lima et al. 1 citation
A low-cost 12-week program combining socioemotional skills training with moderate physical activity reduced depression scores and negative emotions among adults living in Paraisópolis, one of Brazil's largest favelas, during the final period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in the intervention group showed an average decrease of 3.2 points on the DASS-21 depression scale and a 2.7-point reduction in negative affect on the PANAS scale, while the waiting-list control group showed no such changes. The intervention also lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 7.0 mmHg in hypertensive or pre-hypertensive participants and improved physical endurance and flexibility. Qualitative interviews indicated the program alleviated anxiety and sadness and boosted physical vitality.