This line of research has as its main objective to study the relationship between physical activity levels, physical exercise, and health in different populations. It also intends to investigate the quality of easy-to-apply and low-cost methods and/or instruments for functional assessment and exercise prescription for large population groups. In addition, it focuses on the physical and psychosocial determinants of physical activity levels. To this end, the influence of anthropometric indicators, cardiorespiratory fitness, mental health, and social relationships, among other aspects potentially influencing physical activity, are studied. From this perspective, different epidemiological approaches are used with physical activity as the main outcome. Professors Aldair José de Oliveira, Adalgiza Moreno, and Bruno Ribeiro Ramalho de Oliveira work in this Line of Research with the following projects: Estimated cardiorespiratory fitness without exercise and health indicators in the Brazilian population (responsible: Prof. Aldair Oliveira); Leisure-time Physical Activity and health indicators (responsible: Prof. Aldair Oliveira); Active Aging (Prof. Sara Menezes); Obesity and repercussions on physical activity (responsible: Prof. Adalgiza Moreno); Acute effect of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise on the psychological responses of young adults (responsible: Prof. Bruno Oliveira).

​

Professors:

 

Aldair José de Oliveira. He researches the relationship between physical activity levels, physical exercise, and health in different populations. One of his focuses aims to understand how different psychological and social aspects can be related to physical activity in its different domains and contexts. In this way, a series of constructs and conditions (motivation, resilience, social support, depression, common mental disorder, among others) are investigated in their associations with physical activity.

 

Adalgiza Moreno. Humanity has been confronted with multiple forms of infection and contamination that have caused millions of deaths around the world. Therefore, knowing the pathophysiological mechanisms is essential to construct and implement measures to mitigate morbidity and mortality with physical activity as the focus. Studies suggest that patients who recover from COVID-19 may experience endothelial dysfunction and autonomic dysfunction. These changes may not be observed at rest but could increase the risk during stress or physical exertion. In this way, we seek to understand physiological mechanisms and possible molecular targets involved, at rest and during stress, in the recovery of individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

 

Sara Lucia Silveira de Menezes. Develops studies on the effects of physical activity on cardiopulmonary and functional capacity in the elderly. Senescence, despite not being considered a disease, has become a public health problem due to the increased costs of maintaining the health of the elderly due to the accumulation of comorbidities. A sedentary lifestyle, which is reflected in less physical functionality, can lead to dependence in daily living activities and is one of the factors responsible for this increase in comorbidities. Elderly people are not routinely assessed adequately for their functional capacity and cardiorespiratory system. The assessment of functionality and oxygen consumption before and after standardized physical activity may provide scientific evidence of the real benefit of this activity on the functionality and cardiorespiratory health of the elderly.

 

Bruno Ribeiro Ramalho de Oliveira. Develops studies on the relationship between the intensity of continuous aerobic exercise and affective responses. It also investigates the acute effect of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise on the psychological responses of young adults. It focuses on the responses of affection and enjoyment in different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. It establishes training models that can favor positive responses about the perception of pleasure with possible implications for adherence to exercise.