Estudo transversal sobre uso de ferramentas virtuais para orientar a atividade física durante a COVID-19

High rate of transmission and mortality by COVID-19 resulted in the closure of social movement centers, including places to physical activity practice (PA). Thus, the aim of the study was to identify the main technological strategies and tools, perception of physical education professionals (PEP) about the adaptations, positives, negatives and feedbacks of clients to guide physical activity practice during social isolation/circulation restriction due to the SARS-COV-2 virus. It was opted for cross-sectional, quanti-qualitative research, using the “snowball” sampling technique and PEP was recruited from the five regions of Brazil. Participants answered an online questionnaire with sociodemographic questions, use of virtual technological tools, students/clients profiles and discursive questions about online orientation to physical activity. Descriptive statistics and analysis by simple coding were performed. 110 PEP from 65 cities in the country participated, which generally serve in gyms (59.8%) and outdoors (34.5%), with adult students/clients (92.9%), female (51.8%). Among the virtual technological tools used are “videos” (60.9%) and “Whatsapp web” (60.0%), generally free tools (67.5%) and, for the work to occur, professionals and structural/material adaptations are required. Although there are negative aspects and difficulties in remote guidance to physical activity practice, the positive aspects and facilities allow the PEP to connect with its respective students/clients even during the pandemic, stimulating and securely guiding to physical activity practice. This theme needs to be further explored for these tools to assist PEP.