Characterization of physical exercise with virtual guidance and perception of its benefits in Chilean women

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of physical exercise developed with virtual guidance and the benefits perceived by Chilean women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, using a self-reported questionnaire on the characterization and perception of its benefits. The sample consisted of Chilean women residing in the Antofagasta, Valparaíso, Metropolitan and Bío-bío regions who practiced physical exercise with virtual guidance during 2020 and 2021. The main results show that women practice physical exercise with virtual guidance due to the convenience of time (55.0%) and mainly to improve their health (47.7%). The training with the greatest acceptance is high-intensity interval training (42.3%), carried out mostly through the Zoom platform (64.9%). Most of the women surveyed perceive a reduction in waist circumference (57.7%), benefits in mood (72.1%), improvement in sleep quality (59.5%) and in the general functioning of the body (64.0%). In conclusion, our results show that physical exercise with virtual guidance is an effective alternative to obtain health benefits and inform about the characteristics of the physical exercise preferred by Chilean women.