Congress “Physical activity and public health in pandemic times: challenges and future perspectives”: experience report

Abstract

Understanding the impact of the pandemic on the population's physical activity and sedentary behavior is essential for the implementation of public health policies and future interventions. We report the planning and holding of a free and virtual scientific congress, with the aim of promoting discussion about physical activity and public health in times of a pandemic, addressing its challenges and future perspectives. The Research Group on Physical Activity and Public Health, GPASP-FURG used a platform for registration, submission of papers and issuance of certificates was Even3®. For dissemination to the community, Instagram®, Facebook® and WhatsApp® were systematically used, and formal emails were used for academic institutions. For the transmission, StreamYard® was used with sharing and storage on YouTube® through the GPASP channel. The congress was held between September and October 2021, on 6 Fridays at night. It had the participation of 21 researcher-speakers from Brazilian and international universities and 06 researcher-mediators. There were 1,431 entries, 79 works submitted in 03 thematic áreas (Physical monitoring and health during the pandemic; Interventions in physical activity and during the pandemic; Diseases and diseases sponsored during the pandemic), 48 of which were approved and published in the special scientific edition of Vittalle Magazine. The scientific sessions had so far 1,387 views and the roundtables 4,487 views. During the broadcasts, the Pix keys were released to benefit 03 charities in Rio Grande do Sul. The planning, evaluation of works, mediation of scientific sessions and post-event task list were carried out by postgraduate and scientific initiation students aiming at academic development.