IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 2235: A Pandemic within the Pandemic? Physical Activity Levels Substantially Decreased in Countries Affected by COVID-19

IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 2235: A Pandemic within the Pandemic? Physical Activity Levels Substantially Decreased in Countries Affected by COVID-19 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph18052235 Authors: Wilke Mohr Tenforde Edouard Fossati González-Gross Sánchez Ramírez Laiño Tan Pillay Pigozzi Jimenez-Pavon Novak Jaunig Zhang van Poppel Heidt Willwacher Yuki Lieberman Vogt Verhagen Hespanhol Hollander Governments have restricted public life during the COVID-19 pandemic, inter alia closing sports facilities and gyms. As regular exercise is essential for health, this study examined the effect of pandemic-related confinements on physical activity (PA) levels. A multinational survey was performed in 14 countries. Times spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as well as in vigorous physical activity only (VPA) were assessed using the Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form). Data were obtained for leisure and occupational PA pre- and during restrictions. Compliance with PA guidelines was calculated based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). In total, n = 13,503 respondents (39 ± 15 years, 59% females) were surveyed. Compared to pre-restrictions, overall self-reported PA declined by 41% (MVPA) and 42.2% (VPA). Reductions were higher for occupational vs. leisure time, young and old vs. middle-aged persons, ...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research