A Pandemic within the Pandemic? Physical Activity Levels Substantially Decreased in Countries Affected by COVID-19.

Jan Wilke,Gustavo Yuki,Mireille Van Poppel,Mandy Zhang,Celso Sánchez Ramírez,Daniel E Lieberman,Adam S Tenforde,Lisa Mohr,Lutz Vogt,Bernhard Novak,Julian David Pillay,Benedict Tan,Evert Verhagen,Steffen Willwacher,Christoph Heidt,Johannes Jaunig,Fabio Pigozzi,Luiz Hespanhol,Karsten Hollander,Marcela González‐Gross ,C Fossati ,Pascal Édouard ,David Jiménez-Pavón ,Fernando Laíño

doi:10.3390/ijerph18052235

Abstract

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, previously more active vs. less active individuals, but similar between men and women. Compared to pre-pandemic, compliance with WHO guidelines decreased from 80.9% (95% CI: 80.3–81.7) to 62.5% (95% CI: 61.6–63.3). Results suggest PA levels have substantially decreased globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key stakeholders should consider strategies to mitigate loss in PA in order to preserve health during the pandemic.

Highlights

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) as a global pandemic
Fifty-four individuals reported having tested positive for SARS-CoV in the past, which is equivalent to 0.40 percent of the sample
Mean self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (−41.0%) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (−42.2%) both decreased to a similar degree from pre- to during restrictions (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) as a global pandemic. Since this declaration by the WHO, the number of laboratory-confirmed cases has grown from 125,700 (11 March 2020) to. Initial data support the assumption that related measures (e.g., business closures, bans of social gatherings or lockdowns) and the recommendation of social distancing can effectively limit the transmission of the virus [2,3,4]. Analyses of quarantines instituted during previous pandemics showed a variety of adverse effects such as post-traumatic stress or symptoms of depression [5]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion