A Structural Analysis of the Effects on the Lifestyle and Health Status of Exercise Class Participants Owing to COVID-19 Prevention Measures

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to clarify and measure the interrelationships among decrease in communication, exercise, and physical and mental health under COVID-19 prevention measures, restricting individuals from going out of the house. Methods: Participants included 540 middle-aged and older adults who are regular exercise class members. The survey was conducted between April 15 and May 10, 2020. For the self- administered questionnaire survey, a municipal employee of City A and an exercise instructor visited the home of each participant to collect the survey data. The survey items were sex, age, limitation of going out, feeling of inactivity, interaction with others, health status, and forgetfulness; a covariance structural analysis was performed to clarify the interrelationship between lifestyle and health status. Results: Restrictions on going out due to the COVID-19 prevention measures were associated with the physical and mental health of middle-aged and older adults who regularly attended exercise classes because they enforced inactivity and decreased the frequency of conversation. Conclusions: Several waves of COVID-19 may arrive in Japan in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures to prevent secondary health damage and not focus only on infection prevention.