Cell Phone Use, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Bodyweight During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cell phone use is associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior. These relationships have not been assessed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the potential effects of pandemic-related restrictions on cell phone use and the possible relationship of altered cell phone use to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight. Methods: Participants (N = 307) completed a survey assessing cell phone use, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight before and after pandemic restrictions were implemented. Results: Most participants reported increased cell phone use (χ2 = 61.50, p < 0.001). Participants increased sitting by 10 hours/week (F = 25.63, p < 0.001). Those that increased cell phone use reported greater increases in daily sitting (11.65 hours/week, F = 4.14, p = 0.04) than those that did not increase cell use (5.0 hours/week). There was also an increase (F = 10.08, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.04) in reported bodyweight regardless of cell phone use. Physical activity did not change (F ≤ 1.58, p ≥ 0.21). Conclusions: During the pandemic individuals reported increased cell use, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight. Those that reported increased cell use reported greater increases in sitting than those not increasing cell use.