COVID-19 Infection Outcomes and Physical Activity Intensity in a Sample of College Students

Abstract

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to identify lifestyle factors associated with infection outcomes. Physical activity is a lifestyle factor which measurably decreased during the pandemic. Purpose: To examine the relationship between physical activity and COVID-19 infection outcomes. Method: College students owning an iPhone with the Health app calculated their average daily steps for the 6-month period immediately before the pandemic and 2 years later. At the second time point, students provided levels of mild, moderate, and vigorous physical activity, hours/week of weightlifting, whether they had ever tested positive for COVID-19, and if so, the infection outcome. Results: Objectively measured pre-pandemic steps were significantly and positively correlated with steps 2 years later ( P ≤ .001) as well as weightlifting, and mild and vigorous physical activity ( P ≤ .033) suggesting that present physical activity participation may be returning to pre-pandemic levels. There were no differences between those who tested positive for COVID-19 and those who did not for any physical activity variable ( P ≥ .275). However, among those infected, outcomes were negatively associated with weightlifting ( P = .026) and vigorous physical activity ( P = .055) suggesting that greater participation in these activities was associated with less severe outcomes.