Exploring change in self-reported physical activity behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown compared with prelockdown: A cross-sectional survey of physically active adults in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization announced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was a global pandemic in March 2020. Like other countries around the world, the Saudi Arabian Government imposed measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and limits on people’s physical activity (PA). Aim: The study aimed to explore changes in self-reported PA behavior during the COVID-19 lockdown compared with prelockdown among physically active adults in Saudi Arabia, and understand the barriers for those who performed less or no PA during lockdown. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Materials and Methods: This study included 213 physically active adults (aged 18–64 years) living in Saudi Arabia, the majority of whom were male (65.70%; n = 140). The researcher distributed an online version of the international PA questionnaire (short form) through social media platforms between November 5, 2021, and December 15, 2021. Results: The study’s results showed: (1) 40.8% (n = 87) of study participants did not perform any PA during lockdown; (2) there was a significant reduction in the frequency of all PA intensity (vigorous, moderate, and a combination of both) during lockdown compared with before; (3) there was a significant reduction in the duration of all PA intensity except for vigorous PA intensity during lockdown compared with before; (4) almost 70% (n = 148) of participants did not meet the international recommendation for PA during lockdown; and (5) the lack of appropriate equipment/space and closed sports infrastructure were the most significant barriers that led to participants performing less or no PA during lockdown. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown negatively impacted the PA behaviors of physically active adults in Saudi Arabia, while the majority of participants (70%) did not meet the international recommendation for PA during lockdown.