Abstract
The present study aimed to describe the characteristics and rate of participation in sports activities, changes in sports, and the causes of these changes before and after the COVID-19 out-break in Korea using data from the 2020 Korea National Sports Participation Survey (KNSPS). Furthermore, evidence from this study could be used as basic data to maintain and promote sports activities given the current situation, in which the continued spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, is likely. The KNSPS is an annual survey of subjective health and fitness, sports activities and conditions, and participation in sports activities, conducted among a sample comprising the entire Korean population. The current study analyzed data for 9000 participants, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed to calculate the frequency of each item and sample weight. The rate of regular participation in sports activities at least once a week was found to be 60.10% in 2020, representing a decrease of 6.48% from the rate observed in 2019. Among the types of sports facilities frequently used within the residential area, the most common facilities were private sports facilities (22.97%), other sports facilities (20.60%), and public sports facilities (18.97%), although the utilization rate for other sports facilities increased after the COVID-19 outbreak. After the COVID-19 outbreak, 34.12% of men and 29.72% of women responded that there had been a change in their participation in regular sports activities. Both before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, walking was the most common activity, although the participation rate increased from 29.23% in 2019 to 35.70% in 2020. The rankings and participation rates for indoor sports activities (bodybuilding, swimming, etc.) tended to decrease, while those for outdoor sports activities (climbing, cycling, etc.) tended to increase. These changes may be explained in part by the increasing concern regarding infection with increasing age, except among teenagers, and by economic factors. While participation in physical activity provides numerous health benefits, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on regular participation in sports activities. The results of this survey suggest that government action is required to enhance participation in sports activities, even in the face of a pandemic.
Highlights
The first confirmed case of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection [1] occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019
The results of this study indirectly confirm the changes in sports participation and the influence of socio-economic factors in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic
At present, when the COVID-19 pandemic will subside remains unpredictable, and social distancing is likely to remain a part of everyday life in the near future
Summary
The first confirmed case of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection [1] occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Variants of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 variants) have continued to emerge since late 2020, resulting in a total of 235,175,106 confirmed cases and 4,806,841 deaths worldwide as of 6 4.0/). In the Republic of Korea, 321,352 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, along with 2524 COVID-19-related deaths [3]. COVID-19 has affected all aspects of politics, economy, society, and culture worldwide, and daily life has changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Infection prevention measures, such as restrictions on travel and social participation, have accelerated the transition to a non-contact society, with many people staying at home as much as possible. Numerous countries have implemented social distancing measures, lockdown ordinances, or border blockades in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
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