Physical Activity Characteristics and Barriers of University Students during the COVİD-19 Pandemic in Turkey

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is an important factor for maintaining health and preventing many diseases. However, it is known that the physical activity level of individuals has decreased considerably due to the pandemic and mandatory restrictions. Purpose of the study: to investigate the physical activity characteristics and physical activity types of university students during the Covid-19 pandemic, the factors that facilitate and complicate their participation, and their sources of information about the subject. Material and Method: Students completed the sociodemographic information and data recording form online. The data enrollment form included questions about participation characteristics of students in physical activity before and during the COVİD-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 518 physiotherapy and rehabilitation undergraduate students (76.25% female and 23.75% male) were included in the study. During the pandemic period, 44.42% of the students had moderate physical activity. The daily sitting time of the students was 8.3±3.1 hours. During the pandemic period, walking was the most preferred activity except for weekends. Motivation and time from physical activity facilitors had changed during the pandemic period. Conclusion: As a result of our study, it was found that university students continued walking as a physical activity type, despite restrictions during the pandemic period. While time was not a significant factor that facilitates the participation in physical activity before the pandemic, it became the most important factor during the period of the pandemic. Motivation has lost its importance as a facilitator. We think that it would be a good idea to re-investigate physical activity levels, barriers and facilitators in order to see the effects of the pandemic in the future. KEYWORDS: Physical Activity, COVID-19, Students.