Abstract
BackgroundThe primary objective of this study is twofold: (1) to examine the effect of COVID-19 safety measures, enacted to prevent transmission of SARS-nCOV-2, on total physical activity in the adult general population (≥ 18 years) and (2) to analyze the impact of the factor “severity of safety measures” on potential changes in physical activity. The secondary objective is to investigate the effects of safety measures on the respective PA intensities, i.e., sedentary behavior, light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity.MethodsA systematic literature search will be performed in the following online databases: Medline (on Ovid), Web of Science, Scopus, L.OVE Coronavirus disease by Epistemonikos, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I. All obtained citations will undergo title and abstract as well as full-text screening by two independent reviewers. Observational studies investigating the effects of safety measures on physical activity patterns in the adult general population will be included. The standardized mean difference in total physical activity per time unit between pre- and during COVID-19 or between normative data and during COVID-19 will be the primary outcome. The standardized mean difference in sedentary time, light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity will be assessed as secondary outcomes. Eligible studies will be divided between the reviewers for data extraction using a pilot-tested data form. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using a standard assessment tool. If suitable, a random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression with a unit of safety measure severity as the independent variable will be performed.DiscussionThis study will synthesize available data reporting the effect of COVID-19 safety measures on physical activity patterns in adults. Furthermore, we will incorporate a unit for the severity of safety measures for better generalizability of the results. These findings will be of great value for public health policymaking and estimating future health consequences.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021231039.
Highlights
The primary objective of this study is twofold: (1) to examine the effect of COVID-19 safety meas‐ ures, enacted to prevent transmission of SARS-nCOV-2, on total physical activity in the adult general population (≥ 18 years) and (2) to analyze the impact of the factor “severity of safety measures” on potential changes in physical activity
The major novelty will be that it takes the severity of safety measures in the respective countries into account and includes relevant papers published within the last two years
This will create an important basis for public health policymaking as well as the estimation of potential health consequences for public health
Summary
The primary objective of this study is twofold: (1) to examine the effect of COVID-19 safety meas‐ ures, enacted to prevent transmission of SARS-nCOV-2, on total physical activity in the adult general population (≥ 18 years) and (2) to analyze the impact of the factor “severity of safety measures” on potential changes in physical activity. To contain the spread of SARS-nCOV-2, authorities have implemented safety measures such as social distancing, the shutdown of public facilities, lockdowns, or home quarantine, largely restricting daily life. The extent of these measures has in most countries been determined by the number of new COVID-19 infections in a certain period and varies between countries and even regions or cities. With the number of new infections decreasing in summer, the safety measures have been mitigated, enabling the reopening of shops and public facilities (i.e., gyms, sports clubs, parks) [3] This shows how public life was and still is impacted by the constantly changing COVID-19 situation
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