Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) during the confinement caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 216 participants (men: n = 112, women: n = 114) were included in the present study. They were divided into three groups [i.e., inactive group (IG): less than 600 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs), n = 131; minimally active group (MAG): from 600 to 2,999 METs, n = 49; and health-enhancing PA group (HEPAG): 3,000 + METs, n = 36] based on their habitual PA level in the period of confinement. WHO Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-BREF (IPAQ-BREF) questionnaires were used to assess QoL and PA intensities. The main findings of the present study showed that MAG and HEPAG have better total PA, physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL domains scores than IG (all, p < 0.01). Small to large correlations (r ranging from 0.14 to 0.72) were also observed between total PA, total walking activity, total moderate-intensity PA, total vigorous-intensity PA, and QoL domains (all, p < 0.01). PA with light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensities can be well recommended to decrease the negative psychosocial effect of confinement. However, longitudinal studies are needed to draw causal inferences and underpin more robust and evidence-based and informed recommendations.
Highlights
COVID-19: Physical Activity Benefits recommended the adoption of various protective, behavioral, and non-pharmacological measures to curb the spread of the virus as well as preventive approaches [including practicing physical activity (PA), sleeping well, etc.] to keep oneself healthy during the ongoing outbreak
The same pattern was observed for quality of life (QoL) total score, where the inactive group (IG) reported lower scores compared to the minimally active group (MAG) and health-enhancing PA group (HEPAG), while the MAG and HEPAG did not differ (p = 0.659; Table 1)
The present study aimed to determine the relationship between PA and QoL during the confinement caused by the COVID-19 outbreak
Summary
COVID-19: Physical Activity Benefits recommended the adoption of various protective, behavioral, and non-pharmacological measures (such as avoiding physical contact, handshakes, hugs and kisses; banning social gatherings and major events; closing universities and schools; and implementing selfisolation, social/physical distancing, confinement, and quarantine) to curb the spread of the virus as well as preventive approaches [including practicing physical activity (PA), sleeping well, etc.] to keep oneself healthy during the ongoing outbreak. Long-term isolation or home-confinement may have negative effects on psychosocial and mental health, especially causing stress, negative emotions, and impaired cognition (Hawkley and Capitanio, 2015). If prolonged, they may suppress immune system and physiological functions (Kiecolt-Glaser et al, 2002), which may increase the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and the likelihood of contracting the infection. We aimed to explore the relationship between PA and QoL in the general population of Tunisia during the first 4 weeks of the confinement implemented by the government to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic This may help the community members to improve their QoL in the face of a future pandemic, such as the COVID-19 outbreak or potential secondary waves/relapses, should the virus not be completely eradicated and suppressed by means of pharmacological interventions (drugs and vaccines)
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