Changes in physical activity and sedentary time in United States adults in response to COVID-19

Abstract

Physical activity is associated lower risk for a broad range of non-communicable diseases and early mortality, and even small changes in daily activity levels could have a profound effect on public health at the population level. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life for United States (US) adults resulting in reductions in physical activity early in the pandemic, but its longer-term effects on daily activities are unknown. To examine the longer-term impact of the pandemic on daily activity levels, we conducted a nationwide longitudinal study of 1,635 adults (20–75 years) in AmeriSpeak. Previous-day recalls of time-use, sedentary time, and physical activity were completed on randomly selected days in Fall 2019 (pre-pandemic) and Fall 2020. Overall, US adults reported less time in transportation (-0.47 hrs/d), more total discretionary time (0.40 hrs/d), but no changes in total sedentary time (0.10 hrs/d) or leisure-time physical activity (-0.06 hrs/d). Women reported significantly less total activity (-0.36 hrs/d) and participants with children < 13 yrs reported more sedentary time (0.60 to 0.82 hrs/d) and less moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity (-0.84 to -0.72 hrs/d). Adults without children reported no changes in sedentary time (0.02 hrs/d) or moderate-vigorous intensity activity (-0.06 hrs/d). Adults who started working from home reported no changes in physical activity, but they were among the most sedentary and least active population groups at both timepoints. Our findings describe the complex inter-play between competing behaviors as time-use demands have changed in response to the pandemic, particularly for adults with younger children. Many US adults are likely to continue working from home; therefore, implementation of evidence-based approaches to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time in this growing population subgroup appears warranted.

The effects of COVID‐19 lockdown on the body weight and lifestyle behaviors of U.S. adults

“…Some studies have found that certain individuals in the U.S. who started working from home after the onset of the pandemic spent more time eating than on-site workers (Pabilonia & Vernon, 2022;Restrepo & Zeballos, 2020). Meanwhile, multiple studies have found no significant changes in physical exercise among U.S. adults during the pandemic (Cowan, 2023;Matthews et al, 2022). Given our mixed results for searches related to healthy habits, we can at best speculate that the observed post-lockdown weight gain might not be primarily due to a decrease in physical exercise.…”

Changes in Obesity Prevalence Among U.S. Adults After the COVID-19 Pandemic by State and Territorial Stay-at-Home Order Level and Sociodemographic Characteristics

“…As seen in previous studies, shortterm impacts of these stay-at-home orders included changes in day-to-day life, resulting in reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. 12,13 Mental health challenges and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to increases in risky dietary behaviors associated with weight gain, such as stress eating and increased alcohol consumption. 14,15 There is a critical need for evidence on changes in health outcomes using large sample data with an accurately measured COVID-19 pandemic timeframe.…”