Early Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity in U.S. Adults

Abstract

Purpose: COVID-19 restrictions, social-distancing, and quarantining may inhibit U.S. adults from attaining recommended levels of physical activity. The aims of this study were to examine the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in U.S. adults during the first month of COVID-19 restrictions, and whether changes in physical activity levels differed by demographic characteristics. Method: U.S. adults completed an online survey between April 10-May 5, 2020. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from social media and mass emails. The analytic sample included 262 adults from 30 states and the District of Columbia. Using the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), participants reported minutes of vigorous intensity, moderate intensity, and walking physical activity for a typical week in February 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and for the past 7 days (early-COVID-19). Participants also reported locations (e.g., home/garage, parks/trails, gyms/fitness centers) were they had performed physical activity over the past 7 days and demographic characteristics. Results: Participants (82% female, 20% Hispanic, 41% overweight/obese) ranged in age from 18-79 (M=32.9, SD=12.3) years. On average, significant reductions in vigorous intensity (-61.7 min/week, 37% decrease), moderate intensity (-84.1 min/week, 47% decrease), and walking (-104.4 min/week, 33% decrease) physical activity were observed during the early-COVID 19 period vs. pre-COVID-19 period. Reductions in vigorous intensity physical activity were greater for adults who were not working. Reductions in walking physical activity were greater for adults who were Hispanic or resided in lower income households. Conclusion: Vulnerable population subgroups may be harder hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of its impact on health-related behaviors. Communication, programmatic, and COVID-19 and Physical Activity 3 policy efforts should be directed towards promoting physical activity in these at-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Longitudinal Weight Gain and Related Risk Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adults in the US

“…We also report a trend in decreasing weekly energy expenditure along with an increase in body weight during the peak-lockdown. With people staying indoors (in some cities and states), the closures of many local parks and recreation areas, and cancellations of gyms and organized sports activities, these findings are not surprising and supported by other studies [ 35 , 36 ]. Moreover, increasing PA can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods as well as mood [ 37 ].…”

Correlates of Perceived Physical Activity Transitions during the COVID‐19 Pandemic among Canadian Adults

“…Early peer‐reviewed COVID‐19 research has shown MVPA decreases in China (Qin et al, 2020), the United States (Dunton et al, 2020; Meyer et al, 2020), and Europe (Cheval et al, 2020). Based on this prior research, we hypothesised that Canadians would also show an overall decrease in MVPA since the pandemic restrictions.…”

Physical activity is positively associated with college students' positive affect regardless of stressful life events during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Only preliminary evidence is currently available following the immediate global and economic social change caused by the pandemic, with these data revealing acute declines in PA ( Dunton et al, 2020 ; Gallo et al, 2020 ; Meyer et al, 2020 ). These changes are likely in part a result of not only sudden disruption to an individual's environment and daily routine, but also a result of diminished mental health (i.e., increased anxiety, stress, depression).…”