Gender Differences in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Well-being of Students During The Lock-Down Due to Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Restricting movement for the population and the impact of preventative measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have spurred research interests in analyzing the healthy lifestyle of the student population. The aim of the study was to examine gender differences between students in physical activity, and the perceptions of physical fitness and well-being during lock-down due to COVID-19. The sample consisted of male (n=268; 25.9%; age 22.56±2.12) and female students (n=768; 74.1%; age 22.12±1.73) at the University of Sarajevo (UNSA). The questionnaire included questions and scales constructed to measure: physical activity, physical fitness, and the acute effects on well-being. χ² independence test were used to determine gender differences (p<0.05). Prior to the declaration of the COVID-19, there was a significant difference in the level of regular physical activity between male and female students at UNSA (p<.01). The data indicated that at that time 65% of male students were regularly physically active, while 45% of female students had regular physical activity. During the lock-down measures at UNSA: 46% of male and 40% of female students reported being regularly physically active and no significant differences were found in relation to gender (p>.05); 65% of male and 58% of female students reported a decline in physical fitness and significant gender differences were found (p<.05). After exercising male students reported better concentration and mood, more energy and motivation, and less nervousness in the range of 62–79%, while female students reported better concentration and mood, more energy and motivation, and less nervousness in the range of 62-81%. No significant differences were found in the physical activity acute effects on students' well-being in relation to gender (p>.05). Although gender differences in physical activity disappeared during the early phase of COVID-19 and lockdown measures, a more pronounced decrease in physical fitness was present in female students. The reported physical activity had equally positive acute effects on students' well-being.

Gender as a determinant of physical activity levels and mental health of medical students from Poland and Belarus in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…During the pandemic, a lot of people (men in particular), despite quarantine and restrictions, began to take up various forms of PA in order to strengthen their immune system, improve their mental health and reduce negative psychological effects of the pandemic ( 59 ). Bajramovic et al ( 60 ) showed that women manifested lower levels of PA compared to men, which is consistent with our findings. However, the reported PA had a positive effect on students’ well-being both among women and men ( 60 ).…”

“…Bajramovic et al ( 60 ) showed that women manifested lower levels of PA compared to men, which is consistent with our findings. However, the reported PA had a positive effect on students’ well-being both among women and men ( 60 ). Despite pandemic-related restrictions, the vast majority of students from Poland and Belarus met WHO’s recommendations regarding PA ( 1 ) Rousset et al ( 61 ) drew similar conclusions with regard to young adult students from France.…”

Immediate Effect of Buteyko Breathing Technique on VO2max in College Students

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