Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during initial COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Objectives To assess physical activity (PA), mental health and well-being of adults in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia during the initial stages of National governments’ Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment responses. Design Observational, cross-sectional. Methods An online survey was disseminated to adults (n = 8,425; 44.5 ± 14.8y) residing in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia within the first 2-6 weeks of government-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. Main outcome measures included: Stages of Change scale for exercise behaviour change; International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form); World Health Organisation-5 Well-being Index; and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9. Results Participants who reported a negative change in exercise behaviour between pre-initial COVID-19 restrictions and during initial COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated poorer mental health and well-being compared to those demonstrating either a positive-or no change in their exercise behaviour ( p < 0.001). Whilst women reported more positive changes in exercise behaviour, young people (18-29y) reported more negative changes (both p < 0.001). Individuals who had more positive exercise behaviours reported better mental health and well-being ( p < 0.001). Although there were no differences in PA between countries, individuals in New Zealand reported better mental health and well-being ( p < 0.001). Conclusion The initial COVID-19 restrictions have differentially impacted upon PA habits of individuals based upon their age and sex, and therefore have important implications for international policy and guideline recommendations. Public health interventions that encourage PA should target specific groups (e.g., men, young adults) who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of physical distancing and/or self-isolation.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic Movement Restrictions on Self-Reported Physical Activity and Health in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…This is in line with other research that has shown the benefits of physical activity on mental health [18,[43][44][45] and in particular with a survey conducted in New Zealand that showed positive correlations between self-reported PA and well-being [43]. In this study, people who had negative or no change in their PA from pre-during lockdown, reported worse well-being, depression, stress and anxiety compared to those who had positive changes in PA [43]. During lockdown in Canada, men and women who were surveyed, reported very good or excellent mental and physical health if they were exercising outdoors and if they reduced their screen time [14].…”

“…In our survey, those respondents who continued to maintain their usual level of physical activity throughout the lockdown, recognized the importance of PA on their well-being especially mental health. This is in line with other research that has shown the benefits of physical activity on mental health [18,[43][44][45] and in particular with a survey conducted in New Zealand that showed positive correlations between self-reported PA and well-being [43]. In this study, people who had negative or no change in their PA from pre-during lockdown, reported worse well-being, depression, stress and anxiety compared to those who had positive changes in PA [43].…”

“…Respondents in our survey would be considered as being sufficiently physically active according to the current World Health Organisation (WHO) physical activity guidelines for adults [42]. In a similar survey conducted in four high-income countries including New Zealand, it was found that adults in New Zealand had the least change to their physical activity in the early stages of the lockdown [43]. In New Zealand the movement restrictions still allowed for engagement in exercise in the vicinity of people's homes therefore this may have also contributed to allowing people to continue with some physical activity during lockdown.…”

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Male Strength Athletes Who Use Non-prescribed Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

“…The perceived impact of COVID-19 on training alongside subsequent reductions in training frequency comparative to pre-COVID-19, at both T1 and T2, indicate notable disruptions in the ability of strength athletes' to train effectively during the pandemic. This is concerning, as several studies in the early COVID-19 stages have shown that a reduction in physical activity has a negative impact on mental health and well-being ( 78 , 79 ). Our findings likewise showed the perceived impact of the pandemic on their training was negatively linked with aspects of their psychological health at T1.…”

Assessing Knowledge, Preventive Practices, and Depression among Chinese University Students in Korea and China during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

“…Even light physical exercise could help relieve some of the negative psychological health impacts among isolated older adults due to COVID-19 [ 65 , 66 ]. To promote physical activity, public health initiatives should target particular populations (e.g., men and young adults) that are more vulnerable to the harmful impacts of physical distance and/or self-isolation [ 67 ].…”