Relationships between changes in self-reported physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in France and Switzerland

Abstract

To assess whether changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown are associated with changes in mental and physical health. Observational longitudinal study. Participants living in France or Switzerland responded to online questionnaires measuring physical activity, physical and mental health, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Paired sample t-tests were used to assess differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour before and during lockdown. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate associations between changes in physical activity and changes in mental and physical health during lockdown. 267 (wave1) and 110 participants (wave2; 2 weeks later) were recruited. Lockdown resulted in higher time spent in walking and moderate physical activity (~10min/day) and in sedentary behaviour (~75min/day), compared to pre COVID-19. Increased physical activity during leisure time from week 2 to week 4 of lockdown was associated with improved physical health (β=.24, p=.002). Additionally, an increase in sedentary behaviour during leisure time was associated with poorer physical health (β=−.35, p=.002), mental health (β=−.25, p=.003), and subjective vitality (β=−.30, p=.004). Ensuring sufficient levels of physical activity and reducing sedentary time can play a vital role in helping people to cope with a major stressful event, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Change in Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Psychosocial Variables during COVID-19 Lockdown: Evidence from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

“…Our observation of lower levels of physical activity during lockdown is in line with some other reports on adults [1] and children [2] that indicate a decrease in vigorous physical activity and an increase in sedentariness during this time. However, there is also evidence from research with adults and from consumer reports that participation in online exercise classes, home workouts, and time spent walking increased during lockdown [1,52]. Our finding of a decrease in physical activity could suggest that such online or home-based physical activities are less accessible to older people.…”

“…Cross-sectional studies of diverse populations have documented the many consequences of lockdowns across the globe. These include reduced levels of physical activity [1,2], poorer diet [3], and an increased prevalence of sleep problems [4]. Various psychosocial consequences of lockdown have also been reported, including higher rates of loneliness [5,6], less social cohesion (particularly in deprived communities) [7], more mental health difficulties, and a decrease in psychological wellbeing [8][9][10].…”

The influence of COVID-19 measures in the United Kingdom on physical activity levels, perceived physical function and mood in older adults: A survey-based observational study

“…Although PA is predicted to be reduced by COVID-19 (Roschel et al, 2020) data thus far appears equivocal. Maugeri, et al (Maugeri et al, 2020) observed a reduction in PA and energy expenditure across age groups in Italy whereas (Cheval et al, 2020) observed increased sedentary time, decreased vigorous PA but an increase in walking time and moderate PA in younger adults. This research will aid public health practitioners in understanding where support is needed, not only in the coming weeks and months following the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in the event of future lockdown scenarios.…”

“…Moreover, given the residential situation of many participants (Table 4), more time was spent in gardens, as gardening was the second most popular change to activities. However, despite maintaining PA levels, there is strong evidence that sitting time increased for both sexes, indicating an increase in sedentary behaviour which has previously been associated with decreased physical and mental health (Cheval et al, 2020).…”

“…However, regular physical activity (PA) has shown promise in preventing and reversing many effects of disease, prevalent with ageing (McPhee et al, 2016), whilst improving functional performance (McAuley et al, 2011). It has been highlighted that the COVID-19 outbreak may drastically lower opportunities for structured PA for older adults (Roschel et al, 2020), potentially leading to increased sedentary behaviour, which has been associated with negative changes in both physical and mental health (Cheval et al, 2020). Indeed, just 14 days of fewer steps (75% reduction to 2,994 ± 417 steps day −1 ) has been shown to reduce knee extensor muscle strength by 8% in older adults, a substantial decrease that was not recovered following two weeks of returning to normal activity levels (Reidy et al, 2018).…”