The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity and weight gain among active adult population in Israel: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 outbreak holds public health concerns. The stay-at-home increases sedentary behavior, with unintended adverse outcomes. Since organized recreation and sports facilities were closed, we aimed to study how the crisis of closure affected exercise habits and weight gain among the trainee population in Israel. We examined differences in weight gain among individuals with different PA activities and assessed their ability to adapt to digital media as an alternative training structure. Methods A cross-sectional survey consisted of a multiple-choice questionnaire obtained using a web-based survey application. Trainees (1202) who exercised steadily anonymously answered the questionnaire sent by their coaches regarding their activity and weight gain during lockdown times. Results Results confirmed that 70% of Israelis trained less than their usual routine, 60% used digital media for training, 55% gained weight. Half of the respondents gained more than 2 kg, with an average increase of 1.2 kg. However, those who exhibited a higher physical activity level gained less weight. Using digital media for training was associated with higher physical activity levels. The aged population was less likely to use digital media. Conclusions Since increased sedentary behavior could increase the risk for potential worsening of health conditions, health agencies should look for strategies, including digital remote media training to promote physical activity and subsequently, preventing the increased burden of future comorbidities worsening by a sedentary lifestyle. Approval: by the Helsinki ethics committee of Sheba Medical Center (6504–19-SMC).

Association between Self-Classification of COVID-19 Risk Levels and Adverse Lifestyle Changes among Physically Active Older Adults Following the Coronavirus Outbreak

“…While previous studies confirm that restrictions help lower the level of infection, they affect health behaviors among different population groups due to reducing mobility in general and increasing sedentary behavior [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 37 , 38 ]. The results of this study concur with previous studies showing declines in exercise habits due to the pandemic when exercise was both self-reported [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 23 , 39 , 40 ] and tracked with step counters [ 5 , 36 ]. As for the impact of the pandemic on trainees, Dor-Haim et al [ 39 ] found that 70% of the active adult population trained less than their usual routine during the first lockdown in Israel (April 2020).…”

“…The results of this study concur with previous studies showing declines in exercise habits due to the pandemic when exercise was both self-reported [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 23 , 39 , 40 ] and tracked with step counters [ 5 , 36 ]. As for the impact of the pandemic on trainees, Dor-Haim et al [ 39 ] found that 70% of the active adult population trained less than their usual routine during the first lockdown in Israel (April 2020). However, the evidence on this topic is mixed, as several studies reported on an increase in the exercise level [ 10 , 11 , 17 , 20 ].…”

Mediterranean Diet a Potential Strategy against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review

“…Furthermore, to contain the spread of COVID-19, Governments decided on a more stringent containment measure: Lockdown. The Lockdown has determined a radical change in eating habits and lifestyles of the population, with an increase of sedentary behavior [119] and smoking [120].…”

Analyzing the Difficulties of Continuing Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Crisis in France

“…The crisis context, which is stressful and anxiety-provoking for many people, can have negative impacts on the desire and motivation of exercisers, which can be exacerbated by changes in daily life habits (telecommuting, childcare, or different school restrictions), making it necessary to find a new balance to reconcile professional and domestic activities with PA. Furthermore, some participants may be reluctant to return to sports clubs or to renew their membership for fear of being exposed to the virus and/or of experiencing new closures of sports facilities and suspensions of group activities [ 19 ]. Consequently, the decrease in PA levels may be very pronounced in active adults habitually practicing sports [ 20 ].…”

“…For adult populations, nearly all of the studies that focused on changes in time spent on PA reported decreases in the amount of PA pre-COVID-19 versus post-COVID-19 lockdown [ 18 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Similarly, studies that measured PA changes as a percentage of the respective adult populations overwhelmingly reported that more than 50% of the examined population decreased PA during lockdown [ 19 , 22 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. For example, in France, where 55 days of lockdown were imposed on the population from 17 March to 11 May 2020, and where the closure of sports facilities continued after this date, more than one in two adults declared having decreased PA during the lockdown periods [ 22 , 27 ].…”