Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity: Results of the Russian online survey on spring 2020

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The Russian Federation reported one of the largest number of COVID-19 infections. In spring 2020 social distancing, travel bans, the cancellation of sporting and other mass participation events, and changes to work practices have dramatically affected daily life throughout the country. Major restrictions were introduced on the 28th March 2020 with the level of restrictions varied depending on the epidemiology of the virus from region to region. Cities with a large number of cases had the most strict restrictions such as limitations on any outdoor activities. In cities with a smaller number of cases limitations were less strict, especially with outdoor activities. Indoor sport activities were limited across the country and outdoor sports were restricted – depending on the situation in the region. The aim of this study is to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on the levels of physical activity among adults in Russia. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected during the period of tightest restrictions between 26 April 2020 and 6 June 2020. The link on the on-line survey was distributed through the regional centers of public health. Eligible participants included all Russian adults aged 18 years and over. Participants reported frequency and duration of walking, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity, and muscle strengthening activities before COVID-19 and during the past seven days. Results A convenience sample of 2432 adults from 62 regions of Russia completed a 15-min self-report questionnaire. Participants were primarily female (83%). Compared with before COVID-19, physical activity was adversely affected during COVID-19. The average time spent in MPA and VPA each declined by around 12 minutes per day (42.43 ± 37.57 to 30.44 ± 35.35 and 37.79 ± 37.80 to 26.56 ± 34.69, respectively [all P < 0.001]). The number of minutes per day spent walking decreased by around 20 minutes from 60.5 ± 38.66 to 40.83 ± 38.6 (P < 0.001). The proportion of participants who met the WHO Guidelines for physical activity declined from 68% to 49% (P < 0.001). The proportion who participated in muscle strengthening activities for 2 or more days per week declined from 53% to 45% (P < 0.001). Compared with those who did not use online PA resources, those who did were 1.4 (95%CI 1.3, 1.5) and 1.9 (95%CI 1.8, 2.1) times more likely to meet the recommendations for PA and for muscle-strengthening activities, respectively. Conclusion Effective health promotion strategies directed at adopting or maintain positive health-related behaviors such as targeted social media messaging and balanced media reporting, should be used to increase the physical activity during these unprecedented times.

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Moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior change in self-isolating adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: A cross-sectional survey exploring correlates

10.1101/2020.07.15.20154559 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Felipe Schuch ◽

Rugero Bulzing ◽

Jacob Meyer ◽

Guillermo Lopez-Sanchez ◽

Igor Grabovac ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Self Report ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Previous Diagnosis ◽

The Impact

Background: The self-distancing measures imposed major changes in daily life routine. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the changes (pre-versus during pandemic) in time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in selfisolating Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ii) to explore correlates of MVPA and SB. Methods: A cross-sectional self-report online survey, evaluating the time spent in MVPA and SB pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, variables, and time in self-isolation were also obtained. Changes in MVPA and SB and their correlates were explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results: A total of 877 participants (72.7% women, 53.7% young adults [18-34 years]) were included. Overall, participants reported a 59.7% reduction (95%CI:35.6 to 82.2) in time spent on MVPA during the pandemic. Time spent in SB increased 42.0% (95%CI:31.7 to 52.5). Greater reductions in MVPA and/or increases in SB were seen in younger adults, those not married, those employed and those with a self-reported previous diagnosis of a mental disorder. Conclusions: People in self-isolation significantly reduced MVPA levels and increased SB. Public health strategies should be implemented during epidemic times to mitigate the impact of self-isolation on MVPA and SB, particularly in vulnerable groups.

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How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043397

Author(s):

Austen El-Osta ◽

Aos Alaa ◽

Iman Webber ◽

Eva Riboli Sasco ◽

Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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The Impact of Grit on Health Outcomes in College Students

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab038_067 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 455-455

Author(s):

Amelia Sullivan ◽

Leigh Neptune ◽

Kayla Parsons ◽

Ashley Reynolds ◽

Carol Byrd-Bredbenner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Outcomes ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Experiment Station ◽

College Undergraduate ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives The objective was to examine the relationship between grit and health outcomes in college undergraduate students. Methods A cross-sectional convenience sample of college undergraduate students completed an online survey assessing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), the National Cancer Institute Fruit and Vegetable Screener, and the 2-item Hager Food Insecurity Screener. Grit was assessed by generating a mean score using the 8-item short grit scale. Independent t-tests were used to compare health outcomes between students who reported above/below the average grit score of the sample. Chi-square tests were used to examine group differences between grit level and prevalence of food insecurity. Results Participants (N = 655) were 19.8 ± 1.5 years old, mostly female (63%), and white (84%). The average grit score was 3.27 ± 0.54 out of 5. Results indicated that students who were grittier than average (n = 372) reported fewer days/months (d/m) with poor mental health (8.1 ± 8.5 vs. 11.6 ± 9.6, P < 0.001), fewer d/m feeling sad/depressed (6.2 ± 7.7 vs. 9.9 ± 9.3, P < 0.001), more d/m with restful sleep (12.9 ± 9.8 vs. 10.3 ± 8.6, P < 0.001), more d/m feeling very healthy and full of energy (12.6 ± 8.8 vs. 8.4 ± 7.5, P < 0.001), and ate more servings of fruits and vegetables per day (2.4 ± 1.3 vs. 2.1 ± 1.32, P < 0.01). Grittier participants were also less likely to report being food insecure (16.0%) vs. less grittier participants (23.3%), P < 0.05. Conclusions This data indicates that students who were grittier than average reported better HRQOL, consumed a more healthful diet, and were more likely to be food secure. This provides justification for future research to explore grit as a mediating factor that may contribute to better health outcomes, especially in populations particularly susceptible to experiencing poor HRQOL and food insecurity. Funding Sources This project was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project number #ME0022104 through the Maine Agricultural & Forest Experiment Station. NJ Agriculture Experiment Station.

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Depression, Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19: Associations with Changes in Physical Activity, Sleep, Tobacco and Alcohol Use in Australian Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17114065 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (11) ◽

pp. 4065 ◽

Cited By ~ 77

Author(s):

Robert Stanton ◽

Quyen G. To ◽

Saman Khalesi ◽

Susan L. Williams ◽

Stephanie J. Alley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Alcohol Intake ◽

Online Survey ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Positive Health ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has enforced dramatic changes to daily living including economic and health impacts. Evidence for the impact of these changes on our physical and mental health and health behaviors is limited. We examined the associations between psychological distress and changes in selected health behaviors since the onset of COVID-19 in Australia. An online survey was distributed in April 2020 and included measures of depression, anxiety, stress, physical activity, sleep, alcohol intake and cigarette smoking. The survey was completed by 1491 adults (mean age 50.5 ± 14.9 years, 67% female). Negative change was reported for physical activity (48.9%), sleep (40.7%), alcohol (26.6%) and smoking (6.9%) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Significantly higher scores in one or more psychological distress states were found for females, and those not in a relationship, in the lowest income category, aged 18–45 years, or with a chronic illness. Negative changes in physical activity, sleep, smoking and alcohol intake were associated with higher depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Health-promotion strategies directed at adopting or maintaining positive health-related behaviors should be utilized to address increases in psychological distress during the pandemic. Ongoing evaluation of the impact of lifestyle changes associated with the pandemic is needed.

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Participation in physical activity decreased more in people with rheumatoid arthritis than the general population during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study

Rheumatology International ◽

10.1007/s00296-021-05054-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher Balchin ◽

Ai Lyn Tan ◽

Oliver J. Wilson ◽

Jim McKenna ◽

Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Exercise Equipment

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions have significantly reduced population-wide physical activity (PA) levels. However, the impact of the pandemic and relevant restrictions on PA participation, and any potential barriers to it, in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not clear. Furthermore, we are unsure if any such PA changes have affected their body weight, mental wellbeing, and/or quality of life (QoL). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of the lockdown on PA participation in people with RA, versus people without RA. Participants (n = 128; RA = 27, non-RA = 101) completed a self-administered online survey, which included questions on PA, body weight, mental wellbeing and QoL. PA participation during lockdown was significantly lower among RA versus non-RA participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, a similar profile of results was found where more RA participants vs non-RA participants reported reduced habitual PA (59% vs 33%) and increased body weight (59% vs 35%). Mental wellbeing scores were similarly low in both groups during lockdown (RA: 20.8 ± 4.2; non-RA: 22.2 ± 3.4, p = 0.080). Matched group comparisons identified similar trends to full sample analyses. In the first months of the lockdown, more people with RA reported decreased PA participation and increased body weight than their non-RA counterparts. Access to exercise equipment and facilities appears to be the main cause for these results. Looking beyond COVID-19, specific PA promotion for people with RA will be required to prevent a pandemic of inactivity.

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and initial period of lockdown on the mental health and well-being of adults in the UK

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2020.79 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ross G. White ◽

Catharina Van Der Boor

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Initial Period ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being

Summary The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being were assessed in a convenience sample of 600 UK adults, using a cross-sectional design. Recruited over 2 weeks during the initial phase of lockdown, participants completed an online survey that included COVID-19-related questions, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the World Health Organization (Five) Well-Being Index and the Oxford Capabilities Questionnaire for Mental Health. Self-isolating before lockdown, increased feelings of isolation since lockdown and having COVID-19-related livelihood concerns were associated with poorer mental health, well-being and quality of life. Perceiving increased kindness, community connectedness and being an essential worker were associated with better mental health and well-being outcomes.

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Measuring Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Adolescents

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2014-0067 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 252-261 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Katie E. Gunnell ◽

Jennifer Brunet ◽

Erin K. Wing ◽

Mathieu Bélanger

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Self Report ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽

Group Sex ◽

The Impact ◽

Composite Reliability

Background:Perceived barriers to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) may contribute to the low rates of moderate-to-vigorous PA in adolescents. We examined the psychometric properties of scores from the perceived barriers to moderate-to-vigorous PA scale (PB-MVPA) by examining composite reliability and validity evidence based on the internal structure of the PB-MVPA and relations with other variables.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in 2013 from adolescents (N = 507; Mage = 12.40, SD = .62) via self-report scales.Results:Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we found that perceived barriers were best represented as two factors representing internal (e.g., “I am not interested in physical activity”) and external (e.g., “I need equipment I don’t have”) dimensions. Composite reliability was over .80. Using multiple regression to examine the relationship between perceived barriers and moderate-to-vigorous PA, we found that perceived internal barriers were inversely related to moderate-to-vigorous PA (β = -.32, p < .05). Based on results of the analysis of variances, there were no known-group sex differences for perceived internal and external barriers (p < .26).Conclusions:The PB-MVPA scale demonstrated evidence of score reliability and validity. To improve the understanding of the impact of perceived barriers on moderate-to-vigorous PA in adolescents, researchers should examine internal and external barriers separately.

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Changes in Sitting Time, Screen Exposure and Physical Activity during Covid-19 Lockdown in South American Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105239 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5239

Author(s):

Kabir P. Sadarangani ◽

Gabriela F. De Roia ◽

Pablo Lobo ◽

Robinson Chavez ◽

Jacob Meyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sitting Time ◽

South American ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sociodemographic Correlates ◽

Insufficient Physical Activity ◽

The Impact

The worldwide prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) and prolonged sedentary behavior (SB) were high before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Measures that were taken by governments (such as home confinement) to control the spread of COVID-19 may have affected levels of PA and SB. This cross-sectional study among South American adults during the first months of COVID-19 aims to (i) compare sitting time (ST), screen exposure, moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) before and during lockdown to sociodemographic correlates and (ii) to assess the impact of lockdown on combinations of groups reporting meeting/not-meeting PA recommendations and engaging/not-engaging excessive ST (≥7 h/day). Bivariate associations, effect sizes, and multivariable linear regressions were used. Adults from Argentina (n = 575) and Chile (n = 730) completed an online survey with questions regarding demographics, lifestyle factors, and chronic diseases. Mean reductions of 42.7 and 22.0 min./day were shown in MPA and VPA, respectively; while increases of 212.4 and 164.3 min./day were observed in screen and ST, respectively. Those who met PA recommendations and spent <7 h/day of ST experienced greatest changes, reporting greater than 3 h/day higher ST and more than 1.5 h/day lower MVPA. Findings from the present study suggest that efforts to promote PA to South American adults during and after COVID-19 restrictions are needed.

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Associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviors with child mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11805-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amanda S. Gilbert ◽

Laurel Schmidt ◽

Alan Beck ◽

Maura M. Kepper ◽

Stephanie Mazzucca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

School Closures ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Perceived Change ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in public health and policy measures to reduce in-person contact and the transmission of the virus. These measures impacted daily life and mental well-being (MWB). The aims of this study were to explore the MWB impacts of COVID-19 on children and assess the associations among perceived changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB), with perceived MWB changes, using a mixed-methods approach. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design consisting of an online survey with a convenience sample and interviews was conducted from May through July 2020 with parents/caregivers of kindergarten through 5th graders in the St. Louis region. Survey domains assessed included child MWB, PA, and SB. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed using a code book developed to elicit themes. Survey data was analyzed with chi-squared tests and logistic regressions. The dependent variable was perceived change in child MWB due to the impact of COVID-19. Independent variables included perceived changes in PA, SB, and child concerns about COVID-19. Results Sample size consisted of 144 surveys and 16 interviews. Most parents reported a perceived decrease in child MWB (74%), a decrease in child PA (61%), and an increase in child SB (91%). Discontentment with stay-at-home orders and concern about COVID-19 were associated with a perceived decrease in MWB. Children whose PA decreased were 53% less likely to have the same or better MWB (OR 0.47) and children whose outside PA decreased were 72% less likely to have the same or better MWB (OR 0.28). Common qualitative themes included difficulty in adjusting to COVID-19 restrictions due to school closures and lack of socializing, child concerns about family getting sick, and PA benefits for improving MWB. Conclusions Based on parent perceptions, MWB decreased with COVID-19. Maintained or increased child PA improved the chances MWB would remain the same or improve. Parent interviews provide context to these findings by showing how COVID-19 impacted MWB and the associations between PA and MWB. Understanding protective factors for child MWB during COVID-19 is important to offset negative long-term health outcomes from this ongoing pandemic.

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Association between cancer stigma, pain and quality of life in breast cancer

Psychology Community & Health ◽

10.5964/pch.v8i1.310 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 275-287

Author(s):

Ora Nakash ◽

Leeat Granek ◽

Michal Cohen ◽

Merav Ben David

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Self Report ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

The Impact

Aim We examined the association between cancer stigma and quality of life. We further explored the role of pain intensity in this association among women with breast cancer in the first months following diagnosis. Methods 105 women with breast cancer within 8 months of diagnosis completed self-report measures assessing cancer stigma, pain intensity and quality of life. Results Our findings show that stigma among breast cancer patients is associated with worse quality of life. Pain intensity partially mediated the relationship between cancer stigma and quality of life. We recruited a convenience sample of women with breast cancer, which may be subject to selection bias. The cross sectional design of the study precludes inferences regarding causality. Conclusions Health professionals should recognize and mitigate the impact of stigma as an important factor that is associated with impaired quality of life among patients with breast cancer. Continued attention should be paid to pain intensity and the complex relationship between stigma and pain in predicting quality of life.

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