The impact of isolation measures due to COVID-19 on energy intake and physical activity levels in Australian university students

Background: The pandemic inflicted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in physical isolation measures in many parts of the world. In Australia, nationwide restrictions included staying at home, unless seeking medical care, providing care, purchasing food, undertaking exercise, or attending work in an essential service. All undergraduate university classes transitioned to online, mostly home-based learning. This disruption to daily life may have consequences for eating and physical activity patterns. Methods: In this observational study, we examined the effect of isolation measures, during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia (March/April), on diet (24-hour diet recall, ASA-24) and physical activity (Active Australia Survey) patterns among third-year biomedical students in Brisbane, Australia. Findings were compared to students enrolled in the same course in the previous two years. Results: In females, energy intake was ~20% greater in 2020 compared with 2018 and 2019, and the frequency of snacking and energy density of consumed snacks were also increased. In males, there was no difference in energy intake or snacking behaviour. Physical activity was impacted for both sexes, whereby fewer students undertook any walking activity and, of those that did, time spent doing so was less compared with 2018 and 2019. The proportion of students reporting any vigorous activity was not different for males or females but, among males who participated in this level of activity, the duration was less in 2020 compared with previous years. The proportion of male and female students achieving sufficient levels of activity, defined by at least 150 mins over at least 5 sessions, was ~30% less in 2020. Indeed, the majority of students reported as having undertaken less physical activity than usual. Conclusions: Increased energy intake for females and reduced physical activity for males and females demonstrate impacts of isolation measures that may have deleterious consequences for physical and mental wellbeing, with the potential to affect long-term nutrition and activity patterns.

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The Impact of Isolation Measures Due to COVID-19 on Energy Intake and Physical Activity Levels in Australian University Students

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12061865 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1865 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Linda A. Gallo ◽

Tania F. Gallo ◽

Sophia L. Young ◽

Karen M. Moritz ◽

Lisa K. Akison

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Isolation ◽

Home Based ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Reduced Physical Activity ◽

The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in physical isolation measures in many parts of the world. In Australia, nationwide restrictions included staying at home, unless seeking medical care, providing care, purchasing food, undertaking exercise, or attending work in an essential service. All undergraduate university classes transitioned to online, mostly home-based learning. We, therefore, examined the effect of isolation measures during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia (March/April) on diet (24-h recall) and physical activity (Active Australia Survey) patterns in third-year biomedical students. Findings were compared with students enrolled in the same course in the previous two years. In females, but not males, energy intake was ~20% greater during the pandemic, and snacking frequency and energy density of consumed snacks also increased compared with 2018 and 2019. Physical activity was impacted for both sexes during the pandemic with ~30% fewer students achieving “sufficient” levels of activity, defined by at least 150 min over at least five sessions, compared with the previous two years. In a follow-up study six to eight weeks later (14–18% response rate), during gradual easing of nationwide restrictions albeit continued gym closures and online learning, higher energy intake in females and reduced physical activity levels in both sexes persisted. These data demonstrate the health impacts of isolation measures, with the potential to affect long-term diet and activity behaviours.

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Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing of Irish Adolescents during Covid-19 Restrictions. A Re-Issue of the Physical Activity and Wellbeing Study (PAWS)

10.20944/preprints202107.0580.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

John Murphy ◽

Bronagh McGrane ◽

Mary Rose Sweeney

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Daily Lives ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

The Republic ◽

The Impact

Covid-19 restrictions impacted many people’s daily lives through infection, fear of infection and the implementation of restrictions on movement. Restrictions and fear of contamination impacted physical activity patterns activity and increased mental health issues globally across a variety of ages. This re-issue of a questionnaire sought to examine the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on frequency of physical activity, participation in sports, wellbeing and symptoms of anxiety and depression in Irish adolescents. 3,021 adolescents from 61 post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland completed questionnaires. Consistent with a previous issue of the questionnaire, a minority of adolescents were found to meet the WHO’s physical activity guidelines (11.6% of males and 5.2% of females) although there were large decreases in 1st year males and females. Adolescents reporting elevated symptoms of depression increased from 39% to 46% with almost 3 in 5 females reporting symptoms of depression ranging from mild to extreme. Highest levels of wellbeing were found in adolescents who participated in 3 or more sports, although there was an 8% reduction in the amount of adolescents who participated in 3 or more sports. There were no changes in physical activity levels overall, despite changes within sub-groups and patterns of physical activity. There was a clear increase in symptoms of depression, with females impacted more than males. Previously active individuals were more likely to increase activity and therefore report higher levels of mental health while those who were less active were more likely to decrease activity and report lower mental health.

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Effectiveness of a Home-Based Postal and Telephone Physical Activity and Nutrition Pilot Program for Seniors

Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1155/2011/786827 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Andy H. Lee ◽

Jonine Jancey ◽

Peter Howat ◽

Linda Burke ◽

Deborah A. Kerr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Postal Questionnaire ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Control Group ◽

Pilot Program ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Fibre Intake ◽

Home Based ◽

Walking Activity

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based postal and telephone physical activity and nutrition pilot program for seniors.Methods. The program was delivered by mailed material and telephone calls. The main intervention consisted of a booklet tailored for seniors containing information on dietary guidelines, recommended physical activity levels, and goal setting. Dietary and walking activity outcomes were collected via a self-administered postal questionnaire pre- and postintervention and analysed using linear mixed regressions. Of the 270 seniors recruited, half were randomly selected for the program while others served as the control group.Results. The program elicited favourable responses. Postintervention walking for exercise/recreation showed an average gain of 27 minutes per week for the participants in contrast to an average drop of 5 minutes for the controls (P<.01). Little change was evident in errand walking for both groups. The intervention group (n=114) demonstrated a significant increase in fibre intake (P<.01) but no reduction in fat intake (P>.05) compared to controls (n=134).Conclusions. The participants became more aware of their health and wellbeing after the pilot program, which was successful in increasing time spent walking for recreation and improving fibre intake.

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The Impact of COVID-19-Related Lockdown on Diet and Serum Markers in Healthy Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13041082 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1082

Author(s):

Nives Bogataj Jontez ◽

Karin Novak ◽

Saša Kenig ◽

Ana Petelin ◽

Zala Jenko Pražnikar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Serum Markers ◽

Serum Glucose ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Activity Levels ◽

The Impact

Due to limited data about the impact of lockdown on health status, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19-related lockdown on changes in dietary habits, physical activity and serum markers in healthy adults. A total of 38 asymptomatic adults aged from 23 to 59 with a normal BMI (22.5 kg/m2) participated in baseline and post-lockdown measurements that included dietary and physical activity assessment, anthropometric measurements and blood samples; and the lockdown survey which included dietary assessment and questionnaires about changes in lifestyle and physical activity. A decreased diet quality during lockdown was observed (Healthy Eating Index reduced from 64.59 to 61.08), which returned to near baseline post-lockdown. Energy intake decreased during lockdown (p = 0.002) and returned to baseline post-lockdown. Despite lower physical activity levels during lockdown (p = 0.035), we observed no significant changes in body composition. However, we observed a significant increase in serum glucose (p = 0.005), total cholesterol (p = 0.003), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.049) post-lockdown. Increase in serum glucose levels was pronounced in subjects with higher increase in energy intake (p = 0.039), increased omega-6 fatty acids intake (p = 0.016), those who were exposed to several risky contacts (p = 0.018, compared to those with less risky contacts) and those who were not active in nature (p = 0.008, compared to those active in nature). Increased serum LDL was correlated to decreased monounsaturated fatty acids intake (p = 0.028). Within the limits of this preliminary report, changes in serum markers observed among healthy subjects point to a possible impact of COVID-19-related lockdown on adults’ health to be confirmed in larger groups.

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P069 Results of an online survey exploring the effects of shielding during the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA)

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keab247.067 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Meena Naja ◽

Raj Amarnani ◽

Madhura Castelino

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Joint Stiffness ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Reduced Physical Activity ◽

Age Range ◽

Exercise Classes ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background/Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for patients with chronic rheumatological diseases. SpA - which includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and enteropathic arthritis - often affects young people who are otherwise fit and able. Many SpA patients take immunosuppressive medications and therefore were advised to shield. In view of this, we conducted a survey to better understand how shielding has affected the physical activity and symptoms of SpA patients during the pandemic. Methods An online anonymised survey was created and advertised via social media from 4th June to 4th July 2020. Patients with SpA were invited to complete the survey which included 18 questions exploring the impact of the pandemic on their symptoms, physical activity levels and medication use. Results There were 136 survey respondents, of whom 74.3% were female, with an age range from under 25 to over 75 years. The underlying diagnoses were PsA (60.5%), AS (28.4%), axSpA (10.5%) and enteropathic arthritis (0.8%). The majority (66.7%) of respondents were shielding; 44.1% were on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and 56.6% were on biologics (bDMARDs). Most (94.1%) had continued their DMARDs throughout the shielding period. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use was reported to be increased in 18.6% of respondents, and unchanged in 69.0%. Compared to before the pandemic, 54.8% reported worsening joint stiffness and 45.6% reported worsening joint pain. Most respondents (67.6%) reported reduced levels of physical activity, the commonest reasons being: shielding (54.6%); increased fatigue (45.8%); concerns around social distancing (45.4%); poor sleep quality (38.6%); working from home (28.6%) and low mood (28.6%). Only 14.7% had attended a virtual exercise class. Conclusion Approximately 2 in 3 patients with SpA reported they were shielding during the first wave of the pandemic. Similar numbers of patients reported reduced physical activity levels and increased joint stiffness over this time. It is important to acknowledge that given the nature of the anonymised survey, we cannot be certain if the same patients who were shielding were the same as those who had reduced levels of physical activity or worsening symptoms. We have, however, shown that over half of the surveyed patients attributed their reduced physical activity levels to shielding. Taking into account that social restrictions (either self-imposed or government advised) are likely to be ongoing, we believe that a focus should be placed on supporting patients to maintain their activity levels, through initiatives such as specialist virtual exercise classes. Disclosure M. Naja: None. R. Amarnani: None. M. Castelino: None.

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COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continuously impact on physical activity in adults with cystic fibrosis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0257852 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. e0257852

Author(s):

Thomas Radtke ◽

Sarah R. Haile ◽

Holger Dressel ◽

Christian Benden

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Inhalation Therapy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Airway Clearance ◽

Home Based ◽

Health Related ◽

Reduced Physical Activity ◽

Lung Health ◽

The Impact

Background We have recently reported reduced physical activity (PA) in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) with and without lung transplantation (LTX) during a 6-week stringent lockdown in Switzerland. This follow-up study explores the impact of coronavirus-2019 disease (COVID-19) related pandemic restrictions on individuals’ therapy regimens and health-related aspects in pwCF. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional web-based national survey in Spring 2021. The survey included questions on daily PA, airway clearance and inhalation therapy, questions on COVID-19-compatible symptoms, diagnostic tests and vaccination status, and enquired health-related aspects covering the pandemic period between March 2020 to April 2021. Results 193 individuals with CF (53% female; 25% LTX recipients) participated. Among pwCF, 10 reported COVID-19 (n = 2 LTX recipients), two subjects were hospitalized, no invasive ventilation required, no deaths. The clinical course was generally mild. Overall, 46% reported less PA during the pandemic, mostly due to closed fitness facilities (85%), lack of motivation (34%), and changes in daily structures (21%). In contrast, 32/193 (17%) pwCF were able to increase their PA levels: 12 (38%) and 11 (34%) reported undertaking home-based training and outdoor activities more frequently; 6 (19%) reported an increase in routine PA, and another 3 (9%) started new activities. Among pwCF without LTX, 5% and 4% reported to undertake less airway clearance and inhalation therapy, respectively. Conclusions Our study reveals unfavorable consequences of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on PA of pwCF with unknown long-term consequences for their overall physical fitness and lung health. Strategies to overcome this undesirable situation are needed; increased uptake of telehealth PA programs and virtual exercise classes to promote PA participation might be one promising approach along with vaccination of pwCF and their close contacts.

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of parkrun participants in the United Kingdom

10.21203/rs.3.rs-690431/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Helen Quirk ◽

Steve Haake ◽

Elizabeth Goyder ◽

Alice Bullas ◽

Mike Graney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Physical Health ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Community Based ◽

Chi Square ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Abstract IntroductionLockdown restrictions imposed across the UK in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on many people’s health and wellbeing. People were encouraged to be active, but population surveys suggest some groups found this easier than others. We explored the changes in health, wellbeing and physical activity levels among a sample in the UK who experienced the sudden loss of a weekly community-based physical activity opportunity, parkrun.MethodsA sample of UK parkrun participants responded to two surveys; pre-COVID-19 in January/February 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. Outcomes were happiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health, mental health and physical activity. The sample was stratified by gender, age, deprivation status, physical activity and number of parkruns completed. Demographics were reported using descriptive statistics. Distributions between sub-groups were compared using Chi-square tests while differences in outcomes were determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Open text responses were also analysed. FindingsHappiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health and mental health of 450 parkrun participants were negatively impacted for all sub-groups, although the impact was not experienced equally. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental wellbeing of a greater proportion of females, younger adults, inactive people, those from higher deprivation areas, and those who had completed fewer parkruns.ConclusionsThere is evidence that the wellbeing of those who were more active, and those more involved in a community-based physical activity initiative pre-pandemic, was less negatively affected during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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Charting the physical activity patterns of contemporary children and adolescents

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665100000720 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 59 (4) ◽

pp. 497-504 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Kenneth R. Fox ◽

Chris Riddoch

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Computer Games ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Self Report ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Future Health ◽

Service Community ◽

The Impact

The impact of physical inactivity on health is well accepted throughout the medical and health service community. However, the case has largely been established through epidemiological studies with adults. Substantial attention has been paid to the activity levels of children and adolescents, largely because of changing lifestyles that have threatened the opportunity to be active and also introduced attractive sedentary alternatives such as playing computer games. The research evidence that children have become less active to the point where it is seriously damaging their current and future health has been difficult to establish. This situation is due to difficulties in establishing sensitive health risk markers, and also with the assessment of the different elements of physical activity which in children and adolescents is a complex profile of social behaviours. Self report of activity is unreliable with young children, and objective measures are required that are cheap and effective with large samples and that are capable of measuring levels, volume and patterns of physical activity. Accelerometry in combination with diaries offers the best current solution for most activity–health relationships, and for informing intervention need and design.

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The impact of participant pathways on the effectiveness of a community-based physical activity intervention grounded in motivational interviewing

10.31219/osf.io/2sxc3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Wade ◽

Nicola Brown ◽

James Steele ◽

Steven Mann ◽

Bernadette Dancy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary Care ◽

Motivational Interviewing ◽

Social Action ◽

Multilevel Models ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Community Based ◽

The Impact ◽

Time Point

Background: Brief advice is recommended to increase physical activity (PA) within primary care. This study assessed change in PA levels and mental wellbeing after a motivational interviewing (MI) community-based PA intervention and the impact of signposting [SP] and Social Action [SA] (i.e. weekly group support) pathways. Methods: Participants (n=2084) took part in a community-based, primary care PA programme using MI techniques. Self-reported PA and mental wellbeing data were collected at baseline (following an initial 30-minute MI appointment), 12-weeks, six-months, and 12-months. Participants were assigned based upon the surgery they attended to the SP or SA pathway. Multilevel models were used to derive point estimates and 95%CIs for outcomes at each time point and change scores. Results: Participants increased PA and mental wellbeing at each follow-up time point through both participant pathways and with little difference between pathways. Retention was similar between pathways at 12-weeks, but the SP pathway retained more participants at six-months and 12-months. Conclusions: Both pathways produced similar improvements in PA and mental wellbeing, suggesting the effectiveness of MI based PA interventions. However, due to lower resources required yet similar effects, SP pathways are recommended over SA to support PA in primary care settings.

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The Impact of Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Physical Activity Levels in Adult Students

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13020446 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 446

Author(s):

Anna Rutkowska ◽

Katarzyna Kacperak ◽

Sebastian Rutkowski ◽

Luisa Cacciante ◽

Pawel Kiper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Adult Students ◽

International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Metabolic Equivalent ◽

Free Mobility ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sport And Recreation ◽

The Impact ◽

Activity Questionnaire

The lockdown with a prohibition of free mobility introduced in many countries has affected restrictions in physical activity (PA). The purpose of the study was to compare PA during restrictions and the “unfreezing” stage. The study group consisted of 89 healthy adult students. To assess the level of PA, a long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. The first evaluation was carried out in the period from 16 to 20 April 2020 at the time of the lockdown and the second in the period from 11 to 14 May 2020 during the so-called “unfreezing”. The average total PA rate during the first measurement was 8640 metabolic equivalent (MET)-min/week and in the second, 10,560 MET-min/week. The analysis of total energy expenditure showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.029). The establishment of “unfreezing” laws for sport and recreation and the reduction of restrictions have significantly contributed to an increase in the overall level of PA. Based on our outcomes, we recommend students follow the scientific guidelines for undertaking PA (i.e., WHO) during the pandemic in order to maintain an appropriate pro-healthy dose of exercise.

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