Psychological, sociodemographic, and environmental factors related to physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown
Background. Recent findings have shown changes in physical activity (PA) levels during the COVID-19 lockdown.Objective. To appraise the psychological, sociodemographic and, environmental levers and barriers to PA during the COVID-19 lockdown.Method. In this cross-sectional study, participants living in France (N= 390) completed an on-line survey between March 30 and April 10. Questions about physical activity before and during the lockdown, psychological (e.g., intention, self-efficacy), sociodemographic (gender, age, number of children) and environmental (habitat surface area, type of housing) factors were included in this survey. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the role of psychological, sociodemographic, and environmental predictors on PA. Intention and self-efficacy were examined as moderators and mediators of the association between sociodemographic/environmental factors and PA.Results. Habitat surface area, intention toward physical activity, and usual physical activity before the COVID-19 lockdown predicted PA during the lockdown. No mediating effects of intention, and self-efficacy were found. Self-efficacy significantly moderated the association between number of children and PA. Intention significantly moderated the association between gender and PA.Conclusions. Psychological, sociodemographic, and environmental factors were significantly associated with moderate to vigorous PA during the COVID-19 lockdown in France. Additional research is needed to understand how socio-ecological factors might be implemented to promote physical activity.