Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment

The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing implemented shortly after influence physical activity levels (PALs). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in PAL and factors associated with PALs among Croatian adolescents while considering the impact of community (urban vs. rural living environment). The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline (from October 2019 to March 2020; before COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia) and follow-up (in April 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed rules of social distancing). Baseline testing included anthropometrics, physical fitness status, and evaluation of PALs, while follow-up included only PALs (evaluated by a standardized questionnaire through an internet application). The results showed a significant influence of the living environment on the decrease of PAL, with a larger decrease in urban adolescents. Logistic regression showed a higher likelihood for normal PALs at baseline in adolescents who had better fitness status, with no strong confounding effect of the urban/rural environment. The fitness status of urban adolescents predicted their PALs at follow-up. The differences between urban and rural adolescents with regard to the established changes in PALs and relationships between the predictors and PALs are explained by the characteristics of the living communities (lack of organized sports in rural areas), and the level of social distancing in the studied period and region/country.

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of Irish Men’s Shed members

Health Promotion International ◽

10.1093/heapro/daaa113 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aisling McGrath ◽

Niamh Murphy ◽

Noel Richardson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Health Promotion Program ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Summary COVID-19 disproportionately affects males especially those who are older and more socio-economically disadvantaged. This study assessed wellbeing outcomes among men’s shed members (Shedders) in Ireland at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 months (T4) in response to a 10-week health promotion program ‘Sheds for Life’ (SFL). Two cohorts participated in SFL commencing in March and September 2019. This study compares the T3 findings from one cohort carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic [COVID cohort (n = 185)] with T3 findings from a comparator cohort [pre-COVID cohort (n = 195)], completed pre-COVID-19. Questionnaires assessing wellbeing [life satisfaction, mental health, loneliness, physical activity (PA), self-rated health and other lifestyle measures] were analyzed in both cohorts T1, T2 and T3. Self-rated Health and life satisfaction decreased in the COVID cohort at T3 (p < 0.001), while loneliness scores increased (p < 0.0005). Higher loneliness scores were correlated with lower health ratings, life satisfaction and PA during COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Days PA decreased in the COVID cluster at T3 from T2 (p < 0.01) with those in urban areas reporting lower activity levels than rural areas (p < 0.05). Those sufficiently active at baseline managed to maintain PA during COVID-19 while those not meeting guidelines were more likely to report decreases (p < 0.001). Shedders experiencing COVID-19 restrictions are at an increased risk of poorer wellbeing and increased levels of loneliness. Support and guidance are needed to safely encourage this cohort back into men’s sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing. Lay summary The COVID-19 pandemic will have wide-reaching implications on wellbeing, particularly on those who are older and more vulnerable. Evidence also suggests that COVID-19 disproportionately affects males. This study aimed to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on men in the setting of Men’s Sheds in Ireland. Two cohorts of men who were participating in a 10-week health and wellbeing program (Sheds for Life) at different stages were followed over time. At 6 months follow-up the first Cohort had not experienced COVID-19 whereas the second cohort was actively experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured wellbeing using questionnaires, comparing both groups of men for differences. We found that the men who were experiencing COVID-19 had lower self-rated health, physical activity and life satisfaction as well as higher rates of loneliness, with those who were more lonely reporting lower wellbeing scores. We also found that men in rural areas were more physically active during COVID-19 and that those were not active were more likely to become more inactive during COVID-19. This study suggests that support and guidance is needed to safely encourage this cohort back into Men’s Sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing.

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Exploring the impact of the ‘new’ ParticipACTION: overview and introduction of the special issue

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada ◽

10.24095/hpcdp.38.4.01 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 153-161 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Guy Faulkner ◽

Lira Yun ◽

Mark S. Tremblay ◽

John C. Spence

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Population Based ◽

Organizational Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Marketing Organization ◽

Individual Level ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

The Impact

ParticipACTION is the Canadian physical activity communications and social marketing organization first launched in the fall of 1971 and then ceased operations in 2001. ParticipACTION was relaunched in 2007. Framed as a public health natural experiment, evidence was collected from a population-based survey of knowledge, awareness, understanding of physical activity, and physical activity levels among Canadians (individual level), and key informant surveys and interviews examining capacity, readiness and advocacy for physical activity promotion among physical activity organizations (organizational level). The purpose of this paper is to first provide an overview of some of the major initiatives undertaken by the ‘new’ ParticipACTION that may have contributed to any changes at these individual or organizational levels. Second, the paper sets the stage for the three empirical papers in this special series reporting follow-up results.

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Healthy Life Centres: a 3-month behaviour change programme’s impact on participants’ physical activity levels, aerobic fitness and obesity: an observational study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035888 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. e035888

Author(s):

Ellen Eimhjellen Blom ◽

Eivind Aadland ◽

Ane Kristiansen Solbraa ◽

Line Merethe Oldervoll

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Observational Study ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Aerobic Fitness ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Healthy Life ◽

The Impact ◽

Predictors Of Change

ObjectivesIndividuals with low socioeconomic status and multimorbidity tend to have lower physical activity (PA) levels than the general population. Primary care is an important setting for reaching high-risk individuals to support behaviour change. This study aimed to investigate the impact of behaviour change interventions delivered by Norwegian Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) on participants’ PA levels, aerobic fitness and obesity, and furthermore to investigate possible predictors of change.DesignAn observational study with a pre–post design and a 3-month follow-up.SettingThirty-two HLCs in Norway were included.ParticipantsA total of 713 participants (72% of the participants included at baseline), 71% women, with a mean age of 51 (18–87 years) and body mass index (BMI) of 32 (SD 7) met to follow-up.InterventionIndividual consultations and tailored individual and group-based exercise and courses organised by the HLCs and cooperating providers.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA, min/day) (ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer). The secondary outcomes were light PA (LPA, min/day), number of steps per day, time spent sedentary (SED, min/day), aerobic fitness (submaximal treadmill test, min), BMI (kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC, cm).ResultsThere was no change in MVPA (B 1.4, 95% CI −0.4 to 3.1) after 3 months. The participants had improved LPA (4.0, 95% CI 0.5 to 7.5), increased number of steps (362, 95% CI 172 to 552), reduced SED (−5.6, 95% CI −9.8 to –1.3), improved fitness (0.8, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.0), reduced BMI (−0.2, 95% CI −0.1 to –0.3) and reduced WC (−1.7, 95% CI −2.0 to –1.3). Positive predictors of change were number of exercise sessions completed per week, duration of adherence to HLC offers and participation in exercise organised by HLC.ConclusionParticipation in the HLC interventions had small positive impacts on participants’ PA levels, aerobic fitness and obesity. Further research to develop effective behaviour change programmes targeting individuals with complex health challenges is needed.Trial registration numberNCT03026296.

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Loneliness, physical activity and mental health during Covid-19: a longitudinal analysis of depression and anxiety in adults over 50 between 2015 and 2020

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610220004135 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-21

Author(s):

Byron Creese ◽

Zunera Khan ◽

William Henley ◽

Siobhan O’Dwyer ◽

Anne Corbett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Negative Binomial Regression ◽

Population Based ◽

Annual Data ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Social Distancing ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective: Loneliness and physical activity are important targets for research into the impact of COVID-19 because they have established links with mental health, could be exacerbated by social distancing policies and are potentially modifiable. In this study we aimed to identify whether loneliness and physical activity were associated with worse mental health during a period of mandatory social distancing in the UK. Design: Population-based observation cohort study. Setting: Mental health data collected online during COVID-19 from an existing sample of adults aged 50 and over taking part in a longitudinal study of ageing. All had comparable annual data collected between 2015 and 2019. Participants: 3,281 participants aged 50 and over. Measurements: Trajectories of depression (measured by PHQ-9) and anxiety (measured by GAD-7) between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed with respect to loneliness, physical activity levels and a number of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. Results: In 2020, PHQ-9 score for loneliness, adjusted for covariates, was 3.23 (95% CI: 3.01-3.44), an increase of around one point on all previous years in this group and 2 points higher than people not rated lonely, whose score did not change in 2020 (1.22, 95% CI: 1.12-1.32). PHQ-9 was 2.60, 95% CI: 2.43-2.78 in people with decreased physical activity, an increase of 0.5 on previous years. In contrast, PHQ-9 in 2020 for people whose physical activity had not decreased was 1.66, 95% CI: 1.56-1.75, similar to previous years. A similar relationship was observed for GAD-7 though the absolute burden of symptoms lower. Conclusion: After accounting for pre-COVID-19 trends, we show that experiencing loneliness and decreased physical activity are risk factors for worsening mental health during the pandemic. Our findings highlight the need to examine policies which target these potentially modifiable risk factors.

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Effect of Statewide Lockdown in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Levels of Hemodialysis Patients

Blood Purification ◽

10.1159/000514935 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Maggie Han ◽

Priscila Preciado ◽

Ohnmar Thwin ◽

Xia Tao ◽

Leticia M. Tapia-Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

New York ◽

New York City ◽

New York State ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

National Emergency ◽

The Impact

Background/Objectives: On March 22, 2020, a statewide stay-at-home order for nonessential tasks was implemented in New York State. We aimed to determine the impact of the lockdown on physical activity levels (PAL) in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Starting in May 2018, we are conducting an observational study with a 1-year follow-up on PAL in patients from 4 hemodialysis clinics in New York City. Patients active in the study as of March 22, 2020, were included. PAL was defined by steps taken per day measured by a wrist-based monitoring device (Fitbit Charge 2). Average steps/day were calculated for January 1 to February 13, 2020, and then weekly from February 14 to June 30. Results: 42 patients were included. Their mean age was 55 years, 79% were males, and 69% were African Americans. Between January 1 and February 13, 2020, patients took on average 5,963 (95% CI 4,909–7,017) steps/day. In the week prior to the mandated lockdown, when a national emergency was declared, and in the week of the shutdown, the average number of daily steps had decreased by 868 steps/day (95% CI 213–1,722) and 1,222 steps/day (95% CI 668–2300), respectively. Six patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period. Five of them exhibited significantly higher PAL in the 2 weeks prior to showing COVID-19 symptoms compared to COVID-19 negative patients. Conclusion: Lockdown measures were associated with a significant decrease in PAL in hemodialysis patients. Patients who contracted COVID-19 had higher PAL during the incubation period. Methods to increase PAL while allowing for social distancing should be explored and implemented.

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Impact of Social Distancing Associated with The COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Levels and Associations With Mood State: An Internet-Based Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-113847/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Paulo Puccinelli ◽

Taline da Costa ◽

Aldo Seffrin ◽

Claudio de Lira ◽

Rodrigo Vancini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mood Disorders ◽

Family Income ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Mood State ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity during social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2,140 female and male Brazilians who were recruited through online advertising. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, considering all the non-communicable diseases and mental diseases associated with physical inactivity, humans are likely to be much more vulnerable during this period of social distancing, including that of combating a possible COVID-19 disease. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

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Prospective Analysis of Levels and Correlates of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Rules of Social Distancing; Gender Specific Study among Adolescents from Southern Croatia

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12104072 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 4072 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Damir Sekulic ◽

Mateo Blazevic ◽

Barbara Gilic ◽

Ivan Kvesic ◽

Natasa Zenic

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Total Sample ◽

T Test ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Social Distancing ◽

School Year ◽

Baseline Testing ◽

The Difference ◽

Southern Croatia

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global authorities have imposed rules of social distancing that directly influence overall physical activity in populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends of changes in physical-activity levels (PALs) in adolescents and factors that may be associated with PALs among the studied boys and girls. Methods: Participants in this prospective study comprised 388 adolescents (126 females; mean age: 16.4 ± 1.9 years) from southern Croatia who were tested at a baseline (before the imposed rules of social distancing) and at a follow-up measurement (three weeks after the initiation). Baseline testing included anthropometric variables, variables of fitness status (done at the beginning of the school year), and PALs. At the follow-up, participants were tested on PALs. PALs were evaluated over an online platform using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Results: A significant decrease of PALs was evidenced for the total sample (t-test = 3.46, p < 0.001), which was primarily influenced by a significant decrease of PALs in boys (t-test = 5.15, p < 0.001). The fitness status (jumping capacity, abdominal strength, aerobic endurance, and anaerobic endurance) was systematically positively correlated with PALs at the baseline and follow-up among boys and girls, with the most evident association between aerobic and anaerobic endurance capacities and PALs. Correlations between anthropometric and fitness variables with changes in physical activity (e.g., the difference between baseline and follow-up PALs) were negligible. Conclusions: Differences in PAL changes between genders were probably related to the fact that PALs among boys were mostly related to participation in organized sports. Correlations between baseline fitness status and PALs indicated the importance of overall physical literacy in preserving PALs in challenging circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic observed here.

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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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The Impact of Scholastic Factors on Physical Activity Levels during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Prospective Study on Adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Children ◽

10.3390/children8100877 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 877

Author(s):

Damir Sekulic ◽

Daria Ostojic ◽

Andrew Decelis ◽

‪José Castro-Piñero ◽

Tatjana Jezdimirovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Grade Point Average ◽

Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Grade Point ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

A Prospective Study ◽

The Impact

Scholastic factors (academic achievement) are hypothesized to be important determinants of health-related behaviors in adolescents, but there is a lack of knowledge on their influence on physical activity levels (PAL), especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposed lockdown. This study aimed to investigate the associations between scholastic factors and PAL before and during the pandemic lockdown. The participants were adolescents form Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 525, 46% females), who were observed prospectively at the baseline (before the pandemic lockdown) and during the lockdown in 2020 (follow-up). The scholastic factors (grade point average, behavioral grade, school absences, unexcused absences) were evidenced at the baseline (predictors). The outcome (PAL) was evaluated using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents at the baseline and the follow-up. Gender, age, parental/familial conflict, and sport participation were observed as confounders. No significant influence of the predictors on PAL were evidenced at the baseline or at the follow-up. The scholastic variables were significantly associated with the changes of PAL which occurred due to pandemic lockdown, with a lower risk for negative changes in PAL among adolescents who were better in school (OR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.34–0.81, and OR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.34–0.97, for the grade point average and behavioral grade, respectively). Students who do well in school are probably more aware of the health benefits of proper PAL, and therefore are devoted to the maintenance of their PAL even during the home-confinement of lockdown. Public health authorities should focus more on helping adolescents to understand the importance and benefits of proper PAL throughout the school system.

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Is Exercise the Best Medicine during a COVID-19 Pandemic? Comment on Constandt, B.; Thibaut, E.; De Bosscher, V.; Scheerder, J.; Ricour, M.; Willem, A. Exercising in Times of Lockdown: An Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19 on Levels and Patterns of Exercise among Adults in Belgium. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 4144

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17165730 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (16) ◽

pp. 5730

Author(s):

Tamara Hew-Butler ◽

Valerie Smith-Hale ◽

Matthew Van Sumeren ◽

Jordan Sabourin ◽

Phillip Levy

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Health ◽

Regular Physical Activity ◽

Intense Exercise ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Highly Active ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental And Physical Health

From Constandt et al.’s survey of 13,515 Belgium respondents, regular physical activity can be successfully initiated and sustained during a lockdown, with appropriate social distancing measures. Documentation that 77% of highly active people and 58% of low active people exercised as much or more following the institution of a nationwide lockdown was impressive, given that the cases of COVID-19 were accelerating at that time. The Belgian government’s central promotion of exercise, to boost both the mental and physical health of the population, likely contributed to the health, tolerance, and ultimate success of lockdown. In this commentary, we wish to pose a follow-up query which highlights the potential detrimental effects of intense exercise (competition) performed without social distancing measures. The proposed graphical abstract elucidates these possible risks, in contrast to the favorable results outlined in Constandt et al.’s study.

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