Changes in Exercise Habits of University Students During the Covid-19 Lockdown

The purpose of this investigation was to investigate how the exercise habits of college students changed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Data were collected via an online survey distributed through the University of Southern Maine student email distribution list. All current university students were invited to participate in the survey starting in February 2021 through March 2021. The study included a questionnaire designed to capture the exercise habits of university students three months before the lockdown of COVID-19 (January – March 2020) and their exercise habits after a lockdown in (February - April 2021). The survey questions were based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) physical activity guidelines to analyze the participant's exercise habits. The participants showed a decrease in the exercise along with an increase in weekly sitting time. Before COVID-19, 21.8% of participants were sitting >35 hours per week. After the COVID-19 lockdown, 50.45% of participants were sitting >35 hours per week. The results of this study could be used for further research to promote an increase in exercise at home. With the uncertainty of the pandemic, motivating people to stand and walk more could be the first step in breaking the increase in sitting habits and help to increase exercise habits. The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed imposed many restrictions on our daily routines, but it could also guide us to new approaches for prescribing exercise programs in the future.

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Attitudes of university students towards classroom physical activity breaks in the Netherlands

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.430 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

C De Bot ◽

M Brands ◽

E Kremers ◽

E van Ewijk ◽

J Dierx

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Active Breaks ◽

Climbing Stairs

Abstract Background Regular physical activity has multiple benefits for physical, mental, and psychosocial, however many students do not meet the national physical activity guidelines. Classroom physical activity can help students be more physically active. This study investigated the attitude of university students towards classroom physical activity breaks in a university of applied science setting Methods Within this research a mixed methods design have been applied. A online survey was completed by 2016 students an semi-structured interviews were conducted among 19 students. Results A total of 2016 students successfully completed the questionnaire with a mean of 18-21 year (67%) and 52 % female. No classroom physical activity breaks were used during the lessons. In addition, almost half of the students are not able to concentrate well during the classes. Students (39%) noticed that physical activity during classes had a positive influence on their concentration. The majority of the students are open to activating forms of teaching at universities of applied sciences (69%). Students have a clear preference for active breaks, curriculum-focused active breaks. Physical activities such as climbing stairs, sports exercises are not students preferred activities. Conclusions Implementing classroom physical activity breaks can improve student physical activity and concentration during school and behavior in the classroom. Activities such as climbing stairs, intense aerobic exercise were perceived as inconvenient. Active breaks, curriculum-focused active breaks were acknowledged by students. Key messages Keep physical activity breaks short and manageable. Physical activity breaks can help in stress reduction and improving psychological well-being.

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Fruit and vegetable intakes, associated characteristics and perceptions of current and future availability in Dutch university students

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898001800174x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 1951-1959 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Nicole van den Bogerd ◽

Jolanda Maas ◽

Jacob C Seidell ◽

S Coosje Dijkstra

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Farmers Markets ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

University Environment ◽

Excessive Alcohol ◽

The University

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate fruit and vegetable (F&V) intakes of university students and associated demographic and lifestyle characteristics, and students’ perceptions of F&V availability and F&V intervention strategies in the university environment.DesignCross-sectional questionnaire data were collected; F&V intakes were measured using a food frequency tool. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to analyse the associations between demographic and lifestyle characteristics and F&V intakes.SettingUniversities in the Netherlands.SubjectsUniversity students (n 717).ResultsThe majority of students did not adhere to Dutch F&V guidelines (71 % and 93 %, respectively). Fruit intake was lower among students who were male, living independently, enrolled in a technical study, not adhering to physical activity guidelines, and heavy to excessive alcohol drinkers. Vegetable intake was lower among students who were non-Dutch, living with their parents, not adhering to physical activity guidelines, and moderate and heavy to excessive alcohol drinkers. Most students perceived that their university environment offers sufficient healthy foods (60 %) and F&V (65 %), but also indicated that their F&V intakes would increase with interventions concerning affordable F&V in the university canteen (64 %) or university supermarket (60 %). Students were less disposed to indicate that weekly local farmers’ markets, vegetable parcels or a vegetable garden would increase their F&V intakes.ConclusionsDutch university students do not consume enough F&V. Future efforts that aim to promote students’ F&V intakes should consider the differences between subgroups based on demographic and lifestyle characteristics and that affordable F&V in the university environment might be an effective strategy.

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Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Satisfaction With Life of University Students in Qatar: Changes During Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704562 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Souhail Hermassi ◽

Lawrence D. Hayes ◽

Ahmad Salman ◽

Nilihan E. M. Sanal-Hayes ◽

Emna Abassi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Metabolic Equivalent ◽

Metabolic Equivalent Of Task ◽

The Difference ◽

Time Changes

This study explored the effects of home confinement on physical activity (PA) and satisfaction with life (SL) among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 531 subjects participated [male: n=203; female: n=328; age: 33.1±5.2years; mass: 72.1±17.5kg; height: 1.67±0.12m; and body mass index (BMI): 25.7±5.06 kg/m2]. Online survey questions considered “before” and “during” confinement. Confinement reduced all PA intensities (ηp2=0.09–0.45, p<0.001) and increased daily sitting time (ηp2=0.58, p<0.001). The largest reduction was in moderate intensity PA [metabolic equivalent of task-minutes/week (MET), ηp2=0.45, p<0.001]. SQL decreased, with the score for “I am satisfied with my life” (ηp2=0.42, p<0.001) decreasing from 28.4±5.7 to 20.6±9.7 arbitrary units (AU). Concerning SL, the largest change was detected for “the conditions of my life are excellent” (ηp2=0.54, p<0.001). Time changes in all variables were demonstrative of large negative changes in both sexes. The difference in change between sexes was largest in terms of magnitude for the variable “the conditions of my life are excellent” (difference between groups, Δd=0.98). In sum, COVID-19 confinement reduced PA, heightened sitting time, and reduced SL in Qatar University students. This investigation could have a significant impact in developing PA guidelines for health maintainance during COVID-19 and successive pandemics in university students.

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Active Students Are Healthier and Happier Than Their Inactive Peers: The Results of a Large Representative Cross-Sectional Study of University Students in Ireland

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2017-0432 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 737-746 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Marie H. Murphy ◽

Angela Carlin ◽

Catherine Woods ◽

Alan Nevill ◽

Ciaran MacDonncha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Binary Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines

Background: Time spent in university represents a period of transition and may be an appropriate time to promote physical activity among young adults. The aim of this study was to assess participation of university students in sport and physical activity in Ireland and to explore the association between physical activity and perceptions of overall health, mental health, and happiness. Methods: The Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland was a cross-sectional online survey among a representative sample (n = 8122) of university students in Ireland. Binary logistic regressions were performed to examine associations between self-reported physical activity and gender (predictor variables) and individual perceptions of overall health, mental health, and happiness (binary outcomes). Results: Only 64.3% of respondents met the recommended level of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week with males significantly more active than females (72.1% vs 57.8% meeting guidelines). Those meeting physical activity guidelines were more likely to report greater overall health and higher mental health and happiness scores compared with their inactive peers. Conclusions: Active students enjoy better health (overall and mental) and are happier than their inactive peers. This provides a clear rationale for providing students with opportunities to be active at university. The data provide a baseline to monitor changes in physical activity patterns.

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The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

Sport Sciences for Health ◽

10.1007/s11332-021-00791-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Pears ◽

Susanna Kola-Palmer ◽

Liane Beretta De Azevedo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Online Survey ◽

Depression Score ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Multiple Stepwise Regression Analysis ◽

Previous Diagnosis ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders. Methods An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires. Results Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)]. Conclusion Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations.

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SMART STEP – SMARTphone-driven exercise and pedometer-based STEP intervention to promote physical activity among desk-based employees: Study protocol for a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-213544 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Baskaran Chandrasekaran ◽

Chythra R Rao ◽

Fiddy Davis ◽

Ashokan Arumugam

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Cardiometabolic Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Sickness Absenteeism

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting in desk-based office workers is found to be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and poor cognitive performance. Technology-based physical activity (PA) interventions using smartphone applications (SmPh app) to promote PA levels might be effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk among sedentary population but the evidence remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to investigate the effects of a technology-based PA intervention compared to PA education with a worksite manual or no intervention on PA levels, cardiometabolic risk, cognitive performance, and work productivity among desk-based employees. METHOD: A three-arm clustered randomized trial will be conducted. The study will be conducted among various administrative offices of a multifaceted university in India. Desk-based employees aged between 30 and 50 years (n = 159; 53 in each arm) will be recruited. Employees from various constituent institutions (clusters) of the university will be randomized into one of the three following groups - SMART: SmPh app-driven break reminders (visual exercise prompts) plus pedometer-based step intervention, TRADE: worksite PA education with a manual plus American College of Sports Medicine guided PA prescription, or CONTROL: usual work group. At baseline and after the 1st, 3rd and 6th month of the trial period, accelerometer-measured sitting time and PA levels, cardiometabolic risk (fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, insulin, blood pressure, heart rate variability, functional capacity, and subcutaneous fat), cognitive performance (executive function), sickness absenteeism and work limitations will be assessed by a blinded assessor. Therapist delivering interventions will not be blinded. CONCLUSION: This trial will determine whether a combined SmPh-app and pedometer-based intervention is more effective than education or no intervention in altering PA levels, cardiometabolic risk and cognitive performance among desk-based employees in India. This study has the potential to foster institutional recommendations for using SmPh-based technology and pedometers to promote PA at work.

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Comparative physical activity as a global question to assess physical activity among university students

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00247-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Katharina Diehl ◽

Alessia Brassat ◽

Jennifer Hilger-Kolb

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Group Level ◽

Comparative Measurement ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active ◽

Comparative Optimism ◽

Individual Assessment ◽

The Individual

Abstract Background To assess physical activity (PA), a comparative measurement – evaluating one’s own PA compared to others – may be an appropriate method. In previous studies, the use of comparative measurements led to an effect known as unrealistic comparative optimism (UCO) – people being unrealistically optimistic about their behavior. Our aim was to use this comparative measurement in university students to quantify the prevalence of UCO at the group level and to draw conclusions on its validity. Methods We used data from the Nutrition and Physical Activity in Adolescence Study (NuPhA), a cross-sectional online survey that included only self-reports (n = 689). To assess PA among students, they were asked to rate their PA level compared to that of their same-aged fellow students. In addition, we used the Godin-Shephard leisure-time PA questionnaire and other questions on PA for comparisons. We used bivariate and cluster-based analyses to identify potential UCO. Results We found that UCO at the group level led to an uneven distribution, with a higher proportion of students who rated themselves as being more physically active than average. However, the individual assessment of PA with a single and simple comparative question seemed to be valid. Discussion A global single comparative question seems useful for studies where PA is measured as a covariate in university students.

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Sexual health, alcohol and the university environment: is there a need for sexual health promotion intervention?

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14215 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 269 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sharyn Burns

Keyword(s):

Sexual Health ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Unprotected Sex ◽

Male Students ◽

University Environment ◽

Group Methods ◽

Undergraduate University Students ◽

The University

Background Young university students participate in hazardous drinking and risky sexual health behaviours, however there are few comprehensive interventions targeting this group. Methods: Undergraduate university students aged 18–24 years (n = 2466) were recruited to complete an online survey to investigate the association between levels of alcohol consumption, gender and experienced, second-hand and witnessed sexual health behaviours and situations. Results: Male students and hazardous drinkers were most likely to participate in unprotected sex and regretted sex. Female students and hazardous drinkers were most likely to experience an unwanted sexual advance. Conclusions: Integrated and comprehensive interventions targeting young people in the university setting are needed.

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Perceções sobre criatividade: Estudo com estudantes do Ensino Superior

Revista Portuguesa de Educação ◽

10.21814/rpe.7385 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 141 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Maria de Fátima Morais ◽

Leandro Da Silva Almeida

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

College Students ◽

University Students ◽

Crucial Role ◽

Educational Practices ◽

Education College ◽

And Gender ◽

Curriculum Area ◽

The University ◽

Source Of Information

No mundo atual, a universidade tem um papel crucial na formação de cidadãos capazes de inovar. A criatividade surge, assim, como um conceito a valorizar no ensino superior, mas tal valorização implica alterações no quotidiano educativo. Uma fonte de informação relevante para a rentabilizações das competências criativas nos alunos universitários é auscultar o que estes pensam sobre elas. Neste sentido, a partir do questionário "Universidade e Competências Criativas", foram analisadas perceções de 582 estudantes de uma universidade portuguesa acerca da conceituação e da valorização de criatividade no contexto académico. As percepções foram analisadas em função da área curricular de formação e do género, encontrando-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas para ambas as variáveis. Os resultados permitem reflexões no sentido de aprofundamentos futuros deste estudo, assim como apontam direções para cuidados e reforços a ter nas práticas educativas neste nível de ensino.Palavras-chave: Criatividade; Ensino Superior; Estudantes universitários; Perceções ABSTRACTIn today's world, the University has a crucial role in the education of citizens in order to innovate. Creativity is thus a concept to value in higher education, but that valuation implies changes in the educational practices. A relevant source of information in order to promote creative skills in college students is to gather what they think about those skills. Through the questionnaire "University and Creative Skills" the perceptions of 582 Portuguese university students about the conceptualization and valorization of creativity in the academic contexts were analyzed. The perceptions were analyzed according to the students curriculum area and gender. Data suggest significant statistical differences in function of both variables. The results allow reflections towards further developments of this study but also point directions to reinforce deliberate educational practices in this level of education.Keywords:Creativity; Higher Education; College students; Perceptions

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