Decreases in individuals’ physical activity and increases in sedentary behavior and bodyweight have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study assessed the ability of physical activity monitoring, which may promote physical activity and discourage sedentary behavior, to mitigate these negative outcomes. An evaluation of university samples (N = 404, 40.5 ± 15.4 years) of self-reported physical activity, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight prior to the closure of campus due to the pandemic in March of 2020 and again at the time of the survey administration (May–June 2020) during pandemic-related restrictions was performed. Participants also reported whether they did (n = 172) or did not (n = 232) regularly use physical activity monitoring technology. While physical activity was unchanged during the pandemic (p ≥ 0.15), participants significantly increased sitting by 67.8 ± 156.6 min/day and gained 0.64 ± 3.5 kg from pre-campus to post-campus closure (p < 0.001). However, the use of activity monitoring did not moderate these changes. In conclusion, while physical activity was not affected, participants reported significant increases in sedentary behavior and bodyweight during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes occurred regardless of whether participants regularly used physical activity monitoring or not.

y) were analyzed. As a result of pandemic restrictions, 51.4% (n=687) of the sample shifted to work from home and 12.1% (n=162) lost their job. Overall, during COVID restrictions, 8.3% (n=110) fewer reported work-related MVPA with a reduction of 178.6±20.9 min/wk (range: -67.6±32.2 min/wk in those with no change in employment to -611.0±91.3 min/wk in those who lost their job). Canada reported less of a decrease in work-related MVPA (-109.4±47.3 min/week; adj. p=0.08) compared to United States (-184.6±22.4; adj. p<0.0001). Similarly, 28.0% (n=374) fewer reported travel-related MVPA, with more of a decrease in females and younger age groups, and no difference across employment change. While 7.3% (n=98) fewer reported recreational MVPA, there was no significant decrease (-30.4±11.5 min/wk) in reported time overall and in all group comparisons. There was a significant increase in time spent in SB (watching TV and sitting; +94.9±4.1 min/wk) in all groups, except the oldest age group (70+ y). There was no change in PA mode, with locomotive and fitness classes as the predominant mode at both timepoints. Of the 68% (n=709) participants who reported using PA facilities (gyms, clubs, etc.), 31.3% (n=418) stated they would not return, with "being unsafe" as the most predominant reason. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, pandemic restrictions had a negative impact on PA and SB in both Canada and United States. More research is needed to examine the impact of these pandemic restrictions long-term.