Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveIn March 2020, several countries banned unnecessary outdoor activities during COVID-19, commonly called ‘lockdowns. These lockdowns have the potential to impact associated levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Given the numerous health outcomes associated with physical activity and sedentary behaviour, the aim of this review was to summarise literature that investigated differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour before vs during the COVID-19 lockdown.Design, data sources and eligibility criteriaElectronic databases were searched from November 2019 to October 2020 using terms and synonyms relating to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and COVID-19. The coprimary outcomes were changes in physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour captured via device-based measures or self-report tools. Risk of bias was measured using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsSixty six articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review (total n=86 981). Changes in physical activity were reported in 64 studies, with the majority of studies reporting decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behaviours during their respective lockdowns across several populations, including children and patients with a variety of medical conditions.ConclusionGiven the numerous physical and mental benefits of increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behaviour, public health strategies should include the creation and implementation of interventions that promote safe physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour should other lockdowns occur.

Changes in Sitting Time, Screen Exposure and Physical Activity during COVID-19 Lockdown in South American Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Despite efforts to keep people physically active during social isolation [30], the implemented strategies do not appear to have been effective in increasing PA and reducing ST [31]. This situation has an immediate impact on people's health because of the negative effect on the immune system and, thus, a greater predisposition to contagion [32].…”

Strange Days: Adult Physical Activity and Mental Health in the First Two Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…An inadvertent consequence of COVID public health protocols has been a decline in physical activity. A systematic review of 66 studies examining physical activity and sedentary behavior during COVID demonstrated consistent declines in physical activity during the initial COVID-19 lockdown regardless of subpopulation or methodology used (21). Such observations are not unexpected given widespread closure of recreation facilities and public parks, a shift to working from home, and shelter-in-place protocols.…”

Covid-19 lockdown: Ethnic differences in children’s self-reported physical activity and the importance of leaving the home environment. A longitudinal and cross-sectional study from the Born in Bradford birth cohort study

“…15 Further, early evidence suggest such populations are more likely suffer the most during and after the pandemic. 4, 16–20 Research conducted during COVID-19 has already reported low levels and significant reductions of children’s PA. 21, 22 It is essential to understand the impact of the pandemic on PA levels and behaviours for different ethnic groups for two reasons, first to prevent inactive behaviours becoming entrenched and second, to tailor support for different populations by addressing the root causes of PA inequality within different populations. 23…”