Internet use and physical activity of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in a northern Japanese City

Abstract

Background Little is known of whether Internet use is associated with physical activity among socially isolated older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study investigated the association between Internet use and physical activity, and whether this association differs depending on social isolation among community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1048 community-dwelling residents aged 65–90 years. Data were obtained using a self-reported questionnaire in August 2020. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between Internet use and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results Internet use showed a significant association with MVPA (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06–1.90) after adjusting for age, sex, self-reported socioeconomic status, and other health-related characteristics. When the results were stratified by social participation and living status, Internet use was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of MVPA among participants with no social participation (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.03–3.17) and living with family (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02–1.93). Conclusion Internet use was associated with sufficient physical activity, and this association may differ depending on the social isolation among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.

Factors Influencing Physical Activity and Exercise in Older Adults during COVID-19 in South Korea

“…Before the COVID-19 outbreak, previous studies [71] reported that mHealth and eHealth interventions based on the use of smartphones or tablet PC use increase PAEXP in older adults. In addition, there are studies showing that the use of ICT devices was significantly associated with PAEXP during COVID-19 confinement [56,57]. Our results support the results of these previous studies [56,57] and simultaneously extend the validity of results showing the factors influencing PAEXP during the COVID-19 lockdown.…”

“…In addition, there are studies showing that the use of ICT devices was significantly associated with PAEXP during COVID-19 confinement [56,57]. Our results support the results of these previous studies [56,57] and simultaneously extend the validity of results showing the factors influencing PAEXP during the COVID-19 lockdown. Therefore, in order to maintain and promote the PAEXP of older adults, it is necessary to continue to pay attention to the application of ICT devices such as smartphones or tablet PCs.…”

“…We also predicted that the use of a virtual exercise program that uses new technology would influence PAEXP in the COVID-19 lockdown, during which virtual interactions became commonplace. This assumption was based on a previous study that reported a positive correlation between ICT use and PAEXP in the context of physical distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [56,57]. The number of rooms was reported by participants, and this variable was categorized as one room, two rooms, three rooms, or more than three rooms.…”

The role of supervision and motivation during exercise on physical and mental health in older adults: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (PRO-Training project)

“…The recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown that face-to-face exercise is not always feasible, highlighting the relevance of alternative strategies when mobility restrictions or accessibility difficulties exist [101]. Home-based exercise sessions have increased in popularity during the pandemic [102][103][104]. In this sense, the development of the mobile application used by the unsupervised exercise groups in the present study might provide a tool with scientific validity to all those older adults who want to start an exercise program from home.…”

The Association between Internet Use and Physical Exercise among Middle-Aged and Older Adults—Evidence from China

“…In this context, the association of Internet use and residents’ physical exercise has gradually become a major research topic [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Some scholars argue that Internet use encourages physical exercise among older adults by increasing individuals’ access to information [ 31 ], facilitating community communication and enhancing the knowledge of exercise and sports. For example, Wang et al (2021) found that Internet use had a significant impact on increasing physical exercise by using the 2017 China General Social Survey data [ 33 ].…”