Longitudinal changes in physical activity during and after the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England

Abstract

Recent studies have shown reduced physical activity at early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a lack of investigation on longitudinal changes in physical activity beyond lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. Moreover, it is unclear if there is heterogeneity in physical activity growth trajectories. This study aimed to explore longitudinal patterns of physical activity and factors associated with them. Data were from the UCL COVID-19 Social Study. The analytical sample consisted of 35,915 adults in England who were followed up for 22 weeks from 24th March to 23rd August 2020. Data were analysed using growth mixture models. Our analyses identified six classes of growth trajectories, including three stable classes showing little change over time (62.4% in total), two classes showing decreasing physical activity (28.6%), and one class showing increasing physical activity over time (9%). A range of factors were found to be associated the class membership of physical activity trajectories, such as age, gender, education, income, employment status, and health. There is substantial heterogeneity in longitudinal changes in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a substantial proportion of our sample showed persistent physical inactivity or decreasing physical activity. Given the well-established link between physical activity and health, persistent or increased physical inactivity is likely to have both immediate and long-term implications for people’s physical and mental health, as well as general wellbeing. More efforts are needed to promote physical activity during the pandemic and beyond.

Physical Activity and Well-Being during the Second COVID19-Related Lockdown in Germany in 2021

“…Smartphone-tracked PA data from the United Kingdom also indicated heterogeneous changes post-lockdown: while previously active people managed to increase their activity upon the lifting of the restrictions, moderately active people remained at their lockdown low [40]. The COVID-19 Social Study with 35,915 participants identified six different trajectories in the longitudinal change of PA [41]. Almost 30% of respondents reduced their activities, and 12% remained inactive over time [41].…”

“…The COVID-19 Social Study with 35,915 participants identified six different trajectories in the longitudinal change of PA [41]. Almost 30% of respondents reduced their activities, and 12% remained inactive over time [41]. Taken together, it seems plausible that at least some PA measures in certain population groups could have been reduced sustainably following the first lockdown.…”

Changes in Physical Activity Compared to the Situation before the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Korea

“…As a result, it is considered that a plan for each subject should be developed to increase their participation in moderate intensity physical activities. While a study reported that the changes in physical activity before and after COVID-19 are not affected by marital status [ 15 ], the type of family or cohabitant still needs to be considered as an effective factor to physical activity as the time spent on physical activity is 1.54 times more if one lives with a child than living alone [ 19 ]. Especially, efforts must be made to increase physical activity among those living alone or without a partner.…”

Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing of Adults within and during the Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions, in the United Kingdom and New Zealand

“…There is evidence that physical activity (PA) has strong relevance for limiting and protecting human health during the pandemic [1]. However, physical distancing and self-isolation directives, implemented by many national governments to reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, have been associated with decreased PA engagement [2,3]. During the initial COVID-19 containment (lockdown) period, PA decreased by more than 25% [3][4][5][6][7], whilst physical inactivity was associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalisations, admission to intensive care units and death [8].…”

“…However, physical distancing and self-isolation directives, implemented by many national governments to reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, have been associated with decreased PA engagement [2,3]. During the initial COVID-19 containment (lockdown) period, PA decreased by more than 25% [3][4][5][6][7], whilst physical inactivity was associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalisations, admission to intensive care units and death [8]. The University College London COVID-19 study demonstrated that a substantial proportion of their 35,915 adult sample showed persistent physical inactivity or decreasing PA during the first 22 weeks of the pandemic [3].…”