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

Abstract

In the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, lockdown measures were reinstalled and were in place between November 2020 and April 2021, including the closure of physical activity facilities. The aim of the current online survey was to assess the lockdown effects on physical activity and well-being in the general population. Pre-lockdown vs. lockdown differences were tested with the Χ2 test and the Student’s t-test for paired data. Predictor variables to explain compliance with physical activity recommendations were identified using a fixed-effects binary logistic regression analysis. Data of 993 respondents were analyzed. Transport-related and leisure-time physical activity decreased (p < 0.001, d = 0.25, and p < 0.001, d = 0.33, respectively). Compliance with physical activity recommendations decreased from 42.2% to 29.4% (chi2 (1, 1986) = 35.335, p < 0.001, V = 0.13). Well-being decreased significantly (t (990) = 23.405, p < 0.001) by 16.3 points (d = 0.74). Physical activity and well-being declined in German adults during the second COVID-19-related lockdown. Physical activity should be promoted also in light of the emerging evidence on its protective effects against COVID-19.

Going Online?—Can Online Exercise Classes during COVID-19-Related Lockdowns Replace in-Person Offers?

“…The ongoing pandemic and the extensive confinement measures might have worn down people. Indeed, we have documented a dramatic increase in depressive symptoms during the second lockdown in Germany [ 12 ]. Mental well-being was also a statistically significant predictor of OEC use in our sample, and the respondents with depressive symptoms seem to be especially impacted by interpersonal characteristics of OECs, such as a lack of interaction with others and the guidance from trainers.…”

“…The questionnaire contained three major parts: one on habitual PA, one on well-being and one on the use of and opinion towards OECs [ 12 ]. Data on habitual PA and well-being can be found elsewhere [ 12 ]; here, we report on the OECs.…”

“…The questionnaire contained three major parts: one on habitual PA, one on well-being and one on the use of and opinion towards OECs [ 12 ]. Data on habitual PA and well-being can be found elsewhere [ 12 ]; here, we report on the OECs. We used the respective questions from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS wave 2) [ 20 ] in the official German translation to assess the anthropometric data, such as the height and weight (BM1–2), and PA (PE1–PE8).…”

“…To date, low PA levels have declined further in many countries, including Germany [ 8 , 9 ]. Parallel to this, high levels of overweight and obesity have increased further [ 10 ], and mental health has seriously deteriorated [ 11 , 12 ]. The reduction in PA levels is alarming, since—beyond the well documented effects on the risk and progression of chronic diseases—the body of evidence on the protective effects against severe COVID-19 disease and death is increasing [ 13 , 14 ].…”

Associations between Health Education and Mental Health, Burnout, and Work Engagement by Application of Audiovisual Stimulation

“…However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies had to face different challenges such as physical distancing, mandatory lockdowns, and isolation periods [ 9 ]—circumstances that impede offering adequate WHP. In Germany for example, the statutory health insurance expense for prevention and health promotion fell from 630.8 million Euro (2019) to 414 million Euro (2020) [ 10 ], in times where stress, depression, panic, anxiety, or sleep disorders dramatically impacted the mental health status and well-being of individuals [ 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”