Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during early COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To assess how the early stages of National governments Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment strategies impacted upon the physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia Design: Observational, cross-sectional Setting: Online survey disseminated in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia within the first 2-6 weeks of government mandated COVID-19 restrictions Participants: Adults (n = 8,425; 44.5 [14.8] y), ≥ 18 y who were residing in the surveyed countries Main outcome measures: Stages of Change scale for exercise behaviour change, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form), World Health Organisation-5 Well-being Index and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9 Results: Participants who reported a negative change in exercise behaviour between pre- and during the early COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated poorer mental health and well-being compared to those who had either a positive change- or no change in their exercise behaviour (p<0.001). Whilst women reported more positive changes in exercise behaviour, young people (18-29y) reported more negative changes (both p<0.001). Individuals who engaged in more physical activity reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001). Although there were no differences in physical activity between countries, individuals in New Zealand reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 restrictions have differentially impacted upon the physical activity habits of individuals based upon their age and sex, and therefore have important implications for international policy and guideline recommendations. Public health interventions that encourage physical activity should target specific groups (e.g., men, young adults) who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of physical distancing and/or self-isolation.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic Movement Restrictions on Self-Reported Physical Activity and Health in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…In our survey, those respondents who continued to maintain their usual level of physical activity throughout the lockdown, recognized the importance of PA on their well-being especially mental health. This is in line with other research that has shown the benefits of physical activity on mental health [ 18 , 43 , 44 , 45 ] and in particular with a survey conducted in New Zealand that showed positive correlations between self-reported PA and well-being [ 43 ]. In this study, people who had negative or no change in their PA from pre-during lockdown, reported worse well-being, depression, stress and anxiety compared to those who had positive changes in PA [ 43 ].…”

“…Respondents in our survey would be considered as being sufficiently physically active according to the current World Health Organisation (WHO) physical activity guidelines for adults [ 42 ]. In a similar survey conducted in four high-income countries including New Zealand, it was found that adults in New Zealand had the least change to their physical activity in the early stages of the lockdown [ 43 ]. In New Zealand the movement restrictions still allowed for engagement in exercise in the vicinity of people’s homes therefore this may have also contributed to allowing people to continue with some physical activity during lockdown.…”

Psychological Health and Physical Activity Levels during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

“…Some studies showed negative impacts of the lockdown on mental health and physical activity [ 47 , 48 , 49 ]. Some researchers investigated pandemic-related stages of change in exercise behavior based on the transtheoretical model of behavior change [ 50 ], and participants who were at a negative stage of change during the early COVID-19 restrictions showed poorer mental health and well-being than did participants in other change stages [ 51 ].…”

The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) related public-health measures on training behaviours of individuals previously participating in resistance training: A cross-sectional survey study

“…Research as to how COVID-19-associated restrictions influenced general physical activity levels is somewhat equivocal, with some studies indicating an increase in overall participation [15][16][17] and others showing a negative impact [18,19]. Variances appear to be explained, at least in part, by region-specific and both demographic and socio-economic factors [19,20]. However, while these studies provide insights into general global physical activity patterns, there is little research into how the pandemic influenced RT behaviours.…”

“…However, while these studies provide insights into general global physical activity patterns, there is little research into how the pandemic influenced RT behaviours. While one report suggested that women and younger ages groups may have reduced engagement in RT [20], others have reported RT as being a more common form of exercise during-the lockdown [18]. With the closure of the typical locations for engaging in RT, many have offered recommendations to adapt and continue engagement in 'muscle strengthening activity' such as RT at home, and with alternative modalities (such as bodyweight exercise or home equipment), both for the general population [21][22][23][24][25], and for sports participants [26][27][28].…”