The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders. Methods An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires. Results Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)]. Conclusion Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations.

Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing during the First COVID-19 Containment in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The mixed-sex generalisability of our study is limited by the rather high sample size of females (72%). This is, however, similar to other investigations that have assessed sitting time and the effect on subjective wellbeing and mental health in the UK during the COVID-19 lockdown [13]. The sex distribution in the sample was not unexpected as research has suggested that females are more likely to respond to online research surveys than males [44], especially if the recruitment relies on convenient and snowballing methods.…”

“…Thus, despite the containment strategies implemented, the New Zealand Government still encouraged participation in some form of physical activity (e.g., walking around the block) [9]. The effect of maintaining physical activity for mental health and subjective wellbeing during the COVID-19 lockdown has been explored in number of investigations [3,8,10,13]. Research has found that individuals who did not reach physical activity guidelines and engaged in more screen time during the COVID-19 containment restrictions had higher scores of depression and stress than those who exercised more during this pe-riod [3].…”

“…Research has found that individuals who did not reach physical activity guidelines and engaged in more screen time during the COVID-19 containment restrictions had higher scores of depression and stress than those who exercised more during this pe-riod [3]. Pears et al [13] found that key sociodemographic and health outcomes, as well as sitting time, explained 42% and 27% of the variance in depression and subjective wellbeing scores, respectively. Subgroup analysis has identified inter-individual differences in mental health during containment analysis [8], with some groups demonstrating an improvement in mental health and wellbeing due to the reduction in mundane stress-inducing factors, commuting and workload.…”

Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression

“…On average, people in the US, Canada and Germany spend 15–17 h per day indoors [ 4 ]. “Stay-at-home” restrictions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, further decreased physical activity, having an adverse impact on mental health [ 5 ]. Lifestyle modifications and self-care practices can help patients to improve their health [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Perceived Physical and Mental Health and Healthy Eating Habits During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

“…The negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic were decreased physical activity, increased screen time, sedentariness, weight gain, poor mental health, and financial problems. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 COVID-19 restrictions affected vulnerable groups, such as people with physical or intellectual disabilities, more severely. 8 Over 90% reported a negative impact on mental health, and 61% reported a reduction in physical activity levels.…”