The Influence of COVID-19 on University Students’ Well-Being, Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Strength Endurance

Abstract

Background: Very few scientific studies have simultaneously evaluated changes in well-being (WB), physical activity (PA), and strength endurance (SE) based on results from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess WB, PA, and SE levels, as well as body composition parameters in university students before and during the pandemic. Methods: The study included 30 males and 30 females (mean age: 21.7 ± 2.51 and 21.6 ± 2.34 years, respectively). Well-being using the Self-Perception Questionnaire (POMS), PA from the Polish regular version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), body composition parameters using the InBody 270 analyzer, and SE based on the results of a 12 min test involving a Concept 2PM-5 rowing ergometer were assessed before and during the pandemic. Results: An assessment of university students’ WB revealed a significant increase in variables such as tension, depression, anger, confusion, and a significant decline in vigor (p < 0.05). In both sexes, PA and SE decreased significantly—from 2115.4 to 1822.8 METs-min/week and from 2184.5 to 2035 m, respectively, in males, and from 1793.5 to 1699.8 METs-min/week and from 2021.5 to 1943.8 m, respectively, in females. At the same time, body mass and BMI values increased significantly (p < 0.001) in both females and males. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decrease in WB, PA and SE levels in young females and males, and led to a significant increase in their body mass and BMI.

The effect of TRX, combined with vibration training, on BMI, the body fat percentage, myostatin and follistatin, the strength endurance and layup shot skills of female basketball players

“…The statistical analysis revealed significant decreases in BMI and BFP after the TVT training provided to the female basketball players in our study. The experimental group showed superior results compared to the control group in terms of BMI and BFP, which is consistent with previous research [ 9 , 28 , 32 ] indicating improved BMI and lower BFP. Several researchers [ 9 , 17 , 33 ] have agreed that standardized training programs incorporating TRX and Vibration Training, which involve a variety of physical exercises, can increase calorie consumption and fat metabolism, leading to improved fitness and increased fat burning.…”

Correlation of Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Body Composition in American College Students After the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

“…These ndings are somehow similar to the ones of Lopez-Vaneciano et al (2021) which suggest that those students who met the current minimum PA recommendations before the lockdown generally met the recommendations also during the con nements.The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in routines and increased sedentary behaviors for many students. Limited access to gyms, reduced participation in organized sports, and potential changes in dietary habits due to stress, isolation, or disruptions in daily routines may have contributed to weight gain and increased body fat percentage and decreased skeletal muscle mass for some students(Podstawski et al, 2022). As noted in this study, 46% of all study participants maintained an unhealthy body fat percentages, with female students exhibiting an increased predisposition towards body fat percentages above the healthy norms established by WHO.…”

Correlations between Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Body Composition in American College Students after the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

“…The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown led to changes in routines and increased sedentary behaviors for many students [43]. Limited access to gyms, reduced participation in organized sports, and potential changes in dietary habits due to stress, isolation, or disruptions in daily routines might have contributed to weight gain, increased body fat percentage, and decreased skeletal muscle mass for some students [43].…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown led to changes in routines and increased sedentary behaviors for many students [43]. Limited access to gyms, reduced participation in organized sports, and potential changes in dietary habits due to stress, isolation, or disruptions in daily routines might have contributed to weight gain, increased body fat percentage, and decreased skeletal muscle mass for some students [43]. Similar findings were reported in collegiate athletes by Cholewinski et al [44], with COVID-19 lockdown leading to a significant decrease in fat-free mass and increases in fat mass and body fat percentage.…”