The relationship between physical activity and mental health in a sample of the UK public: A cross-sectional study during the implementation of COVID-19 social distancing measures

Abstract

Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the cross-sectional association between physical activity levels with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and positive mental well-being in a sample of the UK public social distancing owing to COVID-19. Method This paper presents pre-planned interim analyses of data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Levels of physical activity during COVID-I9 social distancing were self-reported. Mental health was measured using the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory. Mental wellbeing was measured using The Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Participants also reported on sociodemographic and clinical data. The association between physical activity and mental health was studied using regression models. Results 902 adults were included in this study (63.8% of women and 50.1% of people aged 35–64 years). After adjusting for covariates, there was a negative association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day in hours and poor mental health (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80–0.97). Similar findings were obtained for moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms, moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms and poor mental wellbeing. Conclusions In the present sample of UK adults social distancing owing to COVID-19 those who were physically active have better overall mental health. Owing, to the cross-sectional design of the present study the direction of the association cannot be inferred.

Changes in Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep across the COVID-19 National Lockdown Period in Scotland

“…Previous studies focusing on 24-hour movement behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic have mainly reported immediate changes in these behaviors during the initial national lockdowns [3,4]. The results of the current study align with previously reported changes in physical activity, sitting and sleep.…”

Being active during lockdown: the recovery potential of physical activity for well-being

“…The present study is the only study to date that has considered the importance of recovery experiences when looking at the relationship between physical activity and well-being in the specific situation of the COVID-19 lockdown. The added value of this study compared to other studies on physical activity and well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown [14][15][16][17] is that it demonstrates that the beneficial effect of physical activity on wellbeing during lockdown only exists if individuals experience these recovery experiences during their engagement in physical activity. In addition, the added value of this study compared to [19] is that it shows positive relationships between recovery experiences and well-being in a non-work context, in the particular situation of the COVID-19 lockdown.…”

“…Given the beneficial effects of physical activity on well-being, one might think that physical activity during the COVID19 lockdown had positive consequences on the well-being of individuals. Some studies have shown a negative relationship between physical activity and mental health or well-being during lockdown [14][15][16][17]. In their study, Cheval and colleagues [17] have shown (1) an increase in time spent on moderate PA and walking during lockdown, as well as an increase in time spent on sedentary activities, and (2) a negative relationship between increased time spent on sedentary activities and mental health or vitality.…”

<p>Moving More and Sitting Less as Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors are Protective Factors for Insomnia, Depression, and Anxiety Among Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic</p>

“…17,21 Indeed, many researchers have taken the potential role of PA into consideration when it comes to the impact of COVID-19 on MHP. 14,[23][24][25] For example, a study on Chinese general population found that not exercising was a common risk factor for sleep disorder, depression and anxiety. 23 Nevertheless, a recent study published in May 2020 found that irregular PA was associated with both higher odds of depression and anxiety and showed some protective effect for adolescent mental health during this global public health emergency.…”