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Anxiety and Leisure-Domain Physical Activity Frequency, Duration, and Intensity During Covid-19 Pandemic
Cassio M Meira1, Kaique S Meneguelli1, Maysa P G Leopoldo1
1School of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Frontiers in Psychology
|January 15, 2021
Summary
Engaging in frequent and prolonged leisure-time physical activity significantly reduced anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. This inverse relationship between physical activity and anxiety held true regardless of activity intensity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic heightened global anxiety levels.
- Understanding protective factors against pandemic-related anxiety is crucial.
- Leisure-time physical activity is a potential mitigating factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between state anxiety and leisure-domain physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To determine if physical activity frequency, duration, or intensity impacts anxiety levels.
- To explore demographic and pre-pandemic psychological factors influencing this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 571 adults in São Paulo State, Brazil.
- Validated questionnaires assessed state-trait anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory) and physical activity (VIGITEL).
- Data collected before (March 2020) and during (June 2020) the pandemic; analyzed using non-parametric tests and linear regression.
Main Results:
- Anxiety levels were significantly higher during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic.
- Frequent and long duration of leisure-time physical activity were associated with reduced anxiety.
- The inverse relationship between physical activity and anxiety was independent of gender, age, education, trait anxiety, and prior physical activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Leisure-time physical activity serves as a protective factor against increased anxiety during pandemics.
- Promoting regular, longer physical activity may be a key public health strategy for mental well-being.
- Future research should explore specific mechanisms linking physical activity and anxiety reduction.
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