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Physical Activity during COVID-19 Lockdown: Data from An Italian Survey
Matteo Guidetti1,2, Alberto Averna1, Greta Castellini3
1Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, most Italians remained highly active, primarily through domestic and leisure activities. Higher physical activity correlated with increased energy and vitality, suggesting a positive psychological response to containment measures.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic necessitated global lockdowns and quarantines.
- Concerns arose regarding reduced physical activity and mental health impacts on quarantined populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physical activity levels and psychological well-being in the Italian population during lockdown.
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- Online administration of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Psychological General Well-Being index-Short version (PGWB-S).
- Analysis of data from 317 adult Italian respondents during the lockdown period.
Main Results:
- 60.9% of participants were highly active, mainly engaging in domestic and leisure activities.
- Higher physical activity levels were significantly associated with greater feelings of energy and vitality (p < 0.0001).
- Participants met World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines, reporting a moderately positive psychological reaction to lockdown.
Conclusions:
- Domestic and leisure activities were key to maintaining high physical activity levels during lockdown.
- Physical activity positively influenced psychological well-being, contributing to energy and vitality.
- The Italian population demonstrated resilience, with physical activity mitigating negative psychological effects of the lockdown.
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