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Physical activity and mental well-being under COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional multination study
Costas I Karageorghis1, Jonathan M Bird2, Jasmin C Hutchinson3
1Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. costas.karageorghis@brunel.ac.uk.
COVID-19 lockdowns negatively impacted physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior, leading to poorer mental health, especially in women. Young adults and Australians experienced significant declines in planned PA and increased sedentary time.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- COVID-19 lockdowns restricted physical activity (PA) opportunities, promoting sedentary lifestyles.
- Sedentary behavior is linked to compromised mental health outcomes.
- The study examined the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health in four Western nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on physical activity levels.
- To assess changes in sedentary behavior during the lockdown period.
- To evaluate the impact of lockdown on mental health across different demographics and nations.
Main Methods:
- An online survey collected data from 2541 participants in the USA, UK, France, and Australia during Q2 2020.
- Physical activity was measured using the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire, assessing planned and unplanned dimensions.
- Mental health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire; steps per day and sedentary hours (sitting, screen time) were also recorded.
Main Results:
- A significant decline in planned physical activity was observed in the USA and Australia during lockdown.
- Young adults showed the largest reduction in unplanned PA, while sedentary behavior and screen time increased significantly, particularly among young adults.
- Across nations, participants reduced daily steps by approximately 2000, and mental health declined, with a more pronounced effect observed in women.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 lockdowns had detrimental effects on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and mental health in the studied Western nations.
- Australian young and middle-aged adults experienced particularly severe reductions in planned physical activity.
- The observed decline in mental health highlights the significant negative impact of lockdowns, especially for women.
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