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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
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Physical activity and sitting time changes in response to the COVID-19 lockdown in England
Daniel P Bailey1,2, Amy V Wells3, Terun Desai3
1Sedentary Behaviour, Health and Disease Research Group, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|July 21, 2022
Summary
During COVID-19 lockdowns, physical activity and sitting increased. Lower education and higher BMI were linked to less physical activity, while younger age correlated with more sitting.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- National governments implemented contact-limiting measures to curb COVID-19 spread.
- Understanding the impact of these measures on physical activity and sitting is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in physical activity and sitting during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England.
- To identify demographic and behavioral factors associated with these changes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey collected data from 818 adults.
- Self-reported physical activity and sitting before and during lockdown were analyzed.
- Paired t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and logistic regression were employed.
Main Results:
- Walking and total physical activity significantly increased during lockdown.
- The proportion of participants with high sitting increased from 29% to 41%.
- Lower education, higher BMI, and younger age were associated with specific changes in activity and sitting.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity and sitting behaviors both changed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Demographic and behavioral factors influencing these changes can inform future public health interventions during confinement.
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