Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Impact of risk for severe COVID-19 illness on physical activity during the pandemic
Kelly L Wierenga1, Susan M Perkins2, Anna K Forster1
1Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Background:
Precautions to mitigate spread of COVID-19 such as the closing of exercise facilities impacted physical activity behaviors. Varied risks for severe COVID-19 may have influenced participation in regular physical activity to maintain precautions.
Objective:
Describe differences in the amount and intensity of physical activity between adults at high versus low risk for severe COVID-19 illness during the pandemic. We hypothesized that over 13 months, 1) high-risk adults would have greater odds of inactivity than low-risk adults, and 2) when active, high-risk adults would have lower metabolic equivalent of task minutes (MET-min) than low-risk adults.
Methods:
This longitudinal observational cohort study surveyed U.S. adults' demographics, health history, and physical activity beginning March 2020 using REDCap. Using self-report, health history was assessed with a modified Charlson Comorbidity Index and physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Repeated physical activity measurements were conducted in June, July, October, and December of 2020, and in April of 2021. Two models, a logistic model evaluating physical inactivity (hypothesis 1) and a gamma model evaluating total MET-min for physically active individuals (hypothesis 2), were used. Models were controlled for age, gender, and race.
Results:
The final sample consisted of 640 participants (mean age 42.7 ± 15.7, 78% women, 90% white), with n = 175 categorized as high-risk and n = 465 as low-risk. The odds of inactivity for the high-risk adults were 2.8 to 4.1 times as high than for low-risk adults at baseline and 13 months. Active high-risk adults had lower MET-min levels than low-risk adults in March (28%, p = 0.001), June (29%, p = 0.002), and July of 2020 (30%, p = 0.005) only.
Conclusions:
Adults at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness were disproportionately more likely to be physically inactive and exhibit lower MET-min levels than adults at low risk during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV