Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during initial COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis

James Faulkner, Wendy O'Brien, Bronagh McGrane, Daniel Wadsworth, John Batten, Chris Askew, Claire Badenhorst, Erin Byrd, Maura Coulter, Nick Draper, Catherine Elliot, Simon Fryer, Mike Hamlin, John Jakeman, Kelly Mackintosh, Melitta McNarry, Andrew Mitchelmore, John Murphy, Helen Ryan-Stewart, Zoe SaynorMia Schaumberg, Keeron Stone, Lee Stoner, beth stuart, Danielle Lambrick

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Abstract

Objectives To assess physical activity (PA), mental health and well-being of adults in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, New Zealand and Australia during the initial stages of National governments’ Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment responses. Design Observational, cross-sectional. Methods An online survey was disseminated to adults (n = 8,425; 44.5 ± 14.8y) residing in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia within the first 2-6 weeks of government-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. Main outcome measures included: Stages of Change scale for exercise behaviour change; International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form); World Health Organisation-5 Well-being Index; and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9. Results Participants who reported a negative change in exercise behaviour from before initial COVID-19 restrictions to during the initial COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated poorer mental health and well-being compared to those demonstrating either a positive-or no change in their exercise behaviour (p < 0.001). Whilst women reported more positive changes in exercise behaviour, young people (18-29y) reported more negative changes (both p < 0.001). Individuals who had more positive exercise behaviours reported better mental health and well-being (p < 0.001). Although there were no differences in PA between countries, individuals in New Zealand reported better mental health and well-being (p < 0.001). Conclusion The initial COVID-19 restrictions have differentially impacted upon PA habits of individuals based upon their age and sex, and therefore have important implications for international policy and guideline recommendations. Public health interventions that encourage PA should target specific groups (e.g., men, young adults) who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of physical distancing and/or self-isolation.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Coronavirus disease
  • Pandemic
  • Lifestyle behaviour change
  • Exercise
  • Depression
  • Sedentary time

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