JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

COVID-19 restrictions may make it difficult for people to engage in the recommended amounts of physical activity (PA).

Objective:

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA, as well as the links between PA and mental health, were investigated in this study.

Methods:

Participants (aged 18 and above) were recruited using convenience sampling and responded to an online survey between April 15 and July 1, 2021. To assess general psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and pandemic anxiety, a battery of mental health assessments was used. Participants reported the amount of time and days spent on vigorous, moderate, and walking activities. Participants also indicated the locations they performed PA before and during COVID-19.

Results:

A sample of 381 individuals was included in this research. Correlation and linear regression findings showed that greater PA during COVID-19 related to fewer symptoms of psychological distress, depression and anxiety (ps < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that individuals that were highly active were less likely to develop, as compared to inactive individuals, from psychological distress (OR=0.462, P=.004), clinically relevant depression and anxiety (OR=0.262, P<.001; OR = 0.539, P=.052). Likewise, as compared to inactive individuals, those who were minimally active had a marginally lower risk of depression (OR=0.56, P=0.09). Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests revealed that COVID-19 had a greater impact on reducing chances for less active individuals to engage in PA outside and in public spaces. Highly active people's physical exercise locations had changed less, and their time spent performing PA at home increased.

Conclusions:

Programmatic and policy interventions geared particularly at enhancing PA, such as encouraging outside activities as COVID-19 restrictions are eased and encouraging more home-based PA amid restrictions, should be established in order to address the worldwide pandemic’s mental health crisis.