Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

BMC Public Health

Rodrigo Luiz Vancini¹  Paulo José Puccinelli²  Taline Santos da Costa²  Marilia Santos Andrade²  Aldo Seffrin²  Lee Hill³  Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira⁴  Thomas Rosemann⁵  Beat Knechtle⁶  Pantelis T. Nikolaidis⁷ 

[1] Center for Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Victoria, Brazil;Department of Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil;Divison of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada;Human and Exercise Physiology Division, Faculty of Physical Education and Dance, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil;Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland;Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;School of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece;

关键词: Pandemic;    Social distancing;    COVID-19;    Physical exercise;    Mood state;    Depression;    Anxiety;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-021-10470-z

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising.ResultsThe physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

【 授权许可】

CC BY