Physical activity and mental well-being under COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional multination study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced opportunities for physical activity (PA) and encouraged more sedentary lifestyles. A concomitant of sedentariness is compromised mental health. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations (USA, UK, France, and Australia).

Methods

An online survey was administered in the second quarter of 2020 (N = 2541). We measured planned and unplanned dimensions of PA using the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental health using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Steps per day were recorded only from participants who used an electronic device for this purpose, and sedentary behavior was reported in hours per day (sitting and screen time).

SUBMITTER: Karageorghis CI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8154111 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature