Physical Activity Change during COVID-19 Confinement

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The lockdown and social distancing caused by COVID-19 may influence common health behavior. The unprecedent worldwide confinement, in which Spain has been one of the most affected-with severe rules governing confinement-may have changed physical activity (PA) and sedentary habits due to prolonged stays at home. <b>Purpose:</b> The aim of this study is to evaluate how self-reported PA and sedentary time (ST) have changed during confinement in the Spanish population. <b>Methods:</b> 3800 healthy adults (age 18-64 years) residing in Spain answered the international physical activity questionnaire short (IPAQ-S) twice between 23 March and 1 April (confinement). Data analysis was carried out taking into consideration meeting general PA recommendations before confinement, age and gender. <b>Results:</b> Self-reported PA decreased significantly during confinement in our sample. Vigorous physical activities (VPA) and walking time decreased by 16.8% (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and 58.2% (<i>p</i> < 0.001), respectively, whereas ST increased by 23.8% (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The percent of people fulfilling the 75 min/week of VPA recommendation decreased by 10.7% (<i>p</i> < 0.001) while the percent of people who reached 150 min/week of moderate activity barely changed (1.4%). The group that performed <b>the most</b> VPA before confinement showed the greatest decrease (30.5%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Men reduced time in VPA more than women (21% vs 9%, respectively) who even increased time in moderate PA by 11% (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and <b>reported</b> less increase in ST than men (35% vs 25.3%, respectively). <b>Conclusion:</b> The Spanish adult population, especially young people, students and very active men, decreased daily self-reported PA and increased ST during COVID-19 confinement.