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Impact of COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Restrictions on Employment Status, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Cheryl A. Howe

    (Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

  • Riley J. Corrigan

    (Honors Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

  • Fernanda Rocha de Faria

    (Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Triângulo Mineiro, Ituiutaba 38305-200, Brazil)

  • Zoe Johanni

    (Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

  • Paul Chase

    (Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

  • Angela R. Hillman

    (Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

Abstract

Background. North Americans report insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and ample sedentary behaviors (SBs), suggesting possible barriers to an active lifestyle. This study compared self-reported MVPA and SB before and during COVID-19 “Stay-at-Home” restrictions as a potential barrier across North America. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed from 21 April to 9 May 2020. ANOVAs compared data overall and by group (age, sex, race, income, education, employment status). Results: During restrictions, 51.4% ( n = 687) of the 1336 responses (991 female, 1187 Caucasian, 634 18–29 years) shifted to work from home and 12.1% ( n = 162) lost their job. Overall, during restrictions, 8.3% ( n = 110) fewer reported work-related MVPA (−178.6 ± 20.9 min/week). Similarly, 28.0% ( n = 374) fewer reported travel-related MVPA, especially females and younger age groups. While the 7.3% ( n = 98) fewer reporting recreational MVPA was not statistically significant (−30.4 ± 11.5 min/week), there was an increase in SB (+94.9 ± 4.1 min/week) in all groups, except the oldest age group (70+ years). Locomotive activities and fitness class remained the predominant MVPA mode. Of those reportedly using facilities (68%; n = 709) before COVID, 31.3% ( n = 418) would not return due to it “being unsafe”. Conclusion: While barriers related to pandemic restrictions had a negative short-term impact on MVPA and SB in North America, the long-term impact is unknown.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheryl A. Howe & Riley J. Corrigan & Fernanda Rocha de Faria & Zoe Johanni & Paul Chase & Angela R. Hillman, 2021. "Impact of COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Restrictions on Employment Status, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:11935-:d:678509
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sean G. Young, 2023. "Hidden Costs of the COVID-19 Pandemic Response," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-7, April.
    2. Nicole Chaudhary & Megan Jones & Sean P. M. Rice & Laura Zeigen & Saurabh Suhas Thosar, 2024. "Transitioning to Working from Home Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Significantly Increased Sedentary Behavior and Decreased Physical Activity: A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-13, June.
    3. Patrick Wilms & Jan Schröder & Rüdiger Reer & Lorenz Scheit, 2022. "The Impact of “Home Office” Work on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-24, September.

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