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Physical Activity during the First COVID-19-Related Lockdown in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Eszter Füzéki

    (Division of Preventive and Sports Medicine, Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
    Contributed equally.)

  • Jan Schröder

    (Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
    Contributed equally.)

  • Nicolò Carraro

    (Center for Sports Medicine, Department of Prevention, ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy)

  • Laura Merlo

    (Center for Sports Medicine, Department of Prevention, ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy)

  • Rüdiger Reer

    (Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany)

  • David A. Groneberg

    (Division of Preventive and Sports Medicine, Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany)

  • Winfried Banzer

    (Division of Preventive and Sports Medicine, Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany)

Abstract

The spread of the COVID-19 virus was met by a strict lockdown in many countries around the world, with the closure of all physical activity (PA) facilities and limitations on moving around freely. The aim of the present online survey was to assess the effect of lockdown on physical activity in Italy. Physical activity was assessed using the European Health Interview Survey questionnaire. A total of 1500 datasets were analyzed. Differences between conditions were tested with a chi 2 -based (χ 2 ) test for categorical variables, and with the Student’s t -test for paired data. A fixed effects binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify relevant predictor variables to explain the compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. We found a substantial decline in all physical activity measures. Mean differences in walking and cycling metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week (METmin/week), respectively, were 344.4 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 306.6–382.2; p < 0.001) and 148.5 (95% CI: 123.6–173.5; p < 0.001). Time spent in leisure time decreased from 160.8 to 112.6 min/week (mean difference 48.2; 95% CI: 40.4–56.0; p < 0.001). Compliance with WHO recommendations decreased from 34.9% to 24.6% (chi 2 (1, 3000) = 38.306, p < 0.001, V = 0.11). Logistic regression showed a reduced chance (OR 0.640, 95% CI: 0.484–0.845; p = 0.001) to comply with WHO PA recommendations under lockdown conditions. Measures to promote physical activity should be intensified to limit detrimental health effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Eszter Füzéki & Jan Schröder & Nicolò Carraro & Laura Merlo & Rüdiger Reer & David A. Groneberg & Winfried Banzer, 2021. "Physical Activity during the First COVID-19-Related Lockdown in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2511-:d:509796
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. 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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