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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour: A Qualitative Study in a Canadian City

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  • Jennie A. Petersen

    (Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
    Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada)

  • Calli Naish

    (Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
    Department of Communication, Media and Film, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Dalia Ghoneim

    (Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada)

  • Jason L. Cabaj

    (Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
    Provincial Population & Public Health, Alberta Health Services, 10301 Southport Lane SW, Calgary, AB T2W 1S7, Canada)

  • Patricia K. Doyle-Baker

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
    School of Planning, Architecture, and Landscape, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Gavin R. McCormack

    (Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
    Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
    School of Planning, Architecture, and Landscape, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
    Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 1-104 Totsukamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan)

Abstract

Public health measures introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the physical activity, health, and well-being of millions of people. This grounded theory study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical activity and perceptions of health among adults in a Canadian city (Calgary). Twelve adults (50% females; 20–70 years) were interviewed between June and October (2020) via telephone or videoconferencing. Using a maximum variation strategy, participants with a range of sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity levels, and perceptions of seriousness and anxiety related to COVID-19 were selected. Semi-structured interviews captured participant perceptions of how their physical activity and perceptions of health changed during the pandemic. Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (1) Disruption to Daily Routines, (2) Changes in Physical Activity, (3) Balancing Health, and (4) Family Life. Participants experienced different degrees of disruption in their daily routines and physical activity based on their individual circumstances (e.g., pre-pandemic physical activity, family life, and access to resources). Although participants faced challenges in modifying their daily routines and physical activity, many adapted. Some participants reported enhanced feelings of well-being. Public health strategies that encourage physical activity and promote health should be supported as they are needed during pandemics, such as COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennie A. Petersen & Calli Naish & Dalia Ghoneim & Jason L. Cabaj & Patricia K. Doyle-Baker & Gavin R. McCormack, 2021. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour: A Qualitative Study in a Canadian City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4441-:d:541188
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bronwyn K. Clark & Charlotte L. Brakenridge & Genevieve N. Healy, 2022. "The Importance of Research on Occupational Sedentary Behaviour and Activity Right Now," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-5, November.
    2. Ardvin Kester S. Ong & Yogi Tri Prasetyo & Godwin M. Bagon & Christian Hope S. Dadulo & Nathaniel O. Hortillosa & Morrissey A. Mercado & Thanatorn Chuenyindee & Reny Nadlifatin & Satria Fadil Persada, 2022. "Investigating Factors Affecting Behavioral Intention among Gym-Goers to Visit Fitness Centers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Integrating Physical Activity Maintenance Theory and Social Cognitive Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-22, September.
    3. Verity Hailey & Alexandra Burton & Mark Hamer & Daisy Fancourt & Abigail Fisher, 2022. "Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK: A Qualitative Analysis of Free-Text Survey Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-15, November.

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