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Physical Activity and Mental Health Declined during the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Christina Amo

    (Department of Education, Health, & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA)

  • Najla Almansour

    (Department of Education, Health, & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA)

  • Idethia S. Harvey

    (Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, 313 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA)

Abstract

(1) Introduction: Mental health (MH) and physical activity (PA) share a bi-directional relationship, but most studies report MH as the outcome. With diminishing pandemic-related MH, this review examines the impact of diminished MH on PA. (2) Methods: This narrative literature review included 19 empirical studies published since the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for English language articles in peer-reviewed journals using equivalent index terms: “anxiety”, “depression”, “stress”, “mental health”, “exercise”, “activity”, “COVID-19”, “coronavirus”, and “2019 pandemic”. The search reviewed 187 articles with double-rater reliability using Covidence. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: MH themes that impacted PA were depression and/or anxiety ( n = 17), one of which identified inadequate coping and excessive pandemic stress ( n = 2). In addition, women are more likely to suffer diminished MH and reduced PA throughout the pandemic. (4) Conclusion: Current research suggests that individuals with pre-pandemic MH episodes are correlated with more effective coping skills and fewer adverse effects from COVID-19 than expected. As we emerge from this pandemic, equipping all individuals, especially women, with positive coping strategies may accelerate a seamless return to PA.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina Amo & Najla Almansour & Idethia S. Harvey, 2022. "Physical Activity and Mental Health Declined during the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11230-:d:908785
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hélène Rossinot & Romain Fantin & Julien Venne, 2020. "Behavioral Changes During COVID-19 Confinement in France: A Web-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Chulhwan Choi & Chul-Ho Bum, 2020. "Changes in the Type of Sports Activity Due to COVID-19: Hypochondriasis and the Intention of Continuous Participation in Sports," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-11, July.
    3. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    4. Jan Wilke & Lisa Mohr & Adam S. Tenforde & Pascal Edouard & Chiara Fossati & Marcela González-Gross & Celso Sánchez Ramírez & Fernando Laiño & Benedict Tan & Julian David Pillay & Fabio Pigozzi & Davi, 2021. "A Pandemic within the Pandemic? Physical Activity Levels Substantially Decreased in Countries Affected by COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-11, February.
    5. Laura M. Pérez & Carmina Castellano-Tejedor & Matteo Cesari & Luis Soto-Bagaria & Joan Ars & Fabricio Zambom-Ferraresi & Sonia Baró & Francisco Díaz-Gallego & Jordi Vilaró & María B. Enfedaque & Paula, 2021. "Depressive Symptoms, Fatigue and Social Relationships Influenced Physical Activity in Frail Older Community-Dwellers during the Spanish Lockdown due to the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-13, January.
    6. Kele Ding & Jingzhen Yang & Ming-Kai Chin & Lindsay Sullivan & J. Larry Durstine & Verónica Violant-Holz & Giyasettin Demirhan & Nara R.C. Oliveira & Biljana Popeska & Garry Kuan & Waheeda Khan & Jian, 2021. "Physical Activity among Adults Residing in 11 Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-16, July.
    7. Jerónimo García-Fernández & Pablo Gálvez-Ruiz & Moisés Grimaldi-Puyana & Salvador Angosto & Jesús Fernández-Gavira & M. Rocío Bohórquez, 2020. "The Promotion of Physical Activity from Digital Services: Influence of E-Lifestyles on Intention to Use Fitness Apps," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-15, September.
    8. Raquel Lara & Martha Fernández-Daza & Sara Zabarain-Cogollo & María Angustias Olivencia-Carrión & Manuel Jiménez-Torres & María Demelza Olivencia-Carrión & Adelaida Ogallar-Blanco & Débora Godoy-Izqui, 2021. "Active Coping and Anxiety Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spanish Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-17, August.
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