COVID-19: Physical Activity Behavior Change among Athletes in Québec (Canada)

Abstract

The context of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented restrictions. Within Canada, which is among the most stringent countries in terms of sanitary rules, Québec was among the provinces that imposed the strictest sanitary measures. The impacts of some measures were felt the most among athletes since they made it difficult, if not impossible, to practice their sports. This article therefore aimed to (1) evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the athletes’ overall level of physical activity, (2) look at the relationship between overall level of physical activity and the level of psychological well-being and (3) analyze post-pandemic physical activity intentions. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted among 1456 athletes aged 3 to 61 years old. The results of this study show that the limitations imposed during the pandemic led to half of athletes decreasing their overall level of physical activity, leading to a deterioration in their psychological well-being (F(2.1438) = 54.707, p < 0.001). The current research provided further evidence that it is essential to implement strategies that favor practicing physical activities in a pandemic context. Furthermore, since almost all individuals who increased their practice of wheeled sports during the pandemic intend to continue after the pandemic, this is a great opportunity to promote active transportation among athletes by ensuring that the perception of the benefits associated with it does not decrease with time.