Predictors of meeting physical activity recommendation before and during COVID-19 pandemic in adults

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the variables that predict whether WHO's global recommendation for physical activity (PA) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic can be met among adults. Material and Methods: A total of 921 adults voluntarily participated in this study. A demographic information form and the Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire for Turkish people were administered by self-report. The participants were also asked whether they regularly do PA and if the duration of PA is over 150 minutes. Results: The number of adults doing regular PA at the level recommended by WHO significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rate of not doing regular PA significantly increased compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05). Variables that reduce the likelihood of doing regular PA at the recommended level include being male, being under 45 years old, being married, having high school education or below, having a moderate and low-income, having a high BMI, and having a high recreational sedentary screen time (RSST) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a priori information for implementations aimed at improving the recommended PA level for adults during social isolation or lockdown.