The Effect Of Quarantine On Daily Physical Activity Differs Between Athletes And Non-athletes

Document Type

Conference Presentation

Department

Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences Department

Conference Title

American College of Sports Medicine - Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise conference

Organization

American College of Sports Medicine

Location

Virtual

Date of Presentation

8-1-2020

Journal Publication

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

ISSN

0195-9131

DOI

10.1249/01.mss.0000761484.81412.e4

Volume

53

Issue

8S

First Page

208

Abstract

After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, quarantine orders reduced opportunities for public engagement in physical activity (PA). PURPOSE: To determine the effect of quarantine on PA levels in athletes and non-athletes across the lifespan. METHODS: A questionnaire evaluating PA and exercise behaviors prior to and during quarantine was completed by 189 males and females aged 14-73 yr. Chi-squared analyses compared behavior differences between age groups and athletic statuses; logistic regression models estimated the odds of behavior changes based on pre-quarantine characteristics. RESULTS: Mean age was 28.1 ± 16.2 yr, BMI was 25.0 ± 5.2 kg/m2, and 25.4% of subjects participated in individual or team athletics. Pre-quarantine, athletes reported greater engagement in PA (p < 0.001) and were more likely to maintain levels during quarantine (64.6% vs. 41.1%; p = 0.005). Sedentary behavior was reported by 0% of athletes and 15.6% of non-athletes before quarantine (p = 0.004), and 30.2% of athletes and 46.8% of non-athletes during quarantine (p = 0.059). Age and sedentism were positively correlated prior to (p = 0.014) but not during (p = 0.706) quarantine. Highly active lifestyles were reported by 56.3% of athletes and 19.9% of non-athletes prior to quarantine (p < 0.001), and 30.2% of athletes and 12.9% of non-athletes during quarantine (p = 0.010). Age was inversely correlated with high activity prior to (p = 0.017) but not during (p = 0.213) quarantine. Subjective reasons for reduced PA were lack of motivation (59.7%), gym closure (32.8%), stress (23.1%), and equipment availability (6.0%). Holding age and athletic status constant, predictors of a reduction in PA were whether the subject was highly active before (95% CI of OR: 1.937 to 9.683; p < 0.001) and possession of a gym membership (95% CI of OR: 1.784 to 6.304; p < 0.001). Predictors of sedentary behavior during quarantine were a lack of motivation (95% CI of OR: 2.307 to 17.380; p < 0.001), gym closure (95% CI of OR: 1.408 to 12.809; p = 0.010), and an absence of home equipment (95% CI of OR: 1.216; p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Athletes and non-athletes across the lifespan experienced a reduction in PA during quarantine. Access to equipment, motivation, and pre-quarantine exercise behaviors emerged as determinants of activity level during quarantine.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS