Exercise Behavior and Mood during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: Lessons for the Future

Yu-Kai Chang, Chiao-Ling Hung, Sinika Timme, Sanaz Nosrat and Chien-Heng Chu
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Yu-Kai Chang: Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
Chiao-Ling Hung: Department of Athletics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
Sinika Timme: Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Potsdam, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Sanaz Nosrat: Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
Chien-Heng Chu: Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated governmental recommendations and restrictions have influenced many aspects of human life, including exercise and mental health. This study aims to explore the influence of COVID-19 on exercise behavior and its impact on mood states, as well as predict changes in exercise behavior during a similar future pandemic in Taiwan. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 7 April and 13 May 2020 ( n = 1114). Data on exercise behavior pre and during the pandemic and mood states were collected. A cumulative link model was used to predict changes in exercise frequency during a similar future pandemic by exercise frequency during the pandemic. A linear model was used to predict the influence of exercise frequency before and during the pandemic on mood states during the pandemic. A total of 71.2%, 67.3%, and 58.3% of respondents maintained their exercise intensity, frequency, and duration, respectively, during the pandemic. Frequent exercisers are more likely to maintain their exercise frequency during a similar pandemic ( p < 0.001). Higher exercise frequencies during the pandemic were associated with better mood states ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the effects of prepandemic exercise frequency on mood states are moderated by changes in exercise frequency during the pandemic ( p < 0.05). Additionally, maintenance of exercise frequency during a pandemic specifically for frequent exercisers are recommended to preserve mood states. These results may provide evidence for health policies on exercise promotion and mental health before and during a future pandemic.

Keywords: cumulative link model; exercise frequency; physical activity; POMS; social restriction; stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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