Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Swedish Population Study

Maria Elvén, Birgitta Kerstis, Jonas Stier, Charlotta Hellström, Petra von Heideken Wågert, Micael Dahlen and Daniel Lindberg
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Maria Elvén: Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Vasteras, Sweden
Birgitta Kerstis: Division of Caring Sciences, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Vasteras, Sweden
Jonas Stier: Division of Social Work, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Vasteras, Sweden
Charlotta Hellström: Division of Public Health Sciences, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Vasteras, Sweden
Petra von Heideken Wågert: Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Vasteras, Sweden
Micael Dahlen: Department of Marketing and Strategy, Stockholm School of Economics, 11383 Stockholm, Sweden
Daniel Lindberg: Division of Social Work, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, 72123 Vasteras, Sweden

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: Governments have enforced measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 with varying degrees of success, which could affect people’s physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior. This study aimed to examine changes in PA levels, types of PA, and sedentary behavior in the Swedish population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Associations between changed PA levels and demographical and behavioral determinants were also investigated. In December 2020, 1035 individuals (18–79 years old) completed a survey about their PA and sedentary behavior before and during the pandemic. Factors influencing their PA were also explored. Fifty-one percent of the sample reported reduced total PA, 18% had no change, and 31% increased their PA. Overall, organized PA decreased the most and sedentary behavior increased. The youngest and oldest age groups reported the greatest reduction in PA, while middle-aged groups reported the most increased PA. Men reported a larger increase in sedentary behavior than women. Mental and physical capability was associated with change in PA. In conclusion, this study indicates that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of the Swedish population have decreased PA levels with a concurrent increase in sedentary behavior, which may have negative health consequences. Interventions are recommended to address both PA and sedentary behavior, specifically to strengthen people’s ability to perform PA and focusing on the youngest and oldest age groups.

Keywords: COVID-19; physical activity; sedentary behavior; behavior change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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