Anxiety, Motives, and Intention for Physical Activity during the Italian COVID-19 Lockdown: An Observational Longitudinal Study

Federica Galli, Francesco Giancamilli, Tommaso Palombi, Jacopo Antonino Vitale, Stefano Borghi, Alessandra De Maria, Elisa Cavicchiolo, Pierluigi Diotaiuti, Antonio La Torre, Arnaldo Zelli, Fabio Lucidi, Roberto Codella and Andrea Chirico
Additional contact information
Federica Galli: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome, “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
Francesco Giancamilli: Department of Psychology of Development and Socialization Processes, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Tommaso Palombi: Department of Psychology of Development and Socialization Processes, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Jacopo Antonino Vitale: IRCSS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy
Stefano Borghi: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Alessandra De Maria: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome, “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
Elisa Cavicchiolo: Department of Human, Philosophical and Educational Sciences, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Pierluigi Diotaiuti: Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Antonio La Torre: IRCSS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy
Arnaldo Zelli: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome, “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
Fabio Lucidi: Department of Psychology of Development and Socialization Processes, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Roberto Codella: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Andrea Chirico: Department of Psychology of Development and Socialization Processes, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 8, 1-9

Abstract: Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led governments to adopt strict containment measures to avoid spreading the virus. These essential measures led to home confinement that influenced both the physical and mental health of populations. Physical activity plays a key role in preventing chronic diseases and promoting protective psychological factors. In the context of a lockdown, understanding the motives that guide people to enact physical activity is an important issue for public health. The present study aimed to evaluate the relation between autonomous motivation and physical activity, considering the role of behavioral intention and anxiety in a longitudinal moderated mediation model. Methods: Italian participants (N = 86; mean age = 29.74, standard deviation = 9.74; female = 53.5%) completed a booklet composed of different questionnaires (motivation, intention, anxiety, and physical activity) 3 weeks apart. Results: The hypothesized model is supported by the evidence; both autonomous motivation and intention are direct predictors of physical activity. The results also show that the direct effect of autonomous motivation on physical activity is stronger in participants with low anxiety, while high levels of anxiety are a significant moderator of the intention–behavior relation. Conclusions: In conclusion, a multidisciplinary approach should be promoting methods and infrastructures to permit people to adhere to physical activity, as a front line against any health emergency.

Keywords: COVID-19 lockdown; physical activity; motivation; anxiety; moderated mediation model; Italy (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 (4)

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