The Impact of Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Physical Activity Levels in Adult Students

Anna Rutkowska, Katarzyna Kacperak, Sebastian Rutkowski, Luisa Cacciante, Pawel Kiper and Jan Szczegielniak
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Anna Rutkowska: Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
Katarzyna Kacperak: Descartes’ Error Student Research Association, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
Sebastian Rutkowski: Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
Luisa Cacciante: Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technologies, Ospedale San Camillo IRCCS, 30126 Venice, Italy
Pawel Kiper: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, 30126 Venice, Italy
Jan Szczegielniak: Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-9

Abstract: The lockdown with a prohibition of free mobility introduced in many countries has affected restrictions in physical activity (PA). The purpose of the study was to compare PA during restrictions and the “unfreezing” stage. The study group consisted of 89 healthy adult students. To assess the level of PA, a long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. The first evaluation was carried out in the period from 16 to 20 April 2020 at the time of the lockdown and the second in the period from 11 to 14 May 2020 during the so-called “unfreezing”. The average total PA rate during the first measurement was 8640 metabolic equivalent (MET)-min/week and in the second, 10,560 MET-min/week. The analysis of total energy expenditure showed a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.029). The establishment of “unfreezing” laws for sport and recreation and the reduction of restrictions have significantly contributed to an increase in the overall level of PA. Based on our outcomes, we recommend students follow the scientific guidelines for undertaking PA (i.e., WHO) during the pandemic in order to maintain an appropriate pro-healthy dose of exercise.

Keywords: COVID-19; physical activity; International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); energy expenditure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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