Cross-sectional study of changes in physical activity behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) provides numerous health benefits relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns exist that PA levels may have decreased during the pandemic thus exacerbating health disparities. This study aims to determine changes in and locations for PA and reasons for decreased PA during the pandemic.

Methods: Reported percentage of changes in and locations for PA and reasons for decreased PA were examined in 3829 US adults who completed the 2020 SummerStyles survey.

Results: Overall, 30% reported less PA, and 50% reported no change or no activity during the pandemic; percentages varied across subgroups. Adults who were non-Hispanic Black (Black) or Hispanic (vs. non-Hispanic White, (White)) reported less PA. Fewer Black adults (vs. White) reported doing most PA in their neighborhood. Concern about exposure to the virus (39%) was the most common reason adults were less active.

Conclusions: In June 2020, nearly one-third of US adults reported decreased PA; 20% reported increased PA. Decreased activity was higher among Black and Hispanic compared to White adults; these two groups have experienced disproportionate COVID-19 impacts. Continued efforts are needed to ensure everyone has access to supports that allow them to participate in PA while still following guidance to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Keywords: Environment; Epidemiology; Health disparities.

Fig. 1

Prevalence of report locations where most physical activity was done during the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults by change in physical activity, sex, race/ethnicity, meeting guidelines, and rural—urban residence, SummerStyles 2020. ^*Participant meets the aerobic component of the physical activity guideline, per self-reported usual week, when they engage in moderate intensity ≥150 min/week, vigorous intensity ≥75 min/week, or an equivalent combination, otherwise participant does not meet the aerobic component of the guideline. Significant pairwise differences (all P < 0.001 unless otherwise noted): inside my home (male vs. female; White, NH vs. Black, NH and Hispanic (P = 0.006)), around my neighborhood (more active vs. no change; White, NH vs. Black, NH; meets vs. does not meet guidelines; urban vs. rural), at a park or public trail (more vs. less and no change, meets vs. does not meet guidelines; urban vs. rural (P = 0.002))

Fig. 2

Prevalence of report locations where most physical activity was done during the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults by age, weight status, and education, SummerStyles, 2020. ^*Underweight / normal, overweight, and obesity classifications are based on the body mass index, which is weight (kg) / height (m)². Underweight / normal: < 25.0; overweight: 25.0 -- 29.9; and obesity: > 30.0. Significant linear trends: inside my home (age P = 0.002, weight status P = 0.003), around my neighborhood (weight status P = 0.004, education P < 0.001), at a park or public trail (age P < 0.001, weight status P < 0.001, education P < 0.001)