[Change in physical activity behavior due to the first two coronavirus waves in spring and winter 2020].

BACKGROUND

As physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases worldwide, it is of particular interest how the coronavirus pandemic affects physical activity behavior.

OBJECTIVES

This study examines coronavirus-related changes in physical activity among German adults and associations of activity change with mental health. Emphasis will be placed on differences between sports enthusiasts and non-sports enthusiasts.

METHODS

As part of a quantitative cross-sectional study, data on the activity levels of 329 German adults were collected before and during the first two coronavirus waves using an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

On average, the coronavirus pandemic led to a significant decrease in the physical activity level by 56.81 min/week. However, this trend was only seen in sports enthusiasts, whereas the non-sports enthusiast group increased their activity level by approximately 100 min/week. Furthermore, reduced physical activity levels were significantly positively correlated with poorer mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

The coronavirus-related decline in physical activity combined with poorer mental health is of concern because of potential long-term public health consequences. However, the increased activity level in the non-sports enthusiast group represents a promising development and should be considered in relation to future health promotion interventions.