Predictors of meeting physical activity recommendation before and during COVID-19 pandemic in adults

Ayda KARACA, Hacettepe University, AnkaraFollow
Sinem HAZIR AYTAR, Baskent University, Ankara
Funda AKCAN, Baskent University, Ankara
Necip DEMIRCI, Hacettepe University, AnkaraFollow
Emine CAGLAR, Hacettepe University, Ankara

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the variables that predict whether WHO's global recommendation for physical activity (PA) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic can be met among adults. Material and Methods: A total of 921 adults voluntarily participated in this study. A demographic information form and the Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire for Turkish people were administered by self-report. The participants were also asked whether they regularly do PA and if the duration of PA is over 150 minutes. Results: The number of adults doing regular PA at the level recommended by WHO significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rate of not doing regular PA significantly increased compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05). Variables that reduce the likelihood of doing regular PA at the recommended level include being male, being under 45 years old, being married, having high school education or below, having a moderate and low-income, having a high BMI, and having a high recreational sedentary screen time (RSST) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The results of this study provide a priori information for implementations aimed at improving the recommended PA level for adults during social isolation or lockdown.

Recommended Citation

Karaca A, Hazir Aytar S, Akcan F, Demirci N, Caglar E. Predictors of meeting physical activity recommen-dation before and during COVID-19 pandemic in adults. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2023;15(2):Article1. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.15.2.01