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COVID-19 Pandemic Brings a Sedentary Lifestyle in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

Author

Listed:
  • Chen Zheng

    (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China)

  • Wendy Yajun Huang

    (Department of Sport and Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 00852, China)

  • Sinead Sheridan

    (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China)

  • Cindy Hui-Ping Sit

    (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China)

  • Xiang-Ke Chen

    (School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China)

  • Stephen Heung-Sang Wong

    (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China)

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose profound challenges to society. Its spread has been mitigated through strategies including social distancing; however, this may result in the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate: (1) physical activity (PA) levels, sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep in young adults during the COVID-19 epidemic, and (2) the change in these behaviors before and during the pandemic. A total of 631 young adults (38.8% males) aged between 18 and 35 participated in the cross-sectional study and completed a one-off online survey relating to general information, PA, SB, and sleep. For the longitudinal study, PA, SB, and sleep data, obtained from 70 participants before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, were analyzed. Participants engaged in low PA, high SB, and long sleep duration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, a significant decline in PA while an increase in time spent in both SB and sleep was observed during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results of this study demonstrated a sedentary lifestyle in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will assist health policymakers and practitioners in the development of population specific health education and behavior interventions during this pandemic and for other future events.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen Zheng & Wendy Yajun Huang & Sinead Sheridan & Cindy Hui-Ping Sit & Xiang-Ke Chen & Stephen Heung-Sang Wong, 2020. "COVID-19 Pandemic Brings a Sedentary Lifestyle in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6035-:d:401094
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    1. Robert Stanton & Quyen G. To & Saman Khalesi & Susan L. Williams & Stephanie J. Alley & Tanya L. Thwaite & Andrew S. Fenning & Corneel Vandelanotte, 2020. "Depression, Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19: Associations with Changes in Physical Activity, Sleep, Tobacco and Alcohol Use in Australian Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-13, June.
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    14. Éva Bácsné Bába & Anetta Müller & Christa Pfau & Renátó Balogh & Éva Bartha & György Szabados & Zoltán Bács & Kinga Ráthonyi-Ódor & Gergely Ráthonyi, 2023. "Sedentary Behavior Patterns of the Hungarian Adult Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, February.
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