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“Stay at Home” during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in an Italian Academic Community

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Mulasso

    (NeuroMuscular Function Research Group, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Margherita Micheletti Cremasco

    (Department of Life Science and Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy)

  • Simone Cuomo

    (NeuroMuscular Function Research Group, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Andrea Testa

    (School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Lynda Stella Lattke

    (Department of Psychology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy)

  • Aurelia De Lorenzo

    (Department of Psychology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy)

  • Alberto Rainoldi

    (NeuroMuscular Function Research Group, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Emanuela Rabaglietti

    (Department of Psychology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

This study investigates changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior in an Italian university community during Phase 1 of SARS-CoV-2 lockdown (“stay at home” government decree, from March 8th to May 4th, 2020) compared to their habits prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examine differences according to gender, university position, BMI categories, and sport participation. A total of 2596 people (median age 24, IQR 11 years; 70.8% women) filled out a survey after eight weeks of statutory confinement at home. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire measured PA and sedentary behavior in a typical week before and during lockdown. Physically inactive people passed from 10.9% to 35.0% before–during the lockdown. The total amount of PA decreased (median 2307 vs. 1367 MET-min/week; p < 0.001), while sedentary behavior increased (median 349 vs. 440 min/day; p < 0.001) between before and during the lockdown. The following categories showed a higher reduction in the total amount of PA: men when compared to women; people with normal weight when compared to pre-obese/obese people; and people who played sports when compared to those who did not play sports. There is a need to propose PA/exercise programs to counteract physical inactivity and sedentarism during a social emergency, with special attention to people who showed higher PA reduction.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Mulasso & Margherita Micheletti Cremasco & Simone Cuomo & Andrea Testa & Lynda Stella Lattke & Aurelia De Lorenzo & Alberto Rainoldi & Emanuela Rabaglietti, 2023. "“Stay at Home” during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in an Italian Academic Community," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1168-:d:1029723
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    References listed on IDEAS

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