Did physical activity and associated barriers change during COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland? Repeated cross-sectional study.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Barrett, Emer M Wyse, Jason Forde, Cuisle
Copyright Year	2022
Abstract	SummaryThis repeated cross-sectional study investigated physical activity and associated barriers and facilitators during the first two waves of COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland. An online, anonymous questionnaire collated data from adults during May (n = 1274) and November (n = 810) 2020. Statistical analysis used a combination of traditional significance testing and Bayesian lasso logistic regression. The pattern of physical activity changed significantly between waves (χ2 86.8 on 3df; p < 0.001). During wave 1 restrictions, the majority [46.1% (n = 587)] of participants reported being more active than usual, decreasing to 26.3% (n = 213) during wave 2. More participants reported that their activity levels were less than usual [W1 29% (n = 369); W2 35% (n = 283)] during wave 2. Adherence to physical activity guidelines decreased from 56.5% (n = 705) to 43.7% (n = 35). Being unable to access their usual means of exercise [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 1.611 (1.370–1.904), W2 1.638 (1.3731.968)] and advice not to leave home [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 1.401 (1.164–1.697), W2 1.367 (1.106–1.696)] predicted less activity than usual during both waves. Increased time [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 2.326 (1.948–2.794), W2 1.809 (1.478–2.233)], and valuing physical activity as important [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 1.192 (1.001–1.444), W2 1.253 (1.003–1.637)] predicted increased activity during both waves, whilst finding new ways to be active [OR, 95% OR intervals; 2.515 (1.641–3.887)] predicted more activity in wave 2 only. Increases in physical activity of Irish adults during the first phase of COVID-19 restrictions were not maintained during the second wave and barriers to physical activity persisted.
Related Links	https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC9494507&blobtype=pdf
Page Count	13
ISSN	09574824
Journal	Health Promotion International [Health Promot Int]
Volume Number	37
DOI	10.1093/heapro/daac127
PubMed Central reference number	PMC9494507
Issue Number	4
PubMed reference number	36130306
e-ISSN	14602245
Language	English
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Publisher Date	2022-08-01
Publisher Place	US
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights) © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com
Subject Keyword	physical activity exercise COVID-19 barriers facilitators
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Health (social science) Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health