Physical Activity Level Alterations Due to the Lockdowns: A Multi-Center Greek University-Based Study

Authors

  • Natsis Konstantinos Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Kostares Michael Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Tsakotos George Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Koutserimpas Christos Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, “251” Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens
  • Kostares Evangelos Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Triantafyllou George Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Totlis Trifon Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Karampelias Vasilios Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Chytas Dimitrios Basic Sciences Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Peloponnese, Sparta
  • Pantazis Nikos Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,
  • Otountzidis Nikos Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Triantafyllou Anastasia Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Achlatis Vlassis Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Ediaroglou Vasilios Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Piagkou Maria Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.412

Keywords:

Exercise, Survey, Pandemic, Musculoskeletal Health

Abstract

Objective. This cross-sectional study determines the impact of the pandemic lockdowns on physical activity, and evaluates the factors associated with physical activity cessation on students and personnel of eight Greek Higher Education Institutions.

Materials and Methods. A total of 6,380 volunteer participants completed a survey reporting their physical activity levels and perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was made available through an online platform.

Results. Both the conduct and intensity of physical activity were significantly reduced from the pre-pandemic era to the second lockdown (P<0.001). Walking was the most frequently selected type of physical activity, in all periods except for the second lockdown. Loss of interest (52.4%) was the main, self-reported factor for cessation of physical activity. Females had a 31% lower probability of ceasing physical activity during lockdowns.

Conclusion. The conduct and intensity of physical activity decreased significantly during the pandemic. Female gender, annual checkup attendance, and specific physical activity types during the pre-pandemic era were associated with a reduction in the risk of pausing physical activity during lockdowns. Lockdowns may be implemented in future health crises, hence measures for maintaining the physical activity of the general population, such as online group sessions and support from healthcare professionals, should be prepared.

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Published

2023-08-31

How to Cite

Konstantinos, N. ., Michael, K. ., George, T. ., Christos, K. ., Evangelos, K. ., George, T. ., Trifon, T. ., Vasilios, K. ., Dimitrios, C. ., Nikos, P. ., Nikos, O. ., Anastasia, T. ., Vlassis, A. ., Vasilios, E. ., & Maria, P. . (2023). Physical Activity Level Alterations Due to the Lockdowns: A Multi-Center Greek University-Based Study. Acta Medica Academica, 52(2), 119–133. https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.412

Issue

Section

Clinical Medicine

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