Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during early COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives To assess how the early stages of National governments Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment strategies impacted upon the physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia Design Observational, cross-sectional Setting Online survey disseminated in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia within the first 2-6 weeks of government mandated COVID-19 restrictions Participants Adults (n = 8,425; 44.5 ± 14.8 y), ≥ 18 y who were residing in the surveyed countries Main outcome measures Stages of Change scale for exercise behaviour change, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form), World Health Organisation-5 Well-being Index and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9 Results Participants who reported a negative change in exercise behaviour between pre- and during the early COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated poorer mental health and well-being compared to those who had either a positive change- or no change in their exercise behaviour ( p <0.001). Whilst women reported more positive changes in exercise behaviour, young people (18-29y) reported more negative changes (both p <0.001). Individuals who engaged in more physical activity reported better mental health and well-being ( p <0.001). Although there were no differences in physical activity between countries, individuals in New Zealand reported better mental health and well-being ( p <0.001). Conclusion The COVID-19 restrictions have differentially impacted upon the physical activity habits of individuals based upon their age and sex, and therefore have important implications for international policy and guideline recommendations. Public health interventions that encourage physical activity should target specific groups (e.g., men, young adults) who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of physical distancing and/or self-isolation.