Longitudinal changes and correlates of meeting WHO recommended levels of physical activity in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the HEBECO study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273530
• Publication Date: 2022-08-24T17:31:54Z
• Authors: John J. Mitchell; Samuel J. Dicken; Dimitra Kale; Aleksandra Herbec; Emma Beard; Lion Shahab
• Keywords: Gee; Pandemic; Longitudinal Study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has seen repeated government enforced restrictions on movement. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal trends in physical activity (PA) a self-selected UK-based sample and identify the key correlates of these trends. Methods From 23 April 2020 30 January 2021, measures PA engagement were collected 1,947 adults. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) explored over time, how sociodemographic, health contextual factors impacted participant’s attainment World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels (constituting muscle strengthening (MSA), moderate or vigorous (MVPA)). Results While one five achieved first UK lockdown April-June (19.5%, 95%CI: 17.8–21.3%) similar proportion June-July (17.7%, 16.1–19.5%), this reduced during period eased August-September (15.2%, 13.7–16.9%) second November 2020-January 2021 (14.1%, 12.6–15.9%). Similar observed for MSA MVPA individually. Better quality life, higher socioeconomic position pre-COVID-19 associated with meeting WHO PA, while those living overweight obesity, limiting condition, isolating showed inverse associations. Time-specific associations gender age. Conclusion Reductions throughout strict continued without reversal ensuing period. association negative change health-related indices points towards deepening inequities pandemic.