Table 1.
Sample description.
Table 2.
Correlations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental health.
Table 3.
Correlations between changes in physical activity and current mental health status.
Fig 1.
Psychological stress increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (**p < 0.01).
Error bars represent standard error.
Fig 2.
Changes in self-report psychological stress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
55% of respondents indicated their overall mental health had gotten “worse” or “much worse” during the COVID-19 pandemic (**p < 0.01).
Fig 3.
Changes in physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There was a significant decrease in both moderate-to-vigorous physical aerobic activity (MVPA; *p < 0.05) and strength training (ST; **p < 0.01). Error bars represent standard error.
Fig 4.
Average sedentary activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There was a significant increase in sedentary activity reported by respondents since the COVID-19 pandemic (Z = -14.18, **p < 0.01). Error bars represent standard error.
Fig 5.
Self-report exercise status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
17% of respondents who had were “recreational athletes” (-6%; **p < 0.01), “very active” (-6%; **p < 0.01), or “moderately active” (-5%; **p < 0.01), now identify as being “completely sedentary” (**p < 0.01).
Fig 6.
Change in total physical activity by change in mental health status.
Respondents whose mental health got “worse” or “much worse” had greater reductions in physical activity time since COVID-19 compared to those who experienced “no change” or got “better” or “much better” (p < 0.01).
Fig 7.
Changes in motivators to exercise before and during COVID-19.
All motivators shown indicate a significant change (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01). Motivators that increased significantly include ‘stress reduction’, ‘anxiety relief’, ‘improve sleep’ and ‘no motivators’. Motivators that decreased significantly include ‘weight loss’, ‘strength building’, ‘enjoyment’, ‘appearance goals’, ‘social engagement’, ‘sports training’ and ‘healthcare provider (HCP) recommended’. There was no change in how ‘increase energy’ was viewed as a motivator to exercise during the pandemic (p > 0.05).
Fig 8.
Changes in barriers to exercise before and during COVID-19.
All barriers listed showed a significant change (**p < 0.01). Barriers which increased significantly since COVID-19 include ‘lack of motivation’, ‘no facility access’, ‘no equipment’, ‘increased anxiety’ and ‘lack of support’. Barriers which decreased significantly during COVID-19 include ‘insufficient time’, ‘no barriers’, ‘lack of confidence’, ‘recent injury’ and ‘insufficient finances’. No change in barriers related to ‘lack of enjoyment’, ‘no access to childcare’ and ‘fear of injury’ (p > 0.05).