Physical Activity Levels During SARS-Cov2- Pandemic: A Focus on South African Data from the ‘Activity and Health During the SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic’ (ASAP) Study

Abstract

In March 2020, the SARS-CoV2 pandemic emerged in South Africa (SA). Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus, the government employed lockdown restrictions to decrease the rate of infections and deaths. These restrictions prohibited the use of shared exercise facilities, which inadvertently decreased opportunity for physical activity (PA). This article provides a sub-analysis of the SA dataset within the worldwide ASAP study, specifically focusing on physical activity and compliance with the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in SA. The study utilised an online cross-sectional questionnaire that evaluated PA volume pre and during restrictions using the Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire-short (NPAQ-short), and WHO PA guideline compliance using a five-point Likert scale. The results revealed a decrease in overall moderate to vigorous and vigorous PA by 53.5% and 58%, respectively; 30% of the sample reported decreased WHO PA guideline compliance during lockdown when compared to compliance before lockdown. The lockdown measures adopted during the pandemic aided in decreasing the spread of the virus but contributed significantly to the decrease in PA among the healthy population. This decrease may have impacted individuals’ health and increased the risk for non-pandemic related health conditions. Hence, PA and the availability and access to remote PA resources need to be considered in planning for future pandemics and natural disasters.