The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the physical activity of the population
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused intense worries, panic and anxiety among the human population.
The global impact of the COVID-19 disease remains evident, wreaking havoc on almost every country worldwide, with
hundreds of thousands of lives lost and millions affected physically and mentally. In an effort to reduce the spread of
the disease, mandatory stay-at-home and social isolation measures were taken, affecting daily activities. Physical activity is a key factor in the prevention and management of mental illness, while at the same time, it promotes physical
and mental health through well-being by addressing physical inactivity which is one of the main risk factors for death.
Purpose of the study: The search, selection, evaluation and synthesis of the findings of the studies that focus on the
consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity of the population.
Material and methods: In this study, a systematic review of international literature articles, which have been published in the last two years in Greek and/or English language journals, investigating the relationship between COVID-19 and physical activity, was carried out.
Results: The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity of the population were found. Specifically, it appears that people, of all ages and population groups, have decreased physical activity time, increased
sedentary time. Eating and sleep disturbances were reported, as well as difficulty returning to physical activity habits,
increased screen time, and increased musculoskeletal pain affecting the overall physical and mental health of the
population.
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the physical and mental state of the population. The
complications of the disease and the mandatory stay-at-home measures seem to have played a catalytic role in the
reduction of activities in people of all ages, but also in the simultaneous increase of sedentary behavior, affecting the
overall health of the population.
