Effects of COVID-19 Confinement on the Health and Perspectives of Exercise Practice in Portugal

Abstract

Introduction: Social confinement, imposed by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, was an extraordinary situation and implied several consequences on
people’s health, which are still not fully understood. This study aimed to understand the changes in mental health and to determine the probability of
returning to sports practice during the period of generalized confinement and
lockdown due to COVID-19, between January and March 2021. Methods:
A self-administered on online survey (PEF-COVID19) was applied to the
general Portuguese population, aged 18 years. The t-test for paired samples
and the chi-square test were used to analyze the variables, p < 0.05. Results:
811 participants filled the questionnaire and 666 were included. Our study
showed that during confinement: (i) there was an increase of anxiety (before
- M= 3.1 ± 2.1; during – M= 4.3 ± 2.7) and stress (before – M = 3.1 ± 2.5;
during – M= 4.1 ± 3) and (ii) a greater probability of dropping out sports
practice (before – M = 1.1 ± 2; during – M= 7.5 ± 3.3).Conclusions: The
results demonstrate that the period of confinement and lockdown, significantly influenced health and the intention to remain practicing sports. These indicators demonstrate the need to develop quality sports/exercise programs,
adjusted to different target groups, especially the most vulnerable, to keep
the population active, reduce sedentary time and the consequent impacts on
mental and physical health.