Physical activity and sedentariness of French adults during the COVID-19 lockdown

Oral Presentation B1.6

Authors

  • Charlotte Verdot Santé publique France; University Sorbonne Paris Nord
  • Hélène Escalon Santé Publique France
  • Enguerrand Rolland du Roscoat Santé Publique France
  • Pierre Arwidson Santé Publique France
  • Benoît Salanave Santé Publique France; University Sorbonne Paris Nord
  • Valérie Deschamps Santé Publique France; University Sorbonne Paris Nord

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.484

Keywords:

Adults, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviours, COVID-19, Lockdown

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that physical activity (PA) declined and sedentariness increased during the Covid-19 lockdown. Purpose: In France, a surveillance system using repeated surveys has been set up during lockdown, to study adult health behaviours, including PA and sedentariness. Methods: A sample of 2,000 adults were interviewed online. Representativeness was ensured by quota sampling and adjustment on census data. The prevalence of insufficient PA (<30 min/day), noteworthy sedentariness (sitting time >7 hours/day) and the frequency of sitting time breaks were assessed and analysed, with their associations with sociodemographic and mental health variables. Reported changes in PA and sitting time compared to before lockdown were analysed using multivariate models. Results: During the lockdown, 51% of the adults had insufficient PA, 33% reported a noteworthy sedentariness, and 55% did not break sitting time at the recommended frequencies. Compared to before lockdown, 47% reported decreasing their PA and 61% increasing their daily sitting time. Insufficient PA was more prevalent among adults with low socioeconomic status; but the decline in PA affected the higher socioeconomic categories. All these factors were associated, differently by gender, with anxiety, depression or sleep disorders. Conclusions: There was a decline of PA and an increase of sedentariness in French adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. It highlights the importance of promoting an active lifestyle in such a situation, in order to maintain the physical and mental health of the population. Funding: Study funded by Santé publique France, the national public health agency.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Verdot, C., Escalon, H., Rolland du Roscoat, E., Arwidson, P., Salanave, B., & Deschamps, V. (2021). Physical activity and sedentariness of French adults during the COVID-19 lockdown: Oral Presentation B1.6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.484