Impact of the First Wave of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Promotion in the European Union: Results From a Policymaker Survey

Gelius P, Tcymbal A, Whiting S, Messing S, Abu-Omar K, Geidl W, Reimers AK, Pfeifer K, Mendes R, Berdzuli N, Breda J (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Journal of Physical Activity and Health Human Kinetics

Original Authors: Peter Gelius, Antonina Tcymbal, Stephen Whiting, Sven Messing, Karim Abu-Omar, Wolfgang Geidl, Anne Kerstin Reimers, Klaus Pfeifer, Romeu Mendes, Nino Berdzuli, Joao Breda

Pages Range: 1-5

DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2021-0083

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major challenge for societies and governments around the world that severely affects all aspects of health promotion. This study assesses the potential influence of the first wave of the pandemic on national physical activity promotion policy in the European Union (EU). Methods: Data were collected using an online survey among members of the EU Physical Activity Focal Point Network, which consists of government officials from all EU member states. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected physical activity promotion across the EU. In particular, experts indicated that it has negatively impacted opportunities for physical activity in their countries. There have, however, been positive effects of the crisis on public awareness of physical activity. While almost all countries were able to issue physical activity recommendations during quarantine, opinions varied regarding the overall impact of the pandemic on governmental capacities for physical activity promotion and policy. Conclusions: This study shows that the COVID-19 crisis has had both negative and positive effects on physical activity promotion in the EU. The positive experiences reported by some members of the Focal Point Network may assist other countries in identifying potential policy windows and strategies for the ongoing pandemic.

Authors with CRIS profile

Peter Gelius Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Antonina Tcymbal Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Sven Messing Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Karim Abu-Omar Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Wolfgang Geidl Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Anne Kerstin Reimers Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Klaus Pfeifer Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

Involved external institutions

World Health Organization CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Gelius, P., Tcymbal, A., Whiting, S., Messing, S., Abu-Omar, K., Geidl, W.,... Breda, J. (2021). Impact of the First Wave of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Promotion in the European Union: Results From a Policymaker Survey. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2021-0083

MLA:

Gelius, Peter, et al. "Impact of the First Wave of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Promotion in the European Union: Results From a Policymaker Survey." Journal of Physical Activity and Health (2021): 1-5.

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