Physical Activity in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Changes in Activity Prevalence in Germany

Beck F, Siefken K, Reimers AK (2022)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin Süddt. Verl. onpact

Book Volume: 73

Pages Range: 175-183

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.5960/dzsm.2022.537

Open Access Link: https://www.germanjournalsportsmedicine.com/archive/archive-2022/issue-5/physical-activity-in-the-face-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-changes-in-physical-activity-prevalence-in-germany/

Abstract

Problem: Physical activity (PA) is a vital component for promoting physical and mental health and for preventing disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged populations from around the world on various levels to maintain and increase overall PA and subsequently led to a shift in physical activity and its health outcomes. This paper synthesizes the current literature on PA during the COVID-19 pandemic in the German population.

Methods: In a rapid review we identified 31 studies that examined PA behavior in children, adolescents, young adults and adults from Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: Findings indicate predominantly a decline in PA among all age groups. PA levels in children and adolescents increased in a few studies predominantly during the first lockdown. Types of sports and intensities changed within the German population during the pandemic. Quality assessment of the included studies revealed a lack of adequately reported PA measures as well as a lack of sufficiently reported study results.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to lower PA levels overall in the German population. Furthermore, the PA inequality has been exacerbated. With the uncertainty of the duration of the pandemic, the continuous and cross-agency efforts of PA promotion across all population groups is key.

Authors with CRIS profile

Franziska Beck Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Anne Kerstin Reimers Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports

Involved external institutions

MSH Medical School Hamburg - Fachhochschule für Gesundheit und Medizin DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Beck, F., Siefken, K., & Reimers, A.K. (2022). Physical Activity in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Changes in Activity Prevalence in Germany. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 73(5), 175-183. https://doi.org/10.5960/dzsm.2022.537

MLA:

Beck, Franziska, Katja Siefken, and Anne Kerstin Reimers. "Physical Activity in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Changes in Activity Prevalence in Germany." Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 73.5 (2022): 175-183.

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