Key result
COVID-19 lockdowns reduce physical activity, hitting cardiac rehab patients hardest despite most meeting WHO guidelines.
Why the study?
Limited information exists regarding the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and mental health.
Do COVID-19 restrictions reduce physical activity and quality of life in cardiovascular, kidney transplant, and healthy adults?
Do COVID-19 restrictions reduce physical activity and quality of life in cardiovascular, kidney transplant, and healthy adults?
Despite significant reductions in physical activity during COVID-19 lockdowns, the majority of cardiovascular, kidney transplant, and healthy adults maintained WHO-recommended activity levels without significant differences in mental quality of life.
Limited clinical impact from lockdown-related activity reductions reassures clinicians; leaves open factors enabling sustained guideline adherence.
Background: During the COVID-19 restrictions in Germany, individuals were permitted to engage in individual physical activity (PA). However, limited information exists regarding the impact of these restrictions on PA and mental health. The aims of this study were to identify changes in PA behavior and Quality of Life (QoL) during the Corona-Virus restrictions to develop strategies to mitigate negative health effects. Methods: Internet-based questionnaires on PA and QoL were distributed to outpatients with heart disease (Reha), participants in an in-clinic rehabilitation program, patients enrolled in a structured post-kidney transplant program (KTx), and healthy adults (HG). Results: Compared to pre-lockdown levels, all groups experienced a significant reduction in daily and sporting physical activity (all p < 0.05). Reha participants showed a significantly greater reduction in sporting activity compared to KTx and HG (p < 0.05). However, 88.3% (Reha), 85.5% (KTx), and 92.6% (HG) met the WHO recommendation of ≥150 min/week of moderate activity (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the mental sum score of the SF-36 between groups (p = 0.263). Conclusions: The majority of individuals managed to maintain sufficient PA levels even during the lockdown. However, Reha participants appeared to experience the greatest burdens, leading to a more pronounced reduction in sports activity.
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Grams et al. (2026) studied this question. During COVID-19 lockdown, all groups had significantly reduced physical activity, with cardiac rehab patients showing the largest drop, but most still met WHO activity guidelines.
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