Physical activities before, during and after COVID-19: an overall balance of active travel and stationary activities

While changes in physical activity (PA) and mobility due to COVID-19 lockdowns have been studied before, evidence on the extent and persistence of shifts between active travel and other activities remains scarce. The aim of this study is to address this gap for the case study of Austria, where strong travel restrictions were applied during the lockdowns, similar to other European countries. This study draws on a survey conducted in three waves between October 2019 and January 2022, covering mobility and time use, to analyse the extent of such activity shifts, compensatory behaviours, and related sociodemographic differences before, during and after lockdowns in Austria. PA intensity is expressed in metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs). The most significant variables affecting the value of METs and their changes over the three survey waves were identified. PA increased slightly during and after the lockdown. However, its composition shifted: mobility- and work-related activities declined during lockdown, while leisure-time activities increased and partly compensated for the decrease. After restrictions were lifted, this pattern reversed. Sociodemographic analyses show that this trend was dominated by the well-educated. Significant differences were also found between age groups, with respondents under 30 reporting lower levels of PA during the pandemic than before, while those aged 30-65 accumulated higher METs; the trend reversed after lockdown. Although many shifts reverted post-restrictions, disparities across sociodemographic groups persist. Addressing and monitoring these disparities is crucial for fostering physical activity and mitigating potential health risks associated with reduced activity levels. • Physical Activity (PA) increased slightly during and after the lockdown • PA composition shifted from mobility/work to leisure during lockdown periods • Leisure-time activities partially compensated for reduced mobility-related PA • PA disparities across age and education persisted post-lockdown