Did physical activity and associated barriers change during COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland? Repeated cross-sectional study

This repeated cross-sectional study investigated physical activity and associated barriers and facilitators during the first two waves of COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland. An online, anonymous questionnaire collated data from adults during May (n = 1274) and November (n = 810) 2020. Statistical analysis used a combination of traditional significance testing and Bayesian lasso logistic regression. The pattern of physical activity changed significantly between waves (χ2 86.8 on 3df; p < 0.001). During wave 1 restrictions, the majority [46.1% (n = 587)] of participants reported being more active than usual, decreasing to 26.3% (n = 213) during wave 2. More participants reported that their activity levels were less than usual [W1 29% (n = 369); W2 35% (n = 283)] during wave 2. Adherence to physical activity guidelines decreased from 56.5% (n = 705) to 43.7% (n = 35). Being unable to access their usual means of exercise [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 1.611 (1.370-1.904), W2 1.638 (1.3731.968)] and advice not to leave home [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 1.401 (1.164-1.697), W2 1.367 (1.106-1.696)] predicted less activity than usual during both waves. Increased time [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 2.326 (1.948-2.794), W2 1.809 (1.478-2.233)], and valuing physical activity as important [OR, 95% OR intervals; W1 1.192 (1.001-1.444), W2 1.253 (1.003-1.637)] predicted increased activity during both waves, whilst finding new ways to be active [OR, 95% OR intervals; 2.515 (1.641-3.887)] predicted more activity in wave 2 only. Increases in physical activity of Irish adults during the first phase of COVID-19 restrictions were not maintained during the second wave and barriers to physical activity persisted.