Physical activity levels of faculty in the higher education institutions in the Philippines during the peri-pandemic times

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Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic compounded the roadblock to optimal engagement in physical activity (PA) among educators. In the Philippines, there is a paucity of studies exploring the PA levels of higher education institution (HEI) faculty during the peri-pandemic times. This study aimed to compare the PA levels of Filipino HEI faculty before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: This cross-sectional survey gathered and compared data on the PA of HEI faculty during the peri-pandemic times using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – Long Form. Participants from five institutions of higher learning in Manila, Philippines were invited to answer the survey following pre-determined eligibility criteria. Results: Eighty-one HEI faculty members participated in the survey. The majority of HEI faculty did not meet the World Health Organization’s PA recommendations across time points. Pre-pandemic PA yielded the highest level of engagement with a median PA of 780 (300–1410) minutes. Post-hoc comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in PA level only between post- and pre-pandemic periods (p < 0.0001) and during and before the pandemic (p < 0.0001). Active transportation using bicycles significantly increased during the post-pandemic period. Conclusions: Results of this study provide baseline information on the level of PA engagement of HEI faculty during the peri-pandemic times. Information can be used to explore factors influencing their engagement and identify strategies to promote PA across domains and in diverse contexts. Post-pandemic implications include strengthening initiatives to promote PA among HEI staff through sustainable PA policies and programs.