Key result
COVID-19 pandemic linked to ~167-minute weekly drop in physical activity among Hungarian athletes.
Why the study?
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected regular activities and lifestyles in Hungary, necessitating assessment of changes in physical activity and mental well-being in the Hungarian sport sector.
Cross-Sectional (n=840)
Mean Difference: -166.73 (95% CI -243.17–-90.29)
Absolute Event Rate: 853.73% vs 1020.46%
p-value: p=<0.001
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced physical activity among Hungarian sports professionals, and maintaining physical activity was associated with greater mental well-being.
May link pandemic activity loss to poorer athlete well-being; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective confirmation.
Background The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on regular activities and lifestyles in Hungary in the second quarter of 2020. In this study, we identify the physical activity and mental well-being changes in the Hungarian sport sector. Material and methods A questionnaire, which included internationally validated items, was created to survey members of the sporting sector in Hungary. In June 2020, we obtained 840 valid responses, the age and gender profile of which were closely representative of the overall population. The results were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic changed significantly (p<0.001) in the Hungarian sport sector, decreasing by 166±1128 minutes (mean±SD) per week, on average. Women (-286±980 weekly minutes) and children’s (-304±951 weekly minutes) physical activity decreased the most, whereas that of middle-aged (-83±1024 weekly minutes) and graduates (-99±982 weekly minutes) decreased the least. Greater well-being was felt during the pandemic by those who were either more physically active, or could even increase their physical activity. Conclusions Even in the sport sector, the more physically active people are, the greater their well-being. Therefore, promotion of physical activity becomes even more important in challenging times.
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Szabó et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Physical activity and mental well-being during COVID-19 (n=840). COVID-19 pandemic restrictions vs. Pre-pandemic period was evaluated on Change in weekly physical activity (minutes/week) (MD -166.73, 95% CI -243.17 to -90.29, p=<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced physical activity among Hungarian athletes and sports professionals by an average of 167 minutes per week, though those who maintained activity reported better mental well-being.
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