Perceived Changes in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Stress During the Pandemic Predict Current Levels of These Same Variables

Authors

Gretchen E. Elsey, Kent State UniversityFollow
Jessica L. Smith-Ricketts, Kent State UniversityFollow
David Kohan, Kent State UniversityFollow
Andrew Lepp, Kent State UniversityFollow
Jacob E. Barkley, Kent State University - Kent CampusFollow

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(4): 306-315, 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions placed on daily life may have negatively impacted overall physical and psychological health as well as health behaviors such as decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. It is important to understand if these potential changes during the pandemic may be predictive of current health behaviors where pandemic-related restrictions are no longer being implemented. This study aimed to assess the relationships between perceived changes in physical activity, sitting, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic to current measures of these same variables. In April 2022, participants (N = 208) completed a survey in which they indicated perceived changes in physical activity, sitting, and stress during the pandemic. Participants then self-reported their current total physical activity, daily sitting, and anxiety. Multiple Pearson correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships between perceived measures of physical activity, sitting, and stress during the pandemic to current measures of these same variables. Greater perceived inactivity (i.e., reduced physical activity) during the pandemic was associated with lower current total physical activity (r = -0.28, p < 0.001) and greater daily sitting (r = 0.19, p = 0.007). Greater perceived sitting during the pandemic was associated with lower current total physical activity (r = -0.26, p < 0.001). Lastly, greater perceived stress during the pandemic was associated with greater current anxiety (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). This suggests that individuals who perceived negative health-related changes during the pandemic may still be impacted by persisting effects.

Recommended Citation

Elsey, Gretchen E.; Smith-Ricketts, Jessica L.; Kohan, David; Lepp, Andrew; and Barkley, Jacob E. (2025) "Perceived Changes in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Stress During the Pandemic Predict Current Levels of These Same Variables," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 18 : Iss. 4, Pages 306 - 315.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/DNVJ9996
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol18/iss4/4