The impact of COVID-19 on physical activity

This study explored how COVID-19 affected physical activity of individuals who participated in a survey in order to give recommendations to organisations, practitioners and services on how to manage changes in health care needs. Self-reported physical activity decreased throughout all five age groups included in this study. This decrease is associated with public life restrictions that were put in place to reduce harm from the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequence of the decrease in physical activity may include impaired mental and physical wellbeing. The expected surge in demand for health care must be addressed by health care decision-makers and relevant clinical pathways redesigned to withstand the increased demand.