Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: August | Volume: 10 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 58-63
Adherence to Physical Activity during COVID-19 Lockdown in India- A Survey
Janhavi Jagdish Atre1, Sukanya Parag Dandekar2, Suvarna Shyam Ganvir3
1MPT (Neuro)
2MPT (Neuro), Consulting Physiotherapist, Rehab Station, Pune, Maharashtra, India
3PhD, Prof.& H.O.D., Department of Neurophysiotherapy, D.V.V.P,F’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Sukanya Parag Dandekar
ABSTRACT
Background: Novel Covid-19 pandemic led to a lockdown in India. During this lockdown, staying at home is the safest measure to prevent spread. Prolonged homestay leads to inactivity and is having effects on physical as well as mental health. This study aimed to find the physical activity levels and the factors contributing to inactivity during the lockdown period in India.
Methods: A survey was conducted on Indian population by circulating a questionnaire through social media.1132 responses were obtained of which 1110 were included in the study, those not willing to participate were excluded.
Results: 710 (64.54%) participants were engaging in physical activity during the lockdown phase, the remaining participants 400 (35.45%) were not engaging in physical activities. The factors for adherence to exercise routine were reported as motivation, general fitness, free time and encouragement by peers. Majority participants belonged to sedentary work profile 46.03%. The reasons for lack of exercise were reported as lethargy and inability due to work schedules.
Conclusion: Physical activity is perceived as very important by the exercising population. Adherence to exercise was promoted by availability of time and motivation and maintenance of fitness. Lack of physical activity was because of factors such as lethargy, lack of time and working nature. Awareness regarding the benefits of physical activity is lacking.
Key words: Physical activity, COVID-19, Lockdown, Pandemic, Adherence