Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate differences in the frequency and types of engagement in sports before, during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stay-at-home order in Tyrol, Austria.
Study design: A representative population survey was conducted.
Methods: A sample of Tyroleans (N = 511) was questioned by a market research institute via an online questionnaire or telephone survey.
Results: During the stay-at-home order, participants engaged less in sports than before and after the restrictions. However, within-group analyses revealed increasing sport participation in less active groups when comparing the pre- and post-COVID-19 period.
Conclusions: Despite the restrictions during the stay-at-home order, respondents did engage in sports and promoted their health. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to investigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 crisis on sports and exercise behaviour as well as the extent to which sports policy measures may be able increase sports participation.
Copyright © 2020 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.