Studies of physical activity and COVID-19 during the pandemic: an updated scoping review

Abstract

Background: This review is an update of the previous study aiming to identify the available evidence related to physical activity (PA) in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: We searched 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) in April 2024. Medical subject headings and keywords related to PA and COVID-19 were combined to conduct the online search, which covered the period from July 2020 to April 2024.

Results: Overall, 49,579 articles were retrieved. After duplicate removal and title, abstract, and full-text screening, 1,976 articles were included in this update. Most of the studies were observational with a cross-sectional design (68.0%). Most of COVID-19 and PA studies came from high-income countries. Most studies explored the changes in PA levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on mental health outcomes.

Conclusion: Research on PA and COVID-19 prioritized online approach and cross-sectional designs. Most of the evidence identified a decrease in PA levels due to social distancing measures.

Keywords: Behavior change; COVID-19 pandemic; Exercise; Mental health.