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Physical activity of Polish students during COVID-19 pandemic-questionnaire assessment, data analysis and clinical implications
Kardiologia Polska ; 79(SUPPL 1):125-126, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1589625
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 pandemic and following restrictions have impacted every life domain. Students are an especially affected group where social distancing, numerous quarantine periods and e-learning changed lifestyle as we knew. It is well documented that physical activity (PA) has a crucial impact on cardiovascular diseases prevention and is a healthy lifestyle habit. Aim of the study is assessment of physical activity among Polish university students during the normal week in the pandemic period (since 20th March 2020 to 20th March 2021). MATERIAL AND METHODS An online based survey distributed via different social media channels (e.g. Facebook and e-mail newsletters). Data were collected from 1491 Polish undergraduates and 1200 met all study conditions (80.48%;77.25% were females;0.5% didn't specify gender;49.75% were medical university students). The questionnaire included IPAQ-Short Form and one authorès question. Respondents declared body mass index (BMI) and the amount of weekly physical activity (number of active days/week, active type and time every day, sitting hours and summary question in -5-0-+5 scale which compared activity changes with times before restrictions). Finally, we calculated total MET-min/week. RESULTS 33.17% (n = 398) of students were in a low physical activity group, 41.42% (n = 497) in a medium and 25.41% (n = 305) in a high. Average BMI was 22.26 kg/m2 (13.62-48.29 kg/m2). 11.5% (n = 138) participants were underweight (BMI <18.5), 14.67% (n = 176) overweight (BMI ≥25.0) and 3.92% (n = 47) obese (BMI ≥30.0). However correlations between higher BMI (r = -0.00369;P = 0.898) or gender (P = 0.145) with, respectively, lower MET-min/week or lower PA level werenèt statistically significant. 71.92% (n = 863) reported that pandemic negatively influenced their physical activity level, 8.25% (n = 99) didnèt notice any changes and 19.83% (n = 238) observed positive impact. CONCLUSIONS High number of Polish students didnèt meet physical activity requirements to be described as medium or highly active people. Moreover most students declared a negative impact on their PA due to COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to be aware by public health workers and physicians to encourage undergraduates to stay physically active even during restrictions (while taking all appropriate precautions) because of its numerous possible positive outcomes on cardiovascular health.
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Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Kardiologia Polska Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Kardiologia Polska Year: 2021 Document Type: Article