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Physical Activity Before and During the Covid-19 Crisis and its Effect on Mental Health and Social Participation
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Maryam Besharati Moghadam   , Rahim Ramezaninejad , Leila Beirami |
| Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran |
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Abstract: (244 Views) |
Background: This study aimed to evaluate physical activity before and during the period of COVID-19 global health crisis and its effect on mental health and social participation.
Methods: This research was a descriptive-analytical study, which was conducted through both field and library research. The research population included all citizens of the country. Given the special conditions of the community and the limitations in the traffic and social communication, the method of cluster sampling from different parts of the country (volunteers in answering the questionnaire) was used. Three international questionnaires of physical activity, mental health assessment by the University of Palermo, and social participation assessment were used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha was used to examine the reliability of the questionnaires.
Results: Data analysis showed that the amount of physical activity (light, moderate and intense) decreased during the COVID-19 epidemic compared with the previous period.I In terms of the mental health, the results showed that the physical activity had a positive and significant effect on the general health and vitality; and had a negative and significant effect on depression and anxiety. Finally, the effect of physical activity on social participation was positive and significant.
Conclusion: Despite the reduction in physical activity during the COVID-19 epidemic, it can be stated that the same amount of physical activity can reveal its psychological and social benefits and, while reducing the negative effects of quarantine and adhering to protocols, it could prevent psychosocial vulnerability and could lead to individual and social well-being. |
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| Keywords: Covid-19, Exercise, Mental Health, Social Participation |
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Full-Text [PDF 889 kb]
(71 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2023/12/9 | Accepted: 2024/01/14 | ePublished ahead of print: 2024/02/28 | Published: 2024/03/19
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