Influence of physical activity on psychological states in adults during the covid-19 pandemic

Introduction: Long periods of home confinement may lead to fear, panic, anxiety, and depression states, which, in turn, could drive to a reduction of active lifestyles. Objetive: To determine the association between the characteristics of the physical activity performed and the risk of experiencing mental health issues among people during confinement. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study design was conducted in Iberoamerican countries with a sample of 4,948 participants, selected through a snowball sampling technique. The study started on March 15th, 2020, and was completed in August 2020 through an online survey that included demographic and medical data, mental health status, and physical activity characteristics. Results: Brazilian women aged between 18 and 29 who stayed at home more than 19 hours per day presented a relevant higher risk for all the mental health problems analyzed in this study. A low level of physical activity during the isolation period presents the highest probability of depression compared to higher levels (OR = 1.317). In addition, using a no professional resource to do physical activity is a predictive factor of adverse mental health status (OR Anxiety = 1.396, OR Depression = 1.452, and OR Stress = 1.220). Conclusions: A low level of physical activity during a long isolation period is associated with a higher prevalence of depression, and the use of professional resources for physical activity may be a protective factor for mental health disorders. © 2022 Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto - U.S.P.. All rights reserved.