Correlates of Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors during the COVID-19 Lockdown in France: The NutriNet-Santé Cohort Study.

Background: COVID-19 lockdowns represent natural experiments where limitations of movement impact on lifestyle behaviors. The aim of this paper was to assess how lockdowns have influenced physical activity and sedentary behaviors among French adults.

Methods: 32,409 adults from the NutriNet-Santé study filled out questionnaires in April 2020 (the first 2 weeks after the start of lockdown) and in May 2020 (2 weeks before the lockdown ended). Participants were asked about changes in physical activity level and sitting time, types of physical activity performed, and main reasons for change.

Results: For decreased physical activity, similar rates were found at the beginning and end of the lockdown (58 and 55%-56 and 53%, in women and men, respectively). For increased physical activity, the figures were lower (20 and 14%-23 and 18%, in women and men, respectively). The participants with a decreasing physical activity evolution were older and more likely to be living in urban areas. The main reasons for (i) decreased physical activity were limitations of movement and not liking indoor exercise, (ii) increased physical activity were to stay physically fit and healthy. Physical activity changes were inversely associated with reported depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors are heterogenous for both genders during the lockdown.