Physical Activity of Poles in the Care for Their Health Potential Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to present the engagement of adult Poles in physical activity (PA) before and during the coronavirus pandemic, taking into consideration: frequency, duration, and types of the activity, depending on the gender and age of the participants. METHODS: The study was conducted using an online survey questionnaire. A total of 688 residents of Poland aged 18 to 58 (28.61 ± 9.5) y participated in the study. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the frequency of PA was noted in the group of men (P = 0.0001) and in the age group of 39 to 58 y old. The analysis of the duration of a single PA before and during the pandemic has shown a statistically significant reduction in the workout time among both men and women and across all age groups (P = 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of women undertaking flexibility exercises, eg, yoga (P = 0.000), as well as a decrease in marching and walks (P = 0.003). Men significantly less frequently did strength exercises (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, there was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and duration of PA. The preferences of the participants as to the type of PA undertaken changed as well.