Physical activity and emotions in a period of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing (SD) to prevent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission reduced practices of physical activities (PA) and changed emotional conditions, but the relationship between PA and the emotions has to be further studied. This study aimed to analyze PA and the intensity of basic emotions during a period of social distancing in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection was performed using the snowball system and an online survey with questions about the minimum weekly frequency of 30-min moderate and/or vigorous activities (MVPA), intensity of basic emotions, and sociodemographic profile. A total of 704 volunteers participated; mean age 38.1 ​± ​13.4 years, 67.9% female, 82.0% insufficiently practiced MVPA, and 37.9% of the group reported no weekly PA. Anxiety/fear was the emotion with the highest intensity in the study period. A significant association was observed between PA and intensity of happiness (rho ​= ​0.125; p ​< ​0.01) and a negative association between PA practice and intensity of anxiety/fear (rho ​= ​−0.090; p ​< ​0.05), sadness (rho ​= ​−0.134; p ​< ​0.01), and anger (rho ​= ​−0.109; p ​< ​0.01). Also, an association was observed between anxiety/fear and social isolation (rho ​= ​0.082; p ​< ​0.05). These results suggest that public policies offering PA programs and psychological care are required to improve the quality of life of the population.