Investigating engagement in maladaptive and adaptive exercise behaviors before and during COVID-19

PURPOSE: Evidence suggests that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in increased mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety) and there is ample discussion of how the pandemic has resulted in increases in weight control strategies (e.g., maladaptive exercise behaviors). It remains unclear, however, if maladaptive exercise behaviors are on the rise among non-clinical samples. The objective of this study was to examine college students’ engagement in exercise behaviors (both adaptive and maladaptive) before and during COVID-19. METHOD: This study compared reports of compulsive exercise, weight and shape exercise, and positive and healthy exercise in two separate samples recruited from a large southeastern university. Sample 1 was collected pre-COVID-19 (August 2019–February 2020) and Sample 2 was collected during COVID-19 (August 2020–April 2021). Case–control matched samples were generated for this study (N = 144; 52.1% male). Three separate analysis of covariance models tested the differences between (1) adaptive exercise; (2) compulsive exercise; and (3) weight and shape exercise in pre- and during COVID-19 samples, controlling for sex. RESULTS: Individuals in the during COVID-19 sample reported significantly more compulsive exercise (p < .001), weight and shape exercise (p < .001), and adaptive exercise (p < .001) compared to individuals in the pre-COVID-19 sample. Effects were of medium to large sizes. CONCLUSION: Consistent with reports from the research literature and popular press, the current study observed that both adaptive and maladaptive exercise were higher among college students during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.