Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Korean Adults before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Data from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey

Abstract

Several recent studies suggested reduced physical activity (PA) related to the COVID-19 pandemic without consensus. This study investigated the changes in PA and sedentary time during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 era. The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019 and 2020 were used. The >= 19-year-old population was examined in 2019 and 2020 for time spent engaging in high- and moderate-intensity PA and sedentary time. Based on the recommended level of PA by the World Health Organization, >= 75 min/wk of high PA and >= 150 min/of moderate PA were classified. A sedentary time of >= 120 min/d was selected. Multiple logistic regression analysis with complex sampling was conducted for >= 75 min/wk of high PA, >= 150 min/wk of moderate PA, and >= 120 min/d of sedentary time in the 2020 group compared to the 2019 group. The >= 75 min/wk high PA was not lower in the 2020 group than in the 2019 group (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.96, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) = 0.79-1.18, P = 0.696). The >= 150 min/wk of moderate PA was also not lower in the 2020 group (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.94-1.32, p = 0.201). However, the >= 150 min/wk of moderate PA in the female group was higher in the 2020 group than in the 2019 group (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.01-1.65, p = 0.042). Sedentary time >= 120 min/d was lower in the 2020 group (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17-0.72, p = 0.005). This association was consistent in the 19-39-year-old and female group. In conclusion, during the COVID-19 pandemic, high and moderate PA were not decreased in Korean adults, while sedentary time was reduced.