| Autor: |
Beck AM; Prevention Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA., Gilbert AS; Prevention Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA., Duncan DD; Prevention Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA., Wiedenman EM; Prevention Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.; Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. |
| Abstrakt: |
Physical activity (PA) pre-COVID-19 was lower in rural areas compared to non-rural areas. The purpose of this study was to determine COVID-19's impact on PA in rural and non-rural residents. A cross-sectional study consisting of a convenience sample of 278 participants (50% rural, 50% non-rural) from 25 states completed an online survey describing their PA behaviors and perceptions during COVID-19. The global physical activity questionnaire was used to determine PA in various domains and summed to determine if the participant met the PA guidelines. Rural participants had a significantly higher body mass index, lower income, and a lower educational attainment. Conversely, non-rural participants reported more barriers to PA. There was no difference in the perception of COVID-19's impact on PA, specifically; however, rural participants were significantly less likely to meet cardiorespiratory PA recommendations compared to non-rural participants. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the continued disparity in PA between rural and non-rural residents, despite the supposition of COVID-19 being less impactful in rural areas due to sparse populations. Efforts should be pursued to close the PA gap between rural and non-rural residents. |
