Relationship between physical activity level and anxiety during the pandemic

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the level of physical activity and depression and anxiety in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The characteristics of the pandemic forced us to maintain confinement and social isolation, which could be a trigger for depression and anxiety in the population. The methodology used was quantitative, of a descriptive correlate type, the sample was 45 volunteers with ages ranging from 27 to 60 years, for data collection two instruments were applied: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale test (HAD) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The results show that regarding the level of physical activity, 42% had a moderate level, 36% a high level, and 22% had a low level of physical activity. Regarding anxiety, 71% of participants were without morbidity, 16% with pre-morbidity, and 13% with morbidity; and in terms of depression, 17% of the participants were without depression, 13% respectively were in pre-morbidity and with morbidity. In conclusion, there is a negative correlation between physical activity and depression-anxiety, that is, the greater the physical activity, the lower levels of depression-anxiety. For we point out that physical activity and exercise intervene in a positive way, generating preventive and therapeutic benefits in both physical and mental health.