Are changes in physical activity during COVID-19 associated with mental health among Danish university students?

Aims: The benefits associated with being physical active on mental health is
well-established, but little is known on how rapid changes in physical activity are
associated with mental health. This study investigated the association between
changes in physical activity and mental health among Danish university students
during the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Methods: Online survey data were collected among 2,280 university students at
the University of Southern Denmark and University of Copenhagen in May–June
2020 as part the “COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study.” Multiple
linear regressions were used to analyze associations between changes in physical
activity and mental health (depression and stress scores) adjusted for potential
socio-economic confounders.
Results: During the first COVID-19 lockdown, 40% decreased their moderate and
44% their vigorous physical activity, while 16% increased their moderate and 13%
their vigorous physical activity. Overall, students with a stable physical activity
level had the lowest mean depressive and stress scores. Adjusted analyses showed
that a decrease in vigorous and moderate physical activity level was significantly
associated with a higher depression score (mean difference (vigorous): 1.36,
p physical activity and an increase in moderate physical activity was associated with
a 1-point increase in the PSS-4 stress score (p Conclusion: A substantial proportion of students changed their physical activity
level during lockdown. Our findings emphasize the importance of staying
physically active during COVID-19 lockdown. This knowledge might be important
for relevant health authorities to bridle post-pandemic mental health challenges.