Comparison of Physical Activity Before and During COVID-19 and Its Relationship With Mental Well-being of People in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province

Due to the widespread prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to overcome and understand these conditions, it is necessary to survey the physical and psychological implications on individuals within the community to uncover effective solutions. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the level of physical activity and psychological well-being due to quarantine induced by COVID-19 in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.  This is a cross-sectional study during the first peak of COVID-19 disease (April 10 to May 10, 2020). The International Online Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Short Mood Assessment Questionnaire were used to assess physical activity (before and during outbreak) and mood status (during outbreak), respectively, among 627 people in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.  The samples consisted of male (20%) and female (80%) subjects. Upon comparing the physical activity before the disease outbreak and during the initial outbreak, it was demonstrated that the intensity (P < 0.001), duration (P < 0.001), and frequency (P < 0.001) of physical activity significantly decreased after the outbreak of COVID-19. However, there was no difference between men and women in intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity as well as psychological status (P = 0.099). Further, no significant relationship was observed between physical activity variables (intensity, P = 0.214, duration, P = 0.386, and repetition, P = 0.122) and psychological status. However, a significant positive relationship was found between adherence to quarantine and mental wellbeing (P = 0.001).  According to the results, the level of physical activity of the subjects decreased during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to before the outbreak, but the decrease in physical activity did not affect their mental state. However, the individuals who adhered to quarantine conditions experienced a worse negative mood compared to other groups. It seems that in addition to observing social distancing measures and adherence to quarantine, individuals’ overall health and physical activity levels are effective factors that can improve the body’s physiological systems and the psychological state and influence the positive mood of people.