The effect of physical activity on mental health in quarantine during COVID 19

Anxiety is a common mental disorder during the COVID-19 that can reduce quality of life. Exercise is one of the most important, simple, and inexpensive treatment approaches that can improve mental health. The aim of this study investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and mental health during the first wave of COVID-19. This longitudinal study conducted from April 26 to May 3, 2020.

Our snowball sampling strategy focused on recruiting the public living in IRAN (Khorasan) during the COVID-19 outbreak. The psychological impact and mental health status of COVID-19 was measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), respectively. Eventually, during this two-week home quarantine period, our sample number reached 385.

The mean of Body Mass Index (BMI) men and women were 24.91 and 24.5. People who are underweight and obese have more Stress, Anxiety and Depression than those who have acceptable weight and overweight. There is difference between the anxiety (P=0.003, F=4.027), stress (P=0.000, F=5.934) and depression (P=0.000, F=6.533) of the group that did not have physical activity at all and the groups that had physical activity every day and three days a week, during COVID-19.

Promotion of physical activity (PA) can potentially help improve mental health and wellness.