Physical Activity Before and During the Covid-19 Crisis and its Effect on Mental Health and Social Participation

This study aimed to Evaluation of physical activity before and during the period of global health crisis and its effect on mental health and social participation (Case study of the Covid-19 crisis).

It was a descriptive-analytical study which was conducted through both field and library research.The research population included all citizens of the country. Given the special conditions of the community and the limitations in the traffic and social communication, the method of cluster sampling from different parts of the country (volunteers in answering the questionnaire) was used.Three international questionnaires of physical activity, mental health assessment of the University of Palermo, and social participation assessment were used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha was used to examine the reliability of the questionnaires.

Data analysis showed that the amount of physical activity (light, moderate and intense) during the Corona epidemic decreased compared to the previous period. Also, in terms of the mental health, the results showed that the physical activity had a positive and significant effect on the general health and vitality; and it had a negative and significant effect on depression and anxiety. Finally, the effect of physical activity on the social participation was positive and significant.

Thus, despite the reduction in physical activity during the corona epidemic, reduced physical activity can be stated that the same amount of physical activity can reveal its psychological and social benefits and, while reducing the negative effects of quarantine and adhering to protocols, it could prevent the psychosocial vulnerability and it could lead to individual and social well-being.