Effects on quality of life, health and practice of physical activity of Covid-19 confinement in Spain

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Abstract

In Spain, the declaration of the state of alarm due to the Covid-19 pandemic, meant that between 14^th of March and 2^nd of May 2020, 47 million inhabitants were confined at home and could only go out to cover basic needs. This unprecedented event has led to a paradigm shift, and it is appropriate to analyze its impact on health, considering how it has affected the practice of physical activity. An ad hoc questionnaire was administered. The participants were 1046 people (48.57% male and 51.43% female) and the average age of 40 (± DT 13.35 years). Regarding the practice of physical activity, a significant decrease in intensity and quantity stands out (p < .001), and a modification of the type of physical activity performed, going from cardiovascular sports and muscular fitness to soft gymnastics and flexibility practices. The total percentage of people who did no physical activity at all, increased. In addition, although more free time was available, people in ERTE situation significantly decreased their amount of physical activity performed (p < .001). These results allow us to conclude that confinement has meant a modification of physical activity practice habits and a decrease in the recommended values ​​of healthy healthy, and therefore has had implications on health and quality of life. This information will help to understand these new behaviors in order for managers to implement innovative strategies to reactivate the return to previous levels of physical activity, its increase and, in short, the reactivation of the sports sector.