COVID-19’s Impact on Motives, Barriers, And Amount of Physical Activity Among College Students

COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of everyday life including physical activity, which is essential to one\u27s health and has been linked with reducing the risk of many illnesses. The college student population is at a complicated crossroads as the younger age makes them less vulnerable to the occurrence and severity of COVID-19, but with a longer wait time for vaccinations and resources. As the physical restrictions, information, and guidelines fluctuate, it is important to examine the perceptions on the availability and motives of physical activity among the college student population to effectively promote physical activity during and proceeding the pandemic. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the impact that COVID-19 has had on the motives, barriers, and amount of physical activity in college students. Methods: Participants were college students recruited to take the online survey using SONA Systems. The survey included a demographic questionnaire and assessed motives using the 23 item Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised, barriers using the 24-item Perceived Barriers Scale, and physical activity using the Physical Activity as a Vital Sign measure. Using a priming statement, participants were asked to reflect on their pre-COVID-19 physical activity and then their current behaviors. Results and Conclusions: COVID-19 decreased the minutes of exercise per week and day. The majority of motives remained the same regardless of COVID-19 with the exception of a significant decrease in competence motives in Fall20. The total barriers and time barriers remained relatively constant from pre-COVID to Fall20