The impact of the corona pandemic on the physical activity of university students

Background: Pandemic caused due to the coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) has contributed to changes in everyday life among people around the world and also in Sweden. This has led to unusual circumstances regarding work, school, daily routines and also leisure and physical activity. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare levels of physical activity and sedentary life among students at Malmö University before and during the pandemic caused by Covid-19. Method: Random selection was made for the study. The study compared different levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior before and during the pandemic. The IPAQ survey was used twice. In addition, there were 5 estimation questions about how the pandemic has affected life in general. A total of 341 questionnaires were sent and a total of (n = 83) participants participated. The gender distribution was 42 percent men (n = 35) and 58 percent women (n = 48). Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the students' level of physical activity during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic (p <0.05). In addition, the results of the study showed a significant increase in the time spent sitting still during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic (p <0.05). Conclusion: The pandemic has affected students' activity habits and sitting still. On average, students spend less time on physical activities during the pandemic and sedentary life has increased among students during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic began