Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior while Working and Studying from Home before and during Covid-19 Pandemic. : A quantitative study on adult population in Sweden

Physical inactivity is well known for its effects on increasing health risks contributing to mortality and morbidity. Restrictions imposed due to covid 19 pandemic have immobilized communities worldwide, resulting in remote working and distance learning. Literature evidence directs towards Covid-19 pandemic related physical inactivity and increased sedentary behavior (SB) in the general population, and very little research is carried out on the remote workers in communities that shifted from workplaces to homes. The aim of the study is to examine if working from home before and during Covid 19 - pandemic is associated with changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior among adults. The data was acquired from a cross-sectional Swedish population-based study (n= 1035). Physical Activity (PA) was reported in METs/w (metabolic equivalent minutes per week), and intensity was grouped as Vigorous, Moderate and Light PA. The amount of Work or Studied from home (WSFH) was reported in percentages. Light PA level was higher among the group >50% WSFH than the ≤ 50% group during pandemic and SB was higher among ≤ 50% WSFH group during pandemic. Demographical variations among the WSFH groups showed significant associations in the occupation and education level. In conclusion, the study showed that those who worked or studied more from homes have been physically active in walking (Light PA) and had a lower sedentary time than others. There were no significant difference in physical activity levels due to the changes in the amount of pandemic-based work or study from home, during the pandemic