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BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | COVID-19 | Research

Comparison of the level of physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic

Authors: D. Líška, S. Rutkowski, L. Oplatková, J. Sýkora, M. Pupiš, J. Novák, E. Urbářová, A. Rutkowska, A. Busch, Alena Kobesova

Published in: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with limited physical activity (PA) of most of the world’s population. This cross-sectional prospective study aimed to assess the levels of PA of university students in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia after COVID-19 using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF).

Methods

A total of 2635 students completed questionnaires regarding their PA levels using the IPAQ-SF between September and December 2022.

Results

PA measured by metabolic equivalent of task (MET) scores, varied between the three countries: Slovakia median MET-minutes/week score 4459.9; Czech Republic 3838.8 Poland 3567.1. The results of the post hoc analysis revealed there were significant differences in MET-minutes/week values between the Czech Republic and Poland (p < 0.035) as well as between the Czech Republic and Slovakia (p < 0.037). The analysis of energetic expenditure during walking revealed that students from the Czech Republic and Slovakia had higher median MET-min/weeks values (Czech 2284.1; Slovak 2467.1) compared to their Polish (1536.1) peers (p < 0.001). Polish cohort presented with significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001) than Czech and Slovak groups (BMI Czech: 22.3; Slovak 22.8; Polish 23.8).

Conclusions

Significant differences in PA levels between the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia university students were identified. Slovakia showed the highest median PA measured as a MET score, and Poland showed the lowest. Compared to available pre-COVID studies it seems the total level of PA in the observed cohorts has not returned to the pre-COVID levels and students remain less active.

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Title: Comparison of the level of physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Authors: D. Líška
S. Rutkowski
L. Oplatková
J. Sýkora
M. Pupiš
J. Novák
E. Urbářová
A. Rutkowska
A. Busch
Alena Kobesova
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2052-1847
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00833-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Comparison of the level of physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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