Studies

Did you also notice that during the lockdown we were not allowed to do anything outside the home except exercise? Doctoral students Carmem Cunha & Michelle Symons investigated what impact the first lockdown (period March - June 2020) had on our exercise behaviour!

The measures taken to counteract the spread of the coronavirus were mainly aimed at staying at home and socially isolating yourself as much as possible. Shops were asked to close their doors, but also swimming pools, sports centres and fitness centres were not allowed to remain open. On the one hand, this drastically reduced the possibilities for exercise, although on the other hand, the virus just highlighted the importance of good physical health. Based on an online survey, the physical activity behaviour of a Belgian sample of 427 participants was examined. Other factors that might influence exercise behaviour were also examined, namely: advantages and disadvantages (due to the lockdown) associated with exercise, digital support used to exercise, and the emotional wellbeing of individuals during the lockdown. 

This study found that people generally exercised more during the lockdown, and thus saw the lockdown as an opportunity to engage more in physical activity. A comparison was also made between sufficiently active and insufficiently active individuals during the lockdown. This showed that mainly the most active group exercised more during the lockdown, while the less active group exercised less (i.e. not enough) or even less compared to before the lockdown. We also found some key factors that could explain this behaviour. 

Watch the video (in Dutch) if you want to find out more!

Last summer, the WearAware study took place with the participation of 57 healthy - but inactive - women. This study looked at how mental fatigue affects exercise behaviours, and whether humorous messages could still encourage people who felt mentally fatigued to exercise more.

Curious about the results? Keep an eye on our website!

Check out the EmoWear tab for more information about this study! Take part in this study!