2022 Volume 14 Pages 37-43
In light of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2020, Japanese university students in particular have been facing increasing restrictions on their activities, raising concerns about the various physical and mental effects of the rapid changes in lifestyle, such as a decrease in physical activity. This study aims to elucidate the impact of the pandemic on the physical activity and lifestyle of university students using the questionnaire method. Overall, 204 university students were surveyed in 2020. In January, before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the daily energy expenditure calculated from the physical activity questionnaire was 2067.2kcal, which decreased significantly to 1833.5kcal in April–May during the state of emergency (p<0.05). The questionnaire survey confirmed various lifestyle changes such as increased snacking, screen time, and nighttime sleep. These changes continued even after the declaration was lifted in August–September, without completely returning to the pre-declaration period. To remain healthy and prevent lifestyle-related diseases, it is imperative for university students to participate in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle even under various behavioral restrictions.
