Perceived change in physical activity and mental health during COVID-19: Findings among adult twin pairs

Between March 27 and April 5, 2020, we administered an online survey asking participants a series of questions regarding the changes of health-related behaviors and health outcomes during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Considering that strategies aimed to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, such as physical distancing and lock downs, may have unintended consequences on health behaviors (e.g., physical activity, exercise), we explored the relation between individuals’ perceived change in the amount of physical activity and mental health over the short-term.

Among the 909 same-sex twin pairs (77% MZ (identical), 23% DZ (fraternal)) who completed the survey, 42.4% reported a decrease in physical activity, 30.6% reported no change in physical activity, and 27.0% reported an increase in physical activity.

Twin pairs where both members of the pair reported a decrease in physical activity had higher levels of perceived stress, compared to twin pairs where both members reported no change in physical activity. However, among twin pairs discordant in change in physical activity (i.e., one member reported a decrease, and one member reported no change), there was no visible difference in perceived stress between members who reported decreased and those who reported no change in physical activity.

Twin pairs where both members of the pair reported a decrease in physical activity had higher levels of anxiety, compared to twin pairs where both members reported no change in physical activity. Among twin pairs discordant in change in physical activity (i.e., one member reported a decrease, and one member reported no change), members of the pair who reported decreased physical activity had higher levels of anxiety than their co-twins who reported no change in physical activity.

Our findings suggest that pandemic mitigation strategies may have a negative impact on individuals’ daily activities and mental health; those who experienced a decrease in physical activity may also have higher levels of perceived stress and anxiety.

We would like to thank the WSTR twin members for their participation in our research.

Click here to read the full manuscript