In our March baseline survey, we asked participants their perceived change in the amount of physical activity since the widespread social restriction soon after the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 a pandemic. At the time, 43.78% of the participants reported a decrease in physical activity, 29.84% reported no change, and 26.38% reported an increase in the amount of physical activity, compared to prior to the spread of COVID-19.

Continue reading COVID-19 Follow-up: Change in Physical Activity →

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.

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

In the follow-up survey, we asked participants to self-report the amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) they had in the past two week. We wondered if the amount of exercise people are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with several mental health indicators.

Continue reading COVID-19 Follow-up Update #3 →

In the follow-up survey, we were interested in whether the number of individuals in a household during lock-down/shelter-in-place has an effect on people’s mental health status. We were particularly curious about whether individuals with children are more worried during this unprecedented time.

Continue reading COVID-19 Follow-up Update #2 →

Continue reading COVID-19 Follow-up Update #1 →

In our recent COVID-19 survey, we asked participants several questions about their exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Most participants reported not having been diagnosed with COVID-19, with very few participants reported having household and/or family members diagnosed with COVID-19. However, 42.69% participants reported knowing at least one friend (and/or classmate) who was diagnosed with COVID-19. More than a quarter (26.03%) of the participants reported knowing at least one person from work (co-worker, client, and/or patient) who was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Continue reading COVID Baseline Update #4 →

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many social restrictions have been put in place in the hopes to slow down the spread of the virus. As a result, many of us have had to make changes in our daily lives accordingly. We examined whether self-perceived change in the amount of physical activity and sleep is associated with mental health.

Continue reading COVID baseline update #3 →

Continue reading COVID baseline update #2 →

Purpose of the study

In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding social restrictions to society, we aimed to examine the extent to which participants in WSTR are impacted by the recent events. Here is a brief summary of selected results. We would also like to thank the WSTR twins for participation and their continued support of the WSTR.

Continue reading COVID baseline update #1 →