Governments have restricted public life during the COVID-19 pandemic, inter alia closing sports facilities and gyms. As regular exercise is essential for health, this study examined the effect of pandemic-related confinements on physical activity (PA) levels. A multinational survey was performed in 14 countries. Times spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as well as in vigorous physical activity only (VPA) were assessed using the Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form). Data were obtained for leisure and occupational PA pre- and during restrictions. Compliance with PA guidelines was calculated based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). In total, n = 13,503 respondents (39 ± 15 years, 59% females) were surveyed. Compared to pre-restrictions, overall self-reported PA declined by 41% (MVPA) and 42.2% (VPA). Reductions were higher for occupational vs. leisure time, young and old vs. middle-aged persons, previously more active vs. less active individuals, but similar between men and women. Compared to pre-pandemic, compliance with WHO guidelines decreased from 80.9% (95% CI: 80.3–81.7) to 62.5% (95% CI: 61.6–63.3). Results suggest PA levels have substantially decreased globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key stakeholders should consider strategies to mitigate loss in PA in order to preserve health during the pandemic.

The participation of young in volleyball is becoming increasingly common, and this increased involvement raises concerns about the risk of installation of sports injuries. Therefore, the objectives the study were identify the characteristics of sports injuries in young volleyball players and associate anthropometric and training variables with contributing factors for injuries.

Confinement measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused substantial reductions in global physical activity (PA) levels. In view of the manifold health benefits of PA, the development of interventions counteracting this trend is paramount. Our survey with 15,261 participants (38 ± 15 years, 58.5% females) examined preferences towards digital home exercise programs in 14 countries affected by COVID-19. More than two-thirds of the sample (68.4%, n = 10,433) indicated being interested in home exercise, and most participants were willing to work out at least three times per week (89.3%, n = 9328). Binary logistic regression revealed that female sex, working part-time, younger age, and being registered in a gym were associated with willingness to exercise. Flexibility (71.1%, n = 7377), resistance (68.6%, n = 7116), and endurance training (62.4%, n = 6478) were the most preferred types of exercise. Our results may guide health providers in developing individually tailored PA interventions during the current and future pandemics.

Background: Online home exercises represent opportunities to increase physical activity levels. However, high dropout rates are commonly reported in such programmes. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of dropping out from an online home exercise programme. Methods: A total of 760 individuals from nine countries participated in this 8-week prospective cohort study derived from a randomised controlled trial. The participants were randomised into "4-week live-streamed exercise –>4-week recorded exercise" or "4-week no intervention –>4-week recorded exercise" group. Repeated measurements using weekly questionnaires were performed. Pain intensity, disability, mental well-being score, exercise motivation, sleep quality, impulsiveness/anxiety, and physical activity level were analysed. Results: A total of 53.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.3%–57.3%) participants dropped out from the programme. The identified predictors of dropping out from the programme were: well-being (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97) and disability (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.002–1.04) at baseline considering the first 4 weeks; age (0.98; 95% CI 0.96–1.00) and baseline well-being (0.93; 95% CI 0.89–0.97) considering the entire follow-up (8 weeks); exercise motivation (0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97) and general impulsiveness/anxiety (1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07) repeated measured over time. Conclusion: About half of the participants dropped out from the online home exercise programme. Higher baseline scores in mental well-being and age predicted a reduction in dropping out. Higher baseline disability predicted an increase in dropping out. During the follow-up, higher exercise motivation was associated with a reduction in dropping out, and higher impulsiveness and anxiety were associated with an increase in dropping out.