| Summary: | This study aims to investigate changes in
physical activity and health trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in
Korea using data from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Korea National Sports
Participation Survey (KNSPS). A total of 15,656 adult males (5487 people in 2019,
4791 people in 2020, and 5378 people in 2021) were selected for this research.
Descriptive statistical analysis, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of
variance were performed. In this study, we revealed changes in sports activities,
participation levels, health and fitness status perception, and health and
fitness maintenance factors of Korean adults before and after the COVID-19
pandemic. Specifically, the participation rate in outdoor sports activities, such
as walking, gate ball, golf, and fishing has increased compared to before the
COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, the participation rate of indoor sports
activities, such as bodybuilding, swimming, yoga, and Pilates showed a decreasing
trend. Participation period, frequency, and intensity, which evaluate the level
of sports participation, also showed significant differences during COVID-19, but
as the sports participation levels have not changed regularly, it cannot be
attributed to COVID-19. Finally, health and fitness status perception were found
to be worse after the COVID-19 outbreak than before. In addition, the rate of
considering regular physical activity participation as a factor to maintain
health and fitness after the COVID-19 outbreak increased. The results of this
study can be used as basic data to recognize the impact of the pandemic on our
lives and promote healthy and regular physical activity in preparation for any
pandemic that may occur in the future.
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