Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity Levels and Health Parameters in Young Adults with Cancer

Abstract

The lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted physical activity (PA) levels around the world, affecting health parameters in young adults with cancer (YAC). To our knowledge, there is no evidence of the impact of the lockdown on the Spanish YAC. To analyse the changes in PA levels before, during, and after the lockdown of the YAC and its impact on health metrics in Spain, in this study, we utilized a self-reported web survey. PA levels decreased during the lockdown, and a significant increase in PA was observed after the lockdown. Moderate PA had the largest reduction (49%). Significant increases in moderate PA were noted after the lockdown (85.2%). Participants self-reported more than 9 h of sitting per day. HQoL and fatigue levels were significantly worse during the lockdown. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this cohort of Spanish YAC showed a decrease in PA levels during the lockdown, affecting sedentarism, fatigue and HQoL. After lockdown, PA levels partially recovered, while HQoL and fatigue levels remained altered. This may have long-term physical effects such as cardiovascular comorbidities associated with sedentarism and psychosocial effects. It is necessary to implement strategies such as cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE), an intervention that can be delivered online, potentially improving participants’ health behaviours and outcomes.

Keywords

• young adults
• cancer
• physical activity
• COVID-19 lockdown
• sedentary time
• quality of life