Suchergebnisse

The volume provides a unique view on multidimensional crises, their interplay, and possible resolutions for sustainable life patterns and is therefore broadly related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Traditional unidimensional and technocratic strategies often fall short. Ultimately, people, their behavior and their habits are at the source of many problems. Therefore, it is imperative to take people, their multifaceted nature and the necessary learning and educational processes into account when striving towards a better life for everyone. The Editors Dr. Sandra Hummel is a Research Associate at the department of Empirical Learningworld Research and Higher Education Didactics at the University of Graz. Dr. Philipp Assinger is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Educational Science at the University of Graz. Dr. Christian Bauer is Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Geography and Regional Science at the University of Graz. Dr. Thomas Brudermann is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research at the University of Graz. Dr. Andrea Jany is a Research Associate at the Institute of Geography and Regional Science at the University of Graz. Dr. Martin Jury is a Research Associate at the Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change at the University of Graz. Dr. Romana Rauter is Associate Professor on Sustainability and Innovation Management at the Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research at the University of Graz. Dr. Mireille van Poppel is a Professor at the Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health at the University of Graz.

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.