Negative mood state in Kermanshah population during COVID-19 … – Nature.com

The results of the present study showed that the intensity of exercise, duration, and the number of sessions per week significantly decreased during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to before. While these results were not unexpected, the fear of infection may have limited various activities, including social activities and exercise, and may have even led to the closure of clubs after the outbreak. Furthermore, these changes in lifestyle, combined with not having fun leisure time, led to an increase in stress and anxiety levels in society.

However, the closure of physical activities has been linked to many diseases, worsening obesity and motor poverty16. Health researchers therefore recommend modifying workout routines to strengthen the immune system16, 17. Due to restrictions and closures of sports clubs to prevent the spread of coronavirus, attending clubs has become limited18, 19. To prevent the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, such as obesity, home exercise and increased physical activities such as walking may be beneficial16, 20.

Furthermore, the results of the present study indicate that moderate levels of exercise activity significantly reduce negative mood states caused by the fear of COVID-19 and increase positive mood states. Being sedentary resulted in a significant increase in negative mood states and a significant decrease in positive mood states. In this study, a high level of PA was not only significantly related to increased positive mood states but also to increased negative mood states.

In general, PA is one of the most important contributors to physical and mental health. Exercise can improve the body's ability to fight infection by strengthening the immune system18. However, according to some study results, intense and competitive exercise may not be suitable during these conditions and can reduce the body's immune response, leading to a higher risk of COVID-19 infection21, 22. Most studies have highlighted the importance of avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, which is very common, especially among young people who spend excessive amounts of time on social media and networks. In addition to improving immune function and capacity, PA can help reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood, and manage underlying diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Healthy adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. The findings of the study suggest that PA levels were significantly lower during quarantine, which in turn had a negative impact on mood state among the Kermanshah population. This low level of PA is not surprising given the limitations on movement and exercise during quarantine periods. Inactivity may lead to physical and mental health issues, which is supported by the finding that mood state was negatively impacted by low PA levels.

The negative impact of low PA levels on mood state was seen in the study, with a significant negative correlation between PA levels and mood state. Participants who engaged in PA had a better mood state than those who did not. This finding is supported by previous research, which has shown that exercise can lead to increased feelings of well-being and positive mood.

The findings of this study have important implications for public health policy during quarantine periods. It is crucial to promote PA during quarantine to mitigate the negative impact on mental and physical health. This can include providing resources and guidance for home workout routines, as well as encouraging outdoor PA while adhering to social distancing measures.

Previous studies have shown that physical inactivity has become a significant public health concern during the COVID-19 pandemic23, 24. Several studies have reported a decrease in PA levels in both healthy individuals and people with chronic diseases during quarantine measures. For instance, a systematic review and meta-analysis showed that people who were under lockdown during the pandemic had significantly decreased PA levels than before the pandemic25. Similarly, Hansen et al. (2022) found evidence that PA levels decreased substantially during COVID-19 quarantine among the general population26. Furthermore, research has also shown that low PA levels during COVID-19 quarantine measures are associated with negative mood states. Maugeri et al. (2020) demonstrated that inactivity levels during COVID-19 confinement were positively correlated with depression and anxiety symptom severity27. Similarly, Aghababa et al. (2021) found that a lower level of PA was associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among Iranian individuals during quarantine28.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent quarantine measures have led to increased periods of inactivity for many individuals, which can have profound effects on hormone levels in the body. Hormones play a vital role in various physiological processes, including mood regulation, stress response, metabolism, and immune function. Reduced physical activity and changes in lifestyle during quarantine can disrupt hormone levels, potentially impacting mental and physical health. During periods of inactivity and quarantine, stress hormones like cortisol may be affected. Chronic stress and reduced physical activity can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in abnormal cortisol levels. High cortisol levels, associated with chronic stress, can contribute to mood disorders, impaired immune function, and metabolic disturbances. A study by Wilkialis et al. (2021) found increased stress and cortisol levels among individuals in quarantine, suggesting a potential link between inactivity, quarantine, and dysregulated stress hormone levels29. Also, inactivity and reduced physical activity during quarantine can also influence metabolic hormones such as insulin and leptin. Prolonged periods of inactivity and sedentary behavior can exacerbate insulin resistance, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. Sallis et al. (2020) conducted a study that revealed reduced physical activity during quarantine was associated with increased insulin resistance and higher levels of leptin, highlighting the negative effects of inactivity on metabolic hormone levels30. Moreover, Physical activity is known to stimulate the release of mood-regulating hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, promoting well-being and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therefore, reduced physical activity during quarantine may result in imbalances in these mood-regulating hormones. Lesser et al. (2020) found a significant increase in depressive symptoms among individuals with lower levels of physical activity during quarantine, suggesting a potential link between reduced physical activity, altered mood-regulating hormone levels, and negative mental health outcomes9. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated periods of inactivity and quarantine can have significant effects on hormone levels in the body. Disruptions in stress hormones, metabolic hormones, and mood-regulating hormones are observed during these periods, potentially impacting mental and physical health. It is crucial to recognize the potential impact of inactivity and quarantine on hormone levels and take steps to mitigate these effects through regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Overall, these studies provide further support for the current study's findings that low PA levels during COVID-19 quarantine measure correlate with negative mood states. It suggests that prioritizing PA during quarantine measures may have potential benefits for promoting mental health and well-being during this pandemic.

The strengths of a study that focuses on the relationship between exercise and mood states during the COVID-19 pandemic . Firstly, the study provides a comprehensive analysis by considering factors such as exercise intensity, duration, frequency, closure of clubs, and increased stress and anxiety levels. This comprehensive data allows for a thorough understanding of the relationship between exercise and mood during quarantine. Secondly, the study's findings align with previous research, which enhances its credibility. Additionally, the study offers clear recommendations for public health policy during quarantine, emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity to mitigate the negative impact on mental and physical health. Furthermore, the study mentions a large sample size, which enhances the generalizability of the findings. Lastly, the study acknowledges the limitations of intense and competitive exercise during the pandemic, demonstrating a balanced perspective. Overall, these strengths contribute to the study's credibility, relevance, and potential impact on public health policies during quarantine.

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Negative mood state in Kermanshah population during COVID-19 ... - Nature.com