Level of Physical Activity During COVID-19 among Physical Therapy Students of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Regular physical activity is important in maintaining an individual’s overall health; lacking it leads to many health issues. The emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic was a major contributor to a decrease in physical activity around the world. These changes in PA were obvious due to the induced lockdown and closures of public places, parks, and sports centers. Objective: To assess the level of physical activity during COVID-19 among physical therapy students of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Using non-probability convenience sampling, 314 participants were recruited in the study over six months following approval from the Research Committee of Mahboob Medical Institute. The inclusion criteria consisted of DPT and MSPT students, including male and female students. Those students were excluded who were restricted from engaging in physical activity due to any health condition, and physically disabled individuals. All participants were informed about the purpose and procedure of the study, and consent was obtained from them before participation. An online questionnaire was developed using Google Forms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic information, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form, which was used to assess the participants’ physical activity over the last seven days, focusing on three categories: vigorous activity, moderate activity, and walking. Scoring was based on summing up the time (in minutes) and frequency (in days) spent on each type of activity. Mean values, frequencies, and percentages were used for the descriptive analysis of the physical activity levels. Bivariate methods were also used for further analysis. Results: Out of all the participating students, the mean age was 21.65±1.65. The results revealed that 18.2% of participants were not involved in any PA, 15.3% were involved in low physical activity, 17.2% were involved in moderate physical activity, and 17.5% were involved in vigorous physical activity. Conclusion: Our study concluded that most students were not doing any PA during COVID-19 as they were confined to their homes during this period. This may be attributed to lockdowns and social distancing guidelines.