Predicting recovery after stressors using step count data derived from activity monitors.

This study examines the stressor-response process in physical activity among 226 participants across four countries. We analyzed their step count collected via activity monitors before and after a significant stressor: the COVID-19 lockdown. Results showed that a 'local dynamic complexity' metric significantly predicts the rate of recovery to pre-COVID levels of physical activity. These findings provide new opportunities for just-in-time interventions to support physical activity recovery after disruptive stressors.