Estimating the global increase in sedentary time during COVID-19 lockdowns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND // This study aimed to estimate the increase in sedentary time during the lockdowns compared to the situation before the COVID-19 outbreak in adult population samples from different countries worldwide.

METHODS // We systematically searched three electronic databases until 27th February 2021 for studies reporting data on total sedentary time before and during COVID-19 lockdowns using a validated tool. We performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models to calculate weighted mean differences in total daily sedentary time before and during the lockdowns. The analysis was repeated stratified and compared by sex.

RESULTS // We included 20 studies, with a good (n=15) and fair (n=5) methodological quality. We pooled for meta-analysis the data from 18 studies, comprising 47,245 participants. The COVID-19 lockdowns across the globe led to a weighted mean increase of 2.40 hours per day in total sedentary behavior time (95% confidence interval: 1.95; 2.85). The stratified and comparative analysis by sex in 8 studies indicated a similar increase for women (n=20,455) and men (n=11,825).

CONCLUSIONS // Total daily sedentary time increased by 2.40 hours worldwide during the lockdowns compared to the situation before the COVID-19 outbreak, with no significant difference between sexes.