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TL;DR
Post-COVID-19 daily step counts were significantly lower than a counterfactual estimate based on pre-pandemic trends.
JAMA Network Open · 7 authors, 4 centres
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Post-COVID-19 daily step counts were significantly lower than a counterfactual estimate based on pre-pandemic trends.
A counterfactual model based on 2 years of pre-pandemic data estimated that participants walked 575 (95% CI, 521-629) fewer steps per day post–COVID-19 than observed (P < .001). Linear mixed models identified younger age (β = -243 per 10-year decrease; P < .001), Northeast region versus other regions (β = -288; P < .001), higher deprivation index (β = -477 per 0.1 increment; P < .001), depression (β = -36 per 1 score increment; P < .01), and psychological stress (β = -13 per 1 score increment; P < .01) as factors associated with reduced steps, while COVID-19 vaccination was associated with higher steps (β = 48; P < .01). Sex and comorbidities showed no association. Limitations include selection bias toward White, active participants and possible underestimation of COVID-19 prevalence.