Impact of COVID-19 on exercise motivation and adherence

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exercise motivation. The survey instrument used was the Markland and Ingledew (1997) Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 questionnaire. Of the 325 participants, 33.2% were male (n=108) and 66.8% were female (n=217). A retrospective pretest/posttest design was used. Individual t-tests were performed comparing each of the fourteen subscales of exercise motivation. Stress management, revitalization, health pressures, positive health, weight management, appearance, strength and endurance, and nimbleness all showed significant changes from pretest to posttest. Additionally, t-tests were performed comparing change in means for each subscale between genders. Stress management, enjoyment, challenge, and strength and endurance each showed significantly different change in means between genders. Results suggest that COVID-19 had a significant impact on exercise motivation.