Physical Activity Levels of the Physiotherapy Students in Rwanda during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Lockdown Period

Abstract

Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related social distancing measures have an impact on physical activity levels. Objective To assess the physical activity (PA) levels of the physiotherapy students in Rwanda during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Methods We used a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study design. Eighty-one participants were recruited, and data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis tests to assess whether there were statistically significant differences in physical activity levels according to demographic variables. Results The median total PA metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-minutes/week score for all the participants together was 3546 (IQR=8714), meaning high PA. The rates for high, moderate, and low PA levels were 54.4%, 31.7% and 13.9% respectively. Male and rural participants had higher median total PA MET score than females (p=0.008) and urban residents (p=0.018) respectively. Conclusions The PA levels of the study participants during the COVID-19 lockdown period were higher than the recommended standards. Females and urban participants appeared to be less physically active than their counterparts. Further similar studies and interventions towards PA promotion among university students in Rwanda during the pandemic are suggested.