The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on physical activity, perceived stress, awareness of physical activity, and exercise barriers nationally.

The survey was sent on-line and data were collected from 1087 volunteers between May 8 and May 31, 2020. The physical activity levels of the respondents were evaluated with the Physical Activity (PA) Questionnaire-Short Form and stress levels with the Perceived Stress Scale. The awareness of exercise and barriers to exercise were questioned with qualitative questions. One-way ANOVA, the Chi-squared test, and Pearson Correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data.

During the COVID-19, 70% of adults had inadequate PA. It was observed that the stress level was different in terms of PA levels (p<0.001), and individuals with low-intensity PA levels had higher stress levels. The stress levels and inactivity levels of females were higher than those of males, and the 18-29 age group had a higher stress level (p<0.001). There was a weak negative correlation between stress level and PA (p<0.001), and between PA and sitting time, whereas a weak positive correlation was found between stress level and sitting time (p<0.001).

The precautions taken during the COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey were seen to have a negative effect on physical activity and stress levels, and the most affected groups in this outbreak were females and young adults. Home-based exercises can support the protection of physical and mental health, and avoid the risk of inactivity-related health problems during the COVID-19 outbreak.