Physical activity and purpose in life of college students in confinement

Social isolation and widespread confinement in many countries has caused a decrease in physical activity (PA) and an increase in levels of stress, anxiety and depression. The purpose in life is part of the psychological well-being of people, and having a clear purpose allows them to face adversity. In this sense, the influence of PA on psychological well-being in confinement situations makes it necessary to study and promote it by educational and government entities. The objective of this work was to evaluate the incidence of an intervention program with PA (Move at home) on the purpose in life during a period of mandatory confinement due to COVID-19. 360 university students divided into three groups participated: control (Sedentary, Thirst), and experimental (group with low physical activity, BAct, and physically active, Act). The experimental groups underwent a PA intervention program for 11 weeks, from the beginning to the end of the mandatory confinement. A weekly online questionnaire was collected, recording the PA level (min/week) and the results of the PIL test (purpose in life). The PA level decreased significantly at the beginning of the confinement and increased significantly in the easing phases. The intervention program was able to contribute to maintaining the PA level in the participants. Physical activity has a positive effect on purpose in life and the practice of some physical exercise on a regular basis could be a crucial tool to face a state of mandatory confinement.Keywords: health, sport, coronavirus, life purpose, emotions