18 Apr 2020

Researchers tracking exercise changes during Covid-19 lockdown

10:03 am on 18 April 2020

New Zealanders have been asked to take part in a global survey investigating the effect of Covid-19 restrictions on physical activity and well-being.

Woman runner showing feet and running shoes on track or road.

Photo: 123rf

The study was prompted by an apparent rise in physical exercise, because that's one of the only excuses for leaving home during a lockdown.

Researchers from Massey, Lincoln and Canterbury universities are co-ordinating the New Zealand arm of the study, which was initiated and designed by researchers at the University of Winchester in the United Kingdom.

They said the study would question participants at different alert levels, and at intervals in the next 18 months to understand any changes once the country returned to normality.

The survey is anonymous, and is open to anyone living in New Zealand aged 18 years and older.

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