The mitigating role of physical activities on emotions is gender-specific: An experience during "lenient" COVID-19 prevention protocols.

The researchers examined emotional status subsequent to changes in physical (PA) and sedentary (SA) activities during "lenient" COVID-19 prevention protocols that allowed being outdoors. Emotions, PA, and SA were collected from 272 women and 145 men in Qatar. The researchers showed a decrease ( p  < 0.05) in PA and an increase ( p  < 0.05) in SA participation during the pandemic. These alterations were different ( p  < 0.05) between genders and associated ( p  < 0.05) with emotional status during the COVID-19-induced confinement, but only ( p  < 0.05) in men. The "mitigating" role of PA for the adverse emotional effects of the pandemic is demonstrated, especially among men. Therefore, "lenient" regulations should be considered around the globe during future pandemics for adequate PA and emotional wellbeing. However, plans should incorporate additional tactics to PA to manage emotional status among women.