Anxiety and Physical Activity Among Australian Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

A recent cross-sectional study investigated the anxiety and physical activity levels among Australian athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians, involved 69 football-code athletes from various sports, including soccer, rugby league, rugby union, and Australian rules football. The study found that the majority of participants had minimal anxiety levels, while a small percentage had clinically significant anxiety. Notably, females reported higher anxiety levels than their male counterparts, and participants with pre-existing mental health conditions were also more anxious.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 69 football-code athletes from various sports, including soccer, rugby league, rugby union, and Australian rules football.
  • The majority of participants (68%) had minimal anxiety levels, while a small percentage (12%) had clinically significant anxiety.
  • Females reported higher anxiety levels (8.5 [SD=7.1]) than their male counterparts (4.1 [SD=5.1]).
  • Participants with pre-existing mental health conditions reported higher anxiety levels (16.3 [SD=8.0]).
  • The study found that most participants (87%) achieved more than 600 metabolic equivalents (METs) per week.
  • Early screening of potential predictive factors could prompt early identification of high-risk individuals to provide early support and intervention.
  • Further research is needed to determine the role of anxiety and physical activity in clinical practice.

Statistics:

  • 69 athletes participated in the study.
  • 84% of participants were based in Victoria, Melbourne.
  • 74% of participants were aged between 18 and 27.
  • 68% of participants had minimal anxiety levels.
  • 12% of participants had clinically significant anxiety.
  • 87% of participants achieved more than 600 metabolic equivalents (METs) per week.
  • Females reported a mean anxiety level of 8.5 (SD=7.1).
  • Males reported a mean anxiety level of 4.1 (SD=5.1).
  • Participants with pre-existing mental health conditions reported a mean anxiety level of 16.3 (SD=8.0).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Study Findings on COVID-19 Published by Researchers at Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians [Anxiety and physical activity among Australian athletes during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: A cross-sectional ...]. Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 13, 2025; p 452.
  • Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians. Anxiety and physical activity among Australian athletes during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Sports and Rehabilitation Sciences, 2025,2(Issue 4):160-173.