Gender Differences in Perceived Constraints on Sports and Exercise Participation Among Korean Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on Women's Barriers

It is uncertain when another pandemic like COVID-19 may strike humanity as a disaster. The primary purpose of this study was to test a modified constraint model and to explore factors constraining participation in sport and exercise activities among adults during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Korea. Respondents were recruited in cafes and restaurants located in Seoul, South Korea (n=220). The current study provided empirical support for the reliability and validity of the constraint model. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between men and women in the psychological and time constraints dimensions. Interestingly, the psychological dimension was of primary importance to would-be participants in a team sport activity. Further analysis revealed that the array of perceived constraints varied according to the types of exercise and sport activities. This study may contribute to a better understanding of leisure constraints that limit women’s participation in exercise and sport activities during the crisis.