Abstract:

Introduction:
The dynamic spread of COVID-19 caused a global pandemic and urgently imposed extremely strict measures for restricting its spread. There were periods of prohibition to leave home, a switch to online training, mass closure of places for sport and entertainment- sports halls, yoga and fitness studios, swimming pools etc. All this had a significant impact on the physical activity of the different age groups of the population. According to the current data, the different types of sport and physical activity can increase the resilience and endurance of the body and at the same time to reduce anxiety which is extremely important especially during a pandemic.

Aim:
The aim of the present paper is to present some of the changes in the physical activity and their impact on the training of the students from Medical University of Plovdiv due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods:
Students from all specialties at Medical University of Plovdiv participate in the project. An original survey was designed which includes different aspects related to possible changes related to nutrition, style and manner of life and physical activity as a consequence from the pandemic.

Results:
Regarding educational possibilities and variety of physical activity, the student community appeared to be one of the most significantly affected groups by the pandemic since this phase of the life of young people has its unique requirements for socialisation in which the different experiences have a particularly strong effect on personality formation.

Conclusion:
Physical activity supports and strengthens physical, psychological and social health which has a direct effect on the results from the educational process. In addition, it reduces the risk from development of various chronic diseases and the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The lack of movement is related to a serious risk from obesity, cardio-vascular diseases etc. In numerous campaigns the WHO continuously emphasizes on the need for regular sport activities especially during the pandemic. In order to prevent possible negative consequences, taking advantage of the different possibilities for additional physical activity- TV and Internet channels for physical exercise, dancing, yoga, walks in nature etc.- is highly recommended.

Acknowledgement:
*This study is supported by AUF research project: "Study and assessment of stress-induced conditions of prediabetes, metabolic syndrome and psychological distress in students in a continuing pandemic situation (COVID-19) and risk prevention by creating a web-based platform «STOP COVID-19 STRESS»".

Keywords:

Physical activity, education, pandemic, student community, COVID-19.