Study examines how stress during COVID-19 correlates to physical activity. Even in the best of times, people experience inconsistent motivation levels to exercise, according to Missouri State University’s Dr. Sara Powell. With the added unusual stressors of a pandemic, how does that change? Powell, assistant professor in the kinesiology department, is working on a collaborative study with faculty and students to find out. The Stress, Physical Activity, COVID-19 Exploratory Study gathered qualitative data from 466 adults nationwide. Respondents reported their levels of cardiovascular and muscular strength, flexibility and neuro-motor exercise prior to the pandemic. Then, respondents described how this – and their stress level – had changed during the last year.