Introduction and objective:
The introduction of distance learning and limited social life, including academic life, place students in an unknown reality. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and mental state of students of the Poznan University of Physical Education

Material and methods:
The study included 216 students (142 females) aged 21.94 ± 2.68 years. The respondents were students of the Poznan University of Physical Education. Students completed an anonymous online survey, which included questions about exposure to COVID-19, physical activity, and the presence of physical and mental symptoms, including depression and anxiety.

Results:
Most of the respondents indicated the presence of various symptoms of mental and physical functioning disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the whole group indicated moderate depression and mild anxiety. There was a significant decrease in the number of minutes per week for physical activity during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (317.21 ± 236.43 vs. 219.82 ± 223.27; p<0.05). A greater decrease was observed in respondents with higher levels of anxiety and depression (p<0.05).

Conclusions:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the surveyed students of the Academy of Physical Education significantly reduced their physical activity. It is postulated that students should be provided additional information on body and mind hygiene, appropriate duration and conditions of sleep, controlling the time spent in sedentary position (e.g. in front of a screen), as well as activities motivating to undertake physical activity. These activities should be prioritized for students with symptoms of depression and anxiety.