Original article
The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on physical activity in U.S. children

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2021.02.005Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Highlights

  • Physical activity (PA) of children during the early COVID-19 response in the US was decreased compared pre-pandemic, per parent report.

  • Changes in physical activity varied by age, with the largest changes seen in high-schoolers and less impact in preschoolers.

  • Overall, children across all age groups were reported to have less community-based and peer PA during the pandemic, which aligned with social distancing guidelines at the time.

  • Community leaders, educators, and parents are reminded to make PA a priority to assure children continue to receive the levels of activity necessary to promote good health.

Abstract

Background

Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is vital to the physical, mental, and social well-being of children. Early restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic included the closure of schools and physical activity (PA) amenities across the US. This study aimed to examine the impact of the pandemic on the PA and play behavior of U.S. children and to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve their PA.

Methods

A cross-sectional, online, parent-reported survey was conducted of children aged 3–18 years between April and June 2020 to assess light PA and MVPA using a modified Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Additional items included family/child socioeconomic demographics, child adaptability to the pandemic, and community access. The survey was shared through social media and snowball sampling distribution.

Results

Analysis of 1310 surveys indicated child PA scores declined significantly during the pandemic (from 56.6 to 44.6, max 119, p < 0.001). Specifically, MVPA score decreased (from 46.7 to 34.7, max 98, p < 0.001) while light PA remained the same. Age-based changes were seen in the quantity, variety, and intensity of PA, with the lowest pandemic-related impact seen in preschoolers and the highest in high schoolers (–4.7 vs. –17.2, p < 0.001). Community-based peer PA decreased across all age groups.

Conclusion

This study shows decreased PA levels in U.S. children, according to parent reporting, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations for community leaders, educators, and parents to improve PA in children are provided. With continued spread of COVID-19, these results and recommendations may be imperative to the physical well-being of U.S. children.

Keywords

Adolescents
COVID-19
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
Pediatric
Youth

Cited by (0)

Peer review under responsibility of Shanghai University of Sport.