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Rebelo M, Paulo R, Honório S, Petrica J, Batista M, Duarte-Mendes P, Marques C, Serrano J. Differences in the Development of Motor Skills in Portuguese Children Aged 12 Months after 3 Years of COVID-19 Confinement. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:918. [PMID: 39201853 PMCID: PMC11352868 DOI: 10.3390/children11080918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: The objective of the study was to verify the effects of COVID-19 confinement on motor skills through a longitudinal study in Portuguese children who were one year old at the beginning of the pandemic. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 88 children of both sexes, in the pre-COVID-19 assessment, they were 13.31 ± 2.4 months old and in the post-COVID-19 assessment, the same children were already 49.31 ± 2.5 months old. Motor skills were assessed using the PDMS-2 scales. For the statistical analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test normality, and the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results of the two assessments in the same sample. (3) Results: There were statistically significant differences in all motor skills assessed, with children presenting, on average, worse results in all global motor skills in the post-COVID-19 assessment, as opposed to fine motor skills, showing better results in the post-COVID-19 assessment. (4) Conclusions: These results show the negative impact of the pandemic on children evaluated with a special emphasis on global motor skills, with the majority demonstrating values considered below average for their age, noting that the pandemic protocols may have had serious consequences on children's motor development, warning professionals who deal daily with children in these age groups about the importance of stimulating global motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Rebelo
- Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.H.); (J.P.); (M.B.); (P.D.-M.); (J.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Rui Paulo
- Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.H.); (J.P.); (M.B.); (P.D.-M.); (J.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Samuel Honório
- Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.H.); (J.P.); (M.B.); (P.D.-M.); (J.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - João Petrica
- Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.H.); (J.P.); (M.B.); (P.D.-M.); (J.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Marco Batista
- Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.H.); (J.P.); (M.B.); (P.D.-M.); (J.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Duarte-Mendes
- Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.H.); (J.P.); (M.B.); (P.D.-M.); (J.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Catarina Marques
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - João Serrano
- Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (R.P.); (S.H.); (J.P.); (M.B.); (P.D.-M.); (J.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
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Asan S, Ulupınar S, Özbay S, Namlı S, Gençoğlu C, Canyurt F, Çingöz YE, Özkara AB. The impact of inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical performance of high school athletes. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:126. [PMID: 38845016 PMCID: PMC11154986 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00916-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE This study was conducted during the 2019-2020 academic year to evaluate the impact of participation in school sports on students' Body Mass Index (BMI) and Assessing Levels of Physical Activity (ALPHA) test scores. Interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a suspension of in-person education, the study resumed in September 2021, refocusing on the effects of pandemic-induced inactivity on the physical fitness levels of the same cohort. METHODS The study included twenty-nine male high school students (age: 17,24 ± 0,73 years), divided into thirteen athletes (participating in sports such as football, basketball, and track) and sixteen non-athletic counterparts. They underwent reassessment using the ALPHA test battery, evaluating cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and motor skills fitness. Data were analyzed using independent and paired samples t-tests and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes over time and between groups. Discriminant function analysis evaluated the ALPHA test's ability to classify students based on their athletic status pre- and post-pandemic. RESULTS Initially, athlete students exhibited significantly better BMI, 20 m shuttle run, and 4 × 10 m speed run scores compared to their non-athlete peers. After the pandemic, only the 20 m shuttle run scores remained significantly higher for athletes, with diminished distinctions in other fitness areas. The classification accuracy of the ALPHA test battery decreased from 89.7 to 75.9% post-pandemic. CONCLUSION The enforced sedentary lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected all students, particularly diminishing health-related fitness parameters such as body composition, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal strength, and motor skills. Students previously engaged in regular physical activity, notably school athletes, experienced significant fitness declines. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to encourage active lifestyles among youth in the post-pandemic phase, aiming to avert long-term adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim Asan
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Süleyman Ulupınar
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Serhat Özbay
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Sevinç Namlı
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Cebrail Gençoğlu
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Canyurt
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Artymiak P, Żegleń M, Kryst Ł. Analysis of Changes in Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents (11-15 Years) From Kraków (Poland) During COVID-19 Pandemic. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:500-507. [PMID: 38479374 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed a threat to society worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the physical fitness of 11- to 15-year-olds during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Cross-sectional research was conducted in randomly selected schools in Kraków (Poland) during the years 2020 and 2022. The study group included 1635 adolescents aged 11-15 years. The results of fitness tests such as flexibility, standing broad jump, handgrip strength, overhead medicine ball throw, shuttle run (10 × 5 m), and 30-second sit-ups were analyzed. Body height and weight measurements were also taken. The standing broad jump and handgrip strength were normalized. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences between groups using 2-way analysis of variance with the Tukey HSD post hoc test or Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS The test results revealed a deterioration decrease in sit-ups, standing broad jump, shuttle run, and normalized standing broad jump in both sexes. Furthermore, the test results among girls showed a decrease in overhead medicine ball throw and flexibility. An increase in test results of both sexes was noticed in handgrip strength of the right and left hand. Among boys in 2022, the results were better in the flexibility test and overhead medicine ball throw compared with their peers from 2020. CONCLUSION This study indicates a decrease in overall physical fitness in adolescents. The observed results may be associated with a decrease in physical activity, changes in nutrition, and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Artymiak
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Żegleń
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kryst
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
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Basterfield L, Galna B, Burn NL, Batten H, Weston M, Goffe L, Lawn M, Weston KL. Back to 'normal'? BMI, physical fitness and health-related quality of life of children from North East England before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:688-700. [PMID: 38819118 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2359259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
We assessed whether changes in children's body mass index (BMI), physical fitness and health-related quality of life observed post-2020 United Kingdom COVID-19 lockdown remained 12 and 18 months later. Twenty-metre shuttle run test (20mSRT), handgrip strength, standing broad jump, sit-and-reach, height, body mass, and health-related quality of life (Kidscreen27 questionnaire) were measured in 90 children (8-9 years) during October 2019 ("T0"), November 2020 ("T1"), November 2021 ("T2") and June 2022 ("T3"). Mixed-effects models showed age- and sex-normalised BMI increased from T0 (mean: 0.71) to T1 (0.97), remaining elevated at T2 (0.95) and T3 (0.89). Decreases in 20mSRT performance were observed from T0 (22.0) to T1 (19.3), then increased at T2 (23.5) and T3 (28.3). Standing broad jump and handgrip strength increased over time. The proportion of children with overweight/obesity increased from T0 (32%) to T3 (48%). Health-related quality of life decreased for "Physical Wellbeing" yet increased for "Autonomy & Parents". Our findings highlight that lockdowns may have had lasting implications for children's health, and the urgent need to reduce overweight and obesity in North East England. Improving health and fitness behaviours to maximise long-term health outcomes and build resilience to future emergencies and disruptions to health behaviours is also paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Basterfield
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Medical School, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Brook Galna
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Naomi L Burn
- UniSA Online, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hannah Batten
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew Weston
- Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Science, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Louis Goffe
- Medical School, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration, Gateshead Council, Gateshead, UK
| | - Matt Lawn
- Walkergate Community School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kathryn L Weston
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Skare Ø, Mamen A, Skogstad M. The COVID-19 Pandemic Decreases Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study in Industry. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 11:9. [PMID: 38248879 PMCID: PMC10816953 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine if maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), resting heart rate (RHR), and self-reported leisure- time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) changed over a 3-year follow-up (FU) among industrial workers. METHODS We assessed cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) August 2018 and August 2021. The last 17-18 months coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 86 participants were collected; demographics by questionnaire and cardiovascular outcomes from medical examination: V˙O2max, RHR, and fat mass (%). Workers reported on their leisure-time MVPA twice. To assess changes in health outcomes we applied a linear mixed model, adjusting for baseline (BL) age, sex, pack-years, shift work, and a 5-month plant shutdown. Further, we adjusted for actual age instead of BL age. RESULTS V˙O2max decreased from 39.6 mL/kg/min at BL to 34.0 at FU, a reduction of 5.6 mL/kg/min (95%CI, -7.6, -3.7). Adjusted for actual age, the corresponding figure for V˙O2max was 5.4 mL/kg/min, (95%CI, -7.4, -3.4), an annual loss of 4.6%. RHR increased from 61.3 to 64.4 beats per minute (95%CI, 0.8, 5.4). Self-reported MVPA decreased by 43.9 min/week, (95%CI, -73.5, -14.4). CONCLUSIONS We observed a decrease in V˙O2max, an increase in RHR and a decrease in self-reported MVPA, suggesting physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øivind Skare
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Box 5330 Majorstuen, 0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Asgeir Mamen
- School of health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Box 1190 Sentrum, 0107 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Marit Skogstad
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Box 5330 Majorstuen, 0304 Oslo, Norway
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Martinko A, Sorić M, Jurak G, Starc G. Physical fitness among children with diverse weight status during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-wide, cohort study based on the Slovenian physical fitness surveillance system (SLOfit). THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 34:100748. [PMID: 37927431 PMCID: PMC10624998 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 public health crisis has exerted immediate negative impacts on children's physical fitness, but the longer-term effects are not clear, and the impact on children with excess weight is yet unknown. We examined changes in multiple components of physical fitness in response to COVID-19 imposed restrictions, but also a year after the restrictions were terminated, and compared these trends in groups of boys and girls with normal weight, overweight, or obesity before the pandemic. Methods Information was gathered through Slovenia's national fitness surveillance system, and included 41,330 children (19,890 girls), aged 5-17, who had their fitness levels measured yearly from 2019 to 2022. Multilevel linear mixed models, fitted separately for boys and girls, were used to model the individual-level trends over time in centile score for each fitness test across 3 weight groups. Findings Overall fitness levels decreased markedly across all weight categories between 2019 and 2020, with the largest decreases in Total Fitness Index observed in children with normal weight and overweight (-8.4 and -7.7 centiles for boys and -8.3 and -8.8 for girls, respectively, p < 0.001). While there was some recovery in the overall fitness level between 2020 and 2022, it remained much lower in 2022 compared to 2019 across most groups, apart from boys with obesity. Fitness components that had the largest impact on general fitness trends were cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body power, body core, and upper body strength. Interpretation A severe decline in fitness that has not come close to returning to pre-pandemic levels in most population groups of youth begs for urgent population-wide initiatives that will provide additional opportunities for physical activity to youth. Among vulnerable groups, girls with overweight and obesity deserve a special focus of these policies. Funding Horizon 2020 (Grant no. 774548), Slovenian National Research Agency (Grant no. P5-0142), Croatian Science Foundation (Grant no. DOK-2020-01-3728).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maroje Sorić
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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den Uil AR, van Doorn H, Schweitzer M, Janssen M, Scholte RHJ, Busch V. The effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns on motor skill development of 6- and 7-year old children in the Netherlands: a longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1871. [PMID: 37759169 PMCID: PMC10523696 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16733-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The closing of schools and sports clubs during the COVID-19 lockdown raised questions about the possible impact on children's motor skill development. Therefore, we compared motor skill development over a one-year period among four different cohorts of primary school children of which two experienced no lockdowns during the study period (control cohorts) and two cohorts experienced one or two lockdowns during the study period (lockdown cohorts). METHODS A total of 992 children from 9 primary schools in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) participated in this study (age 5 - 7; 47.5% boys, 52.5% girls). Their motor skill competence was assessed twice, first in grade 3 (T1) and thereafter in grade 4 (T2). Children in control group 1 and lockdown group 1 were assessed a third time after two years (T3). Motor skill competence was assessed using the 4-Skills Test, which includes 4 components of motor skill: jumping force (locomotion), jumping coordination (coordination), bouncing ball (object control) and standing still (stability). Mixed factorial ANOVA's were used to analyse our data. RESULTS No significant differences in motor skill development over the study period between the lockdown groups and control groups (p > 0.05) were found, but a difference was found between the two lockdown groups: lockdown group 2 developed significantly better than lockdown group 1 (p = 0.008). While socioeconomic status was an effect modifier, sex and motor ability did not modify the effects of the lockdowns. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 lockdowns in the Netherlands did not negatively affect motor skill development of young children in our study. Due to the complexity of the factors related to the pandemic lockdowns and the dynamic systems involved in motor skill development of children, caution must be taken with drawing general conclusions. Therefore, children's motor skill development should be closely monitored in the upcoming years and attention should be paid to individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne R den Uil
- Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Meurerlaan 8, Amsterdam, SM, 1067, The Netherlands.
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Houtlaan 4, Nijmegen, XZ, 6525, The Netherlands.
| | - Hemke van Doorn
- Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Meurerlaan 8, Amsterdam, SM, 1067, The Netherlands
| | - Mandy Schweitzer
- Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Meurerlaan 8, Amsterdam, SM, 1067, The Netherlands
| | - Mirka Janssen
- Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Meurerlaan 8, Amsterdam, SM, 1067, The Netherlands
| | - Ron H J Scholte
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Houtlaan 4, Nijmegen, XZ, 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Busch
- Sarphati Amsterdam, Public Health Service (GGD), City of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, Amsterdam, WT, 1018, the Netherlands
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Mondaca MI, Garrido SS, Orellana TR, Roa AM, Quezada CO, Osorio-Fuentealba C. COVID-19 lockdown effects on the anthropometrics, aerobic capacity, muscle function and metabolic control in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2023; 99:471-477. [PMID: 37209714 PMCID: PMC10186982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The lockdown due to a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic negatively impacted the daily physical activity levels and sedentary behavior of children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lockdown on the anthropometric measurements, aerobic capacity, muscle function, lipid profile and glycemic control in overweight and obese children and adolescents. METHODS 104 children and adolescents with overweight and obesity were divided in a non-lockdown group (NL) (n = 48) and a lockdown group (L) (n = 56). Both NL and L groups were evaluated on three consecutive days, day one: anthropometric measurements; day two: aerobic capacity and muscle function and day three: lipid profile and glycemic control. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and median plus interquartile range (IQR) according to their assumption of normality. RESULTS The L group increased the body weight (81.62 ± 22.04 kg vs 74.04 ± 24.46 kg; p = 0.05), body mass index (32.54 ± 5,49 kg/m2 vs 30.48 ± 6.88 kg/m2; p = 0.04), body mass index by z-score (3.10 ± 0.60 SD vs 2.67 ± 0.85 SD; p = 0.0015), triglycerides [141.00 mg/dl IQR (106.00- 190.00 mg/dl) vs 103.00 mg/dl IQR (78.50- 141.50 mg/dl); p = 0.001], fasting insulin [31.00 mU/L IQR (25.01- 47-17 mU/L vs 21.82 mU/L IQR (16.88 - 33.10 mU/L; p = 0.001)] and HOMA index [6.96 IQR (6.90 - 11.17) vs 4.61 IQR (3.96 - 7.50; p = 0.001)] compared with NL group. CONCLUSIONS The lockdown due COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, and glycemic control of overweight and obese children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Inostroza Mondaca
- Hospital Dr. Exequiel González Cortés, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Departamento de Kinesiología, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Facultad de Artes y Educación Física, Núcleo Investigación en Actividad Física y Salud (NIAS), Santiago, Chile
| | - Samuel Silva Garrido
- Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Departamento de Kinesiología, Santiago, Chile
| | - Thais Rodríguez Orellana
- Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Departamento de Kinesiología, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alessandra Maineri Roa
- Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Departamento de Kinesiología, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Cesar Osorio-Fuentealba
- Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Departamento de Kinesiología, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Facultad de Artes y Educación Física, Núcleo Investigación en Actividad Física y Salud (NIAS), Santiago, Chile; Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Centro de Investigación en Educación (CIE-UMCE), Núcleo de Bienestar y Desarrollo Humano (NUBIDEH), Santiago, Chile; Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Programa de Doctorado en Educación, Santiago, Chile.
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Cortés-Albornoz MC, Ramírez-Guerrero S, García-Guáqueta DP, Vélez-Van-Meerbeke A, Talero-Gutiérrez C. Effects of remote learning during COVID-19 lockdown on children's learning abilities and school performance: A systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2023; 101:102835. [PMID: 37361921 PMCID: PMC10266495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2023.102835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review describes the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on children's learning and school performance. A systematic search was conducted using three databases. A total of 1787 articles were found, and 24 articles were included. Overall, academic performance was negatively affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, with lower scores in standardized tests in the main domains compared to previous years. Academic, motivational, and socio-emotional factors contributed to lower performance. Educators, parents, and students reported disorganization, increased academic demands, and motivational and behavioral changes. Teachers and policymakers should consider these results in developing future education strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Cortés-Albornoz
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia (NeURos), Centro NeURovitae, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Sofía Ramírez-Guerrero
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia (NeURos), Centro NeURovitae, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Danna P García-Guáqueta
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia (NeURos), Centro NeURovitae, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Alberto Vélez-Van-Meerbeke
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia (NeURos), Centro NeURovitae, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia (NeURos), Centro NeURovitae, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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Teich P, Fühner T, Bähr F, Puta C, Granacher U, Kliegl R. Covid Pandemic Effects on the Physical Fitness of Primary School Children: Results of the German EMOTIKON Project. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:77. [PMID: 37578660 PMCID: PMC10425322 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00624-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spring of 2020, the Sars-CoV-2 incidence rate increased rapidly in Germany and around the world. Throughout the next 2 years, schools were temporarily closed and social distancing measures were put in place to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Did these social restrictions and temporary school lockdowns affect children's physical fitness? The EMOTIKON project annually tests the physical fitness of all third-graders in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. The tests assess cardiorespiratory endurance (6-min-run test), coordination (star-run test), speed (20-m sprint test), lower (powerLOW, standing long jump test), and upper (powerUP, ball-push test) limbs muscle power, and static balance (one-legged stance test with eyes closed). A total of 125,893 children were tested in the falls from 2016 to 2022. Primary analyses focused on 98,510 keyage third-graders (i.e., school enrollment according to the legal key date, aged 8 to 9 years) from 515 schools. Secondary analyses included 27,383 older-than-keyage third-graders (i.e., OTK, delayed school enrollment or repetition of a grade, aged 9 to 10 years), who have been shown to exhibit lower physical fitness than expected for their age. Linear mixed models fitted pre-pandemic quadratic secular trends, and took into account differences between children and schools. RESULTS Third-graders exhibited lower cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed and powerUP in the Covid pandemic cohorts (2020-2022) compared to the pre-pandemic cohorts (2016-2019). Children's powerLOW and static balance were higher in the pandemic cohorts compared to the pre-pandemic cohorts. From 2020 to 2021, coordination, powerLOW and powerUP further declined. Evidence for some post-pandemic physical fitness catch-up was restricted to powerUP. Cohen's |ds| for comparisons of the pandemic cohorts 2020-2022 with pre-pandemic cohorts 2016-2019 ranged from 0.02 for powerLOW to 0.15 for coordination. Within the pandemic cohorts, keyage children exhibited developmental losses ranging from approximately 1 month for speed to 5 months for cardiorespiratory endurance. For powerLOW and static balance, the positive pandemic effects translate to developmental gains of 1 and 7 months, respectively. Pre-pandemic secular trends may account for some of the observed differences between pandemic and pre-pandemic cohorts, especially in powerLOW, powerUP and static balance. The pandemic further increased developmental delays of OTK children in cardiorespiratory endurance, powerUP and balance. CONCLUSIONS The Covid-19 pandemic was associated with declines in several physical fitness components in German third-graders. Pandemic effects are still visible in 2022. Health-related interventions should specifically target those physical fitness components that were negatively affected by the pandemic (cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Teich
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Thea Fühner
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Florian Bähr
- Division of Sports and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Prevention of Diseases Related to Professional Activities, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/ Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kliegl
- Division of Training and Movement Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Drenowatz C, Ferrari G, Greier K, Chen S, Hinterkörner F. Physical fitness in Austrian elementary school children prior to and post-COVID-19. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:480-495. [PMID: 37304593 PMCID: PMC10251054 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented policies that included movement restrictions, social distancing and school closures in order to control the spread of the virus. Even though these actions may have been necessary to save lives, there have been some unintended consequences that could affect future public health. Methods The present study uses data from more than 24,500 Austrian elementary school children (51.2% male) that participated in a state-wide fitness evaluation program, which was initiated in the 2016/17 school year. In addition to body weight and height, data on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular power, speed, agility, flexibility and object control were collected from three cohorts prior to the implementation of movement restrictions (school years: 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19) and one cohort in 2022, after the majority of COVID-19 policies had been lifted. Results Body mass index percentiles were significantly higher in children post-COVID-19 (p < 0.01). Further, cardiorespiratory endurance, agility and flexibility were significantly lower post-COVID-19 compared to the years preceding movement restrictions (p ≤ 0.01), while absolute muscular strength was higher in the year 2022 (p < 0.01). Conclusion Given the detrimental effects of COVID-19 policies on physical fitness in children, additional efforts are necessary that include versatile opportunities for physical activity and the promotion of physical fitness in order to modify the observed negative health trajectories and ensure future public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Drenowatz
- Division of Sport, Physical Activity and Health, University of Education Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) Santiago 7500618, Chile
| | - Klaus Greier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Physical Education, Private Educational College (KPH-ES) 6422 Stams, Austria
| | - Sitong Chen
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia
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Kidokoro T. Geographical Disparity in Cardiorespiratory Fitness among 3,189,540 Japanese Children and Adolescents before and during the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic: An Ecological Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5315. [PMID: 37047930 PMCID: PMC10094699 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This ecological study aimed to use nationally representative physical fitness (PF) data to investigate the geographical disparities in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among Japanese children across prefectures before and during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The publicly available descriptive PF data of children from Grade 5 (10-11 years; n = 1,946,437) and adolescents from Grade 8 (13-14 years; n = 1,243,103) at the prefecture level (47 prefectures) were obtained from the annual census PF survey in 2019 (before the pandemic) and 2021 (during the pandemic). The 20 m shuttle run performance was used as a measure of CRF. Geographical disparity was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV) for CRF across prefectures. There were significant negative relationships between the magnitude of infections (evaluated as the number of confirmed cases) and changes in CRF at the prefecture level (r ≤ -0.293, p < 0.05). This study also found a substantial increase in CVs of CRF across prefectures for Grade 8 students, suggesting that COVID-19-related restrictions had widened the geographical disparity in CRF among Japanese adolescents. Adolescents' CRF is an important marker for current and future health; hence, the findings of widening geographical disparities in CRF are suggestive of widening geographical disparities in health among the Japanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Kidokoro
- Research Institute for Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo 158-8508, Japan
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13
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Kidokoro T, Tomkinson GR, Lang JJ, Suzuki K. Physical fitness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of annual national physical fitness surveillance among 16,647,699 Japanese children and adolescents between 2013 and 2021. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2023; 12:246-254. [PMID: 36343895 PMCID: PMC9635948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited nationally representative evidence is available on temporal trends in physical fitness (PF) for children and adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The primary aim was to examine the temporal trends in PF for Japanese children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary aim was to estimate the concurrent trends in body size (measured as body mass and height) and movement behaviors (exercise, screen, and sleep time). METHODS Census PF data for children in Grade 5 (aged 10-11 years) and adolescents in Grade 8 (aged 13-14 years) were obtained for the years 2013-2021 from the National Survey of Physical Fitness, Athletic Performance, and Exercise Habits in Japan (n = 16,647,699). PF and body size were objectively measured, and movement behaviors were self-reported. Using sample-weighted linear regression, temporal trends in mean PF were calculated before the pandemic (2013-2019) and during the pandemic (2019-2021) with adjustments for age, sex, body size, and exercise time. RESULTS When adjusted for age, sex, body size, and exercise time, there were significant declines in PF during the pandemic, with the largest declines observed in 20-m shuttle run (standardized (Cohen's) effect size (ES) = -0.109 per annum (p.a.)) and sit-ups performance (ES = -0.133 p.a.). The magnitude of the declines in 20-m shuttle run and sit-ups performances were 18- and 15-fold larger, respectively, than the improvements seen before the pandemic (2013-2019), after adjusting for age, sex, body size, and exercise time. During the pandemic, both body mass and screen time significantly increased, and exercise time decreased. CONCLUSION Declines in 20-m shuttle run and sit-ups performances suggest corresponding declines in population health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Kidokoro
- Research Institute for Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo 158-8508, Japan; Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Inzai City 270-1695, Japan.
| | - Grant R Tomkinson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Justin J Lang
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Koya Suzuki
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Inzai City 270-1695, Japan.
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14
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Beaugrand M, Muehlematter C, Markovic A, Camos V, Kurth S. Sleep as a protective factor of children's executive functions: A study during COVID-19 confinement. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279034. [PMID: 36630329 PMCID: PMC9833525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Confinements due to the COVID-19 outbreak affected sleep and mental health of adults, adolescents and children. Already preschool children experienced acutely worsened sleep, yet the possible resulting effects on executive functions remain unexplored. Longitudinally, sleep quality predicts later behavioral-cognitive outcomes. Accordingly, we propose children's sleep behavior as essential for healthy cognitive development. By using the COVID-19 confinement as an observational-experimental intervention, we tested whether worsened children's sleep affects executive functions outcomes 6 months downstream. We hypothesized that acutely increased night awakenings and sleep latency relate to reduced later executive functions. With an online survey during the acute confinement phase we analyzed sleep behavior in 45 children (36-72 months). A first survey referred to the (retrospective) time before and (acute) situation during confinement, and a follow-up survey assessed executive functions 6 months later (6 months retrospectively). Indeed, acutely increased nighttime awakenings related to reduced inhibition at FOLLOW-UP. Associations were specific to the confinement-induced sleep-change and not the sleep behavior before confinement. These findings highlight that specifically acute changes of children's nighttime sleep during sensitive periods are associated with behavioral outcome consequences. This aligns with observations in animals that inducing poor sleep during developmental periods affects later brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andjela Markovic
- University of Fribourg, Department of Psychology, Fribourg, Switzerland
- University Hospital Zurich, Department of Pulmonology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Camos
- University of Fribourg, Department of Psychology, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Salome Kurth
- University of Fribourg, Department of Psychology, Fribourg, Switzerland
- University Hospital Zurich, Department of Pulmonology, Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Kuan MT, Hemphill NM, Harris KC. Reduced Physical Activity During COVID-19 in Children With Congenital Heart Disease: A Longitudinal Analysis. CJC PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE 2022; 1:219-225. [PMID: 37969428 PMCID: PMC9213038 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjcpc.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was associated with a reduction in physical activity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in early 2020. Given the increased cardiovascular risk of this population, optimizing cardiovascular health behaviour is important. The aim of the study is to determine how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted longitudinal physical activity measures in children with CHD. Methods As part of a prospective cohort study, children and adolescents aged 9-16 years old with moderate-to-complex CHD were recruited from British Columbia Children's Hospital and partnership clinics across British Columbia and the Yukon territory. Daily step counts were measured continuously over 3 years (2018-2021) with Fitbit Charge 2. School status during the COVID-19 pandemic was assessed with parent- or self-report survey. Results A total of 102, 114, and 93 participants had valid Fitbit data during 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the annual mean step count for 2020 (8225 ± 4328 steps) compared with both 2018 (9416 ± 3770 steps) and 2019 (9533 ± 4114 steps) (P < 0.001). There was a loss of seasonal variation in physical activity, and reduced levels of physical activity persisted when most children resumed in-person schooling in September 2020. Conclusions We demonstrated a significant decrease in physical activity and loss of seasonal patterns in children with CHD during 2020. These findings represent a worsening of the cardiovascular risk profile in children with CHD, who are already at an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Mitigation strategies are needed to optimize the cardiovascular health status of children with CHD as the pandemic persists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi T.Y. Kuan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole M. Hemphill
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin C. Harris
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Farías-Valenzuela C, Ferrari G, Espoz-Lazo S, Ferrero-Hernández P, Jofré-Saldia E, Álvarez-Arangua S, Poblete-Aro C, Godoy-Cumillaf A, Cofre-Bolados C, Valdivia-Moral P. Anthropometric Indicators of the Cardiometabolic Risk, Muscle Strength, and Functional Capacity of Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities during Lockdown in Chile. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1315. [PMID: 36138624 PMCID: PMC9497658 DOI: 10.3390/children9091315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the social, psychological, and physical well-being of the world population. In the case of people with intellectual disabilities, the impact of lockdown on their physical condition and functionality is not completely clear. This study aimed to determine the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the anthropometric indicators of cardiometabolic risk, muscle strength, and functionality on schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities. The sample was composed of 132 students of both sexes (n = 74 pre-lockdown; n = 58 lockdown) belonging to two special education centers from the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Our results showed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in absolute and relative handgrip strength, as well as in functionality, when comparing pre-lockdown and lockdown measurements, with a greater loss in girls than boys. The design and implementation of physical exercise programs centered on strength training are necessary for the physical and functional reconditioning of this population. These programs need to be implemented in special education centers considering the general well-being, quality of life and work needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Farías-Valenzuela
- Instituto del Deporte, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago 9170022, Chile
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Sciences of Physical Activity, Sports and Health School, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile
- Human Performance Lab, Education, Physical Activity and Health Research Unit (GEEAFyS), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Sebastián Espoz-Lazo
- Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastian, Lota 2465, Providencia 7510157, Chile
| | | | - Emilio Jofré-Saldia
- Sciences of Physical Activity, Sports and Health School, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Sebastián Álvarez-Arangua
- Excercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | | | - Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf
- Grupo de Investigación en Educación Física, Salud y Calidad de Vida, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 478000, Chile
| | - Cristian Cofre-Bolados
- Sciences of Physical Activity, Sports and Health School, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Pedro Valdivia-Moral
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Changes in Physical Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic in German Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159504. [PMID: 35954867 PMCID: PMC9368680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
With the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, each country has developed strategies to try to control the virus. The restrictions and subsequent consequences also limited the possibilities and structures for being physically active. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine changes in physical fitness in a cohort that was investigated over an extended period. Physical fitness testing was conducted with the IPPTP-R in a primary school from a small rural community annually since 2012. Mean values of test items were calculated for each cohort. We conducted an ANCOVA to examine the differences between cohorts PreCOVID and 2020 as the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and between PreCOVID and 2021 as the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, no evidence for a negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness in children between the ages of 7 and 9 years was found. In strength tests, performances increased when comparing the PreCOVID cohort and COVID-19 cohorts (Push-Ups: p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.032; p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.006). No evidence for a change was found for endurance (6-min Run: p = 0.341, ηp2 = 0.001; p = 0.267, ηp2 = 0.001. The rural community maintained physical fitness despite restrictions and limitations through the environmental circumstances. Considering this, it is a positive example of how adequate long-term efforts promoting physical fitness make an impact and an active friendly environment helps to overcome COVID-19 pandemics limiting the structures for being physically active.
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Motor Development of Schoolchildren in Rural and Urban Environments. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:8937693. [PMID: 35607301 PMCID: PMC9123420 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8937693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Social and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to significant stagnation in children's motor development, but precise data on this are lacking. We aimed to examine the impact of the pandemic and society closure on motor development of school children and to find differences between rural and urban environments. From the SLOfit database, we obtained anonymous results from 756 6th grade children before the pandemic (11.3 ± 0.5 years, 52.5% boys) who performed physical fitness measurements in 2017 and 2019 in 8th grade and from 853 6th grade children (11.4 ± 0.5 years, 51% boys) who performed measurements in 2019 and 2021, after 3 pandemic waves. The results of eight physical activity tests and the overall physical fitness index were compared between the prepandemic and the pandemic generation. We divided the sample into four groups (rural and urban prepandemic group and rural and urban pandemic group) and compared the changes in test scores between 6th and 8th grade. We found a statistically significant decrease in the physical fitness index of the pandemic generation (from 51.6 ± 29.6 to 45.8 ± 30.3) compared to the prepandemic generation (from 50.4 ± 30.5 to 50.5 ± 29.7), p < 0.001. The greatest effects of pandemic closure were found in the 600-meter run, in polygon course backwards test, in the number of sit-ups in 60 seconds, and in the 60-meter sprint. Children from rural areas showed worse decrement in physical fitness index compared to urban areas, except for 600-meter run. We conclude that the pandemic closure has had a significant inhibitory effect on the motor development of schoolchildren and has reduced their overall physical fitness with worse decline in rural areas. The pandemic generation of children needs more physical education in schools and other systemic interventions to mitigate these consequences.
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Wessely S, Ferrari N, Friesen D, Grauduszus M, Klaudius M, Joisten C. Changes in Motor Performance and BMI of Primary School Children over Time-Influence of the COVID-19 Confinement and Social Burden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4565. [PMID: 35457432 PMCID: PMC9025743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity and being overweight increased in children, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, a decrease in motor performance has been increasingly reported; however, there is a lack of meaningful data on the relationship between these findings and socioeconomic status. Therefore, we examined the BMI, BMI z score, the prevalence of overweight/obesity, and motor performance (based on lateral jumping, the standing long jump, and the 6-min run) among three cohorts from timelines before (2016) and during the pandemic (2020, 2021), using a cohort sequential design. Our analysis revealed that all parameters examined showed a significant negative trend over time. For children with a low social burden, the trend was statistically detectable only for lateral jumping and the 6-min run. For children with a high social burden, the prevalence of overweight/obesity increased from 4.2% to 5.4% between 2016 and 2021. The prevalence of being underweight also increased from 3.4% to 4.3% during this time. Motor performance decreased from 11.3% to 12.3%, except in the standing long jump. Children with a high social burden showed significantly lower results (7.4% to 9.6%). Thus, our data confirm an increase in both measurements of overweight/obesity and underweight, as well as a decrease in motor performance under the pandemic conditions, especially in children from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds. These findings affirm the urgent need for action regarding health promotion measures, especially for children with high social burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wessely
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany; (N.F.); (D.F.); (M.G.); (M.K.); (C.J.)
| | - Nina Ferrari
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany; (N.F.); (D.F.); (M.G.); (M.K.); (C.J.)
- Cologne Center for Prevention in Childhood and Youth, Heart Center Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - David Friesen
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany; (N.F.); (D.F.); (M.G.); (M.K.); (C.J.)
| | - Martin Grauduszus
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany; (N.F.); (D.F.); (M.G.); (M.K.); (C.J.)
| | - Marlen Klaudius
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany; (N.F.); (D.F.); (M.G.); (M.K.); (C.J.)
| | - Christine Joisten
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany; (N.F.); (D.F.); (M.G.); (M.K.); (C.J.)
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Contreras-Osorio F, Guzmán-Guzmán IP, Cerda-Vega E, Chirosa-Ríos L, Ramírez-Campillo R, Campos-Jara C. Anthropometric Parameters, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Executive Functions among Primary School Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053045. [PMID: 35270736 PMCID: PMC8910200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity during childhood and adolescence favors brain development and cognitive functioning, particularly the executive functions. This study aimed to assess potential associations between anthropometric parameters, physical activity, physical fitness, and executive functions among elementary school children returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdown in Chile. School-age male and female participants (n = 90; age, 10−12 years) participated in the study. To determine the association between variables, a multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. Higher fat-related anthropometric indexes were associated with lower working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning, and attention (r = −0.55 to −0.22; p = 0.031 to <0.001). In contrast, higher physical activity levels, better sprint performance, higher lower-body muscular power, and greater upper-body muscular strength were associated with better working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, planning, and/or attention (r = 0.19 to −0.54; p = 0.04 to <0.001). Current results consistently suggest the need for adequate levels of physical activity, physical fitness, and anthropometric parameters among the school-age population to promote healthy and adequate executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falonn Contreras-Osorio
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile
| | - Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán
- Faculty of Chemical-Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39087, Mexico;
| | - Enrique Cerda-Vega
- Pedagogy in Physical Education and Health Career, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 7820436, Chile;
| | - Luis Chirosa-Ríos
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
| | - Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile;
| | - Christian Campos-Jara
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-9-42057069
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Béghin L, Thivel D, Baudelet JB, Deschamps T, Ovigneur H, Vanhelst J. Change in physical fitness due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in French adolescents: a comparison between two independent large samples from Diagnoform battery. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:3955-3963. [PMID: 36098850 PMCID: PMC9469075 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies reported a significant decline in physical activity level in adolescents as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Physical fitness is recognized as a powerful marker of health in youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on health-related physical fitness in French adolescents. Two cross-sectional studies were performed comparing two different groups of French adolescents, before (sample 1) and after the first lockdown (sample 2). A total of 1231 adolescents (aged to 16.5 ± 1.5 years) participated in the two cross-sectional studies. Complete data for physical fitness and anthropometrics data were obtained. Adolescents from sample 2 showed lower physical fitness levels compared to adolescents from sample 1. Regarding physical fitness for boys and girls, physical fitness levels were significantly lower in both sex between adolescents from the sample 1 and adolescents from the sample 2, except for cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility for boys and girls, respectively. The physical fitness global score was also significantly lower between adolescents from the sample 1 and 2 for boys (-9.8%, p < 0.01) and girls (-16.2%; p < 0.01), respectively. Overall, the higher difference was found for performance in the speed body displacement test (-30%). A difference of 12.8% and 25% was observed for boys and girls, respectively. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic lockdown had a negative impact on physical fitness in French youth. This study highlights the need to develop, in a near future, prevention programmes in order to improve the physical fitness in youth. What is Known: • COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted lifestyle habits. A worrying decrease of physical activity, associated to a dramatic increase of time spent in sedentary behaviors was found in many coutries. What is New: • Our study bring first data on the health-related physical fitness consequences due to lockdown in French adolescents. Our study demonstrate the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on health-related physical fitness in French adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Béghin
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - David Thivel
- grid.494717.80000000115480420Université Clermont Auvergne, CRNH, AME2P. “Health in Motion” International Research Chair, UCA foundation, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Benoît Baudelet
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Congenital & Pediatric Heart Unit, Institut Cœur Poumon, F-59000 Lille, France
| | | | | | - Jérémy Vanhelst
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Inserm U1153, Inrae U1125, Cnam, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics - University of Paris Cité (CRESS), Bobigny, France.
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