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Kuu S, Noormets J, Rääsk T, Pedak K, Saaron V, Baskin K, Port K. Comparison of Estonian Schoolchildren's Physical Activity and Fitness Indicators before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic's Period of Restricted Mobility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:744. [PMID: 38928990 PMCID: PMC11203990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
It is recognized that the time adolescents spend on physical activity, and the corresponding physical fitness indicators, have diminished over time. However, the exact impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period on physical activity and health-related physical fitness indicators remains unclear. This study sought to determine if and to what degree the primary indicators of physical activity (exercise frequency, exercise intensity, and outdoor physical activity) and health-related physical fitness (strength and endurance) among schoolchildren have shifted, by comparing data from before and after the coronavirus pandemic period. Students aged 12-17 years took part in the study. The physical activity questionnaire and fitness tests were conducted in the autumn of 2017 and spring of 2022. The main results show that moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity time and time spent actively outdoors have decreased among adolescents (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in exercise frequency (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant decline in strength (standing broad jump, bent arm hang) (p < 0.05) and endurance (20 m shuttle run, curl-up) (p < 0.01) when comparing results from before and after the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period. In conclusion, restricted mobility had the greatest impact on the time spent outdoors and, in turn, on physical fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Kuu
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia; (J.N.); (T.R.); (K.P.); (V.S.); (K.P.)
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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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Jarnig G, Kerbl R, van Poppel MNM. Changes in children's cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: a 34-month longitudinal study of 331 primary school children. World J Pediatr 2024; 20:185-188. [PMID: 38008789 PMCID: PMC10884133 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Jarnig
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Reinhold Kerbl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKH Hochsteiermark, 8700, Leoben, Austria
| | - Mireille N M van Poppel
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
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Yip KM, Wong SWS, So HK, Tso WWY, Siu PMF, Wong ICK, Yam JC, Kwan MYW, Lum TYS, Louie LHT, Lee A, Wong WHS, Ip P. Physical Fitness and Body Mass Index Status of Hong Kong Primary Schoolchildren across the COVID-19 Pandemic, before and after School Closure. J Pediatr 2024; 264:113729. [PMID: 37722554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether health-related physical fitness and body mass index (BMI) status differed before and after school closure from the COVID-19 pandemic in a population-based cohort of Hong Kong primary schoolchildren. STUDY DESIGN We examined the BMI z score, BMI status, and physical fitness z scores including (i) upper limb muscle strength, (ii) 1-minute sit-up test, (iii) sit-and-reach test, and (iv) endurance run tests, among 3 epochs: prepandemic (September 2018-August 2019), before school closure (September 2019-January 2020), and partial school reopening (September 2021-August 2022), using a repeated cross-sectional approach. RESULTS A total of 137 752 primary schoolchildren aged 6-12 years were recruited over 3 academic years. Obesity increased significantly from 25.9% in 2018/19 to 31.0% in 2021/22, while underweight increased slightly from 6.1% to 6.5%. All tested parameters were adversely affected by the pandemic. The negative trend over time was far more pronounced in all 4 physical fitness scores in the underweight group, although performance in handgrip strength had no significance between 2018/19 and 2021/22. CONCLUSIONS Schoolchildren who are both underweight and overweight/obese are vulnerable to adverse changes in physical fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic. To eliminate the negative health and fitness outcomes, it is urgent to develop strategies for assisting schoolchildren in achieving a healthy weight, especially in the postpandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Man Yip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sam W S Wong
- Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hung-Kwan So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie W Y Tso
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Parco M F Siu
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ian C K Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jason C Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mike Y W Kwan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terry Y S Lum
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lobo H T Louie
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Albert Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wilfred H S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Godoy-Leite M, Santos FGCD, Penido EAR, Ribeiro KA, Dos Santos LM, Rodrigues-Machado MDG, Rezende BA. Impact of social isolation during COVID-19 on anthropometric data, quality of life, baseline physical activity and aortic pulse wave parameters in children and adolescents in two independent samples. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:154. [PMID: 37981678 PMCID: PMC10659065 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01558-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The social restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the routine of children and adolescents, with important consequences such as sleep, eating, and psychological/psychiatric disorders. Even though there are no studies on the subject, it is possible that these changes in habit and routine have also affected arterial stiffness (AS) in this population, which is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to assess possible changes in AS, anthropometry, and quality of life (QoL) resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents. METHODS A controlled observational cross-sectional study was performed with 193 children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years, allocated into two groups: before the pandemic (BPG) and one year after the pandemic (APG), matched by age and sex. Cardiovascular parameters were measured non-invasively by brachial artery oscillometry with a portable device. The main AS indices evaluated were the augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) derived from the aortic pulse wave. QoL was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0). RESULTS Regarding QoL, the APG showed a worsening in emotional (p = 0.002) and school-related (p = 0.010) aspects. There was no statistically significant difference for most anthropometric parameters, except for the hip circumference, which was higher in the APG group (p < 0.001). The main predictor of AS in the paediatric population, AIx@75, was shown to be increased in the APG group (p < 0.001). Other cardiovascular parameters were also different, such as peripheral (p = 0.002) and central (p = 0.003) diastolic blood pressure, stroke volume (p = 0.010), and total vascular resistance (p = 0.002), which were shown to be decreased in the APG group, while the heart rate was increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that routine changes resulting from the period of social isolation increased cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents, evident by the increase in AIx@75, which is considered to be an important marker of cardiovascular risk in the paediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Godoy-Leite
- School of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, 275, Alameda Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, 30130-110, Brazil
| | | | | | - Kennad Alves Ribeiro
- School of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, 275, Alameda Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, 30130-110, Brazil
| | - Luzia Maria Dos Santos
- School of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, 275, Alameda Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, 30130-110, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Almeida Rezende
- School of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, 275, Alameda Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, 30130-110, Brazil.
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Irschik S, Brandt JB, Eisenkölbl J. COVID-19 pandemic-related weight gain in the pediatric population declined after restrictions ended, except among obese patients. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1260269. [PMID: 37942242 PMCID: PMC10628554 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1260269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood obesity has become an important topic, not only of increasing relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic but specifically enhanced by it. Restrictions implemented to mitigate further outbreaks led to major constraints on daily physical activity, leading to a severe increase in body weight among children. This study highlights changes in BMI and weight development in children during and (in particular) after the COVID-19 restrictions in Austria, focusing on various socioeconomic factors. Methods Weight development throughout the pandemic and socioeconomic factors were evaluated by anonymous cross-sectional surveys filled out by parents at a pediatric practice. Results This study included 388 children. The rate of obesity increased by 88.5%, from 6.4 to 12.1%, throughout the pandemic, reaching a maximum of 15.2% during the restrictions. Overall, age-adapted BMI z-scores increased significantly by 0.22 during the restrictions and remained increased by 0.19 compared to pre-pandemic levels. With the exception of obese children, all children in the study population experienced significant weight loss after the restrictions were lifted. Obese children continued to gain weight without any sign of the onset of normalization. Socioeconomic factors, such as participation in regular activity in the form of organized sport or the availability of an outdoor area, were associated with relevant differences before the pandemic but had no protective effect against intra-pandemic weight gain. A higher level of parental education was the only factor associated with less weight gain in children during the early phase of the pandemic. Discussion Austrian COVID-19 restrictions have had concerning effects on pediatric BMI, with very little effect of socioeconomic background. After restrictions were loosened, measurable weight loss occurred, but the significant increase in children's BMI percentiles persisted. No weight loss was observed among children who were obese prior to the pandemic. There is a need for broad projects tackling childhood obesity, as obese children are the most vulnerable group with the strongest and most severe long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer B. Brandt
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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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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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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Sex-Related Differences in the Relationship between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Results from Chinese Cross-Sectional Study on Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9091411. [PMID: 36138720 PMCID: PMC9498110 DOI: 10.3390/children9091411] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption continues to increase among children, with adverse health effects, and China is no exception. Our study investigates the association between SSB consumption and cardiopulmonary fitness. We used stratified whole group sampling to investigate and test SSB consumption and cardiopulmonary fitness in 21,055 children aged 13−15 years in China. A chi-square test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare different categories of SSB consumption. General linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between different SSB consumption and cardiopulmonary fitness in Chinese children. Our research results show the proportions of Chinese children with SSB consumption ≤ 1 time/week, 2−4 times/week, and ≥5 times/week were 33.3%, 52.8%, and 13.9%, respectively. VO2max in children consuming ≥ 5 times/week was lower than those consuming 2−4 times/week and ≤2 times/week of SSB by 0.15 and 0.301 mL·kg−1·min−1, with statistically significant differences (F-value 18.807, p < 0.001). After relevant confounders were adjusted, children in the SSB consumption ≥ 5 times/week group had a higher risk of developing poorer cardiopulmonary fitness than those in the SSB consumption ≤ 1 time/week group (OR: 1.336, 95% CI: 1.181, 1.511) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the consumption of SSBs among children aged 13−15 in China is higher than the recommended intake by the World Health Organization, and boys are higher than girls. In addition, after adjusting for relevant confounders, the association between SSB consumption and an increased risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness remained. The relationship between SSB consumption and cardiopulmonary fitness was higher in girls compared with boys.
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Ito T, Sugiura H, Ito Y, Narahara S, Noritake K, Takahashi D, Natsume K, Ochi N. Physical Functions among Children before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study (Stage 1). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11513. [PMID: 36141790 PMCID: PMC9517518 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811513] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
One major impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's lifestyles is the lack of exercise owing to activity restrictions. However, information regarding the way in which physical functions among children decline under these circumstances remains scarce. In this study, we compared the physical functions and life habits among children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The participants involved 40 children aged between 9-15 years (23 girls and 17 boys) who were examined medically both before and during the pandemic. The compared variables included muscle strength, static and dynamic balance functions, gait speed, body fat percentage, screen and sleep times, quality of life, and physical activity time. During the pandemic, compared to before the pandemic, children had lower levels of dynamic balance functions (p = 0.039), increased body fat percentages (p < 0.0001), longer screen time per day (p = 0.002), and shorter sleep time per day (p < 0.0001). Between the two periods, there were no significant differences in muscle strength, static balance functions, gait speed, quality of life, and physical activity time. The activity restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affect dynamic balance functions, body-fat levels, and life habits among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Ito
- Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis Laboratory, Aichi Prefectural Mikawa Aoitori Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities, Okazaki 444-0002, Japan
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 461-8673, Japan
| | - Hideshi Sugiura
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 461-8673, Japan
| | - Yuji Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Aichi Prefectural Mikawa Aoitori Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities, Okazaki 444-0002, Japan
| | - Sho Narahara
- Department of Pediatrics, Aichi Prefectural Mikawa Aoitori Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities, Okazaki 444-0002, Japan
| | - Koji Noritake
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Aichi Prefectural Mikawa Aoitori Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities, Okazaki 444-0002, Japan
| | - Daiki Takahashi
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 461-8673, Japan
| | - Kentaro Natsume
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 461-8673, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Ochi
- Department of Pediatrics, Aichi Prefectural Mikawa Aoitori Medical and Rehabilitation Center for Developmental Disabilities, Okazaki 444-0002, Japan
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12
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Li H, Cheong JPG. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Fitness of Primary School Students in China Based on the Bronfenbrenner Ecological Theory. Front Psychol 2022; 13:896046. [PMID: 35846611 PMCID: PMC9278268 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.896046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, nation lockdown became an effective way to isolate the spread of the virus. Schools were postponed, students had to stay at home and opportunities for physical activity amongst school children were severely affected. This research sought to determine the impact of the pandemic on the physical fitness of primary school students. In total, 1,235 students from grades one to five in a primary school in Beijing took part in this research. Using the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standard as a guide, the students were subjected to BMI, vital capacity, 50 m sprint, sit and reach, timed rope-skipping, timed sit-ups, and 50m × 8 shuttle run measurements. These tests were administered once before and once after the lockdown period. The results showed that the overall physical fitness of the participants was better after the lockdown [p = 0.000, r = -0.14, 95% CI (-0.219, -0.061)]. Specifically, vital capacity, sit and reach, timed rope-skipping and timed sit-ups had improved after the lockdown. Meanwhile, 50m × 8 shuttle run dropped slightly but not significantly whereas 50 m sprint dropped sharply after the lockdown. The proportion of overweight and obese students increased, but the difference before and after the lockdown was small. It appeared that during the pandemic, through the intervention of many comprehensive factors, home-based fitness was normalized and promoted the healthy development of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Li
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jadeera Phaik Geok Cheong
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- UM STEM Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Pusat Kajian Kecemerlangan Melayu, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Change in BMI and Fitness among Primary School Children in Austria: A 24-Month Follow-Up Study of 303 Children Measured before and during the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10050078. [PMID: 35622487 PMCID: PMC9147516 DOI: 10.3390/sports10050078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic not only impacted the health of school children directly through SARS-CoV-2 infections, but the associated closures of schools and sports facilities also resulted in long-term negative side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19-related mitigation measures on the health and fitness status of primary school children in Austria. A total of 303 primary school children participated in the longitudinal study. Data on height, weight, and fitness were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic (September 2019) and at one-year intervals (September 2020 and September 2021) during the course of the pandemic. In the first year, from September 2019 to September 2020, there were alarming increases in body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDSs) (from 0.32 to 0.49) and dramatic decreases in both cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) (from 0.49 to −0.43) and action speed (from −0.31 to −0.64). In the second year (September 2020 to September 2021), the BMI scores stabilized, and improvements in CRE were observed, especially in the subgroup of children who were members of sports clubs. In the future, more initiatives and projects, in addition to sports club activities, should be started and expanded, particularly in schools, to specifically counteract the observed health damage and, thus, have a positive effect on the development of all children, especially those without sports club membership.
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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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