Movement behaviours during COVID-19 in children and youth (aged 5-17 years): A systematic review

Oral Presentation C8.1

Authors

  • Kathryn Wytenburg Queen's University
  • Brendan Murphy Queen's University
  • Eun-Young Lee Queen's University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.685

Keywords:

Coronavirus, Pandemic, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behviour, Epidemiology

Abstract

Background: Being physically active is crucial for health among young people; however, their ability to live physically active lifestyles has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) among children and youth aged 5-17 years globally. Methods: Literature were searched on CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. To be included, the articles must have been 1) published March-November 2020, 2) focused on PA or SB, 3) investigated children and youth (5-17 years), and 4) written in English. Covidence software was used for screening with two independent screeners, and a Microsoft Word document was used for data extraction, which was then used to synthesize evidence. Results: Based on nine studies included in this review that represent 5,968 participants from eight countries, eight studies found a decrease in PA, with one study indicating varying results based on geographical location (South America vs. Europe) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, six studies found an increase in SB as a result of COVID-19. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have impacted the PA and SB of children and youth unfavourably. Understanding the health implications of these behavioural changes is crucial for public health concurrently and beyond the COVID-19 era. This is still an evolving topic; therefore, more research is required to better support children and youth to return to their normal behavioural patterns as we overcome the pandemic. 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Wytenburg, K., Murphy, B., & Lee, E.-Y. (2021). Movement behaviours during COVID-19 in children and youth (aged 5-17 years): A systematic review: Oral Presentation C8.1. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.685

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