Faculty
Health Sciences
Supervisor Name
Dr. Trish Tucker and Monika Szpunar
Keywords
parents, children, physical activity, and COVID-19
Description
Objectives: The purpose of this literature review was to gain an understanding of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated closures have had on the physical activity levels of children (ages 0-12) and their parents/guardians.
Methods: To identify relevant literature, a comprehensive database search was conducted. Specifically, studies including keywords: parents, children, physical activity, and COVID-19 and their related terms published between March 2020 and August 2021 were screened for inclusion.
Results: A number of articles have been published which suggest that structured/organized physical activities and team play opportunities have decreased during COVID-19 restrictions, while home-based unstructured play and outdoor play have increased. Children who are older, girls, and from lower socioeconomic statuses faced increased barriers and experienced larger decreases in physical activity levels compared to younger children, boys, and those from higher socioeconomic statuses. In addition, an increase in sedentary time and screen time across all children was found. Lastly, studies show that amount of parental support has a profound impact on children’s physical activity levels during COVID-19, and parental physical activity levels have also changed during the pandemic.
Conclusions: The findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic and closures have affected physical activity levels among children and parents.
Document Type
Paper
Event Website
N/A
Changes in Children's and Parents' Physical Activity Levels During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review
Objectives: The purpose of this literature review was to gain an understanding of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated closures have had on the physical activity levels of children (ages 0-12) and their parents/guardians.
Methods: To identify relevant literature, a comprehensive database search was conducted. Specifically, studies including keywords: parents, children, physical activity, and COVID-19 and their related terms published between March 2020 and August 2021 were screened for inclusion.
Results: A number of articles have been published which suggest that structured/organized physical activities and team play opportunities have decreased during COVID-19 restrictions, while home-based unstructured play and outdoor play have increased. Children who are older, girls, and from lower socioeconomic statuses faced increased barriers and experienced larger decreases in physical activity levels compared to younger children, boys, and those from higher socioeconomic statuses. In addition, an increase in sedentary time and screen time across all children was found. Lastly, studies show that amount of parental support has a profound impact on children’s physical activity levels during COVID-19, and parental physical activity levels have also changed during the pandemic.
Conclusions: The findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic and closures have affected physical activity levels among children and parents.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/usri/usri2021/researchoutputshowcase/121