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Updated: Oct 22, 2025
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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
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Objective Behavioral Measures in Children before, during, and after the COVID-19 Lockdown in Israel
Einat Shneor1, Ravid Doron1, Jonathan Levine1
1Department of Optometry, Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem 9101001, Israel.
Summary
COVID-19 restrictions significantly reduced children's outdoor time and physical activity, impacting health. Behaviors largely returned to normal after restrictions eased, but long-term effects require further study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Questionnaire studies indicated reduced outdoor time for children during COVID-19 restrictions.
- Objective behavioral data during the pandemic was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively assess the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on children's behavior using objective measures.
- To evaluate changes in outdoor time, physical activity, and sleep patterns.
Main Methods:
- 19 healthy 8-12-year-old boys wore Actiwatches to measure behavior.
- Data collected before, during, and after social restrictions.
- Statistical analysis included signed-rank and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.
Main Results:
- Children spent significantly less time outdoors and engaged in less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during restrictions (p < 0.005).
- Sleep duration remained unchanged, but sleep timing shifted later.
- Outdoor time and activity levels largely recovered post-restrictions.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 restrictions caused significant, measurable changes in children's behavior.
- Reduced outdoor light exposure has implications for myopia and vitamin D.
- Decreased physical activity may pose risks for obesity and depression, warranting further research.
