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Family predictors of physical activity change during the COVID-19 lockdown in preschool children in Germany

Franziska Beck1, Steffen C E Schmidt2, Alexander Woll2

  • 1Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Gebbertstraße 123B, 91052, Erlangen, Germany. franzi.beck@fau.de.

Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|December 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic altered preschool children's physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST). Family environment, including parental support and siblings, significantly influenced these changes, highlighting the need for tailored support strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Child Development

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children's daily routines, affecting physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST).
  • Preschool children's families act as crucial gatekeepers for maintaining adequate PA levels.
  • Understanding the influence of the family environment on PA and ST changes during the pandemic is vital for child well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how family environment factors, including socioeconomic status (SES), parental support, and sibling presence, influenced changes in PA and ST behaviors in German preschool children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To analyze longitudinal data to track these behavioral shifts over time.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 317 German preschool children (170 boys, 147 girls).
  • Data collection focused on changes in physical activity (total, sports-related, outdoor play) and leisure screen time.
  • Analysis examined the influence of family environment variables: SES, parental support, sibling presence, and access to outdoor spaces (e.g., garden).

Main Results:

  • A decline in overall sports-related PA and an increase in outdoor play and leisure screen time were observed in preschool children.
  • Changes in total PA varied based on parental support levels and the presence of siblings.
  • Outdoor play and screen time were further influenced by environmental factors, such as having access to a private garden.

Conclusions:

  • The family environment, encompassing parental support and physical surroundings, plays a critical role in shaping preschool children's PA and ST.
  • Policy recommendations should consider adapting restrictions and providing parents with targeted information to support children's PA during future crises.
  • Strengthening the family's role in promoting physical activity is essential for mitigating negative impacts on children's health behaviors.

Keywords:
COVID-19FamilyPhysical activityPreschool

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