School-based physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced widespread school closures and restrictions, significantly altering youth physical activity (PA) environments.
• Understanding factors influencing youth PA during such disruptions is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify school and contextual factors associated with youth PA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To examine how different learning modalities and extracurricular activities impact children's and adolescents' physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• A nationally representative US sample of 500 parents (children 6-10 years) and 500 parent-child dyads (children/adolescents 11-17 years) completed a web-based questionnaire.
• Multivariable linear regression analyzed associations between weekly PA (≥60 min/day) and school, family, and neighborhood characteristics, controlling for child age and gender.

Main Results:

• Youth experienced more days of recommended PA when attending school in person.
• Participation in school physical education (PE), school sports, and community sports was positively associated with higher PA.
• Higher parental PA levels were also linked to increased PA in their children.

Conclusions:

• School-based PA opportunities, including PE and sports, were significantly impacted by pandemic-related restrictions.
• Maintaining or adapting school-based PA programs and promoting community/family PA are vital during remote learning or future pandemics.
• Equitable PA promotion requires considering diverse school modalities and ensuring access to activity opportunities outside of traditional PE settings.