As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the countries announced the temporary closure of schools, opting to continue classes virtually, affecting children’s lifestyles, primarily by reducing the practice of physical activity and sport, which becomes a risk factor for the development of obesity and overweight. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of physical exercise on body composition in a sample of school-age children during confinement by COVID-19. A quantitative approach study and quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test. The sample consisted of 70 school-age children from 8 to 12 years old who were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the experimental group (GE: 35), who received an aerobic and anaerobic physical exercise program 3 times a day. With a duration of 60 minutes for 10 weeks in a virtual way and a control group (CG: 35) that received only the physical education class. Although the pre-test post measurements showed favorable changes in body composition, weight, and conditional capacities (speed and jumping), these were not statistically significant ( P < .05). A structured physical exercise program through virtuality for schoolchildren can be a strategy to control overweight and obesity in children during confinement and improve their conditional physical capacities (speed, jumping).
El sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil son un problema mundial, de estadísticas alarmantes, tales patologías afectan el crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños y las niñas. Se considera que estas condiciones pueden prevenirse mediante la promoción del ejercicio físico y el cambio hacia una alimentación sana en la infancia, etapa fundamental donde se sientan las bases esenciales de los estilos de vida saludable que incidirán de manera directa e indirecta en el bienestar físico, social y emocional por el resto de la vida.
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