Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity among adolescents in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate adolescents’ moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic by sociodemographic characteristics, and to determine mental health and resiliency factors associated with MVPA among a diverse national sample of adolescents ages 10-14 years. Data were collected during the pandemic in May 2020 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD, N=5,153), a national prospective cohort study in the U.S. MVPA was quantified as the product of reported duration and frequency (hours per week), which was further summarized as the proportion meeting age-appropriate 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. A similar estimate was generated using MVPA data collected prior to the pandemic. Mental health and resiliency measures were collected during the pandemic. Regression models examined associations between mental health or resiliency measures and MVPA during the pandemic. Median MVPA was 2 hours per week (IQR 0, 6). Overall, the percentage of the cohort meeting MVPA guidelines decreased from 16.1% (pre-pandemic) to 8.9% during the pandemic. Racial/ethnic minorities and adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were significantly less likely to meet MVPA guidelines during the pandemic. Poorer mental health, COVID-related worry, and stress were associated with lower MVPA, while more social support and coping behaviors were associated with higher MVPA during the pandemic. In this large, national sample of adolescents, the proportion of those meeting MVPA Guidelines was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant disparities by race and socioeconomic status. Interventions to promote social support and coping behaviors may improve MVPA levels among adolescents during the pandemic.

Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Adolescent Screen Time and Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The percentage of the adolescents meeting Health and Human Services’ (HHS) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines, defined as 60 minutes of moderate to strenuous physical activity, decreased from 16.1% (pre-pandemic) to 8.9% (during the pandemic- May 2020). 2 , 3 Given that excessive screen time and low physical activity are associated with poor adolescent physical health outcomes such as obesity and negative mental health outcomes such as higher rates of depression and anxiety, understanding correlates for elevated sedentary behaviors is critical to designing effective screenings and interventions. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 In addition, given that the biggest rise in obesity prevalence is seen in late childhood to early adolescence, it is vital to examine screen time and physical activity potential risk factors in this age group.…”

Parent-adolescent agreement in reported moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Our findings have implications for clinical and research practices in regards to measuring adolescent physical activity. Given decreases in MVPA during the pandemic [51] and discrepancies in parent-adolescent reporting of MVPA, parents could discuss and encourage MVPA with their adolescents. Pediatricians could consider assessing for and promoting MVPA for adolescents and their parents at primary care visits during the pandemic.…”

The Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…65 A large national sample of adolescents in the United States surveyed early in the COVID-19 pandemic found that a lower proportion of racial/ethnic minority adolescents and those from lower socioeconomic status households met moderateto-vigorous physical activity guidelines during the pandemic compared to those from higher socioeconomic status households. 66…”