Physical Activity in the COVID-19 Era and Its Impact on Adolescents’ Well-Being

Abstract

Physical inactivity and sedentary habits are among the major risk factors for decreased physical and mental well-being. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, normal daily routines changed, including physical activity (PA) habits. The aim of this manuscript is to review the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines in order to analyze the changes in PA and exercise practice after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the well-being of adolescents. A PubMed search was performed using the keywords “Exercise” [Mesh]) AND “COVID-19” [Mesh], and filters to limit the research to pertain to adolescents (13–18 years) and English reports. Out of the search, 15 reports met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The main findings outlined a global decrease in PA levels associated with decreased well-being levels, modified eating habits and leisure time activity, and increased obesity, anxiety, and depression among adolescents. PA is a significant health determinant and should be improved through the awareness of the benefits of regular PA and of the risks of sedentary behavior, as well as through support from family, friends, and teachers. Providing PA at school, as a part of the academic program, increasing the availability of equipment and facilities, and promoting at-home PA options are suggested as support for increasing PA in all countries and settings.

Association of physical activity and sitting with metabolic syndrome and hyperglycemic clamp parameters in adolescents – BRAMS pediatric study

“…: studying, reading, watching TV) have different impacts in human health. Efforts to fight sedentary behavior in children and adolescents are urgent, especially considering that in 2018, 37% of adolescents globally were sedentary (more than three hours of sitting daily outside school) (40), and this prevalence has rapidly increased, according to recent studies (41), caused by the COVID- Correlation between the hyperglycemic clamp Insulin Sensitivity Index and time spent in moderate-to-high level physical activity (min/day) fitted values in adolescents (n=57), BRAMS pediatric, 2011-2015. PA, physical activity; Rho -Spearman's correlation coefficient adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol intake, puberal status, medicine use, sleep, and time spent sitting.…”

Physical activity and physical fitness among children and adolescents after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO European Region: a systematic review protocol

“…There are indications that PHSM-related school closures could have intensified the decline, 27 and other public health relevant behaviours were suboptimally influenced. 28 Also, comparisons in primary studies of PF before and during the COVID-19 pandemic show a decline in youths' PF skills. 29 30 However, there are still important research gaps concerning PA and PF of children and adolescents.…”

“…Global systematic reviews have documented a decline in total PA during the COVID-19 pandemic ranging from 11 to 91 min/day,24 25 respectively, a reduction of 20% for total PA or 28% for moderate-to-vigorous PA26 and also named relevant subgroups (eg, older youth, lower social status, girls/females). There are indications that PHSM-related school closures could have intensified the decline,27 and other public health relevant behaviours were suboptimally influenced 28. Also, comparisons in primary studies of PF before and during the COVID-19 pandemic show a decline in youths’ PF skills 29 30…”

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Screen Time of School Children: A Cross-sectional Study from Chandigarh

“…6 Closure of schools due to lockdown and encouraging children to stay safe within their homes affected their daily routines. 7 It may have unintentionally decreased their physical activity and increased their screen time, which could result in negative health consequences. 8 Structured settings like schools play an important role in meeting the physical activity requirement of school-going children.…”