The Impact of Distance Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Well-Being of Czech and Polish Adolescents

Adolescent physical activity during school days: a comparative study before and after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions

Background

Physical activity (PA) during the school day is crucial for the health and well-being of adolescents. This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth PA patterns to better understand these changes and to provide guidelines for school programming.

Methods

Differences in PA within specific segments of the school day were examined before and after the pandemic using the Youth Activity Profile questionnaire. Participants included 956 boys and 1,317 girls from 21 high schools. The study involved 12 Czech and 9 Polish high schools before the pandemic and 9 Czech and 8 Polish high schools after the pandemic.

Results

Both Czech and Polish boys and girls exhibited significantly less transportation PA to and from school and reduced PA during the school day after the pandemic compared to before. Additionally, Czech and Polish boys were significantly less physically active during school breaks, and Czech boys and girls had notably less PA during physical education lessons. The pandemic disrupted the habit of regular PA on school days, particularly evident in the decline of PA to and from school.

Conclusion

The study confirms a significant difference in PA of Czech and Polish adolescents in various segments of the school day after students return to school following pandemic restrictions. Promoting achievement of the recommendations in the segments of the school day and in comprehensive school PA programs should be an important part of school health and education policy and public health promotion for adolescents.

Individual physical activity preferences of adolescents in the Czech Republic and Poland: a 14-year comparative study reflecting the gender trends and prospective responses to global lifestyle challenges

BACKGROUND

The global decline in physical activity (PA) among the youth has been exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on their lifestyles. Addressing these adverse effects post-pandemic by supporting preferred physical activities among young individuals is crucial. The aim of the study is to investigate and compare the long-term trends in PA preferences among individuals in Poland and the Czech Republic, exploring the impact of global lifestyle challenges over the past 14 years, including the pandemic, on PA behaviors and choices.

METHODS

The study design is cross-sectional and data gathering was in the period between 2007 and 2020, this research encompassed 19,235 participants aged 15 to 26. PA preferences were gauged using the Questionnaire on Physical Activity Preferences, while actual PA levels were measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Crossing table, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, binary logistic regression and effect size coefficients were conducted.

RESULTS

Among the participants, individual physical activities were favoured by 24% of Czech and 25% of Polish boys, and 23% of Czech and 25% of Polish girls. A positive correlation was found between the preference for running and higher levels of recreational, vigorous, and overall weekly PA. Additionally, an increased preference for running was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting weekly PA recommendations for both girls (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.62-2.04, p < 0.001) and boys (OR = 1.61, CI = 1.44-1.82, p < 0.001) in both countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a 14-year period, swimming, cycling, and running emerged as the most preferred PA across both Czech and Polish youth, with a notable increase in running, especially among Czech boys. Polish boys and girls also showed a growing preference for running, while Polish girls demonstrated a notable increase in badminton and ice-skating. The preference for running was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting PA recommendations, especially among Polish boys and Czech girls. Notably, activities like running, swimming, and cycling exhibited resilience to both pandemic-related restrictions and broader global lifestyle challenges, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring of PA preferences for effective health promotion.

Effects of 10 Weeks of Walking With Mobile Step-Tracking Apps on Body Composition, Fitness, and Psychological State in Adolescents Who Are Overweight and Obese: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, physical activity intervention programs have been developed to reduce overweight and obesity in adolescents. However, this population is considered hard to reach in physical activity programs due to lack of adherence and poor results. Interventions with mobile phones in the adolescent population with normal weight have shown benefits, so this line of research may provide benefits in adolescents with overweight or obesity, although it has not yet been explored in the scientific literature.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the changes produced by a 10-week intervention promoted during school lessons on physical education using step tracker mobile apps in out-of-school hours on physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body composition, and the physical condition of adolescents who are overweight and obese, and to analyze the changes achieved by the 10-week intervention on the psychological state of adolescents who are overweight and obese.

METHODS

The study was based on a randomized controlled trial with an initial sample of 50 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years (from the first to the fourth years of compulsory secondary education), whose body composition, physical activity level, physical condition, and psychological state were measured. Participants were divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG), where the EG performed a series of walking steps with a mobile app in their free time outside physical education classes. Adolescents in the CG continued to perform their physical activities as normal but did not use any mobile apps. Inclusion in the EG and CG was randomized, and the researchers were blinded.

RESULTS

An increase was found in the EG in corrected arm girth (mean difference -0.46; P=.05), curl-up repetitions (mean difference -6.35; P=.02) and push-up repetitions (mean difference -2.27; P=.04) after the intervention. In the CG, there was a significant increase in hip girth (mean difference -1.37; P=.05), corrected thigh girth (mean difference -1.28; P=.04), and muscle mass (mean difference -0.87; P=.04), as well as a significant decrease in competence (mean difference 3.08; P=.03). The covariates gender and age showed an effect on corrected arm girth (gender: P=.04), curl-up repetitions (gender: P=.04) and push-up repetitions (gender: P=.04) in the EG; while in the CG it affected corrected thigh girth (gender: P=.04), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (gender: P=.04 and age: P=.047) competence (gender: P=.04 and age: P=.04) and relatedness (gender: P=.05 and age: P=.04). No significant differences were found when comparing changes in the CG and EG.

CONCLUSIONS

A 10-week program of mobile app use by adolescents who are overweight and obese for physical activity outside of school hours does not appear effective in producing improvements in body composition, physical fitness, or adequate psychological state as it does not appear to significantly increase physical activity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06089876; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06089876.

Adolescents' attitudes, habits, identity and social support in relation to physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic

This study focuses on adolescents' cognitive processes, behaviors and social support (SS) as they relate to physical activity (PA) before and after the pandemic. The aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the changes in adolescents' engagement in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and examine the changes in PA-related attitudes and behaviors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) to analyze the correlations between the significant changes that were found, PA engagement, and SS. The survey targeted third-year middle school students of Italian nationality, attending male and female mixed classes, residents in urban, periphery and sub-urban areas, living in families with different incomes, and different habits of engaging in PA. A longitudinal study was developed using a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered in April-May 2023 to a sample of 952 students aged 11/14 residing in the Marche region in Central Italy. Increasing values were found in the post-COVID-19 phase for all the cognitive processes and attitudes, in particular, those regarding habits (0.66 vs 0.50, + 32%) and identity (0.70 vs 0.55, + 27%) related to PA. Significant correlations were found between these values and VPA engagement and between the values of the same indicators and SS (p < 0.01). The strongest relationship was found with the dimension of identity (r = 0.51; r = 054).

Physical activity and sleep changes among children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Daily routines, including in-person school and extracurricular activities, are important for maintaining healthy physical activity and sleep habits in children. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted daily routines as in-person school and activities closed to prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to examine and assess differences in objectively measured physical activity levels and sleep patterns from wearable sensors in children with obesity before, during, and after a period of school and extracurricular activity closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared average step count and sleep patterns (using the Mann-Whitney U Test) before and during the pandemic-associated school closures by using data from activity tracker wristbands (Garmin VivoFit 3). Data were collected from 94 children (aged 5-17) with obesity, who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial testing a community-based lifestyle intervention for a duration of 12-months. During the period that in-person school and extracurricular activities were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children with obesity experienced objectively-measured decreases in physical activity, and sleep duration. From March 15, 2020 to March 31, 2021, corresponding with local school closures, average daily step count decreased by 1655 steps. Sleep onset and wake time were delayed by about an hour and 45 min, respectively, while sleep duration decreased by over 12 min as compared with the pre-closure period. Step counts increased with the resumption of in-person activities. These findings provide objective evidence for parents, clinicians, and public health professionals on the importance of in-person daily activities and routines on health behaviors, particularly for children with pre-existing obesity. Trial Registration: Clinical trial registration: NCT03339440.

Physical activity and life satisfaction among adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and distance education has significantly affected adolescents' lives. The restrictive policies negatively affected their physical and mental health and life satisfaction. It is therefore desirable to look for ways to eliminate similar negative impacts on adolescents in the future. This study aimed to identify the differences in the association between physical activity and life satisfaction in Polish adolescents before and during the pandemic. The study included 1541 participants (891 before the pandemic and 650 during the pandemic) aged 15-19 years. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form questionnaire was used to assess physical activity, and the Bern Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire was used to evaluate life satisfaction. The objectivity of data collection and analysis before and during the pandemic was ensured by the web application the International Database for Research and Educational Support. During the pandemic, we found lower physical activity and life satisfaction in both boys and girls compared to before the pandemic. Girls with low and high physical activity levels showed significantly lower life satisfaction during the pandemic than they did before. Low life satisfaction was associated with lower physical activity, and high life satisfaction was associated with greater total physical activity. Both boys and girls with low and high life satisfaction achieved significantly fewer physical activity recommendations during the pandemic. High life satisfaction increased the likelihood of meeting the recommendations for physical activity before and during the pandemic. This study provides new insights into the differences and associations between life satisfaction and physical activity in adolescent boys and girls before and during the pandemic. It provides suggestions for the prevention of possible future restrictions in the school settings. Support for post-pandemic life satisfaction in adolescents should focus mainly on increasing vigorous physical activity and improving adolescent participation in organized physical activity settings.

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

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.

Associations between preference and participation in team sports: Physical activity promotion among adolescents

Background

The level of physical activity (PA) in adolescents is highly dependent on their PA preferences. PA preferences among adolescents are dominated by team PA, mostly team sports (TS). The aim of this study is to identify (a) the status and trends in the preferences of TS among Czech and Polish boys and girls in different educational and sports environments, and (b) the impact of the agreement between the preferred and simultaneously pursued TS on the structure of weekly PA and on the meeting of PA recommendations.

Methods

The research was carried out between 2009 and 2022 in the Czech Republic and Poland and included 2,939 boys and 4,427 girls aged 15-19 years. Preferences and participation in TS were identified using a PA preference questionnaire and weekly PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Trends in TS preferences were analyzed over 27-year periods. The participants were divided into groups by agreement and disagreement between the preferred and pursued TS, and by agreement and disagreement between the preferences of TS and participation in organized TS.

Results

Throughout the 14-year study period, boys in both countries preferred soccer, whereas girls favored volleyball. Agreement between preferences and participation in TS increased vigorous PA in Czech and Polish boys and girls. The agreement between the preferences for TS and participation in organized TS had the most significant effect on increasing vigorous PA in Czech and Polish boys and girls and on total PA in boys in both countries. Those who preferred and participated in TS were more likely to meet PA recommendations.

Conclusion

Respecting the status and trends of TS preferences in supporting participation in TS increases adolescents' PA and their achievement of PA recommendations. Increasing active participation in organized TS among boys and girls may support regular PA and help eliminate the negative effects of the pandemic on adolescents' PA.