The new normal for children's physical activity and screen viewing: a multi-perspective qualitative analysis of behaviours a year after the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children's physical activity. Recent evidence indicated children's accelerometer-measured physical activity levels have, on average, returned to near pre-pandemic levels in 2022, though sedentary behaviour remains higher. However, insufficient physical activity levels among children continues to be a critical public health issue in the UK, with only 41% meeting physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to provide in-depth analysis of how the pandemic has shaped children's physical activity patterns beyond the short-term periods following lockdowns and identify the new challenges to engaging children in physical activity.

Methods

One-to-one interviews with parents (n = 22), school staff (n = 9), and six focus groups

SUBMITTER: Walker R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10373375 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature