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Changes in Physical Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic in German Children

Author

Listed:
  • Tanja Eberhardt

    (Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Klaus Bös

    (Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Claudia Niessner

    (Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany)

Abstract

With the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, each country has developed strategies to try to control the virus. The restrictions and subsequent consequences also limited the possibilities and structures for being physically active. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine changes in physical fitness in a cohort that was investigated over an extended period. Physical fitness testing was conducted with the IPPTP-R in a primary school from a small rural community annually since 2012. Mean values of test items were calculated for each cohort. We conducted an ANCOVA to examine the differences between cohorts PreCOVID and 2020 as the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and between PreCOVID and 2021 as the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, no evidence for a negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness in children between the ages of 7 and 9 years was found. In strength tests, performances increased when comparing the PreCOVID cohort and COVID-19 cohorts (Push-Ups: p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.032; p = 0.017, η p 2 = 0.006). No evidence for a change was found for endurance (6-min Run: p = 0.341, η p 2 = 0.001; p = 0.267, η p 2 = 0.001. The rural community maintained physical fitness despite restrictions and limitations through the environmental circumstances. Considering this, it is a positive example of how adequate long-term efforts promoting physical fitness make an impact and an active friendly environment helps to overcome COVID-19 pandemics limiting the structures for being physically active.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanja Eberhardt & Klaus Bös & Claudia Niessner, 2022. "Changes in Physical Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic in German Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9504-:d:878829
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lea Rossi & Nick Behme & Christoph Breuer, 2021. "Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-18, October.
    2. Kathrin Wunsch & Korbinian Kienberger & Claudia Niessner, 2022. "Changes in Physical Activity Patterns Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-48, February.
    3. Stefanie Wessely & Nina Ferrari & David Friesen & Martin Grauduszus & Marlen Klaudius & Christine Joisten, 2022. "Changes in Motor Performance and BMI of Primary School Children over Time–Influence of the COVID-19 Confinement and Social Burden," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Camille Chambonnière & Nicole Fearnbach & Léna Pelissier & Pauline Genin & Alicia Fillon & Audrey Boscaro & Line Bonjean & Mélina Bailly & Julie Siroux & Terry Guirado & Bruno Pereira & David Thivel &, 2021. "Adverse Collateral Effects of COVID-19 Public Health Restrictions on Physical Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Primary School Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-10, October.
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