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Comparison of Estonian Schoolchildren’s Physical Activity and Fitness Indicators before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Period of Restricted Mobility

Author

Listed:
  • Saima Kuu

    (School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Joe Noormets

    (School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Triin Rääsk

    (School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Kirsti Pedak

    (School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Viktor Saaron

    (School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Karin Baskin

    (School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Kristjan Port

    (School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia)

Abstract

It is recognized that the time adolescents spend on physical activity, and the corresponding physical fitness indicators, have diminished over time. However, the exact impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period on physical activity and health-related physical fitness indicators remains unclear. This study sought to determine if and to what degree the primary indicators of physical activity (exercise frequency, exercise intensity, and outdoor physical activity) and health-related physical fitness (strength and endurance) among schoolchildren have shifted, by comparing data from before and after the coronavirus pandemic period. Students aged 12–17 years took part in the study. The physical activity questionnaire and fitness tests were conducted in the autumn of 2017 and spring of 2022. The main results show that moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity time and time spent actively outdoors have decreased among adolescents ( p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in exercise frequency ( p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant decline in strength (standing broad jump, bent arm hang) ( p < 0.05) and endurance (20 m shuttle run, curl-up) ( p < 0.01) when comparing results from before and after the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period. In conclusion, restricted mobility had the greatest impact on the time spent outdoors and, in turn, on physical fitness.

Suggested Citation

  • Saima Kuu & Joe Noormets & Triin Rääsk & Kirsti Pedak & Viktor Saaron & Karin Baskin & Kristjan Port, 2024. "Comparison of Estonian Schoolchildren’s Physical Activity and Fitness Indicators before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Period of Restricted Mobility," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:744-:d:1410283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rachel L. Knight & Melitta A. McNarry & Adam W. Runacres & James Shelley & Liba Sheeran & Kelly A. Mackintosh, 2022. "Moving Forward: Understanding Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour during COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents—An Integrative Review and Socioecological Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-13, January.
    2. 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.
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