Changes in adolescent physical activity levels pre and post COVID-19 in Ireland

Abstract

Abstract Background The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for at least, on average, 60 minutes per day, and muscle strengthening exercises at least three times a week for adolescent health. Lockdowns, sports club and school closures during COVID-19 limited children's PA opportunities. The aim of this study was to examine changes in PA behaviour among students in schools undertaking a PA intervention (the Active School Flag: ASF) over three consecutive years. Methods ASF is a whole school intervention. Its aim is to increase student PA opportunities and thus, PA levels. ASF implementation team includes students, teachers and school management. Using a repeated cross-sectional panel study design, all students in five pilot ASF schools were invited to complete the ASF whole-school survey in September 2019, 2020 and 2021. Descriptive statistics, contingency tables and multi-logistic regression analyses evaluated changes in PA behaviour over time. Results Students in five schools (N = 7530, 33% male; 65% female, 2% other) took part. Physical inactivity (WHO guidelines for only 0-2days) dropped from 25% in 2019 to 22% in 2020 and 23% in 2021. Analysis by gender showed females to be most active in 2020 (p = .004). No significant changes, over time, were found for muscle-strengthening exercises. Four out of the five schools reported a significant increase in active travel and a decrease in car transport behaviour from 2019-2021, no gender differences were found. Conclusions COVID-19 public health restrictions varied over the duration of this study (higher in 2020 than at other time points). Little or no change in overall PA or muscle-strengthening exercises was established, yet significant increases in active transport to and from school were reported. Further research should explore mechanisms and the potential of a displacement hypothesis for types of PA change during this time. Key messages • COVID-19 movement restrictions, such as lockdowns, school and sports club closures contributed to increases in active transport to and from school, while other forms of PA remained largely unchanged. • The Active School Flag may be an effective programme to reduce the amount of students who are physically inactive.