Location, Type And Time: Understanding Physical Activity In Adults And Children During Covid-19

Abstract

As the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic required a shelter in place, many commonly used locations for physical activity (PA) were closed forcing families to find creative ways to keep active. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine how adults and children engaged in PA during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Parents living in a rural area with at least one child (N = 262) in the home completed an online survey during Fall 2020. The survey included questions regarding duration, frequency, and location of PA (e.g., parks/trails, recreational sports/intramurals, neighborhood, home-based activity, fitness facilities). Adults answered for themselves as well as for their children. Changes in duration and frequency of PA were based on a 5-point Likert scale. Time spent in PA per day at various locations were answered as <30 minutes, 30-60 minutes, and > 60 minutes for before (a year ago) and during (at this time) COVID-19. Differences were detected using a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Adults PA duration (33.3%) and frequency (35.0%) stayed the same whereas, children’s PA duration (48.2%) and frequency (43%) was lower during COVID-19. Adults spent significantly more time using parks/trails before compared to during COVID-19 (z = 2.89, p = 0.05) however 61% achieved at least 30 minutes of PA per day at parks/trails. Home-based PA for adults significantly increased during COVID-19 (z = -6.867, p = 0.001) and 58% achieved 60 minutes per day. Children spent significantly less time in parks/trails (z = -2.58, p = .010), recreational sports (z = -4.85, p < .001), fitness facilities (z = -4.53, p < .001), and physical education (z = 6.77, p < .001) during COVID-19. However, time spent in home based PA significantly improved (z = 2.77, p = .005) with 53% achieving over 60 minutes of PA per day. The time reported engaging in neighborhood PA remained the same for both adults and children. CONCLUSION: Overall, adults fared better during COVID-19 as they found ways to maintain or increase PA, while children's PA suffered. In fact, children showed limited engagement in PA with various resources (e.g., parks, recreational sports, physical education). As the home became the primary location for children to engage in PA consideration to improving PA resources available in or near the home is warranted.