Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: November | Volume: 11 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 23-36
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20211104
Assessment of Play and Sedentary Behaviours Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Children Aged 10-16 Years Old- A Pilot Study
Ashi Jain1, Priyanka Shirsath2
1B.P.Th from DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane [W], Maharashtra, India.
2Assistant Professor, DPO’S NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane [W], Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Ashi Jain
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the study is to assess if there are any changes in the play, sedentary and mood behaviours of children aged between 10-16 years of age before and during the on-going covid-19 pandemic.
Background: Covid-19 pandemic led to closures of schools and play grounds, social distancing, quarantining, etc., impacting the lifestyle activities of children and adolescents across the entire day. This led to an increase in the sedentary behaviours and decreased physical activity in children having detrimental effects on cardiometabolic/psychosocial health. In this study we aim to see the impact on lifestyle, mood, movement and screen time of children aged 10-16 years old before and during the Covid-19 global pandemic using online self-administered survey.
Methodology: 100 online responses were collected from children as per inclusion criteria. Demographic data and consent was taken. The survey was divided into 2 parts 1) Lifestyle and Study behaviours of the child- having 6 questions based on health, study, sleep cycle and motivation of the child, etc. 2) Movement and Screen timing of the child- which included the hours and type of physical activity, screen time and school’s participation which was responded by the parents/older children based on before and during the Covid-19 period. The 100 responses were statistically calculated.
Result: The study concludes that sedentary behaviours due to reduced physical activity and increased screen time including all gadgets have impacted the mood, diet, sleep, study of the child. This highlight the need for strategies to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time in children during the current and potential future pandemics to prevent long-term health risks.
Key words: Covid-19 pandemic, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, children, school.