Research shows that pandemic reduced physical activity of children

Rio de Janeiro – RJ) – Research by the Fernandes Figueira National Institute for Women, Children and Adolescents’ Health (IFF/Fiocruz), entitled Survey of the Adequacy of Brazilian Children and Adolescents to the Guidelines of the 24 Hour Movement Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic, shows a significant impact of the pandemic restrictions on reducing physical activity and increasing screen time in Brazilian children and adolescents.

The study was carried out with 525 children and adolescents up to 18 years of age from different regions of Brazil, using a digital interview form that included sociodemographic characteristics of the families, moderate to vigorous physical activity, recreational screen time and duration of sleep before and during the pandemic.

IFF/Fiocruz researchers Natália Molleri, Saint Clair Gomes Jr, Daniele Marano and Andrea Zin investigated the adequacy of these habits during the covid-19 pandemic. “The amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity, recreational screen time (television, cell phone, computer, notebook or tablet) and adequate sleep duration have recognized importance for the health of children and adolescents, showing positive associations with motor development, physical conditioning, reduction of adiposity (excess fat in the body) and improvement in cardiometabolic conditioning. Even so, few studies have evaluated the adequacy of these habits in low- and middle-income countries”, informed, in a note, the occupational therapist of the Institute, Natália Molleri.

Rio de Janeiro (RJ), 05/19/2023 – Skateboarding class for children at the Gamboa Olympic Village. Photo: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil – Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil

According to the researcher, social isolation measures contributed to the reduction of physical activity. The proportion of families that made this adjustment dropped from 61.43% before the pandemic to 38.57% during the pandemic. The correct adequacy of recreational screen time among Brazilian children and adolescents was also lower, which was previously done by 67.22% of families and reduced to 27.27%, in the pandemic.

“Therefore, as a National Institute, we play an essential role in education regarding the importance of physical activity, reducing the use of screens and adequate sleep time according to age group”, explained Natália.

One of the researchers responsible for the survey, Andrea Zin, said that children were already sleeping less, exercising less and spending a lot of time in front of the screen before the pandemic. According to her, with the remote classes, the screen time in front of the computer and the cell phone increased a lot and the sedentary lifestyle resulting from the confinement grew. “The question is: to what extent have we managed to return to the normality of these activities?”.

Gamboa Olympic Village

Rio de Janeiro (RJ), 05/19/2023 – Swimming lessons for children at the Gamboa Olympic Village. Photo: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil – Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil

The Vila Olímpica da Gamboa, in the central region of Rio, linked to the Municipal Sports Department, serves around 800 children and teenagers from 2 years of age with swimming, skateboarding, judo, soccer, futsal, basketball and ballet classes.

The technical coordinator of the Olympic village and physical education teacher, Luciano Machado Barros, noted that, upon returning to activities after the period of social isolation caused by the pandemic, many children were overweight and had difficulties in social interaction.

“They had a lower level of patience, having difficulty dealing with their classmates and the teacher. Sport, in addition to bringing motor benefits and disease prevention, encompasses social issues, because it involves social interaction and improves self-esteem, “she said.
* With information from Agência Brasil

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