Covid-19 and the effects of isolation on the sedentariness and physical activity of children: an Italian study

Abstract

From March to May 2020 Italy experienced the “lockdown”. Italians have re-mained in their homes, communicating via internet and cell phones. Were there consequences in children, and especially on movement and levels of physical activity? We interviewed 184 families with 215 children aged 0-12 years using an online questionnaire investigating adults and children lifestyles during lockdown. The results indicated that: 1- physical activity levels were reported to be reduced in 77.2% of the children; 2- sedentary time (tv, pc) increased in 62.8% of the children; 3- in 74.9% of the families there was increased interaction between children and adults; 4- distant/home working involved 53.90% of the adults. In summary, lockdown was associated to sedentariness increase and physical activity decrease in children. The results support the hypothesis that context (parents) and environment are important determinants of the level of physical activity and sedentariness of children.