Moving Forward: Understanding Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour during COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents—An Integrative Review and Socioecological Approach

Abstract

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions have negatively impacted physical activity (PA) and sedentary time/behaviour. This integrative review systematically explored the socioecological factors that impacted and influenced these movement behaviours in children and adolescents during the pandemic. Five electronic databases were systematically searched in January 2021, with data extracted from 16 articles (n = 18,352; 5–17 years; 12 countries). Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT), with correlates identified, coded, and themed via thematic analysis. A socioecological model of during-pandemic PA and sedentary time/behaviour was conceptualised and mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model of behaviour-change mechanisms, illustrating influences over five levels: Individual (biological)—age and sex; Individual (psychological)—mental health, and cognition, motivation, and behaviour; Social—family factors, and structured support; Environmental—area of residence and resources; and Policy—COVID-19-related rules. For sedentary time/behaviour, individual-(age and sex), social-(family factors) and policy-(COVID-19-related rules) level factors may be important correlates. There were no age or sex associations with PA levels, though there was some indication that sedentary time/behaviour increased with age. Interventions seeking to enhance young people’s movement behaviours during periods of enforced restrictions should focus on enhancing opportunities on a social and environmental level.

How Can Physical Inactivity in Girls Be Explained? A Socioecological Study in Public, Subsidized, and Private Schools

“…In the last few years, different authors [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ] have adopted this approach to assess physical inactivity. In a cross-sectional way, they indicate that at the intrapersonal level, gender, age, ethnic group, and self-concept are relevant aspects, while at the interpersonal level, the family environment and meeting with friends are key points to explain engagement in physical activities.…”

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected young people?—Mapping knowledge structure and research framework by scientometric analysis

“…This may be a risk factor for worsening sleep quality, increased stress, and the development of depression and anxiety symptoms (24)(25)(26). Second, it is reflected in the reduction of physical activity among young people as a result of the lockdown, which has now been confirmed by numerous studies (27)(28)(29). More exercise can be effective in protecting one's mental health, such as preventing the emergence and development of anxiety and depression (30,31), but the current situation of young people today is deviating from this.…”

Predicting Adolescents’ Physical Activity Intentions: Testing an Integrated Social Cognition Model

“…Thus, perceived behavioral control or self-efficacy could be salient mediators for the relationship between structural barriers toward using exercise spaces and intentions and behavior with respect to being physically active. Research has indicated that socio-structural factors, such as income [ 25 ] and perceived access to facilities and local opportunities for physical activity [ 26 ], and socio-environmental factors, such as perceived peer support [ 27 ], predict intentions and behavior mediated by social cognition constructs such as attitudes [ 28 ].…”