Exploring Physical Activity and Psychological Stress Changes during the COVID-19 Lockdown Periods for Children

Abstract

The paper aims to explore at how primary students’ physical activity varies during the COVID-19 lockdown times. During lockdown periods, an online survey was performed, and 924 children (432 boys, 492 girls; Mage = 12.00, SD = .73) from cities around the Republic of Korea participated. They responded to Gordin and Sheperd's self-response physical activity questionnaire, which measured the dimensions of physical activity: strenuous activity, moderate activity, and light activity, and responses to psychological stress through an online questionnaire. Participants were asked how often they engaged in vigorous, moderate, and light physical activity for at least 15 minute or more per week during their leisure time. As a result, light exercise, such as walking at a minimal level, resulted in higher physical activity than a moderate and strenuous exercise in all grades. Additionally, there was a significantly positive correlation between the participant’s the total amount of  physical activity and grade. Children had greater levels of physical activity than high-intensity and medium-intensity exercise, while female students had lower levels of physical activity than male students. The boys were also more physically active than girls. Children responded that they did not experience psychological stress (lonely, anxiety, depression) during the COVID-19 blockade period. On the other hand, during that period, it was found that female students felt loneliness, anxiety, and depression more than male students. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a high level of mental health and physical fatigue on children. It is essential to provide preventive guidance so that children can go back to school and lead their daily lives.