Changes in Physical Fitness, Dietary Habits and Family Habits for Spanish Children during SARS-CoV-2 Lockdown

Oliver Ramos Álvarez, Víctor Arufe Giráldez, David Cantarero Prieto and Alba Ibáñez García
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Oliver Ramos Álvarez: Education Faculty, Elviña University Campus, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
Víctor Arufe Giráldez: Research Unit of School Sports, Physical Education and Psychomotricity (UNIDEF), Specific Didactics Department, Research and Diagnostic Methods in Education, Education Faculty, Elviña University Campus, University of A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
David Cantarero Prieto: Health Economics and Health Services Management Research Group, IDIVAL Valdecilla, 39011 Santander, Spain
Alba Ibáñez García: Health Economics and Health Services Management Research Group, IDIVAL Valdecilla, 39011 Santander, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 24, 1-17

Abstract: Background: habits related to diet and physical activity in children were modified due to the lockdown that Spain had between March and June 2019 because of the health crisis caused by the appearance of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the study was to know the impact that the lockdown had on physical fitness values in children aged 11–12. Methods: the study consisted of 50 Spanish children aged 11–12 (M = 11.40; SD = 0.50), 33 (66%) boys and 17 (34%) girls. Data collection was performed using the Alpha-Fitness Battery, a validated instrument to assess dietary intake, habits and practices, and an ad hoc survey to collect sociodemographic data and other information relevant to the study. Results: there were significant differences ( p < 0.05) in the results of fitness variables measured in the standing long jump, agility speed and aerobic capacity, as well as in the results of maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) between, before and after lockdown in both boys and girls. No significant differences were found in measurements of right and left hand grip ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: there is evidence of a significant impact of SARS-CoV-2 lockdown on physical fitness values in boys and girls aged 11–12.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 lockdown; physical fitness; dietary habits; family habits; physical activity; Spanish children (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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