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The Impact of COVID-19 on Preschool-Aged Children’s Movement Behaviors in Hong Kong: A Longitudinal Analysis of Accelerometer-Measured Data

Author

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  • Johan Y. Y. Ng

    (The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Kwok Sports Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China)

  • Qing He

    (The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Kwok Sports Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China)

  • Kar Hau Chong

    (Early Start, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Anthony D. Okely

    (Early Start, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Cecilia H. S. Chan

    (The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Kwok Sports Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China)

  • Amy S. Ha

    (The Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Kwok Sports Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many preschool-aged children were forced to remain indoors due to social distancing measures and school closures. In this study, we examined how children’s movement behaviors (sedentary behaviors, physical activity, and sleep) were affected by the pandemic. Children’s ( N = 25, age = 4.4 years, SD = 0.3) movement behaviors were measured before and after the COVID outbreak, respectively. Data collected using accelerometers were analyzed using compositional data analyses. A significant change in the overall time-use composition ( F = 5.89, p = 0.002) was found. Results suggested that children spent more time sleeping (8% increase) and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (16% increase), with less time spent in sedentary behaviors (9% decrease). However, parent reports suggested that children were less active and had more screen time. In conclusion, the current evidence suggests that children’s physical activity is not negatively impacted by the pandemic. However, the continuous surveillance of movement behaviors of young children during the pandemic is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Johan Y. Y. Ng & Qing He & Kar Hau Chong & Anthony D. Okely & Cecilia H. S. Chan & Amy S. Ha, 2021. "The Impact of COVID-19 on Preschool-Aged Children’s Movement Behaviors in Hong Kong: A Longitudinal Analysis of Accelerometer-Measured Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-8, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:11907-:d:678166
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christine Delisle Nyström & Christina Alexandrou & Maria Henström & Ellinor Nilsson & Anthony D. Okely & Serina Wehbe El Masri & Marie Löf, 2020. "International Study of Movement Behaviors in the Early Years (SUNRISE): Results from SUNRISE Sweden’s Pilot and COVID-19 Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Osama Aljuhani & Rola Alsuwailem & Abdulelah Al-Salawi & Gavin Sandercock, 2022. "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Primary School Children in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Association with Parents’ Behaviors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Puji Yanti Fauziah & Erma Kusumawardani & Soni Nopembri & Rizki Mulyawan & Indri Hapsari Susilowati & Susiana Nugraha & Sudibyo Alimoeso & Bonardo Prayogo Hasiholan & Lukman Fauzi & Widya Hary Cahyati, 2022. "Play–Sleep Nexus in Indonesian Preschool Children before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-11, August.
    3. Natália Molleri & Saint Clair Gomes Junior & Daniele Marano & Andrea Zin, 2023. "Survey of the Adequacy of Brazilian Children and Adolescents to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-11, May.
    4. Ann Pulling Kuhn & Alysse J. Kowalski & Yan Wang & Rachel Deitch & Helina Selam & Zahra Rahmaty & Maureen M. Black & Erin R. Hager, 2021. "On the Move or Barely Moving? Age-Related Changes in Physical Activity, Sedentary, and Sleep Behaviors by Weekday/Weekend Following Pandemic Control Policies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-9, December.
    5. Chiaki Tanaka & Akiko Shikano & Natsuko Imai & Kar Hau Chong & Steven J. Howard & Kosuke Tanabe & Anthony D. Okely & Ellie K. Taylor & Shingo Noi, 2023. "Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Children in Japan before and during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-10, January.

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