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

Knight, Rachel L. and McNarry, Melitta A. and Runacres, Adam W. and Shelley, James and Sheeran, Liba and Mackintosh, Kelly A. (2022) Moving Forward : Understanding Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour during COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents—An Integrative Review and Socioecological Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (3): 1044. ISSN 1660-4601

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.