The Impact of Pandemic Lockdowns and Remote Learning on Student Fitness: An Investigation of Changes to High School Student Fitness Levels

Human Kinetics, Inc. 1607 North Market Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 800-474-4457; Fax: 217-351-1549; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://journals.humankinetics.com/journal/jtpe

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9

Foreign Countries; Physical Fitness; COVID-19; Pandemics; School Closing; Males; Muscular Strength; Adolescents; Physical Activity Level; Secondary School Students; Distance Education; Body Weight; Body Composition

10.1123/jtpe.2021-0261

0273-5024
1543-2769

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on health-related fitness resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns on male high school students in Melbourne, Australia. Method: A total of 146 students completed fitness testing in February and retesting in November following 7 months of remote learning. Fitness tests conducted were 20-m shuttle run (Beep Test), flexed arm hang, body mass index, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit and reach. Results: The mean fitness levels of this cohort decreased across the health-related fitness components. Decreases were varying in magnitude, body composition (d = 0.3), flexibility (d = 0.56), muscular strength (d = 0.64), muscular endurance (d = 0.39 and d = 0.26), and cardiovascular endurance (d = 0.96). Discussion: The impact on students' fitness levels was noteworthy, and the long-term impacts of this decrease are yet to be seen. This research brings focus to what can be done to maintain adolescent fitness when their usual exercise opportunities are not available.

As Provided

2023

EJ1391761