The Relationship between the Cognitive and Affective Measures of Physical Literacy and Changes in Physical Activity in a Sample of Children and Adolescents During COVID-19

• Author / Creator

  Gan, Liaoyan

• The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the world and has caused profound impact and worldwide concern. Many countries have imposed measures, such as social distancing protocols and regional lockdowns, to prevent the further spread of the disease. However, those restrictions had the potential to greatly affect health-related behaviours of individuals, especially school-aged children, aged 8–12 years. The aim of the present study was to investigate perceived changes in health-related behaviours of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and outdoor activity during a COVID-restriction period to the pre-lockdown/pre-restriction period. In addition, the present study examined the relationships between cognitive and affective measures of physical literacy and selected demographic variables to the perceived changes in COVID-related physical activity. In June 2021, when COVID-19 restrictions were in place in Edmonton, Canada, 211 parents and 79 children were asked to complete a cross-sectional online survey. Questions, posed to both parents and children, focused on perceived changes in physical activity related to the COVID-19 lockdown in children. A regression analysis was performed to understand the correlates of perceived COVID-related changes in physical activity. Results indicated that the COVID-19 lockdown resulted in reductions in physical activity and outdoor activity, and an increase in measures of sedentary behaviour. Moreover, children with physical literacy measures of higher affective levels, motivation, and confidence, were more likely to have maintained or increased their physical activity during the COVID-19 restrictions. The results indicate the importance of developing the affective domain of physical literacy, motivation, and confidence in children to help ensure future participation in physical activity among school-aged children. Future research is needed to establish the causal relationships and what other factors may also increase these health-related behaviours for future lockdowns or restrictions that might be imposed.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Physical Activity
  • Physical Literacy
  • COVID-19
  • Children and Adolescents

• Graduation date

  Fall 2022

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-4ndg-w889

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.