According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the activity restrictions during the pandemic have led to a decrease in children′s ability to perform physical activities and maintain body balance.

The researcher from Nagoya University in Central Japan examined the impact of restrictions on children′s activities during the pandemic on life habits and the children’s abilities to perform physical activities. The study enrolled children and students from elementary and junior high schools, aged 9–15. In the study, muscle strength, dynamic balance functions, walking speed, body fat percentage, screen time, sleep time, quality of life, and physical activity time were evaluated.

The findings of the study revealed that the children had higher body fat levels and worse life habits. The researchers noted that rather than a lack of exercise time, it may have been caused by a lack of quality exercise due to activity restrictions. They pointed out that during the pandemic, children, like adults, increased the time they spent looking at television, smartphone, and computer screens, exercised less, and slept less. This finding was linked to the increasing incidence of weight gain and health problems.

Additionally, the findings of the study also showed that after the onset of the pandemic, children were more likely to have decreased balance ability when moving and a higher body fat percentage which was also linked to increased screen time. The decrease in balancing ability was also linked to the increased risk of injuries. 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1026743 )