This study explored changes in movement behaviors of Canadian children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined ways in which these changes are associated with the built environment near residential locations.
Data for this study was based on surveys completed by parents or other household members in April 2020 -- that is, one month after the announcement of the pandemic. Respondents were asked to report changes in their child's movement behaviors during the pandemic outbreak compared to before the outbreak. Respondents were also asked to report their residential location using their six-digit postal code.
The data analysis process included clustering children (age 5-17) into two groups based on changes in eleven movement behaviors. One group showed an increase in outdoor physical activity; the other group a decrease. The majority of the children and youth (56%) demonstrated patterns of decreased outdoor activities during the pandemic, along with increased screen time and other sedentary behaviors. Children (age 5-11) living in houses were more likely to show increased levels of outdoor physical activity, while those living in apartments were more likely to show decreased outdoor activity levels. Proximity to major roads was identified as a barrier to increased outdoor activity levels for children. For youth (age 12-17), living in low dwelling density (e.g., houses versus apartments) and having access to parks in high-density neighborhoods increased their odds of increased outdoor activities during the pandemic. Access to parks for the 5-11 age group did not increase their likelihood of increased outdoor activities during the pandemic due, perhaps, to pandemic-time closures of school grounds and playgrounds.
Overall results showed a large difference in physical activity levels between the group with increased outdoor activity levels and the group with decreased activity levels. Only 12% of children and youth in the decreased outdoor activities group met the Canadian daily movement guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); 27% of children and youth in the other group met these guidelines. Overall results also showed that high-density communities may not be a universal barrier to increased outdoor activities during a pandemic. This research highlights the importance of access to parks and open spaces as a contributor to the health and wellbeing of children and youth.
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