Children and parents’ perspectives of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ontario children’s physical activity, play, and sport behaviours

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12344-w
• Publication Date: 2021-12-13T05:02:19Z
• Authors: Monika Szpunar; Leigh M. Vanderloo; Brianne A. Bruijns; Stephanie Truelove; Shauna M. Burke; Jason Gilliland; Jennifer D. Irwin; Patricia Tucker
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Biostatistics; Facilitator; Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have resulted in the closure of many physical activity-supporting facilities. This study examined Ontario parents' children's perspectives COVID-19's impact on activity behaviours, return to play/sport during COVID-19, as well barriers/facilitators getting active amid extended closures venues.Parents/guardians children aged 12 years under living Ontario, Canada were invited participate an interview. parent/guardian 9 child interviews conducted via Zoom between December 2020 - January 2021, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was undertaken identify pronounced themes.Themes for both parent fell into one three categories: 1) barriers facilitators facilities; 2) changes levels; and, 3) post-pandemic. Various subthemes identified varied parents children. most common facilitator dealing with inactivity voiced by parents/guardians outdoors. Parents/guardians noted their willingness community once deemed safe guidelines, stemmed primarily from missing friends other important authority figures (e.g., coaches) sporting events tournaments).Findings this could inform families feasible realistic strategies increasing closures, while also providing experts information regarding what supports, or infrastructure might be needed future lockdown periods and/or pandemics.