Association of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures With Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Mass Index Among Children Aged 7 to 10 Years in Austria

Importance Previous studies have shown reductions in self-reported physical activity levels children associated with implementation of COVID-19 mitigation measures, and data on objectively assessed health parameters are limited. Objective To examine the association measures changes cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) body mass index (BMI) among primary schoolchildren. Design, Setting, Participants This cohort study included aged 7 to 10 years from 12 randomly selected schools urban rural districts Klagenfurt, Austria. Baseline CRF BMI measurements were obtained September 2019 before implemented, follow-up June 2020. Exposures measures. Main Outcomes Measures Cardiorespiratory was measured a 6-minute endurance run test. Height weight measured. Standard deviation scores calculated for BMI. Changes over time analyzed using analyses variance. Secondary performed subgroups stratified by sex. Results A total 764 (383 girls [50.1%]) had all completed. From 2020, SD changed −1.06 (95% CI, −1.13 −1.00), similar decrease both boys girls. Body increased 0.12 0.06-0.16) 2020 0.16 0.12-0.20) compared 2019. The increase (from 2020) greater (0.23; 95% 0.18-0.29) than (0.09; 0.04-0.15). During 1-year period, percentage overweight or obesity 20.3% (155 children) 24.1% (184 (difference, 3.8% [29 children]). Conclusions Relevance In this Austria, decreases increases findings suggest that collaborative efforts needed reverse these children’s prevent long-term negative outcomes.