Keeping children healthy during and after COVID-19 pandemic: meeting youth physical activity needs

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to: 1) examine the maintenance Physical Education and physical activity during distance learning time, 2) determine resources educators are utilizing to deliver PE curricula, 3) understand challenges experienced by learning. Methods A survey sent a cohort school-based fitness assessment software users. Respondents were largely individuals including teachers ( n = 1789), school 62) district administrators 64), nurses 3), “other” 522). Results Of 2440 respondents, most from city or suburb (69.7%), elementary middle (72.3%), had Title 1 status (60.4%), an indicator low socioeconomic status. Most campuses closed COVID-19 pandemic (97.8%). schools pandemic, only 2.8% no prior requirements that increased 21% pandemic. In remained open 7.7% 60.5%. Importantly, 79% respondents reported students either “significantly less” “somewhat physically active closure. For schools, frequently cited included “student access online learning“, “teacher/student communication” “teacher remote work arrangements”. commonly “social distancing”, “access gymnasium/equipment”, “concern for personal health wellbeing”. Conclusion has caused important reductions in time engaged activity. Challenges identified schools.