Public health measures during COVID-19 reduced children's physical activity and increased sedentary time, with variable impacts on sleep
A rapid global scoping review of 182 studies across 48 countries (2020-2023) found consistent declines in children's physical activity and increases in sedentary time during COVID-19 public health measures, with variable impacts on sleep. The review highlights that movement behaviours were insufficiently considered in emergency response planning, and recommends embedding movement opportunities in future preparedness efforts.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. Safeguarding Children's Movement Behaviours During Public Health Crises: Lessons From a Global Rapid Scoping Review.
observationalVanderloo LM, Nagpal TS, Tyler R, Palmeira AL, Bonisteel EA, Bruijns BA, Burnett AJ, Byambaa A, Carson V, Cox JM, Elford A, Emori RB, Johnstone A, Jones RA, Veldman SLC, Yudasmara DS, Bannerman F, Okely AD · Environmental health insights (2026)
Result:
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠Scoping review relies on self-reported or proxy-reported measures, which may be subject to bias
- ⚠Heterogeneity across studies in definitions and measurement of movement behaviours limits comparability
- ⚠Rapid review methodology may have missed some relevant studies or grey literature
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main changes in children's movement behaviours during COVID-19?▼
The review found consistent declines in physical activity and increases in sedentary time, while sleep impacts were variable across studies.
How many studies were included in this review?▼
The review included 182 studies conducted across 48 countries between 2020 and 2023.
What strategies were recommended to mitigate harms to movement behaviours?▼
Commonly proposed strategies included education, environmental restructuring, enablement, and policy and service-level actions to support healthy movement opportunities during restrictions.
Why is this important for future public health crises?▼
The evidence suggests that movement behaviours were treated as secondary outcomes in emergency planning, and protecting them should be embedded in future preparedness to safeguard child health.
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References
- 1.Vanderloo LM, Nagpal TS, Tyler R, Palmeira AL, Bonisteel EA, Bruijns BA, Burnett AJ, Byambaa A, Carson V, Cox JM, Elford A, Emori RB, Johnstone A, Jones RA, Veldman SLC, Yudasmara DS, Bannerman F, Okely AD. "Safeguarding Children's Movement Behaviours During Public Health Crises: Lessons From a Global Rapid Scoping Review.." Environmental health insights, 2026. PMID: 42605354 DOI: 10.1177/11786302261479502