Abstract
To determine if the increase in BMI and decrements in physical fitness following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were greater than what would be expected in the absence of the lockdown. We included a comparable cohort without COVID-19 lockdown to determine if all dimensions of physical fitness were not negatively impacted by the lockdown compared to those in the absence of the lockdown. Not all dimensions of health outcomes were negatively impacted by the lockdown, Deterioration in BMI in males, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were greater than that in the absence of the lockdown, while deterioration in BMI in females and flexibility were less than that in the absence of the lockdown. These findings suggest that targeted interventions are warranted to maintain weight and fitness during lockdowns caused by public health emergencies.
Research Background
Physical fitness is a comprehensive ability, including multiple dimensions such as cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility, of body systems to work together efficiently. It enables individuals to engage in physical activity and the exercises of daily living and is a powerful indicator that affects health in both early and later stages of life. However, the preventive measures implemented to address the COVID-19 pandemic have adversely affected health behaviors that contribute to promoting fitness.
As young adults transitioning from adolescence, college students have been particularly susceptible to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The closure of campuses, shift to remote learning, acceptance of fully online lectures, and reduction in social interaction have significantly affected their mental and physical health.
Findings
Even preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, negative trends in physical fitness among adolescents and college students were observed in previous studies. Whereas this pandemic may further render them more susceptible to weight gain and fitness decline during the lockdown periods. Notably, the results were inconsistent in the previous studies, possibly due to the lack of consideration for changes in fitness itself over time which have not been considered in these studies, such as growth with physical development or decline with the adoption of poor lifestyles.
Development Method
The previous studies did not have a control group. So in this study, we set a control group to compare within the same age group.
Ripple Effects and Social Impact of Research
A sudden decrease in physical activity might have diverse effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility, hinting at potential mechanisms for promoting different fitness dimensions. These findings pave the way for developing targeted interventions, like home-based exercise programs or digital coaching platforms, to maintain weight and fitness during public health emergencies. Continued research on targeted exercise prescriptions that enhance diverse fitness dimensions is crucial, contributing to evidence-based physical activity recommendations for public health guidance during such situations.
Future Issues
The next crucial step is to develop physical activity guidelines for “workout in small spaces” and rigorously evaluate its effectiveness. This would not only equip individuals with practical tools to cope with sudden lockdowns caused by public health emergencies but also provide the general population more verifiable home-exercise options, improving overall fitness, mental well-being, and accessibility. Such targeted guidelines can empower individuals to maintain an active lifestyle regardless of their circumstances, fostering a healthier and more resilient society.
Researcher’s Comments
This study reveals that the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness and health outcomes was not uniform across all dimensions and genders. Lockdowns, while necessary to curb the spread of the virus, may have also exacerbated pre-existing health conditions. This complex relationship between individual health and societal well-being underscores the need for nuanced societal responses to crises like pandemics. We must move beyond blanket measures and implement targeted interventions, such as providing tailored fitness programs and mental health support for various populations.
Journal Information
Journal：Journal of Adolescent Health
Title of original paper：Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness in Chinese College Students
Authors：Xiangyu Zhai a, Susumu Sawada a, Mengyao Shi b, Cheng Xiong b, Sakura Koriyama a, Serena A. Dimitroff a, Xuemei Sui c, Xiang Fan b
(a Waseda University, b Shanghai Jiao Tong University, c University of South Carolina)
