Physical fitness of students in Indonesian during the COVID-19 period: Physical activity, body mass index, and socioeconomic status

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the physical education learning process to switch to online methods. Conditions such as this do not result in optimal Physical Activity (PA) (sports activity) carried out by students, which has an impact on their Physical Fitness (PF). With regard to PF, Body Mass Index (BMI) and socioeconomic status (SES) during the COVID-19 period also need to be investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of PA, BMI, and SES on students' PF during the COVID-19 period. A total of 69 junior high school students were sampled, consisting of male (n=34) and female (n=35). PA data were collected using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), BMI using anthropometric data, SES using a questionnaire (education level and parental income for one month), and PF using an Indonesian physical fitness test for the age group of 13-15 years. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The results showed that PA, BMI, and SES affected students' PF (P<0.05), with a simultaneous effect of 67.60%. The effects of PA is 41.50%, BMI is 32.60%, and SES is 38.70%. Of these three factors, PA is the dominant factor affecting PF without neglecting other factors (BMI and SES). In conclusion, regular PA, balanced nutritional intake, and good SES have an impact on students' PF. This research is expected to be useful for school principals, teachers (especially physical education teachers), parents, and students to evaluate the importance of these factors for the survival of quality children. Future studies should also consider other factors related to students' PF.