COVID-19: Effects of Pandemic Related Restrictions on Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Mental Well-being in German adolescents

Abstract

Abstract. Objective: To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions (PR) in April and May 2020 on physical activity (PA), sedentary screen time (SST), and mental well-being (MWB) in German adolescents, and to analyze associations between these variables. Methods: The Münster District Government invited all secondary school students (aged 11–17) in the region to take part in the online survey that assessed PA, SST, and MWB. For data analysis, we calculated descriptive statistics and ran linear regression analysis. Results: 1,038 students (627 [60.4%] female; 14.18 [± 1.97] years) were included in the analysis. During the PR, a marked decline in overall PA ( p < .001) and a significant increase ( p < .001) in SST were observed. One-third of the students reported worrying more and being less satisfied with their lives since PR. A decrease in life satisfaction (ß = –.524, p < .001) as well as an increase in general worrying (ß = –.336, p = .015) were associated with a decrease in PA during PR. Conclusion: The results show that the restrictions led to a decrease in physical activity, which may have detrimental effects on the students’ mental and physical health.