Repository of DUTH

Recording the physical activity of children aged 3-7 during the first lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic (Master thesis)

Δερμιτζάκη, Ζαμπία/ Dermitzaki, Zampia

In addition, it seems that the involvement of children with PA, in addition to the physical, mental and physical health it offers, also contributes to socialization. Recently, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes and has led to adjustments in many areas of human activity. One of the sectors that have been seriously affected is amateur sports and, consequently, the organized PA offered by the unions. The purpose of this study was to record the effects of the first lockdown, which was imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on children aged 3-7 years, in Greece. The sample of the study consisted of 199 children, aged 3-7. For the purposes of the research, a questionnaire of seven closed-ended questions was created, and was answered by the parents, which concerns the participation of children in physical activity before and during the first lockdown, the hours spent on technology means as recreation or as assistance in physical activity as well as the hours of sleep. The results revealed that during the first lockdown in Greece Boys and girls 3-7 years old presented similar levels of PA. Children who had PA before (group 1) compared to those who did not (group 2), had similar results of the total time of PA indoor, outdoor, and the total hours of PA inside and outside per day. The children of group 1 showed a statistically significant increase in exposure to screens. It was observed that, children of group 1 participated significantly more frequently in PA using new technology (e.g. Wii Tennis) than "group 2" children.