Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents under the Regular Prevention and Control of COVID-19

The new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) are spreading throughout the world, causing great harm to human health. As a special group in public health emergencies, children and adolescents face an unprecedented health crisis and challenge as a result of lack of physical activities due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Based on previous research and the latest evidence of COVID-19, this article reviews potential relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and physical activity in children and adolescents. Long-term home restrictions and lack of communication with peers may exacerbate the negative effects of children's physical and mental health, resulting in health problems including insufficient physical activity, increased sedentary behavior, decreased immunity, weight gain, myopia, and worse cardiorespiratory fitness. In view of this, it is proposed that parents should encourage reasonable physical activity in the home environment; the goal of school physical education should highlight the role of 'health' and incorporate physical activity into daily teaching activities; society needs to arrange different social sectors to create an active sports atmosphere. Regarding the situations such as school suspension and home restrictions during the regular prevention and control of the current pandemic, we recommend some measures and suggestions to reduce the impact of the pandemic on the health of children and adolescents.