Exercise for children: This is how a new program aims to combat the consequences of the pandemic!

Exercise for children: This is how a new program aims to combat the consequences of the pandemic!

The restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly affected the social life and health of children and young people. During this time, many sports opportunities for young people were lost, which had serious consequences for their development. The sports scientist Katharina Pöppel is aware of this problem and wants to bring back the joy of exercise. To do this, she uses a movement concept that is not yet widespread in Germany. The decline in physical activity among children is alarming, with playgrounds and sports facilities in particular closed during the pandemic, leading to poorer sporting skill development.

Studies show the negative developments: According to a study by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, before the pandemic, only around 25% of children in Germany were able to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. During the pandemic, average activity in Europe fell by 12 minutes; a decline that in Germany even amounted to a quarter of the previous level. The situation is particularly worrying for children aged 8 to 12, who are most affected.

Promoting physical activity through innovative programs

Pöppel researches at the Sports and Education Department of the Institute for Sports Science and, together with Dr. Johannes Carl and others developed the exercise program “TRYZE.active”. This program offers child-friendly tips for promoting physical activity and is based on the concept of “physical literacy,” which includes physical, cognitive, psychological and social aspects.

“TRYZE.active” was tested in pilot phases at primary schools in Bremen in order to reach children from different sections of the population. The results show that 57.5% of children enjoyed taking part in the exercises, compared to only 32.5% in regular physical education classes. In addition, 77.5% of the children learned to learn a lot about their bodies through the exercises, which strengthens motivation and awareness of the value of exercise.

An important feature of the program is the children's participation in the exercises, which increases their engagement. Around two thirds of children look forward to every exercise session, while less than a third say this for physical education lessons. The “Aktion Hilfe für Kinder” foundation is also involved and continues the program as an afternoon program in Bremen schools. The “TRYZE.active” manual is also available digitally and can be requested.

Long-term consequences of the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only severely affected the physical activity of children and young people, but has also led to an increase in mental health problems. Studies show that during the first wave of the pandemic, 71% of children and young people were stressed, while the prevalence of mental health problems doubled. A large proportion of young people increased their media consumption during the pandemic; 70% reported an increase in their screen time.

The World Health Organization recommends that children and adolescents should get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day. For kindergarten children, at least 180 minutes of exercise per day is recommended. Friedrich learned that these requirements are becoming increasingly difficult to achieve in the context of the pandemic. The situation is made particularly critical by the observation that the pandemic has increased social inequalities. Parents said they perceived higher levels of psychological distress, particularly among primary school children.

Scientists therefore warn that there is an urgent need for action to reverse this negative trend and avoid long-term health consequences. The promotion of exercise and the reduction of sitting time should be actively increased in order to protect the health of the younger generation.