Changes in physical activity level of adolescents and its relationship with mental health during regular COVID-19 prevention and control

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the impact of regular prevention and control of COVID-19 on the physical activity level (PAL) of adolescents and the relationship between PAL and mental health. Methods: Using the convenience sampling method, two stages of the on-site cross-sectional investigation were conducted in 11 middle schools in Guiyang City in China. There were 1132 participants who completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for old children (PAQ-C) in October 2020, and 1503 participants who completed the PAQ-C and Mental Health Inventory of Middle-school students (MMHI-60) in October 2021. All participants reported their demographic data. Descriptive, quantitative statistics were used for data analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to explore associations between PAL and mental health. Results: The results of statistical analysis showed a gradual yearly increase in the PAL of teenagers, and the PAL of male junior middle school students has a significant increase (p