During confinement, the population is advised to maintain a certain physical form. Often, this involves playing sports at home. And while teenagers generally move less and less, a study suggests that they tend to be even less physically active at home than outside.
Adolescents are increasingly affected by obesity. However, one of the reasons for this problem is that they increasingly adopt sedentary behaviors . In these times of a pandemic, restrictive measures such as containment obviously do nothing to help. In any case, this is what US researchers reveal in their study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity on April 15, 2021. According to this work, adolescents are less active when they are at home. 'interior , but also when they are alone.
Scientists have indeed submitted questionnaires to teenagers by means of a notification on their smartphone . These shipments were random, but occurred once a day for a week. The goal was to find out where he was and with whom half an hour before the notification was received. At the same time, the participants were equipped with an accelerometer to analyze their level of physical activity . This device made it possible to measure the number of movements as well as their intensity over a defined period.
The least we can say is that the results were not very encouraging. On average, when adolescents are indoors and/or alone, the accelerometer indicates lower physical activity. According to the researchers, this can be explained by the fact that parents consider their interior as a quiet play space , reading or using electronic devices. However, these activities are generally practiced alone and without agitation. Since parents have this kind of consideration, this can affect the layout even from their interior, more conducive to rest and relaxation.
Normally, the solution is obvious:go to a gym or join a club. However, current health measures complicate things, so that sedentary behaviors are more numerous. According to the researchers, there is still a way to get around the problem by arranging, if possible, an area in the accommodation specially dedicated to letting off steam and sports. Group activities are also recommended for those living with their loved ones.
