Date of Award

Spring 5-22-2021

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

K. Sue Hoyt, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, ENP-C, FAEN, FAANP, FAAN

Abstract

Exercise benefits physical and mental health, prevents chronic disease, and improves overall quality of life. Most children and adolescents do not meet daily physical activity recommendations (Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, 2019). The COVID-19 pandemic created large barriers for engagement in exercise and further decreased levels of activity in this population (Dunton et al., 2020; Moore et al., 2020; Sekulic et al., 2020). This project evaluates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in youth 8-17 years old. An exercise journal increased activity in all participants and promoted attention to daily activity. Overall activity and participation in organized sports decreased after the pandemic, but there was an increase in biking and walking outside. This project highlights the importance of routinely assessing physical activity in pediatric primary care. Providers must educate their patients about exercise and encourage innovative healthy behaviors that can be performed safely during a pandemic.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS