The benefit and limitations of an online physical activity program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A quantitative analysis of the virtual Latrobe Streetgames program

• Published in: Health promotion journal of Australia 2024-07, Vol.35 (3), p.638-645
• Main Authors: Kemel, Paul N., Porter, Joanne E., Coombs, Nicole
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescents; Adult; Adults; Analytical chemistry; Children & youth; Clinical outcomes; Closure; Conduct of life; COVID-19; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - prevention & control; Evaluation; Exercise; Female; Health Promotion - methods; Health status; Health surveys; Humans; Internet; Male; Measurement; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Motivation; Pandemics; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Physiological aspects; Public opinion; Quantitative; Quantitative analysis; SARS-CoV-2; Social well being; Statistical analysis; Statistical inference; Statistical methods; Statistics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Well being; wellbeing; Young Adult; Young adults; Youth
• ISSN: 1036-1073; 2201-1617
• DOI: 10.1002/hpja.795

Issue Addressed: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of many physical activity programs, with many online programs being created in place to maintain physical activity engagement. This study explored the outcomes of an online physical program on its participants. Method: A validated survey was used to explore Virtual Streetgames (VSG) participants' perceptions about their physical, mental, and social health while participating in VGS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the impact of the online format. Results: Many VSG participants were not achieving their daily physical activity recommendations, with a considerable portion of individuals feeling frustrated at not being able to socialise. A substantial difference was seen between adults and adolescents, with increased adult activity rates for those adults participating in VSG. Despite this influence on physical well-being, VSG did not seem to influence mental or social wellbeing. Conclusions: The results give detail into how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced adolescent and young adult physical, mental, and social health, noting that the reduction of in-person contact influenced motivation for exercise. Online physical activity programs May have some positive impact in improving adult physical activity rates, but they are not as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. So What? The findings of this study suggest that online physical activity programs May not be as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. Future research should explore ways to improve the social and motivational aspects of online physical activity programs to maximise their benefits for participants.