Effect of a fun virtual purposeful active play program on children's physical fitness during home quarantine due to the outbreak of Covid-19

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a fun virtual purposeful active play program on children's physical fitness during home quarantine due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Twenty children 5-6 Yrs. old were selected to participate in the study based on a call posted in different social networks. Subjects were divided into two groups of 10 experimental and control. Modified physical fitness tests were used in the pre- and post-tests, which were performed in person but in accordance with health protocols. The training program was designed based on the three indicators including physical fitness elements and fundamental movement skills and enjoyment. The experimental group trained eight weeks online sessions (two 60-minute sessions per week) using the Zoom program. Analysis of Covariance method was used to detect differences between groups in the post-test by controlling pre-test scores. The results showed that the training program had a significant effect on improving the mean scores of flexibility, muscle endurance and hand strength of the experimental group (P<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant improvement in cardiopulmonary endurance after the program group (P>0.05). Conclusion is purposeful active play program can have a positive effect on most elements of physical fitness in children during long periods of sedentary lifestyle.