The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the lives of children worldwide, including young athletes. A recent study titled
Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Young Egyptian Soccer Players highlights the physical and psychological impacts of the lockdown on young athletes. As practitioners in online therapy, understanding these impacts can help you enhance your services and support to students, particularly those with special needs.
Key Findings from the Research
The study involved 37 young male soccer players aged 9 to 11 from Cairo, Egypt. Key findings include:
- More than 50% of the athletes gained weight during the lockdown, especially those who did not comply with home exercise routines.
- The mothers' anxiety levels positively correlated with the increased body mass index (BMI) of the athletes.
- The athletes' mean Quality of Life (QoL) score worsened significantly, with a negative correlation between increased BMI and QoL.
- Increased screen time and disrupted sleep patterns were common among the athletes.
Implementing Research Outcomes in Online Therapy
As practitioners, you can leverage these findings to enhance your online therapy services:
1. Emphasize Physical Activity
Encourage students to engage in regular physical activity, even when confined indoors. Develop creative home exercise routines that can be easily followed and adapted to individual needs. Incorporate physical activity into therapy sessions to promote overall well-being.
2. Address Screen Time
Monitor and manage students' screen time. Educate parents and caregivers about the importance of balancing screen time with physical activity and other offline activities. Provide resources and strategies to reduce excessive screen time.
3. Support Mental Health
Recognize the psychological impact of the pandemic on students. Offer mental health support through counseling and therapeutic activities. Encourage open communication between students, parents, and therapists to address anxiety, stress, and other emotional challenges.
4. Promote Healthy Sleep Patterns
Educate students and their families about the importance of maintaining healthy sleep patterns. Provide tips and resources to improve sleep hygiene, such as establishing a regular bedtime routine and creating a conducive sleep environment.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on children's physical and mental health. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing research and incorporate new findings into their practice.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Young Egyptian Soccer Players.
