The Potential Barriers and Benefits of an Online Physical Activity Program during the COVID-19 Restrictions: Latrobe Virtual Streetgames. A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Background

COVID-19 saw the global reduction of many physical activity programs. To maintain engagement, many programs adjusted their delivery to online formats.

Purpose

To explore the impact that a youth targeted virtual community exercise program had on its participants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Seven participants of Virtual Streetgames took part in a semi-structured one-on-one interview, with questions around the impact of COVID-19, in addition to their view on the virtual program.

Results

Three major themes were identified. “Dawning of a new world” described the changes that occurred due to the pandemic. “Traveling together” identified the difficultly to maintain regular wellbeing activities. “Making a difference” contextualized how the virtual delivery was able to influence participants.

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the participants physical, mental and social health. The use of an online physical activity program had some positive impacts on health, however it did not seem to warrant the same level of engagement when compared to face-to-face.

Translation to Health Education Practice

The study helped identify those who are at risk of both short and long-term health impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it provided information on how virtual innovative interventions can influence wellbeing outcomes.

A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the many coaches from the Latrobe Streetgames program who helped with the recruitment of the participants. Also, many thanks to the participants who took time out of their busy schedules to be involved with the study. A special mention to the Streetgames staff from Gippsport who work hard to keep youth active in Latrobe.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors received a grant from the Latrobe Health Assembly (NHP-20-040) and Gippsport to complete an evaluation of the Latrobe Streetgames program. The authors declare that the Latrobe Health Assembly had no involvement in the study methodology or subsequent outcomes.