The Impact of Pandemic Lockdowns and Remote Learning on Student Fitness: An Investigation of Changes to High School Student Fitness Levels

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on health-related fitness resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns on male high school students in Melbourne, Australia. Method: A total of 146 students completed fitness testing in February and retesting in November following 7 months of remote learning. Fitness tests conducted were 20-m shuttle run (Beep Test), flexed arm hang, body mass index, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit and reach. Results: The mean fitness levels of this cohort decreased across the health-related fitness components. Decreases were varying in magnitude, body composition (d = 0.3), flexibility (d = 0.56), muscular strength (d = 0.64), muscular endurance (d = 0.39 and d = 0.26), and cardiovascular endurance (d = 0.96). Discussion: The impact on students' fitness levels was noteworthy, and the long-term impacts of this decrease are yet to be seen. This research brings focus to what can be done to maintain adolescent fitness when their usual exercise opportunities are not available.

Acute respiratory infection symptoms and COVID-19 testing behaviour: results based on South Australian health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Effective syndromic surveillance alongside COVID-19 testing behaviours in the population including in higher risk and hard to reach subgroups is vital to detect re-emergence of COVID-19 transmission in the community. The aim of this paper was to identify the prevalence of acute respiratory infection symptoms and coronavirus testing behaviour among South Australians using data from a population based survey. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the 2020 state-wide population level health survey on 6857 respondents aged 18 years and above. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the risk factors and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with the acute respiratory infection symptoms and coronavirus testing behaviour after adjusting for gender, age, household size, household income, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status, SEIFA, Country of birth, number of chronic diseases, wellbeing, psychological distress, and mental health. RESULTS: We found that 19.3% of respondents reported having symptoms of acute respiratory infection and the most commonly reported symptoms were a runny nose (11.2%), coughing (9.9%) and sore throat (6.2%). Fever and cough were reported by 0.8% of participants. Of the symptomatic respondents, 32.6% reported seeking health advice from a nurse, doctor or healthcare provider. Around 18% (n = 130) of symptomatic respondents had sought testing and a further 4.3% (n = 31) reported they intended to get tested. The regression results suggest that older age, larger household size, a higher number of chronic disease, mental health condition, poor wellbeing, and psychological distress were associated with higher odds of ARI symptoms. Higher household income was associated with lower odds of being tested or intending to be tested for coronavirus after adjusting for other explanatory variables. CONCLUSIONS: There were relatively high rates of self-reported acute respiratory infection during a period of very low COVID-19 prevalence and low rate of coronavirus testing among symptomatic respondents. Ongoing monitoring of testing uptake, including in higher-risk groups, and possible interventions to improve testing uptake is key to early detection of disease.

Safe PPE: user needs for an interactive ppe training tool

Introduction: Staff competency and access to PPE training became critical early in the COVID 19 pandemic. This placed demands on infection prevention & control staff when already busy with COVID-19-related tasks. Objectives: To be prepared for the next pandemic, we investigated the role of mindfullness and technology in PPE training. Methods: Human factors research involving three clinical sites (N = 174) consiting of interviews, workshops and participatory codesign sessions. This was extended by interviews with 14 IPC experts from 7 sites in UK and USA. Results: Existing PPE & HH Training: - Addressed the lived experience of using PPE - Variety of training formats e.g. classroom (15%) and in-unit training (85%) - One (1/10) site assessed PPE competency - Four (4/10) sites used a Virtual Learning Environment to track the learner journey - One (1/10) site used a mobile phone based training Performance Shaping Factors: - Training, Fatigue, Distraction, Rushing, Stress, etc. - Changing types of PPE with different quality and fit - Changing PPE guidelines as IPC knowledge evolved Emerging Mobile Learning App Concept & Requirements: - All trainers expressed concerns of low engagement with phonebased training - Online and in-person training must be consistent - Assessment should be carried out on-site, with special-purpose equipment - PPE and Hand Hygiene training should incorporate self-care & mindfulness - Scenario-based training needed to support different clinical roles and needs - Customise training to local guidelines Conclusion: Mindfulness is a protective factor for effective and safe performance. Organisations should consider integrating wellness into IPC training. Technology can support in-person training but it is not a replacement and must be available 24-7. A variety of training access pathways are good but the Learner Journey should be tracked to ensure everyone is trained and skills are maintained over time.