Physical activity is a broad term that encompasses all human motion at home, school, the workplace, and the community. 1 As indicated in the Bangkok Declaration of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH), physical activity benefits both individuals and society, contributing to many of the United Nations sustainable developmental goals. 2 Physical activity is associated with positive health outcomes in children and adolescents, whereas excessive time spent on sedentary activities is related to negative health outcomes. 3 Concerns about diminishing levels of physical activity and their impact on health outcomes have driven various national and international regulatory bodies to create guidelines with recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and individuals over the last three decades. 4 Therefore, the World Health Assembly has established two goals: a 10% decrease in worldwide physical inactivity by 2025; and a 15% decrease by 2030. 5 Due to the health advantages of regular physical activity, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that individuals aged 5–17 years engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to vigorousintensity physical activity every day throughout the week. 2 In addition, vigorous-intensity activities, including aerobic and activities that strengthen bones and muscles, should be performed at least three days a week. 5 The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally in the last two years, and several governments have decided to close schools as part of a physical distancing policy to limit transmission and relieve pressure on health systems. 6 Nearly 60 million students have been deprived of essential educational and health services as a result of these closures. 2 The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various aspects of lifestyle, including physical activity.

Prior to the school closings and sports cancellations, it was commonly accepted that organized sports participation had a significant positive impact on adolescent students’ health and well-being. 5 Global progress in increasing physical activity has been slow, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. 7 Prior to COVID-19, it was estimated that onefourth of adults and four-fifths of teenagers worldwide were inadequately active. 7 Furthermore, COVID-19 may worsen physical inactivity and restrict access to organized sports, both of which have long been recognized as serious public health concerns. 6