The effects of physical exercise on self-concept during the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents with typical development

This study analyzed the evolution of physical self-concept (SCA), body self-concept (BCA), and perceived physical fitness (PFA) in elementary school adolescents at two different times during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 84 participants, divided by gender and whether or not they practiced physical exercise (PE). The Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ), a validated questionnaire, was used to assess the variables under study, and the data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results showed that physically active boys had higher levels of SCA, mainly influenced by the SCAF, with significant differences compared to sedentary boys. In girls, there were improvements in various dimensions of BSC and SCAF, regardless of whether they practiced PE. There was also a positive association between BSC and SCAF only among active boys, especially towards the end of the pandemic period. The findings may indicate that PE is associated with more favorable perceptions of physical fitness among boys, although causal relationships cannot be inferred from the present data.