EFFECTS OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ON THE ATTITUDES OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARDS EXERCISE.

Objective. Given the extended state of alertness and online education, this study aims to highlight the need for movement of children aged 11-14 years during the pandemic, their preferences for sports and how much they are aware of the role of exercise in maintaining their health status. These attitudes were correlated with parents' attitudes towards the physical activity of their children. Methods. The current study is based on questionnaires applied to 137 middle school students and 118 parents regarding online education. Results. The results indicate that students want to participate face-to-face in the physical activities offered by the educational system, are aware of the need for exercise and express their preferences for certain sports. In relation to these results, parents' opinions reflect how they support their children's physical activity and influence their lifestyles. Conclusions. Emotional problems are felt by most middle school students and their parents, who consider it necessary to resume physical activity and the educational programme in face-to-face format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]