Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment
, Redha Taiar 2, Barbara Gilic 1,3, Mateo Blazevic 1,4, Dora Maric 5, Haris Pojskic 6 and Damir Sekulic 1,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Thank you for the opportunity to review this manuscript.
The authors presented a potential interesting and relevant study that aimed to explore the changes in physical activity levels that occurred as a result of COVID-19 and social distancing measures in urban and rural adolescents from Croatia.
Topic of great interest to readers. Clear and concise writing of all sections of the manuscript. Clear tables and images. Discussion is clear and nicely places study findings in context with other studies.
In terms of the methods, it may be worth adding references to the physical fitness test measured.
The study is very timely as the growing concerns of the pandemic COVID-19 crisis. The findings are certainly of interest to the readers of Appl. Sci.
Author Response
Thank you for the opportunity to review this manuscript.
The authors presented a potential interesting and relevant study that aimed to explore the changes in physical activity levels that occurred as a result of COVID-19 and social distancing measures in urban and rural adolescents from Croatia.
Topic of great interest to readers. Clear and concise writing of all sections of the manuscript. Clear tables and images. Discussion is clear and nicely places study findings in context with other studies.
In terms of the methods, it may be worth adding references to the physical fitness test measured.
The study is very timely as the growing concerns of the pandemic COVID-19 crisis. The findings are certainly of interest to the readers of Appl. Sci.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your support and for recognizing the potential of our paper. We followed your suggestions and amended manuscript accordingly. For more details, please see responses below. Staying at your disposal.
In terms of the methods, it may be worth adding references to the physical fitness test measured.
RESPONSE: Amended accordingly, references are added in the suggested section, more specifically for the standing broad-jump test (broad-jump), hanging on the bar with bent arms (bent-arm-hang), sit-and-reach (sit-and-reach), multilevel fitness test (multilevel-test), 400 meters run (run-400m), and performing sit-ups for 60-seconds (sit-ups) reference 43 was added while for multilevel endurance test reference 44 was added, for more details see methods, and references section.
Reviewer 2 Report
The present manuscript titled " Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic" (manuscript applsci-809833) evaluate effect, changes and factors associated with physical activity levels and the association of community and environment among Croatian adolescents. This paper focuses on a relevant issue and provides a pleasant reading. In addition, the added value of manuscript is that this findings of study can be applied in development of modalities and strategies aimed at preservation of physical activity levels during crisis similar to COVID-19 pandemic. However, in my opinion some criticisms could be addressed and also a few comments and suggestions that could lead to a further improvement and clarification of the manuscript. Several major and minor issues are present that need to be addressed.
Title page
Page 1, line 18 – make a correction in word CPVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
Page 1, lines 20-41 – Abstract is too long and needs also formal editing- available at the page of journal. Abstract: The abstract should be a total of about 200 words maximum. The abstract should be a single paragraph and should follow the style of structured abstracts, but without headings.
Introduction
Page 2, lines 45-66 – In general, first part of introduction is very general, with routinely accessible and widely used information about physical activity, level of PA, recommendations for sufficient level of PA. I recommend especially condense this part of introduction and also to be more specific- focus more on topic/aim of your manuscript, especially data specific for your study, not on generally and routinely known information on PA.
Page 2, lines 66-85
For consideration only- in this case, the literature information (some refferencies used within this section) related to the influence of the environment/comunity on physical activity levels is obsolete. Replace with a newer, more accurate description of the current situation and near the appropriate conditions. E.g., these references should be helpful to enrich the manuscript:
Bucksch J., Kopcakova J., Inchley J., Troped P.J., Sudeck G., Sigmundova D., Nalecz H., Borraccino A., Salonna F., Dankulincova Veselska Z., Hamrik Z.: Associations between perceived social and physical environmental variables and physical activity and screen time among adolescents in four European countries. International Journal of Public Health 2019, 64: 83-94.
Kopcakova J., Dankulincova Veselska Z., Madarasova Geckova A., Klein D., van Dijk J.P, Reijneveld S.A.: Are school factors and urbanization supportive for being physically active and engaging in less screen-based activities? International Journal of Public Health, 2018, 63:359-366.
Badura P., Madarasova Geckova A., Sigmundova D., van Dijk J.P., Reijneveld S.A.: When children play, they feel better: Organized activity participation and health in adolescents. BMC Public Health, 2015, 15:1090.
Page 2, line 95: The reference 33 is not accurate cited in the reference list (also see other comments below).
Materials and Methods
Page 3, line 138- It is not clear form the text, which type of measurements were provided within follow-up PAL testing. At the same time, it is clear in lines 132- 134 in case of baseline PAL testing.
Page 3, lines 139-143- There are different information provided in Figure 1 and in the text- especially with attention to dates.
Page 4, line 153- I did not find in reference list references 38 and later following. Probably, it is misunderstanding. Nevertheless, in reference list are also formal mistakes within citation format (e.g. journal names have to be abbreviated if journal articles are cited, references 12 and 33 are in not in correct format etc.). Please, follow carefully instructions for authors and provide corrections accordingly.
Page 4, lines 170-172- In case of measures of physical fitness it is not clear if they were provided only within baseline PAL testing or also within follow-up PAL testing. Moreover, please, identify if mentioned measurements (standing broad-jump test (broad-jump), hanging on the bar with bent arms (bent-arm-hang), sit-and-reach (sit-and-reach), multilevel fitness test (multilevel-test), 400 meters run (run-400m), and performing sit-ups for 60-seconds (sit-ups)) are standardized test and add references for them also or not. Please, clarify and accordingly add information.
Page 5, line 211- unify the use of gender labels. E.g., line 151 vs line 211.
Results
Page 5, lines 227-231, page 6 /table 1- Information in the text and in the Table 1 are duplicate and it is not desirable. In addition, there is mistake in p-value of main effect measurements- in the text or in the Table 1.
Page 8, Figure 3- Do I understand properly that the part of the Figure 3A is a baseline measurement –crude logistic regression and the part of the Figure 3B is a baseline measurement- logistic regression controlled for environment? If yes, then model 0 means A in Figure 2 and model 1 B in Figure 3? It is not clear from the description/notes in the Figure 3 and previous statements in part 2.3 Statistics. In addition, in lines 251-258 there are used another names of your variables and it is absolutely confusing and disarranged for the reader. It looks for a needle in a bottle of hay.
Page 8, Figure4- Similar like in comment above- but here it is in the text well explored your explanation of variables in parenthesis (measured by...) and it significantly increases good readability and orientation. In addition, in lower part of Figure 4B specify and correct the scale in axis x from 0 to 3- for a full and meaningful comparison with the previous parts of Figure 3 and Figure 4.
Discussion
Page 9, line 275-276- It is a well-established usage to start a discussion by repeating with the aim of your study. Please, remove the first sentence- it is cliche. It is absolutely clear, that you will discuss in the discussion section most important findings.
Page 10, line 328-329- if you prefer, discuss gender differences more in detail in the whole manuscript and not only in one place, especially only among boys avoiding specifics among girls. At this time, in results there are not presented differences between boys and girls (what in my opinion is a pity), only urban vs. rural differences and total sample characteristics.
Page 11, lines 380-381- I had a feeling that measures of PALs were self-reported by participants/adolescents and physical fitness were provided by trainer/trained person from study teem. Please, be precise in adding information in the manuscript in the according parts.
Page 11, lines 393-413- I appreciate very well written conclusion and implications for practice (implications for future research is missing here). It is clear summary of the main findings, benefits of the study and future recommendations.
Refferences
Refferences list is not complete and formal mistakes are in some refferences. Following instructions for authors in the website is necessary.
Author Response
The present manuscript titled " Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic" (manuscript applsci-809833) evaluate effect, changes and factors associated with physical activity levels and the association of community and environment among Croatian adolescents. This paper focuses on a relevant issue and provides a pleasant reading. In addition, the added value of manuscript is that this findings of study can be applied in development of modalities and strategies aimed at preservation of physical activity levels during crisis similar to COVID-19 pandemic. However, in my opinion some criticisms could be addressed and also a few comments and suggestions that could lead to a further improvement and clarification of the manuscript. Several major and minor issues are present that need to be addressed.
RESPONSE: Thank you for recognizing the value of our idea. Also, thank you for your elaborated and constructive comments and suggestions. We tried to follow it and amended the manuscript accordingly. Please see below for more details on changes and improvements. Staying at your disposal.
Title page
Page 1, line 18 – make a correction in word CPVID-19 pandemic
RESPONSE: Corrected. Thank you.
Abstract
Page 1, lines 20-41 – Abstract is too long and needs also formal editing- available at the page of journal. Abstract: The abstract should be a total of about 200 words maximum. The abstract should be a single paragraph and should follow the style of structured abstracts, but without headings.
RESPONSE: According to your suggestion, the abstract is systematically rewritten. We believe that it is now clearer and it fits the form required by Journal. Specifically, the number of words is reduced from 294 to 194 words. Please see abstract, thank you!
Introduction
Page 2, lines 45-66 – In general, first part of introduction is very general, with routinely accessible and widely used information about physical activity, level of PA, recommendations for sufficient level of PA. I recommend especially condense this part of introduction and also to be more specific- focus more on topic/aim of your manuscript, especially data specific for your study, not on generally and routinely known information on PA.
RESPONSE. Thank you for this suggestion. Yes, we must agree that the original Introduction was too long and “non-focused”. We hope that the amendments we have done improved the readability and structure of the Introduction. In the first paragraph we specified most important issues about physical activity and importance of physical activity (previously it was elaborated in first two paragraphs). In the next part of the Introduction we: (i) overviewed the problem of decrease of the physical activity in adolescents (2nd paragraph), (ii) urban/rural context (3rd para), (iii) COVID-19 and anticipated problem of decrease in physical activity (4th paragraph). It allowed us to contextualize and present our study aim (5th paragraph). Altogether, in the original version of the manuscript the Introduction was 1.5 pages long, and it is now 1 page long.
Page 2, lines 66-85
For consideration only- in this case, the literature information (some refferencies used within this section) related to the influence of the environment/comunity on physical activity levels is obsolete. Replace with a newer, more accurate description of the current situation and near the appropriate conditions. E.g., these references should be helpful to enrich the manuscript:
Bucksch J., Kopcakova J., Inchley J., Troped P.J., Sudeck G., Sigmundova D., Nalecz H., Borraccino A., Salonna F., Dankulincova Veselska Z., Hamrik Z.: Associations between perceived social and physical environmental variables and physical activity and screen time among adolescents in four European countries. International Journal of Public Health 2019, 64: 83-94.
Kopcakova J., Dankulincova Veselska Z., Madarasova Geckova A., Klein D., van Dijk J.P, Reijneveld S.A.: Are school factors and urbanization supportive for being physically active and engaging in less screen-based activities? International Journal of Public Health, 2018, 63:359-366.
Badura P., Madarasova Geckova A., Sigmundova D., van Dijk J.P., Reijneveld S.A.: When children play, they feel better: Organized activity participation and health in adolescents. BMC Public Health, 2015, 15:1090.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your suggestion, references are updated and added in the suggested section, while text is changed accordingly.
Page 2, line 95: The reference 33 is not accurate cited in the reference list (also see other comments below).
RESPONSE: Thank you for your comment, references are amended accordingly.
Materials and Methods
Page 3, line 138- It is not clear form the text, which type of measurements were provided within follow-up PAL testing. At the same time, it is clear in lines 132- 134 in case of baseline PAL testing.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your comment. Text is amended accordingly, and reads: “Follow-up testing of PAL (PAL-FU) was conducted in April 2020 and included only online testing of the PALs.”
Page 3, lines 139-143- There are different information provided in Figure 1 and in the text- especially with attention to dates.
RESPONSE: Thank you for noticing, it was typewriting mistake (should be 19 March). Sentence now reads:” Schools and universities were closed starting early March 2020, and as of 19 March 2020, the government of Croatia implemented other extensive social distancing measures, including the banning of public gatherings, and the closure of cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, sports and fitness centers, cinemas, theaters, and places of worships (e.g., churches and temples)”.
Page 4, line 153- I did not find in reference list references 38 and later following. Probably, it is misunderstanding. Nevertheless, in reference list are also formal mistakes within citation format (e.g. journal names have to be abbreviated if journal articles are cited, references 12 and 33 are in not in correct format etc.). Please, follow carefully instructions for authors and provide corrections accordingly.
RESPONSE: Sorry for the inconvenience, unfortunately manuscript was sent with an incomplete reference list (references are edited by Endnote and something unexpectedly happened during submission process), however, one of the authors has detected the mistake and final/correct version of the manuscript was sent to editor immediately. It seems that you reviewed the “first” version of the manuscript. Therefore, we are particularly gratefully for your positive feedback.
Page 4, lines 170-172- In case of measures of physical fitness it is not clear if they were provided only within baseline PAL testing or also within follow-up PAL testing. Moreover, please, identify if mentioned measurements (standing broad-jump test (broad-jump), hanging on the bar with bent arms (bent-arm-hang), sit-and-reach (sit-and-reach), multilevel fitness test (multilevel-test), 400 meters run (run-400m), and performing sit-ups for 60-seconds (sit-ups)) are standardized test and add references for them also or not. Please, clarify and accordingly add information.
RESPONSE: Indeed, the original version of the text was not clear with regard to testing procedures. WE believe that it is now clearer. Text now reads: “Measures of physical fitness were measured only during the baseline testing, and included six measures: (i) standing broad-jump test (broad-jump), (ii) hanging on the bar with bent arms (bent-arm-hang), (iii) sit-and-reach (sit-and-reach), (iv) multilevel fitness test (multilevel-test), (v) 400 meters run (run-400m), and (vi) sit-ups for 60-seconds (sit-ups). Tests are regularly used in the Croatian educational system and were measured by experienced physical education teachers [37].
Page 5, line 211- unify the use of gender labels. E.g., line 151 vs line 211.
RESPONSE: Amended accordingly, Text reads: “Multifactorial analysis of variance for repeated measures (baseline testing vs. follow-up testing), with “sex” (male vs. female) and “environment” (urban vs. rural) used as grouping variables (ANOVA) to calculate and provide evidence for the effects of PAL changes that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Results
Page 5, lines 227-231, page 6 /table 1- Information in the text and in the Table 1 are duplicate and it is not desirable. In addition, there is mistake in p-value of main effect measurements- in the text or in the Table 1.
RESPONSE: Thank you for noticing it, text is amended accordingly and reads: “ANOVA results were significant for both main effects (“Environment” and “Measurement”), and for their interaction (Table 1).”
Page 8, Figure 3- Do I understand properly that the part of the Figure 3A is a baseline measurement –crude logistic regression and the part of the Figure 3B is a baseline measurement- logistic regression controlled for environment? If yes, then model 0 means A in Figure 2 and model 1 B in Figure 3? It is not clear from the description/notes in the Figure 3 and previous statements in part 2.3 Statistics. In addition, in lines 251-258 there are used another names of your variables and it is absolutely confusing and disarranged for the reader. It looks for a needle in a bottle of hay.
RESPONSE: Following your suggestion the figures are amended, and we hope that results are now clearer. In brief, both models (for baseline and follow-up) are presented in one figure, and therefore are clearly comparable.
Page 8, Figure4- Similar like in comment above- but here it is in the text well explored your explanation of variables in parenthesis (measured by...) and it significantly increases good readability and orientation. In addition, in lower part of Figure 4B specify and correct the scale in axis x from 0 to 3- for a full and meaningful comparison with the previous parts of Figure 3 and Figure 4.
RESPONSE: Thank you. We followed your suggestion and plotted both figures on same scales.
Discussion
Page 9, line 275-276- It is a well-established usage to start a discussion by repeating with the aim of your study. Please, remove the first sentence- it is cliche. It is absolutely clear, that you will discuss in the discussion section most important findings.
RESPONSE: Thank you for this suggestion. The sentence is amended accordingly and reads:” This study aimed to detect the changes of PALs in adolescents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and produced several important findings.”
Page 10, line 328-329- if you prefer, discuss gender differences more in detail in the whole manuscript and not only in one place, especially only among boys avoiding specifics among girls. At this time, in results there are not presented differences between boys and girls (what in my opinion is a pity), only urban vs. rural differences and total sample characteristics.
RESPONSE: Indeed, the gender differences were not the focal point of this manuscript, but we were mostly focused on urban/rural environment. We hope that this approach doesn’t reduce the importance of our work. Thank you.
Page 11, lines 380-381- I had a feeling that measures of PALs were self-reported by participants/adolescents and physical fitness were provided by trainer/trained person from study teem. Please, be precise in adding information in the manuscript in the according parts.
RESPONSE: Thank you for this suggestion, this is now more clearly explained in variable and testing section.
Page 11, lines 393-413- I appreciate very well written conclusion and implications for practice (implications for future research is missing here). It is clear summary of the main findings, benefits of the study and future recommendations.
RESPONSE: Once again, we would like to express our gratitude for your support and for recognizing the importance of our work. With regard to your suggestion about future recommendations, we added a brief overview of our ideas. Text reads: While this study examined one specific sample of population (e.g. adolescents), future studies should evaluate changes in PAL for other populations and world regions. Also, studies examining the changes in PAL after COVID-19 pandemic, and factors associated to such changes are warranted. In doing so, special attention should be placed on sociodemographic factors which could influence the established relationships.” (please see end of the Conclusion)
References
References list is not complete and formal mistakes are in some references. Following instructions for authors in the website is necessary.
RESPONSE: Sorry for the inconvenience once again, as mentioned above manuscript was mistakenly sent with an incomplete reference list, however, one of the authors has detected the mistake and the final/correct version of the manuscript was sent to the editor immediately. Other mistake made in reference list are corrected accordingly.
Staying at your disposal
Authors
Reviewer 3 Report
It seems that without testing we can conclude that during the period when there is a forced lack of movement, the activity is lower.
Abstract and keywords
Line 25 Enter mean and standard deviation
Line 26 write the exact date when the test was performed
Line 27-29 When was the test performed again? This is important because of the time that has passed since the activity was limited.
Line 42 Do not repeat the words contained in the title of the article
Introduction and purpose of the article
Introduction is not very dynamic and, as a consequence, does not lead to very strong justification for the purpose of the research. Suggests a modification.
Each paragraph should have a very clearly defined thread and in the following paragraphs you should not go back to it.
The last paragraph must very clearly justify the purpose of the study.
Line 87-96 There is no need to write in detail how the virus is transmitted. This is not the purpose of the article.
Participants and Study Design
Line 123 If you use: 16.5 ± 2.1 years of age, then you don't have to write: (from 15 to 18 years)
Line 123 had 2 tests. What was the age at the second test date?
There is no information when the first test was performed.
There is no information on how long it has been since the introduction of restrictions until testing. It seems that this is of key importance for the decrease of the subjects' efficiency.
You show figure 1 but you don't quote in the text.
Citations should be given when describing physical fitness tests.
Conclusions
In general, the conclusions are drawn correctly.
Unfortunately, I do not understand the idea of this article.
The practical application is not convincing for me.
Author Response
It seems that without testing we can conclude that during the period when there is a forced lack of movement, the activity is lower.
RESPONSE: We are very sorry if the concept of social isolation in the Croatian population wasn’t thoroughly, and more clearly explained, and maybe it was misleading in the sense of jumping to the conclusion without any evidence which directly diminishes the value of our research. So in the following text we provided a clearer picture of social isolation period in the Croatian population. Surely, lower levels of physical activity could be expected since organized physical activities were canceled. However, even though people were limited in terms of social contact and closed space areas (training in groups, going to work/ school, visiting shopping centers …) there were no restrictions of being physically active on large open spaces, which means it was possible to walk, run, ride a bike or perform fitness training in nature (on your own or on a safe distance from few others) or in the safety of your home. That being said it is clear that people still had a wide variety of physical activities that could be performed during the day while they probably had more time to do so. Although some open public areas such as small playgrounds or parks were also under restriction it is important to emphasize the fact that Croatia is geographically blessed with a large number of natural surfaces ideal for physical activities in nature, and pleasant climate meaning that springtime in Croatia is characterized by warm and sunny weather ideal time for outdoor activities. On the other hand, evaluating the changes in physical activity level wasn't the only purpose of our study the main purpose was to determine factors associated with PAL, among adolescents while considering the impact of community and environment (urban-rural) which could not be assumed without proper evidence. Since physical activity level is very actual topic and public health issue, factors influencing physical activity levels in adolescents (i.e., physical fitness status) are considered a very important topic not only for COVID-19 situation but also for other current and future situations of restrictions of movement (illness, weather conditions, etc).
Abstract and keywords
Line 25 Enter mean and standard deviation
RESPONSE: Amended accordingly. Text reads: “The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline and follow-up (before COVID-19, and during the social distancing).”
Line 26 write the exact date when the test was performed
RESPONE: Please see next response.
Line 27-29 When was the test performed again? This is important because of the time that has passed since the activity was limited.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your suggestions. Text is amended and now reads: “The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline (from October 2019 to March 2020; before COVID-19 pandemic measures in Croatia) and follow-up (in April 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic).”
RESPONSE:
Line 42 Do not repeat the words contained in the title of the article
RESPONSE: Amended accordingly. Text reads: “Keywords: exercise; predictors; puberty; SARS—CoV-2; lockdown”
Introduction and purpose of the article
Introduction is not very dynamic and, as a consequence, does not lead to very strong justification for the purpose of the research. Suggests a modification.
Each paragraph should have a very clearly defined thread and in the following paragraphs you should not go back to it.
The last paragraph must very clearly justify the purpose of the study.
RESPONSE: Yes, we must agree that the original Introduction was too long and “non-focused”. We hope that the amendments we have done improved the readability and structure of the Introduction. In the first paragraph we specified most important issues about physical activity and importance of physical activity (previously it was elaborated in first two paragraphs). In the next part of the Introduction we: (i) overviewed the problem of decrease of the physical activity in adolescents (2nd paragraph), (ii) urban/rural context (3rd para), (iii) COVID-19 and anticipated problem of decrease in physical activity (4th paragraph). It allowed us to contextualize and present our study aim (5th paragraph). Altogether, in the original version of the manuscript the Introduction was 1.5 pages long, and it is now 1 page long.
Line 87-96 There is no need to write in detail how the virus is transmitted. This is not the purpose of the article.
RESPONSE: Thank you for this suggestion. Text is amended accordingly and the sentence is deleted.
Participants and Study Design
Line 123 If you use: 16.5 ± 2.1 years of age, then you don't have to write: (from 15 to 18 years)
RESPONSE: Amended accordingly. Text reads:” During the study, all participants were attending high school and at the study baseline, they were 16.5 ± 2.1 years of age.”
Line 123 had 2 tests. What was the age at the second test date?
RESPONSE: Please see later
There is no information when the first test was performed.
RESPONSE: Please see next response. Thank you.
There is no information on how long it has been since the introduction of restrictions until testing. It seems that this is of key importance for the decrease of the subjects' efficiency.
RESPONSE: We hope that the amendments we have done made the text more understandable. It now reads: “This prospective study included two measurements: baseline (done before the implementation of social distancing) and follow-up (done during the period of social distancing), as showed in Figure 1. … Throughout baseline testing, participants were tested on anthropometrics, fitness status (during late October and early September 2019), and baseline PALs (March 2020). During the PAL-baseline period, the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected the school schedule and duties in Croatia. There were also no travel bans or limitations for sporting and social activities in the country, although people with a confirmed COVID-19 infection were placed in self-isolation, quarantined (detained), and/or hospitalized. Follow-up testing of PAL (PAL-follow-up) was conducted in April 2020 and included only online testing of the PALs. In this period, numerous measures related to the control of the COVID-19 pandemic were already implemented. Schools and universities were closed starting early March 2020, and as of 19 March, 2020, the government of Croatia implemented other extensive social distancing measures, including the banning of public gatherings, and the closure of cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, sports and fitness centers, cinemas, theaters, and places of worships (e.g., churches and temples). However, grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and similar businesses remained open with the implementation of social distancing.” (please see Materials and Methods; 2nd and 3rd paragraph). Also, we hope that the amendments in Figure 1 where design is presented allow a clearer picture of our study.
You show figure 1 but you don't quote in the text. 136
RESPONSE: Thank you for noticing it, text is amended accordingly and reads: “This prospective study included two measurements: baseline (done before the implementation of social distancing) and follow-up (done during the period of social distancing), as showed in Figure 1.”
Citations should be given when describing physical fitness tests.
RESPONSE: Indeed, the similar amendments were suggested by other Reviewers, accordingly the references are added. Text reads: Tests are regularly used in the Croatian educational system and were measured by experienced physical education teachers [37,38]. Please see 3rd paragraph of the Variables subsection. Thank you.
Conclusions
In general, the conclusions are drawn correctly.
RESPONSE: Thank you.
Unfortunately, I do not understand the idea of this article.
The practical application is not convincing for me.
RESPONSE: Thank you for being direct, and honest, however, we are hoping that our initial comment and amendments will help in better understanding of the purpose and value of our paper.
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
The present manuscript titled " Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic; contextualizing urban vs. rural living environment" (manuscript applsci-809833) evaluate effect, changes and factors associated with physical activity levels and the association of community and environment among Croatian adolescents. After carefully incorporation of comments and recomendations from reviewers I recommend to accept this manuscript in present form.
