A glimpse into the impact of physical activity on linear growth in children and adolescents through activity restrictions accompanying the COVID-19 outbreak

PA positively influences linear growth in children, with a more pronounced effect in boys. Lockdown restrictions led to reduced PA, particularly impacting boys' growth rates. These findings emphasize the importance of PA for healthy growth in children, especially under restrictive conditions, and suggest the need to further encourage active lifestyles among children, particularly girls.