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The effect of supported physical activity on parental-reported sleep qualities and pain severity in children with

Cindy B Dodds1, Kristie F Bjornson2, Jane K Sweeney3

  • 1Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
|September 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Supported physical activity (PA) for children with medical complexity (CMC) improved sleep and reduced pain. This 5-week intervention showed no adverse effects, suggesting PA is safe and beneficial for CMC.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Clinical Intervention Studies

Background:

  • Children with medical complexity (CMC) often experience challenges with sleep and pain.
  • Supported physical activity (PA) is a potential therapeutic approach for improving well-being in pediatric populations.
  • Limited research exists on the effects of structured PA interventions on sleep and pain in CMC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a 5-week supported physical activity (PA) intervention.
  • To assess changes in parental-reported sleep qualities and duration.
  • To determine the effect on pain severity in children with medical complexity (CMC).

Main Methods:

  • A pre- and post-test design was employed with 29 CMC.
  • Participants engaged in 180 minutes of daily supported PA over 5 weeks.
  • Sleep qualities, duration, and pain severity were measured using validated parental-report tools and sleep diaries.

Main Results:

  • The supported PA intervention demonstrated no adverse effects, including pain, in CMC.
  • Significant improvements were observed in sleep problems (P<0.05).
  • Statistically significant enhancements in sleep duration and pain severity were reported (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Short-term supported PA is safe for CMC and does not negatively impact sleep or pain.
  • The intervention appears to enhance parental-reported sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity.
  • Healthcare professionals should consider expanding opportunities for supported PA participation among CMC.
Abstract

Keywords:
Children with medical complexitypain severityphysical activitysleep durationsleep quality

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