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Physical Activity Patterns in Youth With Intellectual Disabilities.
Samantha J Downs1, Stuart J Fairclough1, Zoe R Knowles2
11 Edge Hill University.
Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly : APAQ
|November 23, 2016
Summary
Youth with intellectual disabilities (ID) showed sporadic physical activity (PA) patterns, with fewer and shorter activity bouts at higher intensities. Low overall PA levels were observed across all subgroups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Sports Science
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Understanding physical activity (PA) patterns in youth with intellectual disabilities (ID) is crucial for developing targeted health interventions.
- Previous research indicates potential disparities in PA levels and patterns among this population compared to their typically developing peers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively assess the habitual physical activity (PA) patterns of youth with intellectual disabilities (ID).
- To analyze the duration, intensity, and bout characteristics of PA in this cohort.
- To investigate potential differences in PA patterns based on sex, age, and ID severity, as well as between weekdays and weekend days.
Main Methods:
- Seventy youth aged 5-15 years with ID participated, with 32 included in the final analysis.
- Physical activity was monitored for 7 consecutive days using accelerometers.
- Habitual PA, number of continuous activity bouts (light, moderate, vigorous), and bout lengths were calculated. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was employed for statistical comparisons.
Main Results:
- Participants predominantly exhibited short, sporadic bursts of activity.
- The number of continuous activity bouts significantly decreased as both the intensity (light, moderate, vigorous) and duration of activity increased.
- Minimal significant differences in PA patterns were found across sex, age groups, ID groups, or between weekdays and weekend days.
Conclusions:
- Youth with intellectual disabilities engage in predominantly short, fragmented periods of physical activity.
- Activity intensity and duration significantly influence the frequency and continuity of PA bouts in this population.
- The generally low physical activity levels observed may explain the limited differences found between demographic and temporal subgroups, highlighting a need for interventions to promote more sustained and vigorous activity.
