Motor Proficiency and Generalized Self-Efficacy Toward Physical Activity in Children With Intestinal Failure

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Children with intestinal failure face co-morbidities impacting long-term development.
• Improved survival rates necessitate understanding associated developmental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate motor proficiency in children with intestinal failure.
• To assess self-efficacy towards physical activity (PA) in this population.
• To identify factors influencing motor and PA outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Observational, cross-sectional study of children (6-12 years) in an intestinal rehabilitation program.
• Assessed motor proficiency using Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form (BOT-2 SF).
• Evaluated physical activity self-efficacy using the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) questionnaire.

Main Results:

• 50% of participants scored below average on the BOT-2 SF.
• Lower motor proficiency scores correlated significantly with lower PA self-efficacy (r=0.480, P=0.01).
• Central lines or enterostomy tubes were common barriers to PA; septic events and parenteral nutrition days predicted lower motor scores.

Conclusions:

• Medical variables associated with intestinal failure significantly affect motor skills and PA self-efficacy.
• Ongoing developmental follow-up is crucial for optimizing motor skills.
• Promoting physical activity participation is essential for children with intestinal failure.