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Published on: February 5, 2020
Determinants of physical activity in young wheelchair-user with spina bifida
Manon A Bloemen1, Tim Takken, Janke F de Groot
1Research Group Lifestyle and Health, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Bolognalaan 101, NL-3584 CJ Utrecht, The Netherlands .
Insights
Physical activity in young wheelchair users with spina bifida is negatively impacted by older age and inability to walk. Peak oxygen uptake and sex did not show associations with physical activity levels. Improving fitness alone won't boost activity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Spina bifida often leads to wheelchair use, impacting physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Understanding factors influencing physical activity is crucial for promoting health in young individuals with spina bifida.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), age, sex, and Hoffer classification in young wheelchair users with spina bifida.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study involving 53 Dutch children (5-19 years) with spina bifida using manual wheelchairs.
- Physical activity was measured using VitaMove and Actiheart monitors, analyzing time sedentary, active, and in moderate-to-vigorous activity.
- Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was assessed using the Wheelchair Shuttle Test; regression analyses explored associations with age, sex, and Hoffer classification.
Main Results:
- Older age and higher Hoffer classification (indicating greater impairment) were associated with increased sedentary time and decreased physical activity during school and weekend days.
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was reduced with higher Hoffer classification on school days and with older age on weekend days.
- No significant associations were found between physical activity and sex or VO2peak.
Conclusions:
- Older age and functional mobility limitations (inability to walk) negatively affect physical activity in young wheelchair users with spina bifida.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and sex are not primary determinants of physical activity levels in this population.
- Interventions to improve physical activity should consider age and functional status, not solely cardiorespiratory fitness.
Objective:
To explore associations between physical activity and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), age, sex, and Hoffer classification in young wheelchair-users with spina bifida.
Design:
Exploratory study.
Subjects:
Fifty-three dutch children (age 5-19 years) with spina bifida who use a manual wheelchair.
Methods:
For the dependent variable physical activity, data from 2 physical activity monitors were analysed: VitaMove data for 34 participants and Actiheart data for 36 participants. Time sedentary, time physically active, and time in moderate to vigorous physical activity were analysed. The Wheelchair Shuttle Test was used to measure VO2peak. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Independent variables were VO2peak, age, sex, and Hoffer classification.
Results:
Time sedentary and time physically active during a school day were influenced by age (β=0.326/β=-0.320) and Hoffer classification (β=0.409/β=-0.534) and during a weekend day by Hoffer classification (β=0.617/β=-0.428). Time in moderate to vigorous physical activity was influenced by Hoffer classification (β=-0.527) during a school day and by age (β=-0.600) during a weekend day.
Conclusion:
Older age and the inability to walk negatively influence physical activity. Sex and VO2peak were not associated with physical activity. These results imply that increasing cardiorespiratory fitness alone will not improve physical activity in young wheelchair-users with spina bifida.
