U.S. Physical Activity Para Report Card for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Physical Activity and Public Health
• Disability Studies
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• The U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth monitors 10 indicators since 2014.
• This study assesses physical activity (PA) indicators for children and adolescents with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behaviors in U.S. children and adolescents with disabilities.
• To identify gaps in evidence and inform targeted PA promotion strategies for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Active Healthy Kids Global Matrix 3.0 framework and grading system.
• Conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed articles with nationally representative data.
• Assigned grades to 10 PA indicators based on available evidence.

Main Results:

• Overall physical activity (PA) received an F grade.
• Sedentary behaviors and organized sports received D+ grades.
• School-based PA received a D grade; evidence was insufficient for six indicators.

Conclusions:

• Children and adolescents with disabilities exhibit low physical activity (PA) levels and high sedentary behaviors.
• There is a critical need for tailored PA promotion strategies for U.S. youth with disabilities.
• Sustained, cross-sectoral commitment is required to improve PA outcomes for this population.