Challenges in Promoting Physical Activity for Managing MASLD in Canadian Children: Insights and Barriers

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hepatology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Lifestyle Medicine

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children, strongly associated with pediatric obesity.
• Physical activity (PA) is crucial for managing pediatric MASLD, but many children encounter significant barriers to meeting recommended guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify physical activity (PA) levels in Canadian children diagnosed with MASLD.
• To identify the primary barriers hindering PA adherence in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 25 pediatric MASLD patients (≤18 years) recruited from a tertiary care center.
• Utilized the Habitual Activity Estimation Scale (HAES) and a modified PA Barrier Survey for data collection.
• Collected clinical, demographic, and laboratory data for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• Despite 96% recognizing PA's importance, only 56% met the WHO 60-minute daily moderate-to-vigorous PA recommendation.
• Key barriers included fatigue (84%), discomfort (56%), fear of injury (32%), and ridicule (36%).
• Children meeting PA guidelines reported greater support from healthcare providers (79% vs. 45%), with moderate activity tracker use (52%).

Conclusions:

• Children with MASLD experience substantial PA barriers, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
• Integrating technology and enhancing healthcare provider support are vital for improving PA adherence in pediatric MASLD.
• Future research should investigate larger cohorts and the impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on PA behaviors.