Analysis of developmental trends in physical activity, BMI and muscles in children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability

Jitka Kampasová,Hana Válková

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07457

Abstract

IntroductionThere is a lack of longitudinal research of physical activity (PA) of pupils with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of the research was to identify the trends in PA, BMI and muscles in children and adolescents with ID in the Czech Republic over 2-year period and find whether 2-month summer holidays have effect on developmental trends. The aim was also to find out the level of PA of children and its correlation with BMI and muscles and the correlation between postural balance and children's muscles. MethodsParticipants were pupils aged 8–19 (in each measurement was n = 23, n = 37, n = 36, n = 33). They wore a movband for 1 week. InBody analyser and a test of Single leg stance with eyes open were used. ResultsThe trend of PA in girls and boys is convex and the trend of their BMI is unbalanced. In pupils with mild and moderate ID, the trend of PA, the trend of BMI and the trend of muscles is unbalanced. Summer holidays cause a decrease in BMI values for all categories. In pupils with moderate ID, summer holidays cause an increase in PA and an increase in muscle (both statistically significant). The correlation between PA and muscle and BMI is ambiguous. Also, the correlation between postural balance and muscles is ambiguous. ConclusionsChildren's PA reaches 74–122% of the norm. Girls, boys, pupils with mild and moderate ID have normal weight. In the Czech Republic children with ID have many opportunities to participate in sport events during the year.

Highlights

There is a lack of longitudinal research of physical activity (PA) of pupils with intellectual disability (ID)
3.2 Trends in physical activity, BMI and muscles according to the degree of intellectual disability
The summer holidays in September 2017 are followed by a decrease in the number of steps to 595 per day, but the summer holidays in September 2018 are followed by an increase in the number of steps to 132 per day

Summary

Introduction

There is a lack of longitudinal research of physical activity (PA) of pupils with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of the research was to identify the trends in PA, BMI and muscles in children and adolescents with ID in the Czech Republic over 2-year period and find whether 2-month summer holidays have effect on developmental trends. In pupils with mild and moderate ID, the trend of PA, the trend of BMI and the trend of muscles is unbalanced. Physical activity (PA) is associated with both physical and mental health benefits (increased self-esteem, decreased depression) in children and adolescents (Janssen and LeBlanc, 2010; Biddle and Asare 2011). Increasing physical activity could help to reduce these risks and the consequent health inequality (Maiano, 2010)

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