Physical activity in adolescents with an orthopaedic limitation: a review of the literature.

Abstract

Nine out of 10 adolescents fail to achieve the Healthy People 2020 recommended levels of aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity(J. E. Fulton et al., 2011).Whereas all adolescents constitute a vulnerable population because of their minimal physical activity, those with an orthopaedic limitation, such as slipped capitol femoral epiphyses, are at greater risk despite sharing characteristics with the general adolescent population such as normal cognition and independent ambulation. Twenty articles are reviewed describing components of effective physical activity interventions for adolescents aged 10-19 and their applicability to the target population of those with an orthopaedic limitation. Although physical activity interventions for adolescents with an orthopaedic limitation receive limited discussion in the literature, physical capability, belief in ability, and nontraditional activities, including dog-walking, are identified as behavioral facilitators.