Relationship between Physical Activity Levels, Lower Limb Muscle Strength, and Aerobic Capacity in Children with Intellectual Disabilities

To describe active and sedentary time in children with spina bifida and to compare their physical activity on weekdays versus weekends. In this exploratory cross-sectional study, data from 13 Canadian and 22 Dutch children with spina bifida (14 females, 21 males; mean age 10y 11mo, standard deviation [SD] 3y 6mo, range 5y 6mo-18y; Hoffer classification distribution: community [n=28], household [n=3], non-functional [n=3], and non-ambulator [n=1]) were analysed. Objective measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour were obtained by using ActiGraph or Actiheart activity monitors. Data for the participants wearing the ActiGraph were compared with age- and sex-matched controls that were developing typically using independent-samples t-tests. Activity data collected on weekdays was compared to those on weekends. ActiGraph data demonstrated children with spina bifida spent more time sedentary (mean [SD] 49.5min/h [5.78]) and less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (mean [SD] 2.33min/h [1.61]) compared with the typically developing group (mean [SD] 41.0min/h [5.76] and 5.46min/h [2.13], p=0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). For both ActiGraph- and Actiheart-derived data, physical activity and sedentary time were not significantly different between weekdays and weekends. Children with spina bifida have reduced levels of physical activity and increased sedentary behaviour, with no statistical differences seen between weekdays and weekends. Several methodological issues related to activity monitoring warrant consideration when choosing the appropriate method to quantify physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Reduced levels of physical activity and sedentary time were quantified in children with spina bifida. Objective quantification of physical behaviour in ambulatory and non-ambulatory school-aged children with spina bifida is possible.

635 Understanding parent perceptions of healthy physical activity for their child with a chronic medical condition

The physical capabilities underlying timed “Up and Go” test are time-dependent in community-dwelling older women

INTRODUCTION: Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) present higher health risks due to their extremely low physical activity (PA) levels. It is important to enhance our knowledge about PA levels and sedentary time (ST) among this specific population. PURPOSE: This study describes and compares PA levels and ST of active (AG) and a non-active (NAG) groups of adults with ID versus a group of adults without ID (AWID). METHOD: Thirty-seven participants from an AG with ID, 29 participants from a NAG with ID and 31 adults AWID participated in this study. An informed consent and a health screening questionnaire were completed by each participant and each legal guardian. Height and weight were obtained to calculate BMI. PA and ST levels were assessed with ActiGraph accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine the relation between groups and ID levels. Variables of age and anthropometry were analyzed by using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Total PA and PA levels of each group were compared by using a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: The AG performed higher values of moderate to vigorous PA compared to the NAG (p = 0.018), but, similar to the group of AWID. The group of AWID spent less time in ST and more time in light PA than both groups of adults with ID (all p < 0.001). The participants of the AG did not demonstrate less ST than the NAG. CONCLUSION: When assessing PA levels in ID participants, it was observed that participants presented large amounts of sedentary behaviors in both groups. The participants of the AG, despite participating in PA programmes did not demonstrate less ST. We believe that, by including well designed and structured PA programmes into their workdays, as well as incorporating breaks to reduce bouts in ST and total ST, could be of great help to increase daily PA levels in adults with ID. Partially supported by: MEC (DEP2017-86862-C2-1-R)Table 1: Participants’ characteristics, anthropometry indices and PA data.

Children with intellectual disabilities often face challenges in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength, which negatively impact their daily lives and motor function. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week aquatic exercise and floor curling intervention on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to the aquatic exercise group, floor curling group, and control group. The aquatic exercise and floor curling groups received a 12-week intervention, while the control group engaged in supervised free activities. The participants' balance ability and lower limb muscle strength were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and a muscle strength testing device before and after the intervention. The results showed significant improvements in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength for both the aquatic exercise group and the floor curling group after the intervention. The aquatic exercise group demonstrated an average improvement of 10.84% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 16.28% in lower limb muscle strength. The floor curling group showed an average improvement of 9.04% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 15.67% in lower limb muscle strength. These improvement results were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and ranged from medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.5~0.8). The findings of this study validate the positive effects of aquatic exercise and floor curling on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. These interventions can be considered effective approaches for functional rehabilitation in children with intellectual disabilities.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of obesity among adults with intellectual disability (AID) is significantly higher than in the general population. At present limited research has been done on the relationship between physical fitness (PF), objectively measured physical activity levels (PAL) and different markers of fatness in AID. PURPOSE: To examine associations between PF, PAL and fatness in AID. METHODS: An AID group (54 m/44 f; 44±12 y) were recruited from an Occupational Day Center. BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass percentage (FFM%), waist (WC) and hip circumferences (HC) were obtained. VO2 peak was obtained during a metabolic treadmill test. GT3X Actigraph accelerometers were used to obtain total PA (TPA), steps per day (DS), time spent in sedentary (ST), light PA (LPA); moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). The timed up and go test (TUGT) to assess dynamic balance and gait speed was used. Handgrip (HG) and leg strength (LS) were also obtained. RESULTS: VO2 peak correlated with TPA (r=.421), DS (r=.318), VPA (r=.240), MVPA (r=.517), BF% (r=-.496), FFM% (r=.480), WC (r=-.445), HC (r=-.412), TUGT(r=-.363), HG (r=.435) and LS (r=.432). TPA and DS were correlated with HG (r=.348; r=.280) and LS (r=.294; r=.221). VPA was correlated with BF% (r=-.229) and FFM% (r=.218). MVPA was correlated HG (r=.347; r=.268), LS (r=.326) and TUGT (r=-.229). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that high levels of PA are positively associated with PF. VPA, in particular, is associated with BF% and FFM% in AID. Future PA recommendations for AID should consider a particular emphasis on the amount of VPA when promoting PA. Partially supported by: MEC (Ref: DEP2012-35335) & AGAUR (Ref: 2013FI_B2 00091)Table 1: Physical fitness, physical activity levels and fatness data for AIDNote: values are mean (Standard Deviation)Abbreviations: BMI (body mass index); PA (physical activity); LPA (light physical activity); MPA (moderate physical activity); VPA (vigorous physical activity); MVPA (moderate to vigorous physical activity); HG (hand grip); TUGT(timed up and go test). * Significant correlation with relative VO2 peak (p < .05). ? Significant correlation with Total PA and Steps (p < .05). ‡ Significant correlation with VPA (p < .05). § Significant correlation with MVPA (p < .05).

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to determine the differences of college students' attitudes toward physical activity (PA) with different intensities and the contributions of students' cognitive and affective attitude to their global attitude toward PA. Design: This study employed a cross-sectional design. A total of 159 college students completed validated measures of global, cognitive, and affective attitude for general, vigorous, moderate, and light PA, respectively. Repeated-measure one-way ANOVAs were conducted to determine the differences of students' attitude toward PA with different intensities. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the contributions of cognitive and affective attitude to global attitude for each type of PA. Results: Students had significantly higher levels of cognitive attitude toward moderate PA than vigorous and light PA. They had significantly higher levels of affective attitude toward light PA than moderate and vigorous PA and higher levels of affective attitude toward moderate PA than vigorous PA. They also had significantly lower levels of global attitude toward vigorous PA than light and moderate PA. This study also showed that both cognitive and affective attitude contributed to global attitude and cognitive attitude had a stronger influence than affective attitude. Conclusions: College students tend to have different levels of cognitive, affective, and global attitude toward PA with different intensities. Interventions targeting at cognitive beliefs about PA may be more effective to change college students' attitude toward PA than targeting at feeling or emotions attached to PA.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a condition characterised by intellectual limitations and limitations in adaptive (social, behavioural, self-care) skills occurring and diagnosed before the age of 18 years. The aetiology of ID is often unknown but common aetiologies include Down syndrome (DS), foetal alcohol syndrome, disease/infection, and birth defects. Physical fitness and physical activity can be accurately measured following appropriate familiarisation using validated tests with excellent reliability. This includes treadmill protocols with oxygen uptake measurements, various field tests of aerobic capacity, isokinetic and isometric muscle testing, and field tests such as sit-ups, push-ups, and standing long jump. Physical activity is typically measured using steps per day or accelerometery, but to accurately interpret results population-specific cut-points need to be used. Children with ID typically have low aerobic capacity, muscle endurance, muscle strength, and physical activity levels. Furthermore, children with ID with DS have even lower values, yet obesity does not appear to influence aerobic capacity in the same manner as the general population in children with DS. Interventions have been shown to increase aerobic capacity in children with ID, but it is unclear if aerobic capacity is increased in children with DS. Run performance is improved with exercise training, as is muscle strength and endurance. Body weight and body composition are not likely to change appreciably with exercise training alone but can be improved with multifactorial interventions.

Associations Between Measures of Physical Activity and Muscle Size and Strength: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE: This study examined the impact of an 8-week parental modeling physical activity (PA) intervention on parent and child PA and body composition. METHODS: Twenty-six parents participated in an 8-week PA intervention with their 1 - 5 year old child. The adults were randomly placed into an intervention (n=19) or control (n=7) group. The intervention group received weekly phone calls with a coach. The coach discussed strategies to change parent and child PA. PA (activity monitor) and body composition (height, weight, and circumferences) were assessed before and after the intervention. Body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-scores were calculated. Time spent in sedentary behavior, light, moderate, and vigorous PA was determined using cut points by, Freedson et al. (adult), Trost et al. (1 - 2 year old children), and Butte et al. (3 - 5 year old children). Data analyses were conducted using the intention-to-treat method. A series of 2 (group: control/intervention) X 2 (time: pre/post) ANCOVAs were run to examine the effect of the intervention on PA levels in the parents and children adjusting for wear time. A series of 2 (group: control/intervention) X 2 (time: pre/post) ANOVAs were run to examine the effect of the intervention on body composition (weight, BMI, waist circumference) in the parents and children (BMI z-score). Effect sizes (ES) were calculated and significance was set at p<.05. RESULTS: Among the parents, group, time, and interaction effects were non-significant for PA levels, weight, BMI, and waist circumference (p>.05). ES indicated the intervention group had medium reductions in sedentary behavior (-.57) and increases in vigorous PA (.65), whereas controls had small reductions in sedentary behavior (-.14) and medium reductions in vigorous PA (-.76). Regarding the children’s data, the PA levels and BMI z-scores were similar by group and time (p>.05). Small decreases in sedentary behavior (-0.18), light (-.21), and mod (-.11) PA were observed in the intervention children, whereas control children had small increases in sedentary behavior (.24), and large decreases in light (-.92) and moderate (-.90) PA. CONCLUSIONS: A parental modeling PA intervention may have positive effects on parent’s and children’s PA levels. Supported by: Research/Creative Activity Award, East Carolina University

Plenary conference: Keys to successful physical activity during childhood

This study examined the effect an 8-wk parental modeling physical activity (PA) intervention had on parent and child PA. Twenty-six parent and young child dyads (1–5 yr) were randomized into either a PA intervention (n = 19) or a waitlist control group (n = 7) for 8 wk. The intervention group received weekly phone calls with a coach to discuss strategies to increase parent and child PA. PA was assessed by an accelerometer before and after the intervention. Time spent in sedentary behavior, light, moderate, and vigorous PA was determined using age appropriate cut points. A series of 2 (group: control–intervention) × 2 (time: pre–post) ANCOVA was run to examine the effect of the intervention on PA levels in the parents and children adjusting for wear time. Among the parents, main and interaction effects were not significant for PA levels, regardless of intensity (P &gt; 0.05). Effect size analysis indicated the intervention group had medium reductions in sedentary behavior (d = −0.57) and increases in vigorous PA (d = 0.65), whereas parents in the control group had a small increase in sedentary behavior (d = 0.14) and medium reductions in vigorous PA (d = −0.75). Regarding the children’s data, the PA levels were similar by group and time (P &gt; 0.05), and interaction effects were not present. Small decreases in sedentary behavior (d = −0.24), light (d = −0.23), moderate (d = −0.13), and total (d = −0.21) PA were observed in the intervention children, whereas control children had small increases in sedentary behavior (d = 0.24) and large decreases in light (d = −0.92) and moderate (d = −0.90), and total (d = −1.02) PA. Although a parental modeling PA intervention may have positive effects on parent’s and children’s PA levels, additional research is needed using a larger sample to better understand the effect this type of intervention may have on improving PA levels.

Simple SummarySelf-efficacy has been identified as a crucial variable to reduce sedentarism in women with fibromyalgia. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of self-efficacy, the impact of fibromyalgia, and activity patterns on the objective physical activity levels. One hundred and twenty-three women with fibromyalgia participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity levels were assessed with accelerometers, while self-efficacy, activity patterns, and fibromyalgia impact were evaluated through questionnaires. Results revealed that self-efficacy for physical activity was directly related to light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity, as well as inversely related to sedentary time. Self-efficacy for walking and light physical activity seems to be more relevant than self-efficacy for moderate and vigorous physical activity to achieve higher levels of physical activity.Keeping high levels of physical activity is a challenge among chronic patients. In this regard, self-efficacy has been identified as a crucial variable to reduce sedentarism and physical inactivity in women with fibromyalgia. The current study aimed to evaluate the associations among objective physical activity levels, self-efficacy, activity patterns, and the impact of the disease, as well as to compare those variables between women with fibromyalgia with different self-efficacy levels. For this purpose, in this cross-sectional study, the physical activity levels of 123 women with fibromyalgia were assessed by accelerometers, together with self-efficacy, the impact of the disease, and activity patterns. Results revealed that self-efficacy for light or moderate physical activity was directly related to light (p < 0.01), moderate (p < 0.01), and vigorous physical activity (p < 0.05), as well as inversely related to sedentary time (p < 0.01). Moreover, the main differences were observed between those with low self-efficacy levels and the rest of the sample, while there were no differences between the high and the medium self-efficacy groups (p > 0.05). Thus, self-efficacy for walking and light physical activity seems to be more relevant than self-efficacy for moderate and vigorous physical activity to achieve higher levels of physical activity.

This study describes and compares physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary time (ST) of active (AG) and a non-active (NAG) groups of adults with intellectual disability (ID) versus a group of adults without ID. Thirty-seven participants from the AG, 29 from the NAG, and 31 adults without ID participated in this study. Height and weight were obtained to calculate body mass index (BMI). PA levels and ST were assessed with GT3X Actigraph accelerometers for 7 days. Results revealed that the AG engaged in higher values of moderate to vigorous PA compared with the NAG (all p < 0.05), but were similar to adults without ID. Adults without ID performed less ST and more light PA than the ID groups (all p < 0.05). The participants of the AG did not demonstrate less ST than the NAG. It is concerning that adults with ID (AG or NAG) are spending a higher time in ST and less time in light PA than adults without ID. Our results suggest that integrated, well-designed PA programmes into the ID population workdays can lead to increased PA levels. Nevertheless, these interventions and exercise programmes implemented for adults with ID should be tailored to also reduce ST.

Background: Current findings suggest that physical activity of children with developmental difficulties may be limited by low level of motor coordination. Motor difficulties are often connected with children suffering from attention deficit disorder. Objective: The aim of the study was to find out the level of physical activity (PA) in older school-age children with motor difficulties (MD) in comparison with children without MD and to reveal possible mediate impact on attention between the level of motor skills and PA in children of this age. Methods: Participants were divided into two groups: 15 children with MD (age 13.7 &plusmn; 1.6 years) and 27 children without MD (age 13.3 &plusmn; 1.4 years). Motor functions were assessed by means of test battery MABC-2, weekly physical activity by means of Actigraph accelerometer and attention by both d2 and numeric square tests. To estimate the mediation of the attention level we have used Baron's &amp; Kenny's (1986) analysis. Results: In most of the indicators of PA, children with MD reached lower value than those without MD. The differences of statistical significance were found in the number of steps per week and weekdays (d = 0.50 and 0.64 respectively) and in PA of a very high intensity (d =2 .00) in boys with and without MD. In girls with MD we have found out significantly less time spent in vigorous intensity PA (d = 0.86). The study results support the hypothesis of developmental motor deficits to be a risk factor for PA in older school-age children. Significant mediation effect of concentration of attention in the relationship between the level of motor skills and PA was observed in three cases - in the relationship between gross motor skills on the one hand, and energy expenditure per week and weekdays, and vigorous intensity PA per week on the other. The amount of mediation effect of attention concentration ranged between 12-22%. Conclusion: The study has indicated that children's participation in PA can be strongly influenced by the level of their interceptive and targeting skills, in which visuomotor coordination lies, and that reduced the child's ability to concentrate may be one of the mediate factors causing lower PA.