The effect of supported physical activity on parental-reported sleep qualities and pain severity in children with medical complexity

Abstract

To study the impact of a 5-week supported physical activity (PA) intervention on parental report of sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity in children with medical complexity (CMC). Twenty-nine CMC participated in 180 minutes of daily supported PA on weekdays over 5 weeks. A pre- and post-test design was used to collect sleep qualities (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) and pain severity (Faces Pain Scale- Revised) as reported by parents. Using a repeated measures design, weekly sleep diaries captured sleep duration. Children with medical complexity experienced no adverse effects, including pain, with the supported PA intervention. Significant improvements in sleep problems, sleep duration, and pain severity (P< 0.05) were demonstrated. Short-term supported PA did not interfere with sleep or pain in CMC, and in fact, seems to have enhanced parental report of sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity. Supported PA appears safe for CMC and healthcare professionals should explore methods to expand opportunities for supported PA participation.