Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time among youths with Down syndrome during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Issue 12 (21st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amatori, S.; Sisti, D.; Perroni, F.; Brandi, G.; Rocchi, M. B. L.; Gobbi, E.
• Other Names: Hilgenkamp Thessa guestEditor.; Oppewal Alyt guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disability research. Volume 66:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 903
• Page End: 912
• Publication Date: 2022-04-21
• Subjects: Down syndrome -- intellectual disability -- physical activity -- parenting -- sedentariness -- young adults; Mental retardation -- Research -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1111/jir.12933
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-2633

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The COVID‐19‐related restrictions hampered habitual physical activity (PA), particularly affecting the more vulnerable, such as people with Down syndrome (DS). The study aimed to investigate changes in PA, sedentary behaviour (SB) and screen time (ST) of youths with DS, before, during and after the restrictions, also in relation to parental PA levels. Methods: A cross‐sectional design with a retrospective assessment of variables for the before and during restrictions periods was adopted. Parents of youths with DS completed an online questionnaire. Sociodemographic aspects, weekly PA levels and youths' daily SB and ST were investigated, referring to three time‐points: before the pandemic, during the restrictions and the restrictions‐easing phase. Results: A total of 57 parents voluntarily participated in the study, proxy‐reporting on their child (male = 41, female = 16, age = 21.4 ± 7.7 years). A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed negative effects of restrictions ( P < 0.05) on PA levels, SB and ST, independently from sociodemographic characteristics. In the restrictions‐easing phase, PA levels did not return to before the pandemic values ( P < 0.05). A positive correlation between parents and their child's PA was detected before the pandemic ( r = 0.38; P < 0.01), no longer reported in the restrictions‐easing phase. Conclusions: The findings showed the negative impact of restrictions on youths with DS lifestyle. Moreover, the importance of addressing the needs of the disabled community including the whole family is highlighted.