Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time among youths with Down syndrome during the COVID‐19 pandemic

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.

DSFit: a feasibility pilot study of a group exercise programme for adolescents with Down syndrome

“…The need for engaging and accessible exercise programming has become even more urgent over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, as activities that can be especially beneficial for individuals with DSlike time outside and time with peershave been curtailed (Hartley et al 2022), while sedentary behaviours and screen time have increased (Amatori et al 2022). Families who already experienced significant barriers to physical activity before the pandemic, like lower-income and lower-resource families, and the families of children with disabilities, now face additional restrictions accessing safe exercise facilities, equipment, and organised fitness activities (Perez et al 2021;Theis et al 2021).…”

“…Families who already experienced significant barriers to physical activity before the pandemic, like lower-income and lower-resource families, and the families of children with disabilities, now face additional restrictions accessing safe exercise facilities, equipment, and organised fitness activities (Perez et al 2021;Theis et al 2021). Physical activity levels have subsequently decreased for the majority of children and young adults with disabilities (Amatori et al 2022;Theis et al 2021), demonstrating that better at-home exercise options will continue to be essential moving forward.…”

“…2022), while sedentary behaviours and screen time have increased (Amatori et al . 2022). Families who already experienced significant barriers to physical activity before the pandemic, like lower‐income and lower‐resource families, and the families of children with disabilities, now face additional restrictions accessing safe exercise facilities, equipment, and organised fitness activities (Perez et al .…”

“…Physical activity levels have subsequently decreased for the majority of children and young adults with disabilities (Amatori et al . 2022; Theis et al . 2021), demonstrating that better at‐home exercise options will continue to be essential moving forward.…”

Pediatric Population with Down Syndrome: Obesity and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Their Assessment Using Omics Techniques—Review

“…An additional obstacle to increasing physical activity among PWDS is the COVID-19 epidemic that has been present for over 2 years. Amatori et al showed a negative impact of COVID-19: decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors [ 91 ]. It is worth remembering that the patterns of proper nutrition should function throughout a household.…”