Adolescents with disabilities and physical activity during first COVID-19 lockdown

Oral Presentation B13.6

Authors

  • Kwok Ng University of Limerick; University of Eastern Finland
  • Sami Kokko University of Jyvaskyla
  • Tommi Vasankari UKK Institute; Tampere University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.581

Keywords:

Teenagers, Functional Disabilities, Surveys, Epidemiology, Surveillance

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that adolescents with disabilities have been worse off during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Purpose: To study the perceived changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Finnish late adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: National representative data from high school students (n= 2408, mean age = 17.4y, 64% females) completed online self-report survey about MVPA and changes in PA during lockdown during spring 2020. Disability was measured by the self-reported version of the Washington Group Child Functioning Module, and grouped into sensory (see, hear, speak), cognitive (learn, remember, concentrate) and behavioural (routine changes, control behaviour, making friends) disabilities. Multinominal regression analyses (reference 0-2 days of MVPA) with different disability types were performed, with gender and age as covariates. Results: PA levels were not different between males and females, or between adolescents with and without sensory difficulties. Adolescents without cognitive difficulties (OR = 1.6, CI=1.1=2.5; OR = 1.9, CI=1.2-2.9) or without behavioural difficulties (OR = 1.8, CI=1.3-2.5; OR = 2.6, CI=1.7-3.9) were more likely to report 3-4 or 5-6 days of MVPA than 0-2 days with cognitive or behavioural difficulties, respectively. Adolescents without behavioural difficulties (OR = 2.4, CI=1.4-4.2) were more likely to report daily MVPA than without difficulties. There were no associations with change in PA (39% less, 39% more) during lockdown and disabilities. Conclusions: Improvements in strategies to promote PA amount adolescents with behavioural or cognitive difficulties. Moreover, changes in PA during lockdown was not different for adolescents with and without disabilities. Funding: This work was supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture (OKM/130/626/2018) and the Strategic Research Council (SRC) at Academy of Finland for the project Healthy Lifestyles to Boost Sustainable Growth (STYLE, project number 320403 and 320400).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Ng, K., Kokko, S., & Vasankari, T. (2021). Adolescents with disabilities and physical activity during first COVID-19 lockdown: Oral Presentation B13.6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.581

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