Erin A. Siebert

Parental Perceptions of Physical Activity Benefits for Youth With Developmental Disabilities.

Physical activity promotion is of need for youth with developmental disabilities. Parental perceptions of physical activity benefits may influence youth behaviors. This study investigated the relationship between parental beliefs on the importance of physical activity and physical activity levels among youth with disabilities. Parents and caregivers of 113 youth with disabilities reported on the perceived benefits of physical activity, the childs physical activity level, and demographic information. Linear regression analyses to examine the relative association between parental perceived benefits and child physical activity (R² = 0.19) indicated that physical activity level was predicted by parental beliefs and child gender. Health promotion for youth with disabilities should consider educating parents and caregivers of physical activity benefits, in addition to creating more opportunities.

Measuring physical activity with accelerometers for individuals with intellectual disability: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Multiple studies have reported differing physical activity levels for individuals with intellectual disabilities when using accelerometers. One of the potential reasons for these differences may be due to how researchers measure physical activity. Currently there is a lack of understanding on measurement protocol of accelerometers. AIMS The purpose of this study was to synthesize the current practice of using accelerometers to measure physical activity levels among individuals with intellectual disabilities. METHODS A systematic search was conducted using multiple databases including Medline (1998-2015), Sport Discus (1992-2015), Web of Science (1965-2015), and Academic Research Premier (2004-2015). Seventeen articles were found that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS There is a lack of consistent research protocols for measuring physical activity levels with accelerometers. Issues with the amount of time participants wore the accelerometer was a challenge for multiple studies. Studies that employed external strategies to maximize wear time had higher compliance rates. CONCLUSION There is a need to establish and standardize specific accelerometer protocols for measuring physical activity levels of individuals with intellectual disabilities for higher quality and more comparable data.

Parental Influence on Physical Activity of Children with Disabilities

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify parental influences on physical activity behaviours of children with disabilities. One hundred and forty-eight parents of children with disabilities responded to a survey about factors related to parent and child physical activity, parental support and belief in their child’s abilities regarding physical activity. The results of multiple regression revealed that parents’ perceived competence of their child’s physical ability and parental support were the key factors of promoting physical activity behaviours of children with disabilities. Findings from this study should be utilised to inform parents on the ways that they can be most helpful for improving the physical activity experiences of their children.

What Opportunities Are There for Children with Disabilities to Participate in Physical Activities in Their Community

ed by Jessica Hamm and Erin Siebert, graduate students in Exercise and Sport Science at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. Submissions Welcome! Readers may send Research Works abstracts to John Todorovich at jtodorovich@uwf.edu. Submission Requirements • Abstracts must be of research articles published in refereed HPERD journals within the past year. • Abstracts should follow the Research Works structure. • Research results should be applicable to practitioners. • Also send the full text of the source paper. • Length should be no more than two double-spaced pages.