The Amount of Light to Vigorous Physical Activity (Met’s-Hours/Day) in Children with and without Down Syndrome Attending Elementary School in Japan

Abstract

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have physical characteristics such as hypotonus of the musculature. Therefore, their attainment rate of physical activity guidelines is low, and guidelines alone may not be sufficient in assessing the amount of physical activity in children with DS. Compared with normal children (NC) of the same grade, light physical activity (LPA) must be considered while assessing physical activity of children with DS, owing to muscle hypotonia. This study included 69 children with DS and 68 NC in grades 4–6 attending elementary school in Japan. The measurements for physical characteristics included age, height, weight, and body mass index. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer, which indicated physical activity volume. Children with DS had less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity duration (DS: 53.1 min/day, NC: 65.0 min/day; p < 0.001) but significantly longer LPA duration (DS: 376.4 min/day, NC: 287.7 min/day; p < 0.001) than NC. Conversely, the amount of light to vigorous physical activity (Met’s-hours/day) was greater in children with DS (DS: 16.0 Met’s-hours/day, NC: 14.4 Met’s-hours/day; p = 0.037). In children with DS with muscular hypotonia, vigorous physical activity is challenging, but LPA is feasible. Developing and validating educational programs that promote physical activity with intensity level depending on individual’s physical characteristic are warranted.

Effects of substituting sedentary time with physical activity on body mass index in Japanese adults with Down syndrome: A cross-sectional study

“…Children with Down syndrome are physically active at school and are less obese [ [30] , [31] , [32] ]. However, adults with Down syndrome are more likely to be obese.…”

Physical activity status and its association with quality of life among children with down syndrome in Saudi Arabia: A comparative cross-sectional study

“…As suggested by previous study, achieving 60 minutes of MVPA per day is challenging for children with disabilities [ 6 ]. Our findings confirm those of Yamanaka et al, [ 6 ] in which children with DS spent more time in LPAs and MPAs than in VPAs.…”

“…As suggested by previous study, achieving 60 minutes of MVPA per day is challenging for children with disabilities [ 6 ]. Our findings confirm those of Yamanaka et al, [ 6 ] in which children with DS spent more time in LPAs and MPAs than in VPAs. Several factors may contribute to this, including physical and cognitive manifestations, or safety confederations [ 1 , 26 ].…”

“…These findings were consistent with the results of previous studies suggested that both children with and without Down syndrome often fail to meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Instead, they tend to engage in sedentary behaviors [6][7][8] this can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as lack of self-esteem [22], lack of accessibility to appropriate resources and environments [23], and the absence of adequate social support from parents, caregivers, and educators [24]. Moreover, the rise of technology, particularly screen-based devices, has contributed to the sedentary behavior observed in children with and without Down syndrome [25].…”

“…Children with DS are often described as sedentary and less likely to engage in the recommended levels of physical activity compared to typically developing (TD) children. Previous studies found that children with DS had lower levels of physical activity compared to TD children of the same age [ 6 – 8 ]. Additionally, children with DS were not able to achieve the daily step count target [ 7 ].…”