Movement behaviours and health of children and young people with disabilities: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

Objectives: This study examined the one-time and prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the movement behaviours and health of Canadian children and youth with disabilities. Method: Eighty-six parents of disabled children and young people completed an online questionnaire twice (in May and November 2020). Interviews were held in March 2021 with seven families. Results: At both assessments, < 20% of disabled children and young people were meeting the physical activity and sedentary behaviour targets recommended in the guidelines, and > 50% of disabled children and young people were meeting the sleep targets. No disabled children and young people met the three movement targets in the guidelines. Almost a quarter of disabled children and young people reported a decline from pre-pandemic levels. The interview themes revealed that change in routine, free time, less frequent opportunities for physiotherapy, parenting capacity and social and arranged environment all contributed to the movement behaviours of disabled children and young people. Conclusions: Recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic must prioritise movement behaviours and health of children and young people with disabilities through good quality programmes, well-trained instructors, accessible and inclusive infrastructure, and family-centred health.