Sedentary behavior and children with physical disabilities: a scoping review

Purpose: The aim of this review was to summarize research regarding sedentary behavior in children with physical disabilities related to (1) sedentary behavior patterns, (2) measurement of sedentary behavior, and (3) current state of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using established scoping review methodology. Articles were eligible for inclusion if participants were 0-18 years of age, had physical disabilities, and the focus of the research was on sedentary behavior patterns, measurement of sedentary behavior or evaluation of interventions to decrease sedentary behavior. Results: The majority of included studies (n = 36) were observational and described sedentary behavior patterns (n = 29), primarily with children with cerebral palsy (n = 22). Accelerometry was frequently used to measure sedentary behavior for ambulatory children; however, questionnaires, surveys and interviews were also used. Few studies (n = 3) conducted to evaluate interventions for decreasing sedentary behavior were included; existing evidence does not support effectiveness of strategies to reduce sedentary behavior in children with physical disabilities. Few studies addressed sedentary behavior in younger children or children who use wheelchairs. Conclusions: Evaluation of interventions to decrease sedentary behavior in children with physical disabilities is needed. Future research should also address measurement of physical activity with children who use wheelchairs as their primary method of mobility.