Start Date
18-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction Children with special educational needs (SEN) encounter significant challenges in participating in physical activity (PA) and are experiencing rising obesity rates (Liang et al., 2020; Poon et al., 2023). This cross-sectional study aimed at exploring differences in PA levels and adiposity among children based on gender and SEN types, providing insights for tailored interventions.
Methodology The cross-sectional study involved 134 school-aged children (mean age: 8.9 ± 1.4 years; 83.6% boys) from eight mainstream primary schools. The wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers assessed the PA levels. Adiposity indicators (body mass index and body fat percentage) were measured by validated devices. SEN type was collected via questionnaire. Generalized linear models were employed to analyze the data, adjusting for school-level clustering effects.
Results A total of 119 validated data was included in the analysis. Boys engaged in significantly more moderate-intensity PA (MPA, B = 11.63, p < 0.05) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA, B = 11.92, p < 0.05). Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were involved in significantly more MVPA (B = 10.57, p < 0.05) compared with children with both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder [ASD]. No significant differences related to gender and SEN types were observed in other PA intensity or adiposity indicators.
Conclusions The results indicate gender and SEN-type disparities in PA levels. Future research should develop gender- and SEN-specific inclusive physical activity programs to promote more MVPA, thereby enhancing active behaviour and overall well-being.
References Liang, X., Li, R., Wong, S. H. S., Sum, R. K. W., & Sit, C. H. P. (2020). Accelerometer-measured physical activity levels in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 19, 101147.
Poon, E. T. C., Wongpipit, W., Sun, F., Tse, A. C. Y., & Sit, C. H. P. (2023). High-intensity interval training in children and adolescents with special educational needs: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 20(1), 1–14.
Recommended Citation
Yang, Min, "Differences in Physical Activity Levels and Adiposity Among Children with Special Educational Needs: Disparities in Gender and SEN Type" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 47.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day3/47
Differences in Physical Activity Levels and Adiposity Among Children with Special Educational Needs: Disparities in Gender and SEN Type
Introduction Children with special educational needs (SEN) encounter significant challenges in participating in physical activity (PA) and are experiencing rising obesity rates (Liang et al., 2020; Poon et al., 2023). This cross-sectional study aimed at exploring differences in PA levels and adiposity among children based on gender and SEN types, providing insights for tailored interventions.
Methodology The cross-sectional study involved 134 school-aged children (mean age: 8.9 ± 1.4 years; 83.6% boys) from eight mainstream primary schools. The wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers assessed the PA levels. Adiposity indicators (body mass index and body fat percentage) were measured by validated devices. SEN type was collected via questionnaire. Generalized linear models were employed to analyze the data, adjusting for school-level clustering effects.
Results A total of 119 validated data was included in the analysis. Boys engaged in significantly more moderate-intensity PA (MPA, B = 11.63, p < 0.05) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA, B = 11.92, p < 0.05). Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were involved in significantly more MVPA (B = 10.57, p < 0.05) compared with children with both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder [ASD]. No significant differences related to gender and SEN types were observed in other PA intensity or adiposity indicators.
Conclusions The results indicate gender and SEN-type disparities in PA levels. Future research should develop gender- and SEN-specific inclusive physical activity programs to promote more MVPA, thereby enhancing active behaviour and overall well-being.
References Liang, X., Li, R., Wong, S. H. S., Sum, R. K. W., & Sit, C. H. P. (2020). Accelerometer-measured physical activity levels in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 19, 101147.
Poon, E. T. C., Wongpipit, W., Sun, F., Tse, A. C. Y., & Sit, C. H. P. (2023). High-intensity interval training in children and adolescents with special educational needs: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 20(1), 1–14.