Lower Musculoskeletal Fitness Among Youth with Disabilities, Ages 6 to 15 Years
Do youth with disabilities (YWD) have lower musculoskeletal fitness compared to their peers without disabilities?
College of Health researcher(s)
Abstract
Background
Youth with disabilities (YWD) often exhibit deficits in physical fitness, but much of the literature is limited by small, non-representative samples. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in musculoskeletal fitness between youth with and without disabilities from the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NYFS).
Methods
A secondary analysis was conducted with cross-sectional data from the 2012 NYFS of youth, 6 to 15 years of age. Fitness measures included plank, modified pull-ups, and grip strength. Disability was identified by multiple parent report items. Logistic regression with sampling weights was employed to examine group differences and associated factors.
Results
A total of 1177 youth were analyzed, including 173 YWD. A significantly greater proportion of YWD demonstrated low fitness in all three measures compared to youth without disabilities. Factors associated with low fitness included sex, engagement in physical activity, and the body mass index category. Age was not a significant factor for any fitness measure.
Conclusions
This secondary analysis provides additional evidence for lower musculoskeletal fitness among YWD, in particular for females and youth with obesity. Physical fitness continues to be an area in need of intervention to improve overall health among YWD.
Frequently Asked Questions about Musculoskeletal Fitness in Youth with Disabilities
Why is musculoskeletal fitness important for youth, and why is it often overlooked?
Musculoskeletal fitness is crucial for healthy weight, skinfold thickness, metabolic indicators, cardiovascular disease risk, and bone mineral density later in life. Despite its importance, guidelines often emphasize aerobic activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, overshadowing musculoskeletal fitness. The WHO recommends muscle and bone strengthening activities three times a week, but only after prioritizing daily aerobic activity.
What was the purpose of this study, and what data did it analyze?
This study aimed to examine the association between musculoskeletal fitness measures and disability status among youth aged 6-15 years using data from the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NYFS). It was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, focusing on plank, modified pull-ups, and grip strength as measures of musculoskeletal fitness.
How was disability status determined in this study?
Disability status was identified based on parental responses to four questions: whether the child had a condition that (1) limits the ability to walk, run, or play; (2) has lasted or is expected to last 12 months or longer; (3) requires the use of special equipment; and (4) involves special education or early intervention services. A "yes" to at least one question categorized the youth as "with disability."
What were the main findings regarding musculoskeletal fitness in youth with disabilities (YWD) compared to those without disabilities?
The study found that YWD exhibited significantly lower musculoskeletal fitness compared to their peers without disabilities. A greater proportion of YWD demonstrated low fitness (≤20th percentile) in plank, modified pull-ups, and relative grip strength.
What factors, besides disability, were associated with low musculoskeletal fitness in this study?
Other factors associated with low musculoskeletal fitness included sex (females being at higher risk), engagement in physical activity (lower activity levels associated with lower fitness), and body mass index (BMI) category (overweight and obese youth exhibiting lower fitness). Age was not a significant factor.
How did body weight (BMI) relate to musculoskeletal fitness in youth with disabilities?
The study revealed a high rate of overweight and obesity among YWD. Obese youth had significantly greater odds of low scores in grip strength, modified pull-ups, and plank, suggesting a strong association between weight status and musculoskeletal fitness. YWD also had a significantly greater average BMI percentile.
What are the limitations of this study?
The limitations include: disability status based solely on parental responses without specific diagnoses; the disability category may not be representative of the full spectrum of disabilities and may skew toward milder impairments; the 2012 NYFS data are over a decade old which may limit generalizability; and the fitness measures may not be universally appropriate for all youth with disabilities.
What are the implications of this study, and what actions are recommended?
The study highlights the need for effective health promotion services and appropriate physical education programs specifically tailored for YWD. The findings underscore the importance of addressing low musculoskeletal fitness and high rates of overweight/obesity in this at-risk group to improve their overall health outcomes.