The effects of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities

Theis, Nicola ORCID: 0000-0002-0775-1355, Campbell, Natalie ORCID: 0000-0003-3859-6607, De Leeuw, Julie, Owen, Marie and Schenke, Kimberley C ORCID: 0000-0002-1184-4802 (2021) The effects of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 14 (3). Art 101064. doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101064

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Abstract

Background COVID-19 has caused unprecedented restrictions, significantly affecting the most vulnerable groups in society, such as those with a disability. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Methods The study was a cross-sectional design. Parents/carers completed an electronic survey in the UK between June-July 2020 on behalf of their child. Through Likert scales and free-text questions, the survey asked about physical activity levels and mental health during lockdown compared to before, access to specialist facilities and equipment to aid with physical activity, and the short- and long-term concerns around ongoing lockdown restrictions. Results Generally, respondents reported negative effects of lockdown restrictions, with 61% reporting a reduction in physical activity levels and over 90% reporting a negative impact on mental health (including poorer behaviour, mood, fitness and social and learning regression). Many respondents cited a lack of access to specialist facilities, therapies and equipment as reasons for this, and raised concerns about the long-term effects of this lack of access on their child’s mental health and physical activity levels. Conclusions The survey highlights the negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the physical activity levels and mental health of children and young adults with disabilities and highlights the importance of addressing the needs of the disabled community as restrictions are eased.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	COVID-19; Physical; Mental; Health
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine > RA790 Mental health. Mental illness prevention. R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Rhiannon Goodland
Date Deposited:	27 Jan 2021 15:41
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2023 15:23
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/9316

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