Qualitative Exploration of Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity and Exercise in Children and Adolescents With Crohn’s—Perspectives of Young People, Caregivers, and Clinicians

Saynor, Zoe L., Afzal, Nadeem A., Roberts, Christopher, Mackintosh, Kelly A., Lambrick, Danielle, Faulkner, James, Freer, Will, Kurteva, Elena, Middleton, Thierry and Hunter, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9863-2230 (2025) Qualitative Exploration of Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity and Exercise in Children and Adolescents With Crohn’s—Perspectives of Young People, Caregivers, and Clinicians. Pediatric Exercise Science. pp. 1-12. doi:10.1123/pes.2024-0127 (In Press)

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Abstract

Purpose : With a rising incidence of childhood-onset Crohn’s disease (CD), linked to genetics, environmental, and lifestyle factors, there is a need to further understand the physical (in)activity behaviors of young people with the condition. We explored the barriers and facilitators to physical activity and exercise in children and young people with CD from the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and specialist clinicians. Methods : Five children, 7 caregivers, and 6 specialist clinicians completed semistructured interviews in this UK-based qualitative study. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, and emergent themes were inductively derived. Results : Three overarching themes were constructed: (1) navigating barriers to a physically active lifestyle with CD, (2) building knowledge and support for a physically active lifestyle with CD, and (3) creating an enabling environment for a physically active lifestyle through family and social support networks. Conclusion : Young people living with CD, their caregivers, and clinicians clearly value the importance of physical activity and exercise but face several disease-specific barriers that can hinder long-term participation. Targeted educational and practical support is needed to address these challenges. Involving those with lived experience is essential in designing effective resources and home-based support programs that meet their needs.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Active living; Inflammatory bowel disease; Pediatrics; Physically active; Semistructured interviews
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences
Depositing User:	Charlotte Crutchlow
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2025 12:31
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2025 12:31
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15501

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