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Association between parent-reported level of physical activity and mobility performance in children with Down syndrome: A cross-sectional study
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Association between parent-reported level of physical activity and mobility performance in children with Down syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Beatriz Helena Brugnaro, Rafaela Campos, Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Robert J. Palisano and Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira Rocha
Research in developmental disabilities, v 167, 105164
Dec 2025
PMID: 41253036

Abstract

Children Mobility Performance Physical activity level Down Syndrome
Children with Down syndrome (DS) often face challenges maintaining adequate levels of physical activity, which might be associated with their mobility performance. Therefore, the objectives of this study were i) to describe parent-reported physical activity level and performance of mobility of children with DS and ii) to explore relationship between parent-reported physical activity level and performance of mobility in children with Down syndrome. For this observational and cross-sectional study, 48 children with DS (mean age: 10.50 ± 3.30) were assessed using the IPAQ-short version (parent-reported physical activity level) and the PEDI-CAT mobility (performance in mobility). Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test with a significance level of p < 0.05 using SPSS-V24.0 software. A significant positive association was found between parent-reported physical activity level and mobility performance (ρ (rho) = .323; p = .025). Higher physical activity level was associated with better mobility performance in daily living activities. Therefore, this finding supports the importance of promoting both aspects of functioning in children with DS. •Parent-reported physical activity is positively associated with mobility performance in children with Down syndrome.•Higher physical activity levels are linked to better mobility outcomes in daily life for children with Down syndrome.•Findings reinforce the importance of promoting physical activity to support functional mobility in this population.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Education, Special
Rehabilitation
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