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Physical Activity Intensity in Youth with Chronic Pain With and Without Healthy Weight: A Preliminary Study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Physical Activity Intensity in Youth with Chronic Pain With and Without Healthy Weight: A Preliminary Study

Jennifer Brilmyer, Robert J Palisano, Margaret E O'Neil and Kathleen Shroyer
Disabilities, v 5(3), 80
15 Sep 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities5030080
Featured in Collection :   Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
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https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities5030080View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access Discount via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2025CC BY V4.0,  Open

Abstract

chronic pain obesity physical activity youth functional disability participation physical therapy Chronic Pain Obesity Physical Therapy
This study compared physical activity (PA) intensity during leisure and recreation between youth with chronic pain with and without (overweight, obesity) healthy weight. Thirty youth with chronic pain, 11–19 years old, completed the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE), Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), and a Demographic and Participation Questionnaire. Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values for CAPE activities were estimated. Youth in both groups reported moderate perceived disability in physical functioning due to pain and mostly participated in leisure and recreation at a low PA intensity. Mann–Whitney U and t-tests indicated that the number of activities performed at high, moderate, and low MET intensity levels did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). Perceived disability in physical functioning due to pain was not related to PA intensity (p > 0.05). Youth reported that pain, anxiety/stress, and not having time limited their PA intensity. The findings suggest that multiple factors are potential barriers to PA participation and intensity during leisure and recreation activities. Engagement with youth is encouraged to identify preferred PA at moderate to high intensity and integrate them into interventions and daily routines to promote a physically active lifestyle and reduce disability in physical functioning due to pain.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Rehabilitation
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