ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To study the impact of a 5-week supported physical activity (PA) intervention on parental report of sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity in children with medical complexity (CMC). METHODS: Twenty-nine CMC participated in 180 minutes of daily supported PA on weekdays over 5 weeks. A pre- and post-test design was used to collect sleep qualities (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) and pain severity (Faces Pain Scale- Revised) as reported by parents. Using a repeated measures design, weekly sleep diaries captured sleep duration. RESULTS: Children with medical complexity experienced no adverse effects, including pain, with the supported PA intervention. Significant improvements in sleep problems, sleep duration, and pain severity (P< 0.05) were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Short-term supported PA did not interfere with sleep or pain in CMC, and in fact, seems to have enhanced parental report of sleep qualities, sleep duration, and pain severity. Supported PA appears safe for CMC and healthcare professionals should explore methods to expand opportunities for supported PA participation.
Subject(s)
Exercise Therapy/methods , Multiple Chronic Conditions/rehabilitation , Pain/prevention & control , Sleep Wake Disorders/prevention & control , Activities of Daily Living , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Disabled Children , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Pain Measurement , Quality of Life , Social SupportABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of a 5-week supported physical activity (PA) intervention on parental report of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children with medical complexity (CMC). METHODS: Twenty-nine CMC participated in 180 minutes of supported PA daily. A pre- and post-test design was used to assess HRQL total and domain scores as reported by parents. The relationship between supported PA duration and HRQL was also examined. RESULTS: Children with medical complexity experienced no adverse effects with the supported PA intervention. Significant improvements in HRQL scores (P < 0.05) were demonstrated. A 5- to 8-point HRQL improvement occurred when CMC engaged in an average of 40 minutes of PA daily. CONCLUSION: Short-term, supported PA enhanced parental report of HRQL in children with medical complexity. Supported PA appears safe for CMC and rehabilitation therapists should explore methods to expand opportunities for participation.