Physical Activity Engagement in Young People with Down Syndrome: Investigating Parental Beliefs
- Resource Type
- Authors
- Annamaria Pepi; Marianna Alesi
- Source
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 30:71-83
- Subject
- Adult
Male
Parents
Semi-structured interview
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
030506 rehabilitation
Down syndrome
down syndrome
family
Evidence-based practice
Adolescent
education
Physical activity
physical activity
Education
Young Adult
Settore M-PSI/04 - Psicologia Dello Sviluppo E Psicologia Dell'Educazione
03 medical and health sciences
Documentation
benefits of PA
Developmental and Educational Psychology
medicine
Humans
facilitator
0501 psychology and cognitive sciences
Child
Exercise
05 social sciences
Middle Aged
medicine.disease
Physical activity level
Facilitator
Facilitation
barrier
Female
0305 other medical science
Psychology
050104 developmental & child psychology
Clinical psychology
- Language
- ISSN
- 1360-2322
Background Despite the wide documentation of the physical/psychological benefits derived from regular physical activity (PA), high levels of inactivity are reported among people with Down syndrome. This study aims to explore parental beliefs concerning involvement, facilitators/barriers and benefits of PA in young people. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 parents of young people with Down syndrome. Results Three facilitation themes were identified: (i) the support derived from family; (ii) the availability of APA (Adapted Physical Activity) expert instructors and coaches; (iii) the challenging nature of sport activities. Three barrier themes were identified: (i) the lack of APA expert coaches and specialized gyms; (ii) the characteristics of Down syndrome; and (iii) the parental beliefs and worries. Conclusions Family plays a key role, as facilitator and barrier, to the participation of their children with Down syndrome in PA. Crucial is the implementation of evidence-based exercise programmes involving people with Down syndrome and their families.