Exploring 24-h movement behaviors in preschool children with developmental disabilities: a scoping review.

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding how 24-h movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) differ among children with developmental disabilities (e.g., delays, disorders, disabilities) is crucial, with evidence indicating that variations seen in older children may begin to emerge in early childhood. However, reviews have not acknowledged such developmental considerations in young participants. Therefore, a scoping review of the growing body of research focused on preschool-aged children is essential for gaining deeper insights into how these behaviors evolve and differ during this critical period.

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to (1) identify 24-h movement behavior levels in preschool-aged children with developmental disabilities, (2) determine whether 24-h movement behaviors differed between children with and without developmental disabilities, and (3) determine if 24-h movement behaviors varied by the domain of developmental difference.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search in nine databases. Inclusion criteria were: (1) children between 33 and 72 months, (2) inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in the sample, (3) measures of at least two movement behaviors, (4) written in English, and (5) empirical, original research designs. The date of publication was unrestrained. Title/abstract and full text screening were completed by two independent reviewers. The date of publication was unrestrained.

Results: Twenty predominantly cross-sectional articles published between 2004 and 2024 were included. Studies examined movement behaviors across various developmental domains such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and developmental coordination disorder. Findings on sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity were mixed, with some studies reporting significant group differences while others found no or inconsistent group differences.

Conclusion: This review highlights the variability and gaps in current research on movement behaviors among children with developmental disabilities, underscoring the need for more comprehensive and consistent measurements that consider all 24-h movement behaviors to better inform targeted interventions.