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Physical Activity Engagement in Young People with Down Syndrome: Investigating Parental Beliefs
Author(s) -
Alesi Marianna,
Pepi Annamaria
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12220
Subject(s) - facilitator , psychology , down syndrome , physical activity , documentation , developmental psychology , facilitation , clinical psychology , medicine , social psychology , psychiatry , physical therapy , neuroscience , computer science , programming language
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.