Affiliations: [a] Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA | [b] Developmental Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA | [c] Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, USA | [d] The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Cindy B. Dodds, Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 151 Rutledge Avenue, Building B, MSC 962, Charleston, SC 29425-9620, USA. Tel.: +1 843 792 5731; E-mail:[email protected]
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.
Keywords: Children with medical complexity, sleep quality, sleep duration, pain severity, physical activity
