Physical activity among children with down syndrome: maternal perception

Purpose: Studies have shown that children with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk for physical inactivity and obesity. This study aimed to explore mother’s perceptions of the physical activity levels, needs, benefits, facilitators, and barriers in their children with DS. Methods: For this descriptive qualitative study, 17 participants were recruited through centres for children with DS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers who were able speak Arabic or English and have a child with a confirmed diagnosis of Trisomy 21 (DS) between ages three and 17 years. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the study data. Results: Data analysis revealed the following themes regarding children with DS: 1) their physical functioning level; 2) daily physical activity at home; 3) physical activity at school; 4) physical activity benefits; 5) physical activity facilitators; and 6) physical activities barriers. Conclusion: Findings from this study can help health professionals gain insight on the physical activity facilitators and barriers for children with DS in order to design tailored intervention programmes to improve the support and the engagement of children with DS into regular physical activities.