Implementing an Integrated Physical Activity Program

Abstract

Children and youth diagnosed with developmental disabilities (DD) are at a higher risk for mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety) and physical health issues (e.g., obesity) when compared to their typically developing counterparts. An intervention that may be able to mitigate and even prevent these issues is physical activity (PA); however, despite evidence indicating that PA can reduce mental and physical health concerns, and improve confidence, social skills and motor skills, children and youth with DD are less active than their typically-abled counterparts and do not meet the PA guidelines. Movin’ and Groovin’ (M&G) is one example of an affordable program for young people with DD and their siblings. This article describes M&G as one example of how a community program fosters an accepting learning environment for all participants, including specific instruction techniques and activities for educators and coaches.

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Notes on contributors

Nicole J. Luymes

Nicole J. Luymes ([email protected]) is Program Coordinator for the Centre for Healthy Communities in the Department of Kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Brianne K. Redquest

Brianne K. Redquest is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute at the University of Calgary.