24-h movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) in preschool children with developmental disabilities show mixed and inconsistent differences compared to children without developmental disabilities.
This scoping review of 20 predominantly cross-sectional studies (2004-2024) found that findings on sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity among preschool children with developmental disabilities were mixed, with some studies reporting significant group differences while others found no or inconsistent differences. The review highlights variability and gaps in research on movement behaviors in this population.
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24-h movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) in preschool children with developmental disabilities show mixed and inconsistent differences compared to children without developmental disabilities. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 7/100 (low).
The Claim
24-h movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) in preschool children with developmental disabilities show mixed and inconsistent differences compared to children without developmental disabilities.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Preschool-aged children (33-72 months) with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Exploring 24-h movement behaviors in preschool children with developmental disabilities: a scoping review. (Journal of activity, sedentary and sleep behaviors, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Not applicable (scoping review; no mechanistic pathway tested)
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Preschool-aged children (33-72 months) with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Most included studies were cross-sectional, limiting causal inference
- ▸Measurements of movement behaviors were inconsistent across studies, making comparisons difficult
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 24-h movement behaviors?▼
They include physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep across a full 24-hour period.
Do preschool children with developmental disabilities have different movement behaviors than typically developing children?▼
The evidence is mixed; some studies show differences, but others find no consistent patterns.
What types of developmental disabilities were studied?▼
Autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and developmental coordination disorder were among the domains examined.
Why is this review important?▼
It identifies gaps in research and the need for consistent measurement of all 24-h movement behaviors to inform targeted interventions for young children with developmental disabilities.
References
- 1.Cacciola S, Burkart S, Toole E, Horger MN, Woodman AC, Kiely K, Fisher M, Johnson E, Salvati G, Rosas L, Freedman S, Fandy M, St Laurent CW. “Exploring 24-h movement behaviors in preschool children with developmental disabilities: a scoping review..” Journal of activity, sedentary and sleep behaviors, 2026. PMID: 42401958 DOI: 10.1186/s44167-026-00106-1