24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) in preschool children with developmental disabilities show mixed differences compared to typically developing peers, with some studies reporting significant group differences and others finding no or inconsistent differences.
This scoping review of 20 predominantly cross-sectional studies (2004-2024) examined 24-hour movement behaviors in preschool children (33-72 months) with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and developmental coordination disorder. Findings on sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity were mixed, with some studies reporting significant group differences while others found no or inconsistent differences compared to children without developmental disabilities.
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24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) in preschool children with developmental disabilities show mixed differences compared to typically developing peers, with some studies reporting significant group differences and others finding no or inconsistent differences. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 7/100 (low).
The Claim
24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) in preschool children with developmental disabilities show mixed differences compared to typically developing peers, with some studies reporting significant group differences and others finding no or inconsistent differences.
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:
- ▸Review identified mixed evidence on movement behavior differences
- ▸Variations in study design and measurement tools contributed to inconsistent findings
- ▸Developmental domain (e.g., autism vs. cerebral palsy) may influence behavior patterns
- ▸Result: No clear consensus on whether preschool children with developmental disabilities differ from peers in 24-hour movement behaviors
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:
- ▸Mixed and inconsistent findings across studies limit generalizability
- ▸Predominantly cross-sectional study designs prevent causal inferences
- ▸Variability in measurement tools and definitions of developmental disabilities across included studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 24-hour movement behaviors?▼
They include physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep across a full 24-hour cycle.
Which developmental disabilities were studied?▼
The review included studies on autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and developmental coordination disorder, among others.
Did the review find clear differences in sleep between children with and without developmental disabilities?▼
No, findings on sleep were mixed, with some studies reporting differences and others not.
What age range was covered in this review?▼
Children between 33 and 72 months (approximately 3 to 6 years old).
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