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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.

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.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score7/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★☆☆☆☆
Safety★★☆☆☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Exploring 24-h movement behaviors in preschool children with developmental disabilities: a scoping review.

observational

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 · Journal of activity, sedentary and sleep behaviors (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Not applicable (observational scoping review of existing studies)
Outcome: Levels of 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) and differences between groups
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Preschool-aged children (33-72 months) with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder)

Result:

PubMed: 42401958DOI: 10.1186/s44167-026-00106-1

Mechanism Graph

Not applicable (scoping review; no mechanistic pathway tested)

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.