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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.

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.

Last updated: Jul 8, 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

Review identified mixed evidence on movement behavior differences
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Variations in study design and measurement tools contributed to inconsistent findings
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Developmental domain (e.g., autism vs. cerebral palsy) may influence behavior patterns
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Result: No clear consensus on whether preschool children with developmental disabilities differ from peers in 24-hour movement behaviors

Limitations

  • ⚠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).

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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.