Physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, and physical fitness of female adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities attending school in Kinshasa

Teddy Bofosa; Paulo Bunga; Guy Bumoko; Augustin Buhendwa; Eric Kam; Constant Nkiama; Betty Miangindula

doi:10.55225/hppa.716

Authors

Teddy Bofosa University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9878-4995
Paulo Bunga University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Department of Pediatrics, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1675-4221
Guy Bumoko University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, Neuro-Psychopathological Center, Neurology Department, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9061-4011
Augustin Buhendwa University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8666-9730
Eric Kam University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8408-7160
Constant Nkiama University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5135-5379
Betty Miangindula University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3923-8799

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55225/hppa.716

Keywords:

physical activity, intellectual disability, sedentary lifestyle, female adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and physical fitness (PF) levels in female adolescents with and without intellectual disability (ID). An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, with 247 female adolescents with 123 with ID and 124 without ID, over a three-month period from 1st November 2022, to 28th February 2023. PF parameters such as balance, flexibility, and arm strength from the EUROFIT battery were assessed in both groups. These were complemented by the assessment of PA and sedentary behavior in the school setting using the CAPAS-Q 8–18 year questionnaire. Female Adolescents with ID had significantly lower PF scores in the balance, flexibility and arm strength components compared to their peers without ID (p < 0.001). They also exhibited higher body fat mass and lower muscle mass (p < 0.001). At school, they spend fewer hours in physical activity, less time walking or running, do not sweat, feel less stuffy while walking, and climb fewer flights of stairs compared to their peers without intellectual disability (p < 0.001). Furthermore, they spend more time sitting and in front of screens per day (p < 0.001). A significant association was observed between body composition parameters and physical activity (p < 0.001). Female adolescents with ID have higher fat mass and reduced lean mass. They also have lower levels of PA and increased sedentary behavior. Finally, an association between body composition parameters and PF was observed.

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