Linda Bandini and Heidi Stanish
(Funded by #NIH R21-HD0059100)

Increasing physical activity among children in the U.S. is a public health imperative. Low levels of physical activity among children and adolescents have been reported in numerous studies. Lack of physical activity is now viewed by the scientific community as a significant health risk for children in the US, and physical activity is listed prominently as a “leading health indicator” in Healthy People 2010. Despite the known benefits of physical activity, many children in the US fail to meet established recommendations for participation in moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that certain segments of the general population, such as children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at even greater risk for low participation and the attendant health challenges that come from a sedentary lifestyle. In order to address this problem we must first understand the current health behaviors of children and adolescents with ID and the factors that facilitate or inhibit their participation.

The objectives of the Teens Activity and Recreation (TRAC) Study are to: (1) characterize the physical activity patterns of adolescents with ID and compare them to typically developing peers; and (2) identify the associated psychosocial and familial correlates of participation in physical activity.

This study will enroll 120 adolescents ages 13-18; 60 of whom will have ID and 60 of whom will be typically developing (comparison group). Participants will wear an activity monitor for 7 days to measure physical activity levels. We will interview parents and adolescents to obtain data on time spent in structured activities and sedentary behaviors as well as factors related to participation in physical activity.

Data gathered from this study have the potential to inform the role that families, schools and/or communities may be able to play in reducing barriers and increasing inclusive physical activity opportunities for adolescents with ID.

For more information, contact the Principal Investigators, Linda Bandini , Ph.D. at (781) 642-0280 or linda.bandini@umassmed.edu and Heidi Stanish, Ph.D. at (781) 642-0145 or heidi.stanish@umassmed.edu