Deaf Adolescents Less Physically Active

A sedentary lifestyle is a major contributor to many of the common causes of morbidity and mortality, such as heart disease and diabetes. Research shows that people with disabilities are less likely to be physically active that the general population. Li et al. conducted a study to determine if this was the case for Deaf adolescents, and to determine if physical activity (PA) is related to gender and social inclusion in this population.

They surveyed 98 Deaf and 99 matched hearing adolescents who attended public schools in the same neighborhood in China. Each group completed written surveys, and the Deaf students were provided with an interpreter to assist with data collection.

They found that the Deaf students engaged in significantly more sedentary time and less PA than the hearing students. Only 4% of the Deaf students met the WHO's PA recommendations, compared to 24% of the hearing students. Being male and reporting higher social inclusion increased the probability of engaging in PA.

The authors recommend using behavioral interventions based on Social Cognitive Theory to increase PA among Deaf adolescents.



Paywalled
Li, C., Haegele, J.A. & Wu, L. (2018). Comparing physical activity and sedentary behavior levels between deaf and hearing adolescents. Disabil Health J,  doi: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2018.12.002.

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