Impacts of Participation in Community-Based Physical Activity Programs on Cognitive Functions of Children and Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review

This review paper aimed to undertake an extensive exploration of the extent, range, and nature of research activities regarding the effect and emerging evidence in the field of physical activity interventions on cognitive development among children and youth (0–17.99 years) with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), and to help identify key gaps in research and determine precise research questions for future investigations. To carry out this scoping review, five electronic databases were searched. A total of 12,097 articles were retrieved via search efforts with an additional 93 articles identified from the identified review papers. Sixty articles were eligible for inclusion. The results of this scoping review revealed many positive key cognitive outcomes related to physical activity including, but not limited to: focus, attention, self-control, cognitive process, and alertness. No studies reported a negative association between physical activity and cognitive outcomes. Based on the findings from this scoping review, physical activity appears to have a favorable impact on the cognitive outcomes of children and youth with NDD.

The role of fitness in health and disease: status of adults with cerebral palsy

Physical activity has significant health benefits and is positively associated with health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Persons with disability are at particular risk of inactivity. For adults with cerebral palsy (CP), impaired health and function typically impede participation in physical activity, setting into motion a downward spiral of prolonged inactivity. Adults with CP may not be engaging in sufficient physical activity to produce the improvements in fitness required to experience associated health benefits. However, the literature related to physical activity and fitness in adults with CP is sparse. As more and more persons with CP lead productive lives into their golden years, it is imperative that the scientific community provide definitive information to help guide decisions related to the type and extent of fitness-related activities most beneficial to these individuals. This information will facilitate development of physical training programs that promote maintenance of function and fitness while preventing the onset of secondary conditions. This presentation will address the state-of-the-science regarding physical activity and fitness for adults with CP and how fitness training relates to physical activity and health in this population. Gaps in the evidence, as well as possible directions for future research, will be presented.