Researchers from the ARCH Lab recently published a brief peer‑reviewed article in the Journal of Epidemiology and Population Health that adds new insight to existing research on physical activity among children and youth with chronic health conditions. Using national data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, the study supports earlier findings showing that many young people with ongoing health challenges are less active than recommended.
The results show that children and youth with mental health conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, or multiple health conditions are especially unlikely to meet Canada’s daily physical activity guidelines. These patterns were seen across both boys and girls and remained consistent over time, including around the COVID‑19 pandemic period.
By reinforcing findings from a more detailed study published by other researchers, this work strengthens the overall evidence that youth with complex health needs face real barriers to being physically active. Hopefully this research helps inform more inclusive programs, policies, and supports that make physical activity accessible for all children and youth.
