# Lower Musculoskeletal Fitness Among Youth with Disabilities, Ages 6 to 15 Years

## TL;DR

Youth with disabilities aged 6 to 15 have lower musculoskeletal fitness compared to their peers, especially in plank, pull-ups, and grip strength.

## Contribution

This study uses a nationally representative sample to show fitness disparities in youth with disabilities.

## Key findings

- Youth with disabilities had significantly lower fitness in all three musculoskeletal measures.
- Females and youth with obesity were more likely to have low fitness.
- Age did not significantly affect fitness outcomes.

## Abstract

Background: Youth with disabilities (YWD) often exhibit deficits in physical fitness, but much of the literature is limited by small, non-representative samples. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in musculoskeletal fitness between youth with and without disabilities from the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NYFS). Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted with cross-sectional data from the 2012 NYFS of youth, 6 to 15 years of age. Fitness measures included plank, modified pull-ups, and grip strength. Disability was identified by multiple parent report items. Logistic regression with sampling weights was employed to examine group differences and associated factors. Results: A total of 1177 youth were analyzed, including 173 YWD. A significantly greater proportion of YWD demonstrated low fitness in all three measures compared to youth without disabilities. Factors associated with low fitness included sex, engagement in physical activity, and the body mass index category. Age was not a significant factor for any fitness measure. Conclusions: This secondary analysis provides additional evidence for lower musculoskeletal fitness among YWD, in particular for females and youth with obesity. Physical fitness continues to be an area in need of intervention to improve overall health among YWD.