Optimal telehealth physical activity programs for children with disabling conditions should be brief and low intensity and offered seasonally, with both live and prerecorded delivery options.
Social and psychological barriers were the most frequently reported challenges to physical activity participation among children with disabling conditions.
Most respondents reported a preferred exercise dose of 1 to 2 sessions per week lasting 30 to 45 minutes at a novice or beginner difficulty level.
The two most desired telehealth delivery formats were live videoconferencing and prerecorded videos.
Desired program outcomes for telehealth physical activity included strength improvement, mental health, developing new hobbies and activities, and social connection.
The survey response rate among wellness program members was 14.3%, with 4 respondents over age 18 excluded from analysis.
This research surveyed 52 children and youth with disabilities (ages 5–16) who were already members of a community wellness program, asking about their preferences for virtual (telehealth) physical activity programs. The most common disabilities in the group were autism spectrum disorder and developmental disorders. The study found that the biggest barriers to exercise for these children were social and psychological in nature, and that most families preferred short, easy exercise sessions—about 1 to 2 times per week for 30 to 45 minutes at a beginner level—delivered either through live video calls or pre-recorded videos. Winter was the most popular season for participation, and over 90% of families reported having the technology needed to participate from home. This research suggests that telehealth physical activity programs designed for children with disabilities should be brief, low-intensity, and flexible in delivery format to match what families actually want. Importantly, the preferred exercise dose identified in this study falls below current US physical activity guidelines, but the authors suggest it may be a realistic and acceptable starting point for children who are currently inactive. Desired benefits went beyond physical fitness to include mental health, making new friends, and learning new activities. Because this was a small, convenience sample that was mostly male and White, and already enrolled in a wellness program, the findings may not represent all children with disabilities. Future research is needed to understand how to motivate children to join these programs and how to gradually increase their activity levels over time toward recommended guidelines.
Upload your bloodwork. We'll cross-reference your results against this study and 4,700 others.
Upload Your LabsLai B, Bonds K, Flemming Tracy T, Kim Y, Young H, Rimmer J, et al.. (2026). Preferences for Telehealth Physical Activity Participation Among a Cohort of Children and Youth With Disabling Conditions: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.. JMIR formative research. https://doi.org/10.2196/82854