Work

Association of physical activity and screen time with vitamin D status among children with disabilities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) may influence vitamin D status in children with disabilities, yet their relationships remain understudied in this population. Methods We analyzed data from 645 children with disabilities aged 3–19 years. PA and ST were categorized into quartiles. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations between PA, ST, and vitamin D levels, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results Higher PA was positively associated with vitamin D levels (β = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.388–1.58, p = 0.003) in fully adjusted models. Participants in the highest PA quartile had significantly higher vitamin D levels compared to the lowest quartile (β = 6.884, 95% CI: 2.736–11.031, p = 0.003). Conversely, ST showed an inverse association with vitamin D levels (β = −0.8, 95% CI: −1.414 to −0.186, p = 0.015), with the highest ST quartile showing significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to the lowest quartile (β = −8.098, 95% CI: −13.318 to −2.877, p = 0.005). Males were more likely to engage in high PA (66.31%), and both PA and ST showed significant age-related patterns. Conclusions Our findings reveal clear links between physical activity, screen time, and vitamin D levels in children with disabilities. Promoting physical activity and reducing screen time may be effective strategies to improve vitamin D status in this population.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1558685

Authors: Wen Wang, Zhe Wang, Haixia Sun, Guowei Li, Su Liu, Zheng Xue

Institutions: Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Vitamin D Research Studies

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801