Comparing physical activity and sedentary behavior levels between deaf and hearing adolescents

Abstract

Background: Deaf adolescents may engage in less physical activity (PA) and longer sedentary time than their hearing peers. Yet, literature comparing PA levels and sedentary time between deaf and hearing control groups, as well as studies examining predictors of PA among deaf adolescents, are lacking.

Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to compare PA levels and sedentary time between the two groups and examine predictors (i.e., gender and social inclusion) of PA participation among deaf adolescents.

Methods: Participants were 98 deaf and 99 hearing adolescents, who completed the survey measuring the variables of interest.

Results: Deaf adolescents had a higher level of sedentary behavior as well as lower levels of light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, and total metabolic equivalent task (MET) than the hearing group. Only a small proportion of participants (deaf: 4%; hearing: 24%) met the World Health Organization's PA recommendation. Gender was found to negatively predict total MET among deaf, while social inclusion was a positive predictor.

Conclusions: Deaf adolescents may have restricted PA participation. Measures should be used to promote social inclusion for increasing PA levels of this population.

Keywords: Deafness; Participation; School student; Sedentary behavior; Social factor.