title: Obesity prevention for children with physical disabilities: a scoping review of physical activity and nutrition interventions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Children with disabilities are at higher risk of obesity, engage in less physical activity and report poorer quality dietary habits than their non-disabled peers. This study reviewed current evidence on interventions designed to facilitate weight management and/or weight-related behaviors (i.e. physical activity and/or healthy eating habits) in children with physical disabilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  A scoping review was performed using established methodology. Data from studies meeting specific inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed using summary statistics, and common characteristics thematically identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-four articles were included in the synthesis. No long-term obesity prevention interventions were identified. The majority of research focused upon children with cerebral palsy, and had case study, quasi- or non-experimental designs. All interventions reporting positive outcomes (n = 18) addressed physical activity, with common themes including using motivational strategies for the child and child self-direction. Incremental increases in workload and engaging in strength training for longer than 15 minutes were also effective. Interventions targeting body weight/composition did not report success in the long term.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A robust evidence base is lacking for long-lasting obesity interventions for children with physical disabilities. Current research provides some insights into the specific components that should be considered when planning such interventions in the future.
authors.affiliation: Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , Toronto, Ontario , Canada .
authors.forename: Amy C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: McPherson
authors.forename: Rebekah
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Keith
authors.forename: Judy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Swift
mesh_terms: D001835:Body Weight; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Disability; health promotion; obesity; wellness