title: Physical Activity Engagement in Young People with Down Syndrome: Investigating Parental Beliefs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite the wide documentation of the physical/psychological benefits derived from regular physical activity (PA), high levels of inactivity are reported among people with Down syndrome. This study aims to explore parental beliefs concerning involvement, facilitators/barriers and benefits of PA in young people.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 parents of young people with Down syndrome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three facilitation themes were identified: (i) the support derived from family; (ii) the availability of APA (Adapted Physical Activity) expert instructors and coaches; (iii) the challenging nature of sport activities. Three barrier themes were identified: (i) the lack of APA expert coaches and specialized gyms; (ii) the characteristics of Down syndrome; and (iii) the parental beliefs and worries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Family plays a key role, as facilitator and barrier, to the participation of their children with Down syndrome in PA. Crucial is the implementation of evidence-based exercise programmes involving people with Down syndrome and their families.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e della Formazione, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alesi
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e della Formazione, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pepi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: barriers; benefits of PA; down syndrome; facilitators; family; physical activity