Assessment of the Correlation between the Levels of Physical Activity and technology usage among Children with Down Syndrome in Riyadh Region

Abstract Background: Children with Down Syndrome (C-DS) have language, cognitive and communication difficulties, apart from consistent physical inactivity that contribute to poor health and higher disability adjusted life years. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between use of electronic technology and levels of physical activity in C-DS in Saudi Arabia.Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with 49 mothers, who had a child (6-12 years in age) with DS, were recruited using purposive sampling, from three DS centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire and Research Questionnaire on the Impact of Technology on Children were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographics. Pearson’s correlation, student t-test and Chi-square test were used to find association between technology use, physical activity level and socio-demographic variables.Results: There is no significant correlation between physical activity and use of technology by C-DS. However, there is a negative correlation between high level of physical activity and technology use (R=-0.037). No significant correlation between the mother’s characteristics and technology use was found; but, for the education level of mothers and technology use by C-DS, there is a significant positive correlation (p= 0.05). However, there is no association between the physical activity level and gender of the child with DS.Conclusion: The presented study found that no significant relationship exists between the use of electronic gadgets and the level of physical activity in C-DS.