Physical Activity Intensity in Youth with Chronic Pain With and Without Healthy Weight: A Preliminary Study

Jennifer Brilmyer (), Robert J. Palisano, Margaret E. O’Neil and Kathleen Shroyer
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Jennifer Brilmyer: The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA
Robert J. Palisano: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Margaret E. O’Neil: Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
Kathleen Shroyer: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of Health and Wellness, Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

Disabilities, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: This study compared physical activity (PA) intensity during leisure and recreation between youth with chronic pain with and without (overweight, obesity) healthy weight. Thirty youth with chronic pain, 11–19 years old, completed the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE), Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), and a Demographic and Participation Questionnaire. Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values for CAPE activities were estimated. Youth in both groups reported moderate perceived disability in physical functioning due to pain and mostly participated in leisure and recreation at a low PA intensity. Mann–Whitney U and t -tests indicated that the number of activities performed at high, moderate, and low MET intensity levels did not differ between the two groups ( p > 0.05). Perceived disability in physical functioning due to pain was not related to PA intensity ( p > 0.05). Youth reported that pain, anxiety/stress, and not having time limited their PA intensity. The findings suggest that multiple factors are potential barriers to PA participation and intensity during leisure and recreation activities. Engagement with youth is encouraged to identify preferred PA at moderate to high intensity and integrate them into interventions and daily routines to promote a physically active lifestyle and reduce disability in physical functioning due to pain.

Keywords: chronic pain; obesity; physical activity; youth; functional disability; participation; physical therapy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:5:y:2025:i:3:p:80-:d:1750039

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