TY - JOUR
T1 - Challenges in Promoting Physical Activity for Managing MASLD in Canadian Children
T2 - Insights and Barriers
AU - Kehar, Mohit
AU - Huerta-Saenz, Lina
AU - Strain, Jamie
AU - Kawesa, Sierra
AU - Yaraskavitch, Jenna
AU - Stine, Jonathan
AU - Longmuir, Patricia E.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in children, closely linked to the rise in pediatric obesity. Physical activity (PA) is critical for MASLD management, yet many children fail to meet PA guidelines due to various barriers. This study quantifies PA levels and identifies barriers in Canadian children with MASLD. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 25 pediatric MASLD patients (≤ 18 years) recruited from a tertiary care center between spring and fall 2023. Participants completed the Habitual Activity Estimation Scale (HAES) and a modified PA Barrier Survey. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were collected. Results: The median age was 13 years, with 64% male participants. While 96% recognized the importance of PA, only 56% met the WHO-recommended 60 min of daily moderate-to-vigorous PA. Barriers included fatigue (84%), discomfort (56%), fear of injury (32%), and ridicule (36%). Participants who met PA guidelines were more likely to feel supported by healthcare providers (79% vs. 45%). Moderate technology use (52% used activity trackers) suggests potential for greater integration to boost engagement. Conclusion: Children with MASLD face significant barriers to PA despite high awareness of its benefits. Tailored strategies incorporating technology and healthcare support are essential to improving PA adherence. Future research should explore larger cohorts and the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on PA behaviors.
AB - Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in children, closely linked to the rise in pediatric obesity. Physical activity (PA) is critical for MASLD management, yet many children fail to meet PA guidelines due to various barriers. This study quantifies PA levels and identifies barriers in Canadian children with MASLD. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 25 pediatric MASLD patients (≤ 18 years) recruited from a tertiary care center between spring and fall 2023. Participants completed the Habitual Activity Estimation Scale (HAES) and a modified PA Barrier Survey. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were collected. Results: The median age was 13 years, with 64% male participants. While 96% recognized the importance of PA, only 56% met the WHO-recommended 60 min of daily moderate-to-vigorous PA. Barriers included fatigue (84%), discomfort (56%), fear of injury (32%), and ridicule (36%). Participants who met PA guidelines were more likely to feel supported by healthcare providers (79% vs. 45%). Moderate technology use (52% used activity trackers) suggests potential for greater integration to boost engagement. Conclusion: Children with MASLD face significant barriers to PA despite high awareness of its benefits. Tailored strategies incorporating technology and healthcare support are essential to improving PA adherence. Future research should explore larger cohorts and the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on PA behaviors.
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U2 - 10.1007/s10620-025-08910-6
DO - 10.1007/s10620-025-08910-6
M3 - Article
C2 - 39961965
AN - SCOPUS:85218208982
SN - 0163-2116
JO - Digestive Diseases and Sciences
JF - Digestive Diseases and Sciences
M1 - 100182
ER -
