The Associations Between Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Levels and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This was a cross-sectional association study, so it cannot show that physical activity caused better quality of life or self-concept. Only 117 of 201 recruited students had valid data; 47 did not agree to participate, 17 did not follow accelerometer instructions, and 20 had missing questionnaire data. The sample included only mild and moderate intellectual disabilities, so it does not speak to children and adolescents with severe or profound intellectual disabilities. Quality of life was parent-reported, so it may not match the child's own experience. Accelerometer cut-points for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities are not well established, and the authors note that underestimation of moderate-to-vigorous activity is possible. Data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, and there was no before-pandemic comparison.

The funder named was the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The supplied text does not show an author conflict-of-interest declaration.

Do not conclude that increasing physical activity will improve quality of life or self-concept. This was a cross-sectional association study, and vigorous activity was associated with lower self-concept, so cause and direction are not established.