The F-words for childhood development in community-based physical activity programmes for children with physical disabilities: A scoping review.

aimTo identify intervention ingredients used to address the F-words for childhood development in community-based physical activity programmes for children with physical disabilities, the programme outcomes, and the strength of available evidence.

methodA scoping review was conducted guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Electronic database and hand searches of international literature identified studies that evaluated community-based physical activity programmes for children with a physical disability with impaired gross motor skills (e.g. sitting, walking) ranging from mild limitations in speed, balance, and coordination to severe impairment requiring the use of a wheelchair for mobility. Intervention ingredients were mapped to the six F-words: functioning, fitness, friends, family, fun, and future. Primary study outcomes were tallied and themed. Evidence strength was assessed using the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

resultsTwenty-four primary research articles were included. Most studies addressed the concept of functioning, fitness, fun, and friends, and few studies addressed family and future. Thirty common intervention ingredients were identified to deliver the F-words. Eight key outcome areas were identified. Most studies were level IV evidence and possessed a serious level of bias.

interpretationDespite identifying numerous intervention ingredients mapped to the F-words, the overall evidence base remains weak. Strengthening the quality and scope of research is essential to ensure the F-words framework is applied inclusively for physical activities across diverse populations of children with physical disabilities in community contexts.