Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42767625›Full record

ReviewJMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies2026

Leisure-Time Physical Activity Interventions for Health Promotion in Individuals With Rett Syndrome: Scoping Review.

Christen John Mendonca, James H Rimmer, Ashley Wright, Raven Young, Amitha Ananth, Byron Lai

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Christen John MendoncaSHP Research Collaborative, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9116-2536
James H RimmerDean's Office, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5546-2913
Ashley WrightDivision of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5466-0432
Raven YoungDivision of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2879-3236
Amitha AnanthHeersink School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9671-2883
Byron LaiDivision of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5464-4720

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWhile half of individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) are older than 50 years, research shows that they have low levels of physical activity, especially for those of advanced age and poor ambulation. Despite this evidence, recent studies underscore the potential of leisure-time physical activity interventions to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with RTT.

objectiveThis scoping review aimed to summarize the state of the science regarding physical activity interventions for individuals with RTT and their families across the life span; map the extent, range, and nature of research activity in telehealth; and describe outcomes targeted by interventions with a focus on health-related fitness.

methodsSystematic searches were performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and CINAHL Plus databases. The data charted from eligible studies included specific details about the participants, study design, setting, intervention characteristics, outcomes, and relevant key findings. Inclusion criteria were (1) original, peer-reviewed research; (2) full-text articles in English; (3) studies reporting a leisure-time physical activity intervention; and (4) a sample of individuals with RTT and/or caregivers.

resultsA total of 23 studies enrolled 200 participants in total (mean age 13, SD 7, range 2-48 years). Participants were all female individuals, and studies included mostly those who were ambulatory. RTT severity was reported in less than half (9/23, 39%) of the studies; however, participants with mild to severe scores were represented. Most of the studies (20/23, 87%) used a case study design or single-group repeated measures, and only 13% (3/23) were randomized trials. The focus was primarily on gross motor function, walking ability, and physical activity outcomes. In total, 39% (9/23) of the interventions implemented telehealth into their design, primarily using remote video calls between a physical therapist and the participants' parents.

conclusionsThe findings of this review provide a foundation for designing evidence-based, scalable physical activity programs tailored to the unique needs of individuals with RTT. The integration of telehealth strategies offers a promising avenue for enhancing accessibility and caregiver engagement.

Indexed as

neurodevelopmental disorderphysical activityrehabilitationRett syndrometelehealth

Identifiers

PMID42767625
PMCPMC13639417

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.