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The following is a summary of “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical, Social and Emotional Well-Being in a Cohort of Children With Disabilities in the United States,” published in the May 2025 issue of Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health by Vernacchia et al. 

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted daily life, with limited research on its social, emotional, and physical activity effects on children with disabilities (CWD) in the United States (U.S).  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine social, behavioral, and psychological changes in CWD during the pandemic, assess their physical activity levels, and explore the influence of the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI).  

They implemented a cross-sectional survey between October 21, 2021, and May 1, 2022, involving parents of CWD attending outpatient therapy or pediatric physiatry appointments at 2 rehabilitation hospitals. Participants were eligible if they were the parents of a child receiving care within the specified timeframe.  

The results showed that 118 surveys were completed. The mean (± standard deviation) age of children was 9.5 (±5.1) years; 49 (41.5%) were female, and 67 (56.9%) were male. A total of 71 (60.2%) parents agreed the pandemic negatively impacted their child’s well-being, while 83 (70.3%) reported increased social isolation. All reported behavioral changes. About 87 (73.7%) children left the house less often, and only 31 (26.3%) achieved 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The primary barrier was concern over COVID-19 transmission (n = 76, 64.4%). No statistically significant differences were found across SVI groups for therapy at school (P= 0.56), external therapy (P= 0.44), medical follow-up (P= 0.91), psychological service access (P= 0.21), physical activity (P= 0.41), well-being (P= 0.89), or social isolation (P= 0.85).  

Investigators concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the social, emotional, and physical well-being of CWD, with most not meeting daily physical activity guidelines. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.70082