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Conference Agenda

Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).

Daily Overview

Session

GR2_1: Abstract presentations: Physical Activity and Health in Children and Adolescents
Location: Glass room 2
Session Chair: Andrea Backović Juričan

Presentation 5

12:10pm - 12:20pm

Co-developing a school intervention with extra physical activity for adolescents in special support schools - a qualitative study with students and school staff.

Louise Åberg¹, Linn Andersson Konke^1,2, Martin Karlberg³, Nina Klang⁴, Eva Fors⁵, Gisela Nyberg^5,6, Susanne Andermo^1,5

1: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Huddinge, Sweden; 2: University of Gävle, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, Department of Occupational Health Sciences, Psychology and Sport Science, Gävle, Sweden; 3: Uppsala University, Department of Education, Uppsala, Sweden; 4: Mälardalen University, Department of Education Sciences and Arts, Eskilstuna, Sweden; 5: The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Department of Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden; 6: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden

Objective: Adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions often face barriers to physical activity participation. The aim was to co-develop a school-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions attending special support schools.

Methods: A qualitative inquiry was conducted. Eight special support schools in Sweden were recruited during 2025-2026. A total of 28 school personnel (aged 32-61) and 20 students (aged 13-16) participated in semi-structured focus group discussions. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis guided by the COM-B model.

Results: Students expressed having the physical and psychological capability to engage in physical activity. At the same time, teachers described that adapted schedules, students' emotional well‑being, and social challenges shaped participation. Small outdoor areas, short breaks, weather conditions, and socially uncomfortable situations were also identified as barriers to participation. High staff-to-student ratio with individualised adaptations, simplified lessons, clear routines, and outdoor teaching were described as facilitating factors for engagement. Students described higher motivation for enjoyable, varied and low-threshold activities. Student involvement was highlighted as important to promote movement. Teacher‑selected activities were also described as helping to reduce stress and conflicts.

Conclusion: A school‑based physical activity intervention for adolescents with special support needs should address both structural and emotional barriers, including scheduling and social challenges. Supportive elements such as high staff presence, clear routines, engaged teachers, and outdoor activities are expected to enhance participation and provide a foundation for an inclusive and feasible intervention.

Funding Source: Swedish Institute of Educational Research, Research School in Health Science, Ekhaga Foundation