Physical Activity Patterns by Life Stage
Younger Adulthood
Early Childhood
Older Adult
(Ages 18-44)
(Ages 0-5)
(Ages 65+)
Adulthood
Childhood & Adolescence
(Ages 45-64)
(Ages 6-17)
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
In children with ASD and IDD, motor development differences emerge early and significantly influence physical activity participation. Approximately 80% of children ages 3–6 demonstrate overall motor impairments, including gross motor delays, which can limit engagement in active play and reduce opportunities to develop foundational movement skills [15]. These children are also more likely to engage in less varied and more repetitive movement patterns, with reduced participation in exploratory, play-based activity [1][2].
Physical activity in early childhood is primarily unstructured, play-based, and accumulated throughout the day, with movement occurring in short, intermittent bursts. This stage is a critical period for establishing lifelong physical activity behaviors, as habits developed early are strongly associated with future health outcomes [8]. Guidelines emphasize that children should be active throughout the day, with specific recommendations of at least 180 minutes of activity daily for ages 1–4, including 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity by ages 3–4 [9][10]. Despite this, fewer than 20% of children ages 3–6 meet physical activity guidelines [8].
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
Youth with ASD and IDD demonstrate lower levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and reduced participation in a variety of activities compared to their neurotypical peers [4][5]. Motor coordination challenges, combined with social and environmental barriers, contribute to reduced participation in organized sports and group-based activities. This population also experiences higher levels of sedentary behavior, including increased screen time, further widening disparities during adolescence [2].
During childhood and adolescence, physical activity becomes more structured and skill-based, often involving sports, active play, and school-based movement. Guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities to support development [10]. However, adherence remains low, with only ~20–28% of youth meeting daily physical activity recommendations, and participation declining progressively with age, particularly during adolescence [11].
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
In young adulthood, only 31.5% of adults ages 18–44 meet federal physical activity guidelines, reflecting a continued decline from adolescence [12]. This stage is characterized by a transition out of structured, school-based physical activity into work and adult responsibilities, where movement becomes more self-directed and influenced by lifestyle factors. Physical activity typically consists of planned exercise or incidental movement such as walking and active commuting, with competing demands contributing to inconsistent participation and lower overall activity levels.
For individuals with ASD and IDD, the transition into adulthood is associated with a marked decline in physical activity, largely due to the loss of structured supports available during school years [6][7]. Fewer than 10% of adults in this population meet physical activity guidelines [5]. Activity participation is typically lower in intensity and less varied, with ongoing barriers related to access, social inclusion, and support systems.
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
Adults with ASD and IDD continue to demonstrate consistently low levels of physical activity, with fewer than 10% meeting recommended guidelines [5]. Participation is often limited by reduced access to programs, environmental barriers, and lack of structured support systems. Motor coordination challenges may further limit engagement in more complex or higher-intensity activities.
During adulthood, physical activity becomes increasingly routine and lifestyle-based, often consisting of walking and structured exercise. However, only 28.1% of adults ages 45–64 meet physical activity guidelines, indicating a continued decline in participation [13]. Activity patterns shift toward functional movement, with reduced intensity and frequency over time.
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
Older adults with ASD and IDD experience even lower levels of physical activity and higher rates of sedentary behavior [5][7]. The combined effects of aging and lifelong motor impairments can significantly impact mobility, balance, and independence [15]. These individuals face an increased risk of functional decline, particularly in the absence of accessible and supportive physical activity opportunities.
In older adulthood, physical activity remains essential for maintaining mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. However, only 28.7% of adults age 65+ meet physical activity guidelines [14]. There is an increased emphasis on strength, balance, and fall prevention activities, reflecting the role of physical activity in reducing functional decline.
Physical Activity Patterns by Life Stage
Sarah Rogers
Created on April 10, 2026
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Transcript
Physical Activity Patterns by Life Stage
Younger Adulthood
Early Childhood
Older Adult
(Ages 18-44)
(Ages 0-5)
(Ages 65+)
Adulthood
Childhood & Adolescence
(Ages 45-64)
(Ages 6-17)
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
In children with ASD and IDD, motor development differences emerge early and significantly influence physical activity participation. Approximately 80% of children ages 3–6 demonstrate overall motor impairments, including gross motor delays, which can limit engagement in active play and reduce opportunities to develop foundational movement skills [15]. These children are also more likely to engage in less varied and more repetitive movement patterns, with reduced participation in exploratory, play-based activity [1][2].
Physical activity in early childhood is primarily unstructured, play-based, and accumulated throughout the day, with movement occurring in short, intermittent bursts. This stage is a critical period for establishing lifelong physical activity behaviors, as habits developed early are strongly associated with future health outcomes [8]. Guidelines emphasize that children should be active throughout the day, with specific recommendations of at least 180 minutes of activity daily for ages 1–4, including 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity by ages 3–4 [9][10]. Despite this, fewer than 20% of children ages 3–6 meet physical activity guidelines [8].
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
Youth with ASD and IDD demonstrate lower levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and reduced participation in a variety of activities compared to their neurotypical peers [4][5]. Motor coordination challenges, combined with social and environmental barriers, contribute to reduced participation in organized sports and group-based activities. This population also experiences higher levels of sedentary behavior, including increased screen time, further widening disparities during adolescence [2].
During childhood and adolescence, physical activity becomes more structured and skill-based, often involving sports, active play, and school-based movement. Guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities to support development [10]. However, adherence remains low, with only ~20–28% of youth meeting daily physical activity recommendations, and participation declining progressively with age, particularly during adolescence [11].
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
In young adulthood, only 31.5% of adults ages 18–44 meet federal physical activity guidelines, reflecting a continued decline from adolescence [12]. This stage is characterized by a transition out of structured, school-based physical activity into work and adult responsibilities, where movement becomes more self-directed and influenced by lifestyle factors. Physical activity typically consists of planned exercise or incidental movement such as walking and active commuting, with competing demands contributing to inconsistent participation and lower overall activity levels.
For individuals with ASD and IDD, the transition into adulthood is associated with a marked decline in physical activity, largely due to the loss of structured supports available during school years [6][7]. Fewer than 10% of adults in this population meet physical activity guidelines [5]. Activity participation is typically lower in intensity and less varied, with ongoing barriers related to access, social inclusion, and support systems.
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
Adults with ASD and IDD continue to demonstrate consistently low levels of physical activity, with fewer than 10% meeting recommended guidelines [5]. Participation is often limited by reduced access to programs, environmental barriers, and lack of structured support systems. Motor coordination challenges may further limit engagement in more complex or higher-intensity activities.
During adulthood, physical activity becomes increasingly routine and lifestyle-based, often consisting of walking and structured exercise. However, only 28.1% of adults ages 45–64 meet physical activity guidelines, indicating a continued decline in participation [13]. Activity patterns shift toward functional movement, with reduced intensity and frequency over time.
IDD/ASD Differences
Neurotypical PA Trends
Older adults with ASD and IDD experience even lower levels of physical activity and higher rates of sedentary behavior [5][7]. The combined effects of aging and lifelong motor impairments can significantly impact mobility, balance, and independence [15]. These individuals face an increased risk of functional decline, particularly in the absence of accessible and supportive physical activity opportunities.
In older adulthood, physical activity remains essential for maintaining mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. However, only 28.7% of adults age 65+ meet physical activity guidelines [14]. There is an increased emphasis on strength, balance, and fall prevention activities, reflecting the role of physical activity in reducing functional decline.