How Children with Cerebral Palsy Exercise in Leisure Time
EXPERT INTERVIEW
Marietta L van der Linden, PhD, talks with Pediatric Physical Therapy reporter, Peter Goodwin, at her lab in the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
She discusses her group's findings about physical activity among children with cerebral palsy, and the factors that influence it, in the light of her group’s whole-country survey of leisure time physical activity among Scotland's entire population of children with cerebral palsy.
She explains how the data can help guide therapy for these children and optimize their development.
2022, PPT 34.2:
TITLE in Pediatric Physical Therapy JOURNAL:
Leisure Time Physical Activity in Children and Young People With Cerebral Palsy: a Population-Based Study
AUTHORS:
Marietta L. van der Linden, PhD; Sarah J. Wordie, MD, BSc; Bethany K. Dufton, PT, BSc; Kavi C. Jagadamma, PT, PhD; Cathleen Hunter, PT; Thomas H. Mercer, PhD; Mark S. Gaston, MD, PhD; James E. Robb, MD, DSc
INSTITUTIONS:
Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (Drs van der Linden, Jagadamma, and Mercer and Ms Dufton), Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, Musselburgh, United Kingdom;
Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Drs Wordie and Gaston and Ms Hunter), Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
School of Medicine (Dr Robb), University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom.
PURPOSE:
To describe leisure time physical activity in children and young people with cerebral palsy and identify barriers and facilitators to participation.
METHODS:
Leisure time physical activity participation was derived from a national cerebral palsy register and associated factors were analyzed. Barriers and facilitators to participation were investigated through a survey.
RESULTS:
Leisure time physical activity participation was recorded. Outcomes of participation decreased with increasing Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Leisure time physical activity “not in club” for 11- to 18-year-olds was significantly lower than for those aged 5 to 10 years for Gross Motor Function Classification System level II. The survey supported that disability and disliking help were common barriers and parental encouragement and enjoyment were common facilitators.
CONCLUSIONS:
Data from the register and survey provide insight into factors influencing leisure time physical activity participation in young people with cerebral palsy and how to increase. (Pediatr Phys Ther 2022;000:1–8
CONTACT:
Marietta L. van der Linden, PhD, Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University Dr, Musselburgh EH21 6UU, United Kingdom ([email protected]).