Differences in patterns of participation between youths with cerebral palsy and typically developing peers

This study investigated the effects of cerebral palsy (CP) and gender on youth participation in activities outside of formal school.

Twenty-two participants with CP and 30 typically developing peers, ages 12-16 years, completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE; King et al., 2004).

Typically developing youths engaged in a broader range of activities and did so more frequently than did youths with CP. Similar levels of enjoyment in activity were found in both groups. In some scales of the CAPE, youths with CP participated in proportionally more activities alone and at home. Gender differences and Group x Gender interaction were found in some scales with respect to participation in and enjoyment of activities.

Physical limitations associated with CP may affect the frequency of a child's participation in activity outside of school. However, youths with CP may express levels of enjoyment similar to those of typically developing peers while participating in activity.