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Published on: June 5, 2019
Physical activity in young children with cerebral palsy
J Nathalie Zwier1, Petra E M van Schie, Jules G Becher
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Physical activity is low in young children with cerebral palsy (CP), significantly less than their typically developing peers. Early intervention is crucial to promote physical activity in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Childhood Disabilities
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in physical activity participation.
- Understanding physical activity levels in young children with CP is essential for developing targeted interventions.
- Comparison with typically developing peers and established recommendations provides critical context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and describe physical activity levels in 5- and 7-year-old children with CP.
- To compare physical activity in children with CP against typically developing (TD) peers and Dutch recommendations.
- To identify factors associated with physical activity levels in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Standardized questionnaires were used to assess physical activity duration (hours/week).
- Contextual factors related to physical activity were also collected.
- Data were analyzed to compare groups and identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- Children with CP (3.4 h/week) were significantly less active than TD peers (5.8 h/week).
- 93% of children with CP did not meet Dutch physical activity recommendations.
- Younger age and lower maternal education were linked to lower physical activity in children with CP; CP severity was not a significant factor.
Conclusions:
- Young children with cerebral palsy exhibit low physical activity levels.
- Promoting physical activity from an early stage is vital for this population.
- Parental reports indicate a need for improved sports and game facilities for children with CP.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to describe the physical activity levels of 5- and 7-year-old children with cerebral palsy (CP, n = 97), to compare their physical activity levels with those of typically developing peers (TD, n = 57) and the Dutch recommendation for physical activity, and to investigate the associated factors.
Method:
The level of physical activity (hours spent on sports and physical activity per week) and contextual factors were assessed with standardised questionnaires.
Results:
Mean duration of self-reported physical activity for children with CP was 3.4 (+/- 1.9) h/week, which was significantly less than the 5.8 (+/- 2.3) h/week for TD-peers. Ninety-three percent of the children with CP were insufficiently physically active according to the Dutch recommendation for physical activity. Multiple regression analyses showed that younger age and lower educational level of the mother were significantly associated with lower levels of physical activity for children with CP, while severity of CP was not associated with physical activity levels. Twenty-two percent of the parents reported that more facilities in sport and games are required for children with CP.
Conclusion:
Physical activity is low in young children with CP and needs to be promoted at an early stage.
