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Differences in habitual physical activity levels of young people with cerebral palsy and their typically developing
Stacey L Carlon1, Nicholas F Taylor, Karen J Dodd
1Department of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia. S.Carlon@latrobe.edu.au
Insights
Young people with cerebral palsy engage in substantially less physical activity and more sedentary behavior than peers and guidelines, increasing risks for chronic health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Rehabilitation science
- Public health
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, potentially impacting physical activity.
- Understanding physical activity in youth with CP is crucial for health outcomes.
- Current physical activity levels in this population are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and compare habitual physical activity and sedentary time in young people with cerebral palsy (CP) versus typically developing peers.
- To compare physical activity levels in youth with CP against established physical activity guidelines.
- To identify disparities in physical activity and sedentary behavior in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of electronic databases.
- Inclusion of studies with participants aged up to 18 years with CP.
- Quantitative measurement of habitual physical activity across at least one day.
Main Results:
- Six moderate to high-quality studies were included.
- Youth with CP exhibited 13% to 53% less habitual physical activity than peers.
- Activity levels were 30% below guidelines, with sedentary time double the recommended maximum.
Conclusions:
- Young people with CP demonstrate significantly lower physical activity and higher sedentary behavior.
- This inactivity elevates the risk of long-term health problems, including metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and poor bone density.
- Interventions promoting physical activity in youth with CP are warranted.
Purpose:
To systematically review and compare the daily habitual physical activity levels and sedentary times of young people with cerebral palsy to their typically developing peers and to physical activity guidelines.
Method:
After searching electronic databases, two reviewers independently applied criteria. Studies were required to include young people with cerebral palsy (up to 18 years) and to quantitatively measure habitual physical activity, defined as activity across at least one day. Data extraction was independently verified, and quality analysis completed by two reviewers.
Results:
Of 895 identified studies, six moderate to high quality studies were included. There were four measures of habitual physical activity. Participants were aged 5 to 18 years and typically had moderate to high gross motor function. Across all ages and levels of motor function, young people with cerebral palsy participated in 13% to 53% less habitual physical activity than their peers. Levels of activity were approximately 30% lower than guidelines. Sedentary times were twice the maximum recommended amount.
Conclusions:
Young people with cerebral palsy participate in significantly lower levels of habitual physical activity than their peers, and less than recommended guidelines. Long-term negative health consequences of inactivity such as metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and poor bone density are therefore more likely.
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