Consensus Planning Toward a Community-Based Approach to Promote Physical Activity in Youth with Cerebral Palsy

To engage researchers and knowledge-users in six Ontario communities in knowledge translation initiatives to identify community-informed elements to guide the development of an optimal physical activity program for youth with cerebral palsy (CP) and to support research efforts.

The project included three iterative steps, i.e., an environmental scan of five communities, six regional planning meetings, and a member-checking survey, followed by a Delphi survey to reach consensus on the elements deemed most important.

Twenty-four elements were identified to include in programs promoting physical activity in youth with CP, which were organized in five categories: raise awareness of the options and opportunities (n = 4); pique interest and motivate youth to become and stay active (n = 9); ensure community programs are ready for youth with a disability (n = 2); be fit, fit in, and finding the best fit (n = 5); and explore the layers of physical activity and how they interact (n = 4).

The 24 elements established characterize the key concepts that families and community stakeholders value when developing physical activity programs for youth with CP. When incorporated into clinical practice, each of the elements may be used to evaluate key aspects of outcome for individuals with CP.