Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
Published on: June 5, 2019
Effect of Playground Environments on the Physical Activity of Children With Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy
Brenda Pratt1, Nancy S Hartshorne, Pam Mullens
1Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Drs Pratt and Mullens), Provo, Utah; Bradley University (Drs Pratt, Fuller, and Pisani), Peoria, Illinois; Delta College (Dr Hartshorne), University Center, Michigan; and Central Michigan University (Dr Schilling), Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) showed increased physical activity on playgrounds designed to be accessible. An Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant playground design may enhance mobility for children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Recreational Therapy
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function in children, impacting their ability to engage in physical activities.
- Playground environments can present barriers to physical activity for children with disabilities.
- Assessing the impact of accessible design on physical activity is crucial for inclusive recreation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of two distinct playground environments on the physical activity levels of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant playgrounds in promoting physical activity in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A single-subject, alternating treatment design was employed.
- Five children aged 7–8 years with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Functional Classification System [GMFCS] level II) participated.
- Stride patterns were measured using an activity monitor on both ADA-compliant and non-compliant playgrounds.
Main Results:
- Four out of five participants demonstrated an increased number of strides on the ADA-compliant playground.
- This suggests a positive correlation between accessible playground design and higher physical activity engagement.
Conclusions:
- ADA-compliant playgrounds may offer significant benefits for increasing physical activity in children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS level II).
- Inclusive playground design is a key factor in promoting physical activity and well-being for children with mobility impairments.
Purpose:
To compare the effect of 2 different playground environments on the physical activity of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy during their playground play.
Methods:
Five 7- to 8-year-old children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Functional Classification System [GMFCS] level II) participated. Using an alternating treatment, single-subject design, stride patterns were obtained using an activity monitor on an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and noncompliant playground. Visual and statistical analysis of the stride data was used to analyze the effect of the playground environments.
Results:
Four of the 5 participants increased the number of strides on an ADA-compliant playground.
Conclusion:
Children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS II) may benefit from an ADA-compliant playground to increase their physical activity.
