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Characteristics associated with physical activity capacity and performance in children and adolescents with an
Emmah Baque1, Lee Barber1, Leanne Sakzewski1
1a Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.
Insights
Functional strength in children with acquired brain injury (ABI) is linked to mobility and intellect. Age significantly impacts physical activity levels, suggesting targeted interventions for adolescents with ABI.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Physical therapy
Background:
- Children with acquired brain injury (ABI) often experience deficits in physical capacity and performance.
- Understanding factors influencing physical activity is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the specific characteristics associated with physical activity in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between various physical activity capacity measures and performance in children post-ABI.
- To identify key predictors of functional strength, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior in this cohort.
- To inform the development of targeted interventions for improving physical activity in children with ABI.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 58 children (mean age ~12 years) with ABI (GMFCS equivalent I-II) completed assessments >12 months post-injury.
- Physical activity capacity was measured using functional strength tests, Timed Up and Go, 6-minute walk test, and the High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT).
- Physical activity performance (sedentary, light, moderate-to-vigorous) and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) were also assessed.
Main Results:
- High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT) scores and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) explained 69% of the variance in functional strength.
- Age was a significant predictor of activity counts (12% variance) and time spent sedentary (14% variance).
- Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) equivalent explained 10% of the variance in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Conclusions:
- Functional strength in children with ABI is associated with advanced mobility and intellectual capacity.
- Age is the primary determinant of physical activity engagement in children with ABI.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing physical activity should prioritize adolescents with acquired brain injury.
Aim:
To examine characteristics associated with physical activity capacity and performance in children with acquired brain injury (ABI).
Methods:
58 children (32 men; age 11 years 11 months ± 2 years 6 months; Gross motor function classification system [GMFCS] equivalent I = 29, II = 29) >12 months post ABI were recruited. Physical activity capacity measures included: (i) combined score of three 30-second repetition maximum functional strength exercises; (ii) timed up and go; (iii) 6-minute walk test and (iv) high-level mobility assessment tool (HiMAT). Physical activity performance determined time spent in sedentary, light and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) was assessed using the Wechsler intelligence scale for Children-IV. Regression models were constructed with functional strength score (n = 56), activity counts/minutes and time spent in MVPA and sedentary (n = 37).
Results:
The HiMAT and FSIQ explained 69% of the variance in functional strength. Age explained 12% of the variance in counts/min and 14% of the variance in time spent sedentary. GMFCS explained 10% of the variance in time spent in MVPA.
Conclusions:
The ability to perform functional strength exercises is associated with mobility beyond independence and adequate intellectual ability for children with ABI. Age was the most significant factor associated with physical activity performance, and interventions should target adolescents with ABI.
