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Unequal physical activity among children with cerebral palsy in Sweden-A national registry study
Frida Degerstedt1,2, Martin Björklund1,3, Britt-Inger Keisu2,4
1Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Umeå University Umeå Sweden.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) born in Sweden and with better gross motor function participate more in physical education and leisure activities. Addressing inclusion for disability, birth country, and sex is key.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, impacting participation in physical activities.
- Understanding factors influencing physical activity is crucial for inclusive health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of sex, country of birth, and functional status on physical education and leisure activity participation in Swedish children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A national cross-sectional registry study of 1935 children with CP (aged 6-18) in Sweden.
- Data collected from the Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program (CPUP) in 2015.
- Statistical analyses included chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 87% participated in physical education, 53% in physical leisure activity.
- Children born in Sweden had higher odds of participation (OR 1.99-2.51).
- Greater gross motor impairment correlated with lower participation; boys slightly more active in leisure.
Conclusions:
- Social inclusion efforts targeting disability, birth country, and sex are vital.
- These factors are important for promoting physical activity in children and adolescents with CP.
- Policy and practice changes can enhance participation.
Aim:
To examine the extent to which sex, country of birth, and functional aspects influence participation in physical education and physical leisure activity among children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Sweden.
Methods:
This national cross-sectional registry study included children with CP aged 6 to 18 years who participated in the Swedish national quality registry, the Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program, CPUP, in 2015. Comparisons and associations between sex, country of birth, and functional aspects and physical leisure/physical education were examined using chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results:
The study included 1935 children. Of them, 1625 (87%) reported participating in physical education and 989 (53%) reported participating in physical leisure activity. Children born in Sweden had higher odds of participating in physical education (OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.20-3.28) and physical leisure activity (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.70-3.72) compared with children born outside Europe. Greater impairment of gross motor function was associated with lower participation levels. Boys participated slightly more frequently in leisure activities than girls.
Conclusion:
Enhancing social inclusion with regard to disability, birth country, and sex are important and achievable goals for policymakers and practitioners for promoting participation in physical activity for children and adolescents with CP.
