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Published on: June 5, 2019
Leisure Time Physical Activity in Children and Young People With Cerebral Palsy: A Population-Based Study
Marietta L van der Linden1, Sarah J Wordie, Bethany K Dufton
1Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (Drs van der Linden, Jagadamma, and Mercer and Ms Dufton), Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, Musselburgh, United Kingdom; Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Drs Wordie and Gaston and Ms Hunter), Edinburgh, United Kingdom; School of Medicine (Dr Robb), University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom.
Purpose:
To describe leisure time physical activity in children and young people with cerebral palsy and identify barriers and facilitators to participation.
Methods:
Leisure time physical activity participation was derived from a national cerebral palsy register and associated factors were analyzed. Barriers and facilitators to participation were investigated through a survey.
Results:
Leisure time physical activity participation was recorded. Outcomes of participation decreased with increasing Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Leisure time physical activity "not in club" for 11- to 18-year-olds was significantly lower than for those aged 5 to 10 years for Gross Motor Function Classification System level II. The survey supported that disability and disliking help were common barriers and parental encouragement and enjoyment were common facilitators.
Conclusions:
Data from the register and survey provide insight into factors influencing leisure time physical activity participation in young people with cerebral palsy and how to increase.
