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Influence of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Faustino Andrés-Pérez1, Lluna Maria Bru-Luna2, Sergio Hidalgo-Fuentes1
1Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
Insights
Physical activity (PA) interventions improve physical, cognitive, and social outcomes for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Addressing barriers like sedentary lifestyles and accessibility is crucial for maximizing PA benefits and enhancing quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Child Development
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a prevalent childhood disorder significantly affecting quality of life.
- Physical activity (PA) interventions offer potential benefits for individuals with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a literature review on PA-based interventions for children and adolescents with CP.
- To identify physical, cognitive, and social benefits, alongside influencing factors and barriers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review using PRISMA methodology up to December 2024.
- Searches conducted on Science Direct, Scopus, and Dialnet databases.
- Quality assessment of 62 selected studies from 707 identified articles.
Main Results:
- PA practice improved balance, postural control, strength, socialization, and self-confidence.
- Specific programs like Makey Makey, Ballet, aquatic PA, and Matrogymnasia showed promise.
- Significant barriers include sedentary lifestyles (90%), limited accessibility, and lack of qualified professionals.
Conclusions:
- PA is an effective tool for improving quality of life, integral development, and social inclusion in children with CP.
- Interdisciplinary strategies are needed to reduce barriers and enhance PA benefits.
- Promoting PA integration into leisure time can yield optimal long-term results.
Abstract:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common disorders in childhood that significantly impacts quality of life. Background/Objectives: This study conducted a literature review of physical activity (PA)-based interventions for children and adolescents with CP, highlighting the physical, cognitive, and social benefits, as well as the factors and barriers that influence practice. Methods: The PRISMA methodology was used to identify and analyze the most relevant studies up to December 2024 through specific search equations and the databases Science Direct, Scopus, and Dialnet. Of the 707 articles identified, a total of 62 publications were selected for further analysis. These were subjected to a quality assessment through a checklist based on seven items. Results: The practice of PA guaranteed improvements in balance, postural control, strength, socialization, and self-confidence. On the other hand, some programs, such as Makey Makey, Ballet, aquatic PA, and Matrogymnasia, among others, were highlighted because they promoted an increase in physical practice among the population. However, there are still some barriers, such as sedentary lifestyles (90%), limited accessibility, and a lack of qualified professionals that hinder the intervention and ensure motivation and interest in its practice for those individuals who have not yet begun to practice it. Conclusions: PA is an effective tool to favor quality of life in children and adolescents, as it contributes to their integral development and social inclusion. The need for interdisciplinary strategies to reduce barriers and increase the benefits of PA is emphasized. A joint effort to promote integration in leisure time could promote optimal long-term results.
