Modified Sports Intervention Combined with a Context-Focused Intervention for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A...

To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a modified sports intervention (Sports Stars) combined with a contextual-focused approach (Pathways and Resources for Engagement in Participation- PREP).

This is a feasibility randomized clinical trial (RCT), registered under RBR-4m3b4b6 and U1111-1256-4998. Eighteen children with cerebral palsy (CP) were allocated to either the Sports Stars Brazil + PREP group (n = 9) or the Sports Stars Brazil group (n = 9). Feasibility outcomes included willingness to participate; acceptability of random allocation and screening; evaluator blinding feasibility; group contamination; treatment adherence and satisfaction; therapist communication; adverse events, and implementation resources. Effectiveness outcomes included performance and satisfaction with participation goals, participation pattern, physical literacy, family empowerment, and physical activity level. Descriptive statistics and tests were applied.

Feasibility analysis showed a high completion rate and adequate satisfaction, credibility, and acceptability in both groups. Significant differences were found favoring the Sports Stars Brazil + PREP group in performance (p = 0.02) and satisfaction (p = 0.04); family empowerment at post-intervention (p = 0.005); and involvement in school (p = 0.04) at follow-up. No significant differences were found for other outcomes.

A future robust clinical trial appears feasible with adjustments. Combining a context-focused intervention with a modified sports approach shows potential to improve participation outcomes.