Participation predictors for leisure-time physical activity intervention in children with cerebral palsy

Dev Med Child Neurol. 2021 May;63(5):566-575. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.14796. Epub 2021 Jan 1.

Abstract

Aim: To determine the predictors of magnitude of change in response to a participation-focused leisure-time physical activity intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using the ParticiPAte CP protocol.

Method: We included 33 children (16 males, 17 females) aged 8 to 12 years (mean age=10y, SD=1y 6mo) with CP with pre/postintervention data from a wait-list randomized trial. The hypothesized linear predictors of change in primary outcomes (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure [COPM]-performance and COPM-satisfaction, Belief in Goal Self-Competence Scale (BiGSS), and minutes per day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) were: age; Gross Motor Function Classification System level; comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Goal Attainment Scaling T score; Problems in Schools Questionnaire; Physical Activity Climate Questionnaire; Motives for Physical Activities Measure-Revised; and stage of behaviour change. Multivariable models were selected using the Bayesian information criterion.

Results: Overcoming barriers to participation, age, and comorbid ASD explained 49% of the variance in change in COPM-performance. Being motivated by interest and/or enjoyment and age explained 32% of the variance in change in COPM-satisfaction. Being motivated by physical activity competence or appearance (extrinsic motivation) explained 24% of the variance in change in BiGSS. Parental autonomy supportiveness, overcoming barriers to participation, appearance motivation, and baseline MVPA explained 59% of the variance in change in MVPA.

Interpretation: These findings support a behaviour paradigm for conceptualizing physical activity in children with CP.

What this paper adds: Children who met their treatment goals showed a greater increase in physical activity participation. Children who were more intrinsically motivated by physical activity at baseline improved more. Being older and having a comorbid diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were associated with an attenuated effect of the therapy.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy / psychology
  • Cerebral Palsy / rehabilitation*
  • Child
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities / psychology*
  • Male
  • Motivation*
  • Social Participation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires