Characteristics associated with physical activity among independently ambulant children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to quantify the contribution of physical, personal and environmental characteristics to physical activity among independently ambulant children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Method: One‐hundred and two children with unilateral CP (52 males, 50 females; 52 right hemiplegia; mean age 11y 3mo, range 8–17 y [SD 2 y 4 mo]) classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I = 44 and II = 58 participated. Physical activity was measured over 4 days using ActiGraph accelerometers recording as activity counts. GMFCS, functional strength, 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), mobility limitations (MobQues28), age, sex, Assessment of Life‐Habits recreation domain, Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM‐CY) and environmental characteristics were considered for selection in a linear regression model. These served as independent variables which were determined using a backwards selection procedure. Results: Younger age, male sex, increased performance on the 6MWT, and increased participation in the home and community measured using the PEM‐CY were significantly associated with activity counts (p < 0.001). However, the model fit was somewhat weak (R² = 0.32), indicating that much of the variation was unexplained. Older age and reduced community participation were associated with high inactivity (p<0.001). Interpretation: Physical activity interventions should primarily target adolescents and females. Walking endurance and participation in the home and community may represent modifiable characteristics to increase physical activity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia. Other Publishers: Mac Keith Press. Release Date: 20140825. Correction Date: 20150126. Publication Type: Journal (0100), Peer Reviewed Journal (0110). Format Covered: Electronic. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: EnglishGrant Information: Boyd, Roslyn N. Major Descriptor: Cerebral Palsy; Pediatrics; Physical Activity. Minor Descriptor: Environment; Personal Values. Classification: Neurological Disorders & Brain Damage (3297). Population: Human (10); Male (30); Female (40). Location: Australia. Age Group: Childhood (birth-12 yrs) (100); School Age (6-12 yrs) (180); Adolescence (13-17 yrs) (200). Tests & Measures: 6-Minute Walk Test; Mobility Questionnaire-28. Methodology: Empirical Study; Quantitative Study; Treatment Outcome. References Available: Y. Page Count: 8. Issue Publication Date: Feb, 2015. Publication History: First Posted Date: Aug 22, 2014; Accepted Date: Jun 4, 2014. Copyright Statement: Mac Keith Press. 2014.Sponsor: Queensland Government, Smart Futures Coinvestment Program, Australia. Other Details: ‘EBrain’. Recipients: Boyd, Roslyn N.; Ziviani, Jenny <br />Sponsor: Sponsor name not included. Other Details: Australian Postgraduate Award (APA). Recipients: Mitchell, Louise E. <br />Sponsor: National Health and Medical Research Council. Grant: 1037220. Other Details: Career Development Fellowship Level 2. Recipients: Boyd, Roslyn N. <br />