Physical activity in non-ambulatory toddlers with cerebral palsy

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities 2019-07, Vol.90, p.51-58
• Main Authors: Orlando, Julie M., Pierce, Samuel, Mohan, Mayumi, Skorup, Julie, Paremski, Athylia, Bochnak, Megan, Prosser, Laura A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accelerometry - methods; Cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - diagnosis; Cerebral Palsy - physiopathology; Cerebral Palsy - psychology; Cerebral Palsy - rehabilitation; Child, Preschool; Disabled Children - rehabilitation; Exercise - physiology; Exercise - psychology; Female; Gross motor function; Humans; Infant; Male; Motor Skills; Participation; Patient Participation - methods; Patient Participation - psychology; Pediatrics; Physical activity; Play and Playthings; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2019.04.002

Children with cerebral palsy are less likely to be physically active than their peers, however there is limited evidence regarding self-initiated physical activity in toddlers who are not able, or who may never be able, to walk. The aim of this study was to measure self-initiated physical activity and its relationship to gross motor function and participation in non-ambulatory toddlers with cerebral palsy. Participants were between the ages of 1–3 years. Physical activity during independent floor-play at home was recorded using a wearable tri-axial accelerometer worn on the child’s thigh. The Gross Motor Function Measure-66 and the Child Engagement in Daily Life, a parent-reported questionnaire of participation, were administered. Data were analyzed from the twenty participants who recorded at least 90 min of floor-play (mean: 229 min), resulting in 4598 total floor-play minutes. The relationship between physical activity and gross motor function was not statistically significant (r = 0.20; p = 0.39), nor were the relationships between physical activity and participation (r = 0.05−0.09; p = 0.71−0.84). The results suggest physical activity during floor-play is not related to gross motor function or participation in non-ambulatory toddlers with cerebral palsy. Clinicians and researchers should independently measure physical activity, gross motor function, and participation.