Article

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 8-17y [SD 2y 4mo]) 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 (R(2) =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.
CI - (c) 2014 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS