Article

Through social and community participation, children and youth with
cerebral palsy (CP) form friendships, gain knowledge, learn skills, express
creativity, and determine meaning and purpose in life. OBJECTIVE: The purposes of
this study were: (1) to determine whether social and community participation of
children and youth with CP differ based on age, sex, and gross motor function,
and (2) to identify the types of activities in which social and community
participation are highest. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional
analytic design was used. The participants were a sample of convenience of 291
children (6-12 years of age) and 209 youth (13-21 years of age) with CP (55.4%
males, 44.6% females) receiving services from 7 children's hospitals.
Participants completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment
(CAPE) by structured interview. Gross Motor Function Classification System
(GMFCS) level was determined by the researchers. RESULTS: Youth did a higher
percentage of activities with friends and others and outside the home than
children. Children and youth in level I did a higher percentage of activities
with friends and others compared with children and youth in levels II and III and
in levels IV and V. Children and youth in level I and in levels IV and V did a
higher percentage of activities outside the home than children and youth in
levels II and III. Differences were not found between females and males. The
percentage of activities done with friends and others and outside the home was
highest for physical and skill-based activities. LIMITATIONS: Findings cannot be
attributed only to GMFCS level. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to walk without
restrictions is desirable for social and community participation. For children
and youth with CP who have limitations in mobility, physical therapists have
roles as consultants for accessibility, activity accommodations, and assistive
technology and as advocates for inclusive environments.

Langue : ANGLAIS