Article

The aim of this study was to describe the physical activity levels of 5-
and 7-year-old children with cerebral palsy (CP, n = 97), to compare their
physical activity levels with those of typically developing peers (TD, n = 57)
and the Dutch recommendation for physical activity, and to investigate the
associated factors. METHOD: The level of physical activity (hours spent on sports
and physical activity per week) and contextual factors were assessed with
standardised questionnaires. RESULTS: Mean duration of self-reported physical
activity for children with CP was 3.4 (+/- 1.9) h/week, which was significantly
less than the 5.8 (+/- 2.3) h/week for TD-peers. Ninety-three percent of the
children with CP were insufficiently physically active according to the Dutch
recommendation for physical activity. Multiple regression analyses showed that
younger age and lower educational level of the mother were significantly
associated with lower levels of physical activity for children with CP, while
severity of CP was not associated with physical activity levels. Twenty-two
percent of the parents reported that more facilities in sport and games are
required for children with CP. CONCLUSION: Physical activity is low in young
children with CP and needs to be promoted at an early stage.

Langue : ANGLAIS