Article

The purpose of this study was to describe how youth with cerebral palsy
experience mobility in their daily lives using a phenomenological approach. The
participants were 10 youth with cerebral palsy, 17 to 20 years of age, selected
using purposeful sampling with maximum variation strategies. A total of 14
interviews were completed. Transcripts were analyzed for key concepts and themes.
Credibility was established through triangulation of researchers and member
checking. Participants viewed mobility as important for self-sufficiency. Youth
who walked and also used wheeled mobility spoke of making choices. Safety and
efficiency were important considerations when making choices. Some participants
had mobility preferences at home that may not be safe, practical, or socially
appropriate at school or in the community. Youth spoke of constantly adapting to
situations that often reflected a lack of control over the environment. Youth
indicated the need for constantly planning ahead to go places and do things. Most
participants were dependent on others for transportation and expressed
dissatisfaction with public transportation. Safe and efficient mobility to enable
participation in daily activities appears to be the primary concern of youth with
cerebral palsy.

Langue : ANGLAIS