Article

AIM: To determine the effectiveness of an 8-week internet-based, lifestyle
physical-activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD:
A randomized controlled trial using concealed allocation with blinded assessments
at baseline, 10, and 20 weeks. Forty-one adolescents with CP participated (26
males, 15 females; mean age 13y 7mo, SD 1y 8mo,
range 11-17y; Gross Motor
Function Classification System levels: I,
n=21; II, n=17; III, n=3; unilateral
distribution n=16, bilateral n=25).
Primary outcome was physical activity
(NL-1000 accelerometers and self-report [Multimedia Activity Recall for Children
and Adolescents: MARCA]). Secondary outcomes were exercise knowledge (a
purpose-designed scale), attitudes, intention and self-efficacy (Lifestyle
Education for Activity Program II scales), self-reported sedentary behaviour
(MARCA), and functional capacity (6-min walk test). RESULTS: At 10 weeks the
intervention group showed no increased physical activity compared with the
comparison group (weekly steps: change of +2420 vs -12189 steps p=0.06; weekly
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: change of +70 vs +8min, p=0.06; weekly
distance walked: change of +3 vs -9.1km,
p=0.05) and exercise knowledge (12% vs
1% improvement, p=0.08). There were no statistically significant differences for
these outcomes at 20 weeks, or in self-reported physical activity at 10 or 20
weeks. INTERPRETATION: There was a positive short-term pattern for improvement in physical activity and knowledge. Internet-based programs may offer an alternative
for participants unable to attend regular face-to-face physical activity
programs.

Langue : ANGLAIS