Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine if habitual physical activity could be increased in
people with cerebral palsy.
DATA SOURCES: We searched electronic databases until
February 2010 using key words related to concepts of cerebral palsy and physical
activity. This search was supplemented with citation tracking. METHODS: Studies
had to include participants with cerebral palsy who have habitual physical
activity measured over at least one day after a therapy intervention. Two
reviewers independently assessed study quality with the PEDro scale (quantitative
studies) and Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research (qualitative
studies). For quantitative studies standardized mean differences were calculated
and meta-analysis conducted. Qualitative data were synthesized thematically.
RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials (96 participants) and two qualitative
studies (21 participants) were reviewed. Four studies evaluated exercise
programmes, and one study an online educational and support programme.
Meta-analysis showed that exercise programmes could increase habitual physical
activity (delta = 1.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 1.72). This result
was reinforced by reports of increased daily activity in two qualitative studies.
The online programme increased weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical
activity (d = 0.81; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.45), and weekly step counts (d = 0.62; 95%
CI 0.0 to 1.25). Positive effects were not maintained after programmes stopped.
There was insufficient evidence to determine if demographic factors or programme
characteristics, such as intensity and setting, were associated with outcomes.
CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence suggests that exercise programmes and online
support programmes can increase habitual physical activity in people with
cerebral palsy, but effects are not maintained when programmes stop.

Langue : ANGLAIS