Article

PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of children with cerebral palsy (CP)
regarding participation in physical activities, and to describe facilitators and
barriers. METHODS: Sixteen children with CP 8-11 years old who varied in gross
motor, cognitive and communicative function participated in either an individual
interview or a focus group. RESULTS: Two categories and 10 sub-categories emerged
from the content analysis. The category "Being physically active, because ..."
describes facilitators for being physically active divided into the
sub-categories "Enjoying the feeling", "Being capable", "Feeling of
togetherness", "Being aware it is good for me", and "Using available
opportunities". The second category "Being physically active, but ..." describes
barriers to being physically active, divided into the sub-categories "Getting
tired and experiencing pain", "Something being wrong with my body", "Being
dependent on others", "Not being good enough" and "Missing available
opportunities". CONCLUSIONS: Asking children with CP about the physical
activities they enjoy, and giving them the opportunity of trying self-selected
activities with the right support is important for facilitating an increased
participation in physical activities. Having fun with family and friends when
being physically active, and enjoying the sensation of speed should be taken into
consideration when designing interventions. When supporting children to become
and remain physically active, attention should be paid to pain, fatigue and the
accessibility of activities and locations. Implications for Rehabilitation
Children want to be physically active together with friends or others. Children
want to have fun and enjoy the sensation of speed when being physically active.
Self-selected physical activities and the opportunity of trying new activities
with the right support is essential for facilitating an increased participation
in physical activities. Service planning and design may be facilitated by asking
children about the physical activities they enjoy.

Langue : ANGLAIS