An internet-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy : a randomized controlled trial
Date
2010
Authors
Maher, C.A.
Williams, M.T.
Olds, T.S.
Lane, A.
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Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 2010; 52(5):448-455
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Abstract
<h4>Aim</h4>To determine the effectiveness of an 8-week internet-based, lifestyle physical-activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).<h4>Method</h4>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).<h4>Results</h4>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.<h4>Interpretation</h4>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.
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Copyright The Authors. Journal compilation copyright Mac Keith Press 2010