Children with cerebral palsy do not achieve healthy physical activity levels

Abstract

Mobile phone 0046 70 395 90 01 2 ABSTRACT Aim: This study compared daily activity energy expenditure (AEE) in children with cerebral palsy with a control group and investigated whether the children achieved healthy levels of physical activity. Methods:We enrolled eight children with bilateral cerebral palsy, from eight to 10 years of age, and a group of controls matched for age and gender. For three days physical activity was simultaneously measured by accelerometers and self-reports using a diary. The daily AEE results were compared between groups and methods. The number of children that achieved healthy physical activity levels in each group was explored.Results: Children with cerebral palsy had significantly lower daily AEE, as measured by accelerometers, than the controls and they did not achieve the healthy moderate to heavy physical activity level defined in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Self-reports using the diaries resulted in an overestimation of physical activity compared with the ankle accelerometer measurements in both groups. Conclusion:Our investigation of physical activity in children with cerebral palsy and controls using accelerometers and a diary, found low levels of daily AEE and physical activity and these results were most prominent in the group with cerebral palsy. The diaries overestimated physical activity in both groups.Keywords: Accelerometer, Activity energy expenditure, Cerebral palsy, Children, Physical activity level Key notes• This study compared daily activity energy expenditure in children with cerebral palsy with a control group and investigated whether the children achieved healthy levels of physical activity. 3• Accelerometer measurements show lower daily activity energy expenditure and physical activity levels in eight children with cerebral palsy than eight matched controls.• Self-reports using a diary overestimated physical activity in both groups when they were compared with accelerometer readings.

The risk, burden, and management of non‐communicable diseases in cerebral palsy: a scoping review

“…84 This was similar to that reported among Dutch adults with CP (20.9%). 83 Twenty-two studies assessed participation in physical activity among people with CP, 35,83,94,[98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116] most of which (54.5%) only included people who walked independently with or without a walking aid. 83 Twenty-two studies assessed participation in physical activity among people with CP, 35,83,94,[98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116] most of which (54.5%) only included people who walked independently with or without a walking aid.…”

“…83 Approximately 49% of Dutch adults with CP reported consuming alcohol, which was lower than the general population. [101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][111][112][113][114] There was 16 not applicable to any of the objectives of the review 8 did not report results for people with CP separately 8 did not include people with CP 2 not an original research report 1 a second report of a study already included 13 records identified by reviewing reference lists [101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][111][112][113][114] There was 16 not applicable to any of the objectives of the review 8 did not report results for people with CP separately 8 did not include people with CP 2 not an original research report 1 a second report of a study already included 13 records identified by reviewing reference lists …”

Physiotherapeutic interventions and physical activity for children in Northern Sweden with cerebral palsy: a register study from equity and gender perspectives

“…As such they are one important basis for habilitation interventions because they are crucial for participation in daily life and society [24,25]. Physical activity in leisure time, as well as physical education in school, is crucial to enhance function and maintain health [26,27].…”

“…Physical activity in leisure time, as well as physical education in school, is crucial to enhance function and maintain health [26,27]. Studies show that according to the Nordic recommendations of nutrition [26], children with CP do not have adequate physical activity, and their level of leisure activity decreases with age [6,24,28]. …”

The efficacy of interventions to increase physical activity participation of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…), varying through periods of rest, work, and leisure . Children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with typically developing peers have lower levels of HPA by, on average 2092 kilojoules per 24 hours . A cross‐sectional study of 62 children with CP aged 7 to 13 years using activity monitors in free‐living conditions found they were less active on the weekend than on weekdays .…”