Mobility Experiences of Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe how youth with cerebral palsy experience mobility in their daily lives using a phenomenological approach. The participants were 10 youth with cerebral palsy, 17 to 20 years of age, selected using purposeful sampling with maximum variation strategies. A total of 14 interviews were completed. Transcripts were analyzed for key concepts and themes. Credibility was established through triangulation of researchers and member checking. Participants viewed mobility as important for self-sufficiency. Youth who walked and also used wheeled mobility spoke of making choices. Safety and efficiency were important considerations when making choices. Some participants had mobility preferences at home that may not be safe, practical, or socially appropriate at school or in the community. Youth spoke of constantly adapting to situations that often reflected a lack of control over the environment. Youth indicated the need for constantly planning ahead to go places and do things. Most participants were dependent on others for transportation and expressed dissatisfaction with public transportation. Safe and efficient mobility to enable participation in daily activities appears to be the primary concern of youth with cerebral palsy.

Does single-event multilevel surgery enhance physical functioning in the real-life environment in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP)?: Patient perceptions five years after surgery

“…The participants made individual choices in mobility based on environmental and personal factors, such as the family culture, personal habits, personality and associated impairments. These findings have similarities with a study by Palisano et al [30]. Their results suggest that mobility choices are based on the importance of being self-sufficient, and on environmental factors, safety and efficiency in mobility.…”

Understanding frames: A qualitative study of young people's experiences of using standing frames as part of postural management for cerebral palsy

“…This is associated with mobility, with young people reporting that it is essential for self-sufficiency and making choices (Palisano et al, 2009). Some interviewees in the current study thought that the standing frame limited their mobility and independence, because they had to rely on others for help whilst in the standing frame.…”

Physical Activity Among Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: An Integrative Review

“…The descriptive literature supports a social model, studying the person in the context of environment, versus a medical model, which focuses on the context of disability (Colver et al, 2012;Palisano et al, 2009;van Wely, Balemans, Becher, & Dallmeijer, 2014). Study findings reported that environmental variables (accessibility, attitude, adaptations) were found to be as effective for improving self-help skills and mobility as conventional therapeutic interventions focused on changing the child (Colver et al, 2012).…”

“…Changes in mobility can be seen over time and may be due to the child's growth and changes in environment as they move from home to school to work (Tieman et al, 2004). There is a lack of knowledge of how interventions affect PA across the lifespan (Turk, 2009) and longitudinal research is needed to track progress into adulthood (Palisano et al, 2009).…”