Parents' perceptions of a modified sports intervention for children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

AimTo explore the perceptions of parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) participating in a modified sports intervention, Sports Stars Brazil.MethodParents of children with CP (n = 15, 6–12 years old, nine males, six females), classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II, who participated in the Sports Stars Brazil intervention, were recruited for this descriptive qualitative study. Children received the 8‐week (1 hour per week) modified sports intervention. After the intervention, parents participated in a focus group. The F‐word (fitness, family, fun, functioning, friends, and future) interpretation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was used to guide the discussion. Participants were invited to report their experience of participating in the intervention using the F‐words for a childhood disability model. Transcripts were coded using content analysis.ResultsParents reported positive experiences of the Sports Stars Brazil intervention, including a decrease in sedentarism (fitness), improvement of motor skills (functioning), greater connection between child and family (family), better socialization (friends), increased participation in pleasurable activities (fun), and awareness of the importance of physical activity (future). All positive experiences were interconnected.InterpretationThis study presents the ability of the Sports Stars Brazil intervention to integrate all aspects of functioning and supports its role as an engaging and promising intervention option for ambulant children with CP.

Is more always better? Effectiveness of constraint‐induced movement therapy in children with high‐risk or unilateral cerebral palsy (0–6 years): Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…In this context, the significance of the 'F-words for Childhood Development' becomes a cornerstone in assessment and intervention (Rosenbaum & Gorter, 2012). This is particularly emphasised in those traditionally overlooked F-words in cerebral palsy-fun, meaningful interaction through friends, and future (De Campos et al, 2024;Rodrigues De Sousa Junior et al, 2023). When considering CIMT as an intervention, it is important to consider additional factors such as available family support and external environmental factorsfunding, availability of services and access.…”