Start Date
18-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction Physical activity (PA) is important for health and well-being, yet youth with cerebral palsy (CP) in South Africa encounter structural, sociocultural, and psychological barriers that hinder participation. To ensure they can experience the benefits of PA, effective, feasible, and acceptable interventions are needed. This study piloted a psycho-educational behaviour change protocol to assess its feasibility and acceptability in promoting active lifestyles.
Methodology An 18-week, non-randomised trial was conducted with five participants (ages 15–24), with GMFCS levels I, III, and IV, including youth who use assistive technology. Participants tracked their PA using activity monitors and self-reported diaries. Semi-structured interviews explored the acceptability of the programme and participants' lived experiences. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data, while descriptive statistics summarised quantitative findings.
Results Feasibility was assessed through recruitment (50% participation rate), adherence (PA Diary: 61%, data syncing: 53%, averaging 57%) and intervention fidelity (participant online attendance: 86%, workbook completion: 58%; facilitator fidelity: 90%). Due to the small sample size and demographic heterogeneity, feasibility findings were inconclusive. However, the protocol was well received by participants, who reported increased motivation, improvements in PA participation, greater self-awareness, and enhanced goal-setting and attainment, suggesting potential benefits.
Conclusions This study aligned with the disability rights principle of “nothing about us, without us” by adopting a collaborative, person-centred, and goal-oriented approach. While protocol feasibility remains uncertain, initial findings suggest the programme may support youth with CP in overcoming psychological barriers to PA participation. Further research is needed to assess its long-term impact on sustaining PA and promoting lifelong well-being.
Recommended Citation
Kleinhans, Karin Dr, "A pilot intervention to promote physical activity participation among youth with cerebral palsy: Action research" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 21.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day3/21
A pilot intervention to promote physical activity participation among youth with cerebral palsy: Action research
Introduction Physical activity (PA) is important for health and well-being, yet youth with cerebral palsy (CP) in South Africa encounter structural, sociocultural, and psychological barriers that hinder participation. To ensure they can experience the benefits of PA, effective, feasible, and acceptable interventions are needed. This study piloted a psycho-educational behaviour change protocol to assess its feasibility and acceptability in promoting active lifestyles.
Methodology An 18-week, non-randomised trial was conducted with five participants (ages 15–24), with GMFCS levels I, III, and IV, including youth who use assistive technology. Participants tracked their PA using activity monitors and self-reported diaries. Semi-structured interviews explored the acceptability of the programme and participants' lived experiences. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data, while descriptive statistics summarised quantitative findings.
Results Feasibility was assessed through recruitment (50% participation rate), adherence (PA Diary: 61%, data syncing: 53%, averaging 57%) and intervention fidelity (participant online attendance: 86%, workbook completion: 58%; facilitator fidelity: 90%). Due to the small sample size and demographic heterogeneity, feasibility findings were inconclusive. However, the protocol was well received by participants, who reported increased motivation, improvements in PA participation, greater self-awareness, and enhanced goal-setting and attainment, suggesting potential benefits.
Conclusions This study aligned with the disability rights principle of “nothing about us, without us” by adopting a collaborative, person-centred, and goal-oriented approach. While protocol feasibility remains uncertain, initial findings suggest the programme may support youth with CP in overcoming psychological barriers to PA participation. Further research is needed to assess its long-term impact on sustaining PA and promoting lifelong well-being.