Search

Aims:To engage researchers and knowledge-users in six Ontario communities in knowledge translation initiatives to identify community-informed elements to guide the development of an optimal physical activity program for youth with cerebral palsy (CP) and to support research efforts.Methods:The project included three iterative steps, i.e., an environmental scan of five communities, six regional planning meetings, and a member-checking survey, followed by a Delphi survey to reach consensus on the elements deemed most important.Results:Twenty-four elements were identified to include in programs promoting physical activity in youth with CP, which were organized in five categories: raise awareness of the options and opportunities (n= 4); pique interest and motivate youth to become and stay active (n= 9); ensure community programs are ready for youth with a disability (n= 2); be fit, fit in, and finding the best fit (n= 5); and explore the layers of physical activity and how they interact (n= 4).Conclusions:The 24 elements established characterize the key concepts that families and community stakeholders value when developing physical activity programs for youth with CP. When incorporated into clinical practice, each of the elements may be used to evaluate key aspects of outcome for individuals with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Youth with cerebral palsy (CP) face significant barriers to participation in physical activity (PA). There is little information available about the nature of these barriers. Seventeen (17) youth and/or their parents participated in focus groups and individual interviews to identify factors that make it easy or hard to be physically active. Four themes emerged across functional levels: environmental and personal factors, limitations related to impairment in body structure and function, the perception that health benefits alone do not motivate youth to be physically active, and variable preferences for activity delivery. Dialogue with participants revealed that interventions to promote PA in youth should mitigate the interactions between personal and environmental factors that act as barriers to PA, and enhance the interactions that facilitate PA. Partnerships between researchers, policy makers, service providers, and families must be developed to address system barriers and build capacity in youth with CP and their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity levels and influencing individual and environmental factors in a group of adolescent survivors of cancer and a comparison group. Methods. The study was conducted using a "mixed methods" design. Quantitative data was collected from 48 adolescent survivors of cancer and 48 comparison adolescents using the Godin Leisure-Time ExerciseQuestionnaire, the Fatigue Scale--Adolescents, and theAmherstHealth andActivity Study--Student Survey. Qualitative data was collected in individual semistructured interviews. Results. Reported leisure-time physical activity total scores were not significantly different between groups. Physical activity levels were positively correlated with adult social support factors in the group of adolescent survivors of cancer, but not in the comparison group. Time was the primary barrier to physical activity in both groups. Fatigue scores were higher for the comparison but were not associated with physical activity levels in either group. The qualitative data further supported these findings. Conclusions. Barriers to physical activity were common between adolescent survivors of cancer and a comparative group. Increased knowledge of the motivators and barriers to physical activity may help health care providers and families provide more effective health promotion strategies to adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]