Efficacy of Group-Based Organised Physical Activity Participation for Social Outcomes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Parent and Clinician Perspectives on the Participation of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Community-Based Football: A Qualitative Exploration in a Regional Setting

“…Given the centrality of football in Australian culture, a lack of understanding of the factors influencing participation has the potential to hinder the inclusion of children with physical disabilities in a community-based activity which is ingrained in Australian culture and identity. Whilst current research has begun to examine factors influencing participation for children with disabilities in this sport [2,3] this research is limited to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or a mixed group of children with developmental disabilities (inclusive of children with CP), and are not specific to a regional setting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine these factors in relation to Australian rules football for children with CP specifically within a regional setting.…”

“…Based on the themes arising from this study, Figure 2 provides a summary of recommended roles of the child's support system in relation to facilitating community-based PA participation for children with CP. Given the relatively low PA participation rates [8] and the known benefits community-based PA participation for children with CP [2,3], there is an urgent need for a framework of guiding principles to inform the development of tailored community-based PA interventions based on a 'care-team' approach, which takes into account input from the child, their parent, coaches and clinicians. Drawing on the key themes arising from this study, the following 3Cs (Communicate, Consider, Collaborate) model is proposed for the care-team approach facilitating participation: Communicate: For parents, clinicians and club staff to develop a system of communication that is appropriate for the whole system, prior to the child commencing participation (e.g., developing a shared summary document of the child's preferences, strengths and weaknesses that can be modified throughout the season).…”

“…Participation in regular physical activity (PA) has consistently been linked to positive outcomes in children of all abilities, spanning physical, social, behavioural, psychological, emotional and cognitive domains [1]. Moreover, participation in community-based PA has been found to provide additional benefits for children with a range of developmental disabilities [2], among which are social skills [3], social connection and a sense of belonging to community [4]. Despite the documented benefits to participation, children with cerebral palsy (CP) participate less frequently in physical and social activities, and in a smaller variety of activities than children without CP [5].…”

A Pilot Acceptability Study of an ‘AllPlay Pre-Learn’ Day Program to Facilitate Participation in Organised Physical Activity for Children with Disabilities

“…Community-based programs themselves are said to be influential in both clinical and public health settings [13]. Our recent meta-analysis of group-based OPA participation indicated benefits to social functioning in children with ASD [14]. Notwithstanding the positive findings, literature has consistently highlighted the barriers which exist to physical activity participation for children with disabilities, e.g., anxiety and confidence levels (described in further detail below).…”

Class Time Physical Activity Programs for Primary School Aged Children at Specialist Schools: A Systematic Mapping Review

“…For example, PA has been associated with obesity prevention, physical fitness, motor functioning, self-concept, the development of friendships, improvements in depression, and cognition and sleep benefits [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Additionally, participation in group-based organised PA specifically can benefit social functioning for children with developmental disabilities [15]. While guidelines recommend engaging in moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA to achieve health benefits [14,16], emerging research proposes that light intensity activities are also beneficial [17,18].…”