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.…”

What are the barriers and facilitators to participation of people with Down syndrome? A scoping review

“…Recent studies have shown beneficial results from interventions that use adapted and/or modified sports in children with disabilities, although investigations in people with Down syndrome are still scarce. 49,50 Another alternative is to promote programmes offered through telehealth services. The study by Patel et al 51 showed that telerehabilitation was effective in prescribing aerobic exercises for people with Down syndrome.…”

Quais são as barreiras e facilitadores para a participação de pessoas com Síndrome de Down? Uma Revisão de Escopo

“…Primeiro, tem sido sugerido que os esportes modificados e adaptados realizados em grupo podem ser uma alternativa viável à ausência de programas de atividades físicas. Estudos recentes têm mostrado resultados benéficos de intervenções que utilizaram os esportes adaptados e/ou modificados em crianças com deficiência, embora ainda seja escasso sua investigação em pessoas com SD 49,50 . Uma segunda alternativa seriam a promoção de programas oferecidos por meio da telessaúde.…”