Physical activity intention and attendance behaviour in Finnish youth with cerebral palsy – results from a physical activity intervention: an application of the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Physical activity is associated with better health in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Numerous physical activity interventions have been designed to promote physical activity among youth with CP. No previous studies have explored the factors contributing to the intention to participate and predicting attendance behaviour for these interventions. Using theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study explored the prediction of physical activity intention and attendance behaviour in a physical activity intervention aiming to promote physical activity in a sample of young individuals with CP. Males with CP aged 9–21 years were asked to complete measures of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and, intentions towards a physical activity intervention. Participants had no cognitive impairments to understand and follow instructions, were categorised into Gross Motor Function Classification System I–III, did not receive any specific lower limbs’ medical treatment, or did not participate in a strength training program for lower limbs within 6 months before the study. Subjective norms were found to be the only significant predictor of intention, accounting for 83% of variance in intention. Intention and perceived behaviour control were found to be a nonsignificant predictor of attendance behaviour in youth with CP. The results show that TPB is a relevant tool in the prediction of intention towards a physical activity intervention in Finnish youth with CP.

Gender differences in perceptions of the convenience of outdoor activity among elderly people with a physical disability

“…In recent years, researchers have shifted from studying the barriers and facilitators of leisure time physical activities to developing and delivering strategies [32,33], which include behavioral interventions, such as promoting physical activity for multiple sclerosis based on SCT theory [34], and for cerebral palsy based on TPB theory [35]. However, there are still inadequate studies on together QOL with socialbehavior factors for people with disabilities' PA, and insu cient study of multiple types of physical disabilities.…”

Predictive models for perceived convenience of accessing outdoor activities among elderly with physical disabilities in rural China

“…In recent years researchers have shifted from studying the barriers to and facilitators of leisure time physical activities to developing and delivering behavioral interventions [ 35 , 36 ] such as promoting physical activity for multiple sclerosis based on social cognition theory [ 37 ] and for cerebral palsy based on the theory of planned behavior [ 38 ]. However, there are still too few studies linking quality of life with social and behavioral factors influencing disabled persons’ physical activity.…”

Understanding physical exercise among individuals with substance use disorders using an integrated theoretical perspective of the health action process approach and theory of planned behavior

“…In addition, perceived behavioral control represents an individual’s evaluation of the required resources and barriers related to participating in the behavior. Due to its simplicity and ease of implementation, the TPB model has been recognized by numerous scholars in the field of exercise behavior change ( Gomes et al, 2018 ; Gourlan et al, 2019 ; Ruiz et al, 2021 ; Hagger and Hamilton, 2023 ). The theory emphasizes the motivational role of attitudes and embodies the role of the objective environment in the two factors of subjective norms and perceived behavioral control.…”