Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity affords a wide range of physiological and psychological benefits for children and adolescents, yet many children with physical disabilities are insufficiently active to achieve these benefits. The StepUp program is a newly developed 6-week pedometer-based self-management program for children and adolescents with physical disability. Participants use a pedometer to undertake a 6-week physical activity challenge, with personalised daily step count goals set in consultation with a physiotherapist. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the StepUp program, using a randomised control trial design.Methods/designA target sample of 70 young people with physical disabilities (aged 8–17 years, ambulant with or without aid, residing in Adelaide) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either intervention or control following completion of baseline assessments. Assessments are repeated at 8 weeks (immediately post intervention) and 20 weeks (12 weeks post intervention). The primary outcome is objective physical activity determined from 7 day accelerometry, and the secondary outcomes are exercise intention, physical self-worth, quality of life and fatigue. Analyses will be undertaken on an intention-to-treat basis using random effects mixed modelling.DiscussionThis study will provide information about the potential of a low-touch and low-cost physical activity intervention for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12613000023752.
Highlights
Physical activity affords a wide range of physiological and psychological benefits for children and adolescents, yet many children with physical disabilities are insufficiently active to achieve these benefits
Evidence is emerging that physical activity is vital for prevention of deterioration in physical function and independence in young and middle aged adults with cerebral palsy [2,3,4]
We have developed a six-week selfmanagement, pedometer-based physical activity program for young people with physical disabilities, titled “StepUp”
Summary
Physical activity affords a wide range of physiological and psychological benefits for children and adolescents, yet many children with physical disabilities are insufficiently active to achieve these benefits. The StepUp program is a newly developed 6-week pedometer-based self-management program for children and adolescents with physical disability. Physical activity affords wide-ranging physiological and psychological benefits for children and adolescents, regardless of disability status [1]. A focus on physical activity, per se, for young people with physical disabilities is a relatively fledgling field of research. Recent research has shown that young people with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities are less physically active than their non-disabled peers [8,9]. It is clear that young people with disabilities tend to participate in lower intensity physical activities compared with children without disabilities [10]
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