Physical activity in a Swedish youth and adult population with cerebral palsy

Abstract

The aim was to explore everyday physical activity (PA) and leisure-time PA in youth and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) including perceived cardiorespiratory exertion. A questionnaire covering everyday and leisure-time PA was answered by 159 persons, mean age 36 years. During morning hygiene, 18% perceived moderate and 4% vigorous exertion, during breakfast 9% perceived moderate and 3% vigorous exertion and during transportation 9% perceived moderate and 5% vigorous exertion. Fifty-seven percent of the participants had some leisure-time PA, of which 14% reached the general recommended level of “at least moderate” and 9% the level of “vigorous” exertion. Total assistance during leisure-time PA was reported by 48%. The number of individuals who reached the levels of leisure-time PA recommended for the general population to receive health benefits and increased aerobic capacity, was low. Everyday and leisure-time PA were not added together because the participation in everyday routines may have been a treatment goal. Limitations of the study were the difficulties to estimate received assistance and the high number of proxy answers. With respect to the participants’ capabilities, we suggest suitable tools exploring both PA habits and intensity of activity in various severities of CP.