Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the effectiveness of a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for children with CP at GMFCS Level I–II.
Method
Children with CP (GMFCS I–II; 6–12 years) were randomised to Sports Stars or waitlist-control groups. Sports Stars included eight-weeks (eight hours) of physiotherapist-led, sports-specific gross motor activity training, sports education, teamwork development and confidence building. Sports participation was measured using self-identified participation goals (modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (mCOPM)). Physical competence was measured with mCOPM activity goals and high-level gross motor batteries (Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2); GMFM-Challenge) and walking (Timed-Up-and-Go), running (Muscle Power Sprint Test; 10x5m Sprint Test), jumping (Standing Broad Jump; Vertical Jump) and throwing (Seated Throw) items. General participation and quality of life were also measured. Outcomes were measured pre, post and 12-weeks post-intervention. Data were analysed using linear mixed models.
Results
Fifty-four children were randomised into Sports Stars (n = 29; GMFCS I = 7, II = 22; male = 19; 8.9 ± 2 years) or waitlist-control groups (n = 25; GMFCS I = 10, II = 15; male = 14; 8.6 ± 2 years). The Sports Stars group improved sports participation and activity goals (mCOPM F = 5.49–10.29, p < 0.001) and sports-specific physical competence (TGMD-2, F = 3.45–5.19, p = 0.001–0.009) compared to the waitlist-control.
Conclusion
Sports Stars is effective for improving sports-specific participation and physical competence for children with CP.
Sports Stars improves performance and satisfaction in sports-specific participation and activity goals for ambulant children with CP.
Sports Stars improves sports-specific physical activity competence in locomotor and object control skills.
Sport-specific interventions should incorporate sport-specific gross motor activity training as well as sports education, confidence building and teamwork.
Implications for rehabilitation
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Sports Stars families and physiotherapists for their enthusiastic participation, and to CPL-Choice, Passion, Life and The University of Queensland for their considerable in-kind support.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Ethical approval
This study was approved by CPL-2016-004 and the University of Queensland: 2017000006.
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
ACRN12617000313336
https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371761&isReview=true