‘Finding what works for me’ – a qualitative study of factors influencing community gym participation for young adults with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose

To understand the factors influencing participation in community-based gym exercise for young adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. Interviews were completed with 39 young adults with CP (15–30 years, GMFCS I–IV) following a peer-supported, gym-based exercise program called FitSkills.

Results

“Finding what works for me” was the overarching theme. Through their gym experiences, young adults with CP identified four interrelated main themes that influenced whether gym participation “worked” for them, or not: (i) psychological factors, (ii) a “social” participation context, (iii) organisational and logistical support, and (iv) cost. The social context of FitSkills was perceived to positively influence psychological health outcomes and attenuate perceived barriers to participation. Organisational support facilitated their initial attendance, while logistical effort and cost affected ongoing or future gym participation.

Conclusions

Social involvement plays a critical role in positive participation experiences in community exercise settings for young adults with CP. Clinicians supporting exercise participation for this group should prioritise intervention strategies that promote social engagement and mental wellbeing. Collaboration between clinicians, community leisure organisations, and funding bodies may be essential to overcome logistical and financial barriers during the transition to adulthood.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The main factor influencing the attendance, involvement, and ongoing exercise preferences of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) was the social context of the participation experience.

• Altering the social environment through peer-mentoring can facilitate participation in the gym.

• Young adults with CP consider mental wellbeing to be an important motivator and outcome of gym-based exercise participation.

• Mental wellbeing should be prioritised for health promotion for this group.

• Collaboration between recreation organisations, health services, clinicians, and consumers to address logistical and financial factors can facilitate positive physical activity participation experiences in community settings.

Keywords:

• Disability
• physical activity
• adolescent
• social context
• inclusion

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants for their time and commitment to completing the interviews, as well as their contribution to the analytical process through member checking. StudioElevenses for the included figures https://www.studioelevenses.com.au/.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was completed in partial satisfaction of a PhD for GM, funded by the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Research Training Program. This study is supported by CP-Achieve, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (Grant ID APP1171758) of which GM and NS are members and from whom GM receives a PhD scholarship stipend. This work was supported by the FitSkills Partnership Project (NHMRC) Partnership Project ID APP1132579. The FitSkills partnership project was supported by cash and in-kind contributions from the following partner organisations: Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, City of Boroondara, Cerebral Palsy Support Network, Down Syndrome Victoria, Disability Sport and Recreation, YMCA Victoria, and Joanne Tubb Foundation.