Physical Activity Among Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: An Integrative Review.
PROBLEM
Physical activity is necessary for optimum physical and psychosocial health in the general population. It is even more important for adolescents who struggle with impairments that limit motor function. Recommendations for best practice are needed as adolescents transition into adulthood.


PURPOSE
An integrative review was performed to determine the state of the science regarding 1) what factors impact physical activity in adolescents with cerebral palsy, and 2) how the needs of this population have been addressed regarding physical activity.


SEARCH STRATEGY
A literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed was conducted using the terms cerebral palsy, mobility or activity, and adolescents. Exclusion criteria were surgical or pharmacological interventions.


RESULTS OF THE LITERATURE SEARCH
Descriptive and intervention studies were included and evaluated for purpose, design, and key findings.


SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE
Correcting the decline of physical activity in adolescents with CP may carry benefits over into adulthood. There are few studies that adapt physical activity to age and level of impairment. Several studies support approaching physical activity from a social model, focusing on participation of the person in the context of environment. There is a lack of research incorporating family-centered care. Many study designs are shallow and lack the proper instruments for assessing outcomes.


IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Home and community based interventions need to be developed that are individualized. More studies are needed with stronger research designs and better instruments in order to generalize results for practice.
['Koldoff|Elizabeth A|EA|', 'Holtzclaw|Barbara J|BJ|']
D000293:Adolescent D000294:Adolescent Behavior D000367:Age Factors D002547:Cerebral Palsy D004185:Disability Evaluation D015444:Exercise D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D020380:Needs Assessment D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic D012307:Risk Factors D018434:Sickness Impact Profile D014481:United States D055815:Young Adult
Physical activity Adolescents Cerebral palsy Disability