An internet-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of an 8-week internet-based, lifestyle physical-activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial using concealed allocation with blinded assessments at baseline, 10, and 20 weeks. Forty-one adolescents with CP participated (26 males, 15 females; mean age 13y 7mo, SD 1y 8mo, range 11-17y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels: I, n=21; II, n=17; III, n=3; unilateral distribution n=16, bilateral n=25). Primary outcome was physical activity (NL-1000 accelerometers and self-report [Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents: MARCA]). Secondary outcomes were exercise knowledge (a purpose-designed scale), attitudes, intention and self-efficacy (Lifestyle Education for Activity Program II scales), self-reported sedentary behaviour (MARCA), and functional capacity (6-min walk test).


RESULTS
At 10 weeks the intervention group showed no increased physical activity compared with the comparison group (weekly steps: change of +2420 vs -12189 steps p=0.06; weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: change of +70 vs +8min, p=0.06; weekly distance walked: change of +3 vs -9.1km, p=0.05) and exercise knowledge (12% vs 1% improvement, p=0.08). There were no statistically significant differences for these outcomes at 20 weeks, or in self-reported physical activity at 10 or 20 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a positive short-term pattern for improvement in physical activity and knowledge. Internet-based programs may offer an alternative for participants unable to attend regular face-to-face physical activity programs.
School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia. carol.maher@unisa.edu.au
Carol A
CA
Maher
Marie T
MT
Williams
Tim
T
Olds
Alison E
AE
Lane
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking