title: The scope of pediatric physical therapy practice in health promotion and fitness for youth with disabilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this report is to discuss the scope of pediatric physical therapy practice in health promotion and fitness for youth with disabilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence is provided that supports integration of health promotion and fitness strategies in physical therapy clinical management. Physical therapists' roles in community-based adapted sports and fitness interventions and reimbursement considerations are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical therapists are in a unique position to provide expertise in the design and implementation of health promotion and fitness programs for youth with disabilities. These programs are important to promote active, healthy lifestyles and reduce comorbidities associated with sedentary behaviors and unhealthy weight, which are often seen in youth with disabilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pediatric physical therapists should incorporate health promotion and fitness strategies into practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Rowland), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Research Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs (Dr Fragala-Pinkham), Franciscan Hospital for Children, Brighton, Massachusetts; Cindy Miles & Associates (Dr Miles), Whitehall, Pennsylvania; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Department (Dr O'Neil), Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rowland
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fragala-Pinkham
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.forename: Margaret E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: OʼNeil
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D010809:Physical Fitness; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055070:Resistance Training; D058992:Social Participation