Purpose: To describe leisure time physical activity in children and young people with cerebral palsy and identify barriers and facilitators to participation.
Methods: Leisure time physical activity participation was derived from a national cerebral palsy register and associated factors were analyzed. Barriers and facilitators to participation were investigated through a survey.
Results: Leisure time physical activity participation was recorded. Outcomes of participation decreased with increasing Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Leisure time physical activity "not in club" for 11- to 18-year-olds was significantly lower than for those aged 5 to 10 years for Gross Motor Function Classification System level II. The survey supported that disability and disliking help were common barriers and parental encouragement and enjoyment were common facilitators.
Conclusions: Data from the register and survey provide insight into factors influencing leisure time physical activity participation in young people with cerebral palsy and how to increase.
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