CSM 2012: Measuring Physical Activity and Fitness in Youth with Cerebral Palsy

This course provides clinicians with measurement protocols for outcome effectiveness in activity-based interventions for children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP). The presenters define fitness and physical activity and discuss laboratory and field-based measures. The presenters are researchers and clinicians who have done an extensive literature review to identify measures useful to clinicians. Although CP is non-progressive, children with CP often experience decreased physical activity secondary to growth and development. Despite limitations, most youth with CP are ambulatory and classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I, II, or III. Individuals with CP have decreased aerobic fitness (VO2 peak), which limits daily activity and may impact health. Impairments and activity limitations associated with CP that contribute to decreased fitness include spasticity and poor motor control, muscle weakness, and muscle contractures. There are no accepted, standardized laboratory or field (clinic) aerobic fitness/physical activity measurement protocols for individuals with CP, although recent publications have presented new protocols. Presenters will review the current "state of the science" in fitness and physical activity measures for children and youth with CP. They will provide clinical examples of interventions and feasible measures for clinical application.