Citation

Pratt B, Hartshorne NS, Mullens P, Schilling ML, Fuller S, Pisani E. Pediatr. Phys. Ther. 2016; 28(4): 475-482.

Affiliation

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Drs Pratt and Mullens), Provo, Utah; Bradley University (Drs Pratt, Fuller, and Pisani), Peoria, Illinois; Delta College (Dr Hartshorne), University Center, Michigan; and Central Michigan University (Dr Schilling), Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PEP.0000000000000318

PMID

27661247

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of 2 different playground environments on the physical activity of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy during their playground play.

METHODS: Five 7- to 8-year-old children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Functional Classification System [GMFCS] level II) participated. Using an alternating treatment, single-subject design, stride patterns were obtained using an activity monitor on an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and noncompliant playground. Visual and statistical analysis of the stride data was used to analyze the effect of the playground environments.

RESULTS: Four of the 5 participants increased the number of strides on an ADA-compliant playground.

CONCLUSION: Children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS II) may benefit from an ADA-compliant playground to increase their physical activity.

Language: en