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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Study protocol

LEARN 2 MOVE 7-12 years: a randomized controlled trial on the effects of a physical activity stimulation program in children with cerebral palsy

Authors: Leontien Van Wely, Jules G Becher, Heleen A Reinders-Messelink, Eline Lindeman, Olaf Verschuren, Johannes Verheijden, Annet J Dallmeijer

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Regular participation in physical activities is important for all children to stay fit and healthy. Children with cerebral palsy have reduced levels of physical activity, compared to typically developing children. The aim of the LEARN 2 MOVE 7-12 study is to improve physical activity by means of a physical activity stimulation program, consisting of a lifestyle intervention and a fitness training program.

Methods/Design

This study will be a 6-month single-blinded randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow up. Fifty children with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 7 to 12 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-III, will be recruited in pediatric physiotherapy practices and special schools for children with disabilities. The children will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or control group. The children in the control group will continue with their regular pediatric physiotherapy, and the children in the intervention group will participate in a 6-month physical activity stimulation program. The physical activity stimulation program consists of a 6-month lifestyle intervention, in combination with a 4-month fitness training program. The lifestyle intervention includes counseling the child and the parents to adopt an active lifestyle through Motivational Interviewing, and home-based physiotherapy to practise mobility-related activities in the daily situation. Data will be collected just before the start of the intervention (T0), after the 4-month fitness training program (T4), after the 6-month lifestyle intervention (T6), and after six months of follow-up (T12). Primary outcomes are physical activity, measured with the StepWatch Activity Monitor and with self-reports. Secondary outcomes are fitness, capacity of mobility, social participation and health-related quality of life. A random coefficient analysis will be performed to determine differences in treatment effect between the control group and the intervention group, with primary outcomes and secondary outcomes as the dependent variables.

Discussion

This is the first study that investigates the effect of a combined lifestyle intervention and fitness training on physical activity. Temporary effects of the fitness training are expected to be maintained by changes to an active lifestyle in daily life and in the home situation.

Trial registration

This study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register as NTR2099.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
LEARN 2 MOVE 7-12 years: a randomized controlled trial on the effects of a physical activity stimulation program in children with cerebral palsy
Authors
Leontien Van Wely
Jules G Becher
Heleen A Reinders-Messelink
Eline Lindeman
Olaf Verschuren
Johannes Verheijden
Annet J Dallmeijer
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-10-77

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