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Review
. 2016 Aug;58(8):798-808.
doi: 10.1111/dmcn.13053. Epub 2016 Feb 7.

Exercise and physical activity recommendations for people with cerebral palsy

Olaf Verschuren  1 , Mark D Peterson  2 , Astrid C J Balemans  1   3 , Edward A Hurvitz  2
Affiliations
Review

Exercise and physical activity recommendations for people with cerebral palsy

Olaf Verschuren et al. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2016 Aug.

Abstract

Physical activity and its promotion, as well as the avoidance of sedentary behaviour, play important roles in health promotion and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Guidelines for young people and adults with typical development are available from the World Health Organisation and American College of Sports Medicine. However, detailed recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behaviour have not been established for children, adolescents, and adults with cerebral palsy (CP). This paper presents the first CP-specific physical activity and exercise recommendations. The recommendations are based on (1) a comprehensive review and analysis of the literature, (2) expert opinion, and (3) extensive clinical experience. The evidence supporting these recommendations is based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies involving children, adolescents, and adults with CP, and buttressed by the previous guidelines for the general population. These recommendations may be used to guide healthcare providers on exercise and daily physical activity prescription for individuals with CP.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Percentage of time spent in sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous physical activities across all GMFCS levels
SB=sedentary behavior; LPA= light physical activity; MVPA=moderate to vigorous physical activity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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