Parent and Clinician Perspectives on the Participation of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Community-Based Football: A Qualitative Exploration in a Regional Setting

Carmel Sivaratnam, Katherine Howells, Nicole Stefanac, Kelly Reynolds and Nicole Rinehart
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Carmel Sivaratnam: Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
Katherine Howells: Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
Nicole Stefanac: Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
Kelly Reynolds: Kids Plus Foundation, P.O. Box 6251, Highton 3216, Australia
Nicole Rinehart: Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-19

Abstract: The current study aimed to qualitatively explore parent and clinician perspectives on the factors influencing participation in a community-based Australian-Rules Football program for five to 12-year-old children with cerebral palsy (CP) in a regional setting. Six allied-health clinicians and two parents of children with CP participated in focus groups exploring factors influencing participation. Thematic analysis indicated seven key factors influencing participation—of which, six were environmental factors and one was related to child characteristics. Environmental factors included resources, communication, knowledge and previous experience, attitudes and expectations, game factors and community relevance. Child characteristics included age, preferences, confidence, as well and cognitive and physical functioning. Notwithstanding limitations, the current study highlights the central role of ‘people factors’ in the child’s environment, in facilitating participation in community-based physical activity.

Keywords: cerebral palsy; physical activity; community participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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