Physical activity in a Swedish youth and adult population with cerebral palsy

AbstractThe aim was to explore everyday physical activity (PA) and leisure-time PA in youth and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) including perceived cardiorespiratory exertion. A questionnaire covering everyday and leisure-time PA was answered by 159 persons, mean age 36 years. During morning hygiene, 18% perceived moderate and 4% vigorous exertion, during breakfast 9% perceived moderate and 3% vigorous exertion and during transportation 9% perceived moderate and 5% vigorous exertion. Fifty-seven percent of the participants had some leisure-time PA, of which 14% reached the general recommended level of “at least moderate” and 9% the level of “vigorous” exertion. Total assistance during leisure-time PA was reported by 48%. The number of individuals who reached the levels of leisure-time PA recommended for the general population to receive health benefits and increased aerobic capacity, was low. Everyday and leisure-time PA were not added together because the participation in everyday routines may have been ...