Adults, Cerebral Palsy, Exercise, Fitness
Conditions
Keywords
Adults with cerebral palsy, Online exercise programme, physiotherapy
Brief summary
Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges in accessing exercise programmes that are appropriate for their needs. Barriers such as limited mobility, a lack of tailored options, and restricted access to physiotherapy services can make participation difficult. Exercise is important for improving physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. However, many adults with CP do not have regular opportunities to take part in structured physical activity. This study aims to investigate whether an online exercise programme can serve as an effective and accessible alternative. The main aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of delivering an online exercise programme for adults with CP. Key areas of focus will include demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, acceptability, and potential benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being. A total of 60 adults with CP will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups (30 participants per group). One group will complete an 8-week online exercise and education programme. The second group will receive the same educational materials during the study and will be provided with information about the home exercise programme after the 8-week intervention period. Data will be collected on attendance, completion rates, engagement with exercises, and any reported adverse events. Health-related surveys will be completed before and after the programme to assess any changes. In addition, a selected group of participants from the intervention group will take part in interviews to provide feedback on their experiences. Findings from this study may support the development of accessible, effective, and person-centred online exercise programmes for adults with CP. Results may help improve future programme design and contribute to better care and support for adults with CP in Ireland.
Interventions
OTHERExercise and education programme
Participants will complete 8-week online exercise programme consisting of an online exercise class once per week. The exercises will target improving strength, balance and range of movement. In addition, participants will receive educational materials on exercise, nutrition, walking changes, fatigue, optimizing bone health, pain management, mental health, sleep and physical activity maintenance.
OTHERcontrol group
The control group will receive educational materials over 8 weeks
Sponsors
Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18 and over with cerebral palsy (CP) residing on the island of Ireland. * Individuals of any Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. * Individuals with other associated impairments. * People with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability who can access the online platform and follow study instructions, with or without support.
Exclusion criteria
* Individuals with severe intellectual disability where sufficient adaptations cannot be made. * Adults with unstable medical conditions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physical function | Duration of study 2 years | Physical function will be measured using the PROMIS physical function- Short Form 10a scale. |
| Mobility | rolling recruitment over 1.2 years | Mobility will be measured using the Functional mobility scale on a scale of 0-6. |
| Presence of Pain | Duration of study 2 years | Pain will be assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, measured as Yes or No with description. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain intensity | Duration of study 2 years | Pain intensity will be measured using the PROMIS Pain intensity form |
| Pain quality | Duration of study 2 years | Pain quality will be assessed using the PROMIS Neuropathic Pain Quality 5a and Nociceptive Pain Quality 5a scales, with total scores calculated for each to reflect the severity and type of pain experienced. |
| Pain interference | Duration of study 2 years | Pain quality will be assessed using the PROMIS Pain interference Short Form-8a, with total scores calculated to reflect the quality of pain experienced. |
| Fatigue | Duration of study 2 years | Fatigue will be assessed using the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form 13a (FACIT Fatigue) scale, with total scores calculated to reflect the severity of fatigue experienced by participants. |
| Sleep | Duration of study 2 years | Sleep will be assessed using the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form 4a scale, with total scores reflecting the extent of sleep disturbance experienced by participants. |
| Self-efficacy | Duration of study 2 years | Self-efficacy will be assessed using two PROMIS Short Form scales: the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions - Managing Daily Activities (Short Form 8a) and the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions - Managing Emotions. Total scores from each scale will reflect participants' confidence in managing daily activities and emotional responses related to their condition. |
| Depression | Duration of study 2 years | Depression will be assessed using the PROMIS Emotional Distress - Depression Short Form 8a, with total scores reflecting the severity of depressive symptoms experienced by participants. |
| Participation | Duration of study 2 years | Participation will be assessed using the PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities Short Form 8a, with total scores indicating the extent to which participants are able to engage in social roles and daily activities. |
Countries
Ireland
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJennifer M Ryan, PhD
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Outcome results
None listed