Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns of Brazilian Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy

Aims: This study aimed to (1) assess physical activity (PA) levels, sedentary behavior (SB), and PA endurance in Brazilian children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP); (2) determine if the participants met World Health Organization PA and screen time recommendations; (3) identify differences across age groups and functional levels; and (4) identify predictors of PA, SB, and PA endurance in this population. Methods: The sample included 456 Brazilian children and adolescents with CP, across all Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. Questionnaires were used to evaluate PA levels, SB, and PA endurance. Participants were categorized by mobility (ambulant and nonambulant) and age (0-4, 5-12, and 13-18 years). Results: A majority, 60% of children ages 0-4 years and 66% of those ages 5-12 years met PA recommendations, but a majority in ages 13-18 years did not. Ambulant participants had higher PA levels and lower SB compared with nonambulant participants ( P < .05). PA endurance scores were 2.7 for 0-4 years, 3.0 for 5-12 years, and 2.5 for 13-18 years. Nonambulant participants had lower PA endurance. Age and mobility predicted PA, SB, and PA endurance; sex was significant for PA. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with CP partially met World Health Organization recommendations. Mobility and age are crucial for promoting PA, and public policies are needed that create accessible environments and raise awareness about PA.