Exploring experiences of physical activity in special school students with cerebral palsy: A qualitative perspective

Little is known about the physical activity (PA) experiences of school-aged students with cerebral palsy (CP) in both school and community settings. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the PA experiences from special school students with CP. Data were collected through face to face semi-structured interviews with 8 special school students with CP. Interviews were audio taped and converted to verbatim transcriptions and then analyzed using content analysis. The analysis led to four different themes related with participation of PA, which were: (a) sedentary behaviours; (b) enjoyment; (c) motivations; and (d) barriers. It was concluded that participants have not enough PA participation with both positive and negative experiences of PA. Environmental factors and negative attitudes hinder their participations in PA. Lack of sufficient personal supports from professionals, parents, and friends are also big challenges for promoting PA in this population. Copyright © 2012 European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity.