Perceptions of parents of children with cerebral palsy about the relevance of, and adherence to, exercise programs: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore how parents of children with cerebral palsy, attending mainstream primary schools, perceive the relevance of, and adherence with, exercise programs.

METHODS

A qualitative research with constructivist approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents. Open-ended questions related to their role in supporting the child's recommended exercise program. A thematic analysis approach was used to generate three main themes.

FINDINGS

The themes were: exercise program management and delivery, perceived feelings and personal responses, and external impact and support.

CONCLUSION

Exercise programs, to be implemented by families at home and support workers in school, are often characterized as prescriptive and focused on the child's impairment. These need to be integrated into a more holistic approach that considers family and child preferences. If this is to be achieved, parents' perspectives must play a legitimate part in evaluating the effectiveness of practice.