Affiliations: [a] Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA | [b] Developmental Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institution, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA | [c] Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, USA | [d] The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Bloorview Research Institute,
Toronto, ON, Canada
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Cindy B. Dodds, Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 151 Rutledge Avenue Building B MSC 962, Charleston, SC 29425-9620, USA. Tel.: +1 843 792 5731; E-mail:doddscb@musc.edu
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of a 5-week supported physical
activity (PA) intervention on parental report of health-related quality of
life (HRQL) in children with medical complexity (CMC). METHODS: Twenty-nine CMC participated in 180 minutes of supported PA
daily. A pre- and post-test design was used to assess HRQL total and domain
scores as reported by parents. The relationship between supported PA
duration and HRQL was also examined. RESULTS: Children with medical complexity experienced no adverse
effects with the supported PA intervention. Significant improvements in HRQL
scores (P < 0.05) were demonstrated. A 5- to 8-point HRQL improvement occurred
when CMC engaged in an average of 40 minutes of PA daily. CONCLUSION: Short-term, supported PA enhanced parental report of
HRQL in children with medical complexity. Supported PA appears safe for CMC
and rehabilitation therapists should explore methods to expand opportunities
for participation.
Keywords: Children with medical complexity, health-related quality of life, quality of life, physical activity
