Sports Stars: a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for ambulant children with cerebral palsy : activity and participation outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of a practitioner-led, peer-group sports intervention for children with CP at GMFCS Level I–II. Method: Children with CP (GMFCS I–II; 6–12 years) were randomised to Sports Stars or waitlist-control groups. Sports Stars included eight-weeks (eight hours) of physiotherapist-led, sports-specific gross motor activity training, sports education, teamwork development and confidence building. Sports participation was measured using self-identified participation goals (modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (mCOPM)). Physical competence was measured with mCOPM activity goals and high-level gross motor batteries (Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2); GMFM-Challenge) and walking (Timed-Upand-Go), running (Muscle Power Sprint Test; 10x5m Sprint Test), jumping (Standing Broad Jump; Vertical Jump) and throwing (Seated Throw) items. General participation and quality of life were also measured. Outcomes were measured pre, post and 12-weeks post-intervention. Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Results: Fifty-four children were randomised into Sports Stars (n ¼ 29; GMFCS I ¼ 7, II ¼ 22; male ¼ 19; 8.9 ± 2 years) or waitlist-control groups (n ¼ 25; GMFCS I ¼ 10, II ¼ 15; male ¼ 14; 8.6 ± 2 years). The Sports Stars group improved sports participation and activity goals (mCOPM F ¼ 5.49–10.29, p < 0.001) and sports-specific physical competence (TGMD-2, F ¼ 3.45–5.19, p ¼ 0.001–0.009) compared to the waitlist-control. Conclusion: Sports Stars is effective for improving sports-specific participation and physical competence for children with CP.