Influence of chronic pain in physical activity of children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) perform less physical activity than their typically developing peers (TDP). Pain, important comorbidity in children with CP, restrains levels of physical activity. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at exploring the influence of chronic pain in physical activity of children with CP and TDP. METHODS: 24-hour heart rate was registered in four groups of children: children with CP and TDP, with and without chronic pain. Heart rate based indexes of physical activity (MET percentages, energy expenditure) were computed. A self-reported diary of activities rated activities pain and fatigue intensity. RESULTS: Children with CP and chronic pain reported more painful activities and higher pain than their TDP with chronic pain. Moreover, children with CP and chronic pain presented higher time and periods of light activity and less sedentary activity than their TDP with chronic pain. No differences were found between CP and TDP without chronic pain. CONCLUSION: Children with CP regulate physical activity differently than TD children in the presence of chronic pain. The maintenance of light levels of physical activity in children with CP may suggest efficient pain coping strategies and perseverance in participation. These findings encourage the implementation of programs to improve fitness in this population.