It depicts a group of non-progressive disorders that affect motor function and posture resulting from injury to the fetal or infant brain. Spastic CP is the most common and involves increased stiffness in the lower extremities, minimal involvement in the upper extremities and trunk weakness (O 'Neil et al., 2006). CP is often accompanied by other disorders such as communication, behavior, or seizures (Verschuren et al., 2007). Even though it is a non-progressive disorder, changes can occur for various reasons and adolescents have reported a decrease in the amount of walking and a lower level on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) compared to their childhood years (Maggs et al., 2011; Palisano, Copeland, & Galuppi, …show more content…
According to physical therapist, Robert Palisano, mobility is important to adolescents with CP because it spells “freedom” (Palisano et al., 2006). However, teens with CP are less physically active compared to typically developing peers (C. F. Nooijen et al., 2014). Nooijen also makes the point that this stage has a strong impact on adult lifestyle and so is an ideal time for PA interventions (C. Nooijen et al.,