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Scaling success: parental perceptions of the benefits of a 20-week football
living-lab approach for children living with cerebral palsy
#MMPMID41125260
Martins R
; Pattison W
; Vella L
; Postlethwaite R
; Broom D
; Africa E
; Duncan M
BMJ Paediatr Open
2025[Oct]; 9
(1
): ? PMID41125260
show ga
BackgroundLiving-lab approaches have effectively connected academic research with
community needs but have not yet been applied to promote physical activity for
children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study evaluated a 20-week football-based
living-lab programme for children aged 5-10 years with CP, grounded in the
principles of Football is Medicine and physical literacy. METHODS: A qualitative
design was employed, involving seven one-to-one semistructured interviews with
parents or legal guardians of programme participants. A deductive thematic
analysis was conducted, and pen profile diagrams were developed to represent key
themes related to physical literacy outcomes. RESULTS: Parents reported benefits
across multiple dimensions of their children's physical literacy, including
improved competence, confidence, motivation and enjoyment. All parents observed
enhanced social interaction. Six described the sessions as inclusive and
community-oriented, while five felt the programme was personalised to their
child's needs. Three parents perceived the football activities as complementary
to physical therapy, supporting physical rehabilitation. Participation also
enabled parents to exchange strategies and engage more meaningfully in their
child's well-being. CONCLUSION: The football-based living-lab supported the
holistic development of children with CP, enhancing physical, psychological and
social domains of physical literacy. Parental involvement further reinforced
perceived therapeutic and community benefits.