Contemporary rehabilitation literature emphasises functional goals for children with disabilities and use of a collaborative goal-setting process grounded in principles of family centred service delivery. Purpose. To explore parents' experiences with goals and goal setting. Method. We conducted a qualitative study with 11 focus groups and two individual interviews with 39 parents of children with cerebral palsy living in western Canada. We used an inductive, thematic analysis to identify prominent themes. Results. The analysis revealed five themes representing goals that were meaningful to parents and provided insight into parents' experiences with goal-setting processes in occupational and physical therapy: (1) movement as the means to functional success; (2) physical health and fitness are important therapy goals; (3) the importance of leading happy, fulfilling lives and being accepted by others; (4) ‘We can't do it all’: balancing therapy with the demands of everyday life; and (5) shifting roles and responsibilities in goal setting. Conclusions. The variability noted both in parents' desired role in goal setting and in goals important to parents highlights the importance of establishing trusting relationships with families so that family goals, values, individual circumstances, and desired level of participation in goal setting can be openly discussed.

To review research regarding mechanisms of muscle contracture in cerebral palsy (CP) and the effectiveness of stretching, and to discuss current physical therapy stretching practices. Community-based recreation opportunities that encourage flexibility and fitness are explored as alternatives to traditional therapy stretching approaches. Mechanisms of muscle contracture in children with CP are unclear and clinical research evaluating the effects of stretching is inconclusive. Recent shifts in thinking about the management of children with CP suggest an increased emphasis on flexibility, fitness, and participation in activities that are meaningful to children and families. Additional research is needed to explore the structural changes that occur in the shortened muscles of children with CP and the effects of stretching practices used in pediatric physical therapy. Physical therapists can consider innovative alternatives that integrate flexibility and fitness goals with community-based recreation programs.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists frequently assist parents with the exploration and use of powered wheelchairs for their children with physical disabilities. The purpose of this stud...