Background: Children with physical disabilities (PD) have reduced levels of physical activity (PA) compared to typically developing children, which increases their risk of becoming overweight and obese, which leads to numerous adverse health consequences. This study aimed to determine the differences between groups classified by body mass index (BMI) percentile in terms of PA levels, cardiorespiratory endurance and quality of life (QoL), and also to evaluate the relationship between BMI percentile and PA levels, cardiorespiratory endurance and QoL in children and adolescents with physical disabilities. Methods: A total of 172 children and adolescents with PD aged between 5 and 17 years from Hospital Tunku Azizah were included in this cross-sectional study. The BMI percentile was calculated to determine the weight status. PA levels were assessed with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), cardiorespiratory endurance was measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and QoL was measured by the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 2.0 (PedsQL 2.0). Results: According to the BMI percentile, 70.3% had a healthy BMI percentile (50th to 84th percentile), 11.6% were overweight (50th to 84th percentile), 11% were underweight (0–49th percentile) and 7.0% were obese (95th percentile and above). Most children reported a healthy weight, and the rates of being overweight and obese were higher in children who could ambulate without aids (6.4% and 3.5%, respectively) compared to those who used walking aids (5.2% and 3.5%, respectively). Significant differences were found in the PAQ-C, 6MWT and PedsQL 2.0 scores between different BMI percentile groups (p < 0.05). There were also significant correlations between the BMI percentile and the PAQ-C (r = 0.209, p < 0.001), 6MWT (r = 0.217, p < 0.001) and PedsQL 2.0 (r = 0.189, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The rate of being overweight and obese is greater among children who ambulate without aids than among those with aids. An increase in the BMI percentile can reduce the QoL in different ways. This study suggests that children with PD who can walk without aids are at a greater risk of being overweight and obese. Hence, the engagement of this population in PA is crucial for their weight management.

This study aimed to explore parents’ perceptions on the benefits, facilitators and barriers to conventional physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP). A qualitative, in-depth interview was conducted with 16 parents of children with CP through an online video conference. Semi-structured questions related to physical functions, social well-being, facilitators, and barriers to participation in conventional physiotherapy were recorded. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed thematically to generate significant themes. The majority of participants (94%) agreed that their children had shown improvements in physical strength and function. Ten participants reported that their children are expressive and responsive when communicating with other people following physiotherapy. Six themes emerged during the analysis: physical function progression, social well-being progression, child’s internal barriers, external barriers, enhancing engagement and support in physiotherapy, and expectations for self-independence. The study identified 6 core dimensions influencing the perceived benefits, barriers, and facilitators of conventional physiotherapy for parents of children with CP. The findings highlighted a need for physiotherapists to refine treatment strategies, emphasizing individualized care tailored to each child’s unique needs.

INTRODUCTION: Dementia creates significant challenges to physical activity management in older adults due to progressive cognitive and behavioural impairments. Physiotherapists serve a critical role in designing exercise interventions. However, the lack of standardized dementia-specific training compromises the efficacy of care. Despite evidence on the benefits of physical activity for older adults with dementia (OAwD), the physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) to meet these specific needs remains unclear. This qualitative study explores the physiotherapists’ KAP in exercise prescription, aiming to identify unmet training needs and inform targeted strategies to optimize therapeutic outcomes for OAwD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative approach was used, employing semi structured interviews with 9 physiotherapists experienced in dementia care. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse expertise. Data was analysed through thematic analysis uncovering patterns and insights related to KAP and its impact on care delivery. RESULTS: Four central themes emerged: Knowledge (theme 1), attitudes (theme 2), and practices (theme 3 and theme 4). Firstly, physiotherapists emphasized the importance of comprehensive assessments, utilizing tools such as the ‘Timed Up and Go test’ and ‘Montreal Cognitive Assessment’. Secondly, patience and adaptability were highlighted as essential due to cognitive decline associated with dementia. Thirdly, caregiver involvement and education were essential. Fourthly, goal oriented and functional exercises were prioritized. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists showed a strong understanding of dementia care but highlighted the need for enhanced, specialized training. Addressing these gaps could improve exercise interventions and foster better health outcomes for OAwD.