According to the Summer issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy only 9.4% of adolescents with cerebral palsy (126 males and 104 females) studied participate in weekly levels of moderate physical activity. The percentage was 11.4% of the sample participated in weekly levels of vigorous physical activity. Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels did have a significant effect on light to moderate exercise. Females stretched more than males.

The researchers recommended that pediatric physical therapists need to encourage exercise programs for adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Read blog post on exercise and cerebral palsy .

Additional research indicates that function declines in adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Reference: Brunton, Laura K. BKin, MSc; Bartlett, Doreen J. PT, PhD Description of Exercise Participation of Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy Across a 4-Year Period Pediatric Physical Therapy: Summer 2010 - Volume 22 - Issue 2 - pp 180-187 doi: 10.1097/PEP.0b013e3181db8aaa