Exploring the views of children with cerebral palsy, their parents and physiotherapists on participating in a feasibility randomised controlled trial testing an exergaming device: a qualitative study. Exergaming feasibility study

Background: This study aimed to understand the experiences and views of children with cerebral palsy, their parents and physiotherapists participating in the ACCEPT feasibility randomised controlled trial, which explored a 10-week physiotherapy intervention using an interactive gaming training device.

Design: Qualitative methods included semi-structured interviews, e-diary and photographs. Nine parent-child dyads and three physiotherapists participated. Children were aged between 7-16 years; four had co-existing additional needs. Interviews were transcribed. Reflexive thematic analysis was used.

Results: Five themes covered the breadth of participants' experiences: (1) Fitting in therapy; (2) Motivation; (3) New opportunities; (4) Physiotherapists out of their comfort zone; (5) Altruism and challenges.
Parents spoke of the challenge of finding time to engage their children in therapeutic exercise. Several children talked about trial-related procedures (e.g. removal of adhesive markers) that they disliked. Physiotherapists, children and parents supported the gaming aspect of the device to improve motivation to exercise.

Conclusions: Overall, the intervention and measures were acceptable to children and parents. Parents were willing to accommodate the device for 10 weeks and children found the gaming aspect both motivating and enjoyable. Physiotherapists required more support to solve technical problems with the device. A full trial evaluating the device requires additional technical support from the supplier and experienced ‘champion’ users. Exercise trainers that encompass gaming may increase motivation and adherence to therapeutic programmes.