Scaling success: parental perceptions of the benefits of a 20-week football living-lab approach for children living with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

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.