Sarah Reedman

Physical activity promotion in children with disability

I'm interested in how allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, accredited exercise physiologists and occupational therapists can work with children and young people with disabilities and their families to promote physically active lifestyles. I primarily use a participation-focused approach, and understand physical activity as a health behaviour that is influenced by a multitude of factors, particularly the environment. For that reason, I use behaviour change frameworks to inform my intervention design, especially the Behaviour Change Wheel and COM-B model.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability arising in childhood. Around 34,000 people are living with CP in Australia. Adults with CP are more likely to have non-communicable diseases associated with low levels of physical activity compared to people without CP. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, fracture, persistent pain, osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety. Adults with CP also have a 3-fold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. I am interested in early intervention to address risk factors for non-communicable diseases in people with CP. This means empowering children and young people with CP and their families to access and participate in inclusive physical activity opportunities.

Functional therapy, goal-directed motor training

Disability sports and recreation