CP EXCEL ONLINE EXERCISE CLASS

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) face an increased risk of chronic health conditions and secondary complications as they age. Regular physical activity can help reduce these risks and improve overall well-being. However, many adults with CP experience significant barriers to accessing structured, tailored exercise programmes due to limited availability and environmental challenges.

The CP-EXCEL project aims to evaluate the feasibility of delivering an online group exercise programme specifically designed for adults with CP in Ireland. This programme offers a safe, convenient way to participate in guided exercise from home, overcoming many common access barriers.

This feasibility randomised controlled trial will recruit 60 adults with CP, who will be randomly assigned to either an eight-week online exercise and education programme or a control group of education programme. The study will assess key feasibility aspects including demand, implementation, practicality, adaptability, and acceptability. Preliminary effects on physical, mental, and social functioning will also be measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).

We will soon be recruiting participants for this exciting study. To register your interest or learn more, please email cplifecentre@rcsi.com or keep an eye on our website.

The research team is:

Dr Jennifer Ryan, Dr Manjula Manikandan, Dr Aisling Walsh, from RCSI

Dr Claire Kerr, Dr Karen McConnell from the Queen’s University Belfast, UK

Rachel Byrne from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

CP-EXCEL is jointly funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. We are grateful to our expert advisory groups, including adults with lived experience of CP, physiotherapists, and personal trainers, for their invaluable input into programme development.