AIM To determine the effectiveness of an 8-week internet-based, lifestyle physical-activity intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD A randomized controlled trial using concealed allocation with blinded assessments at baseline, 10, and 20 weeks. Forty-one adolescents with CP participated (26 males, 15 females; mean age 13 y 7 mo, SD 1 y 8 mo, range 11 to 17 y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I n = 21; II n = 17; III n = 3; unilateral distribution n = 16, bilateral n = 25). Primary outcome was physical activity (NL-1000 accelerometers and self-report (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents: MARCA)). Secondary outcomes were exercise knowledge (a purpose-designed scale), attitudes, intention and self-efficacy (Lifestyle Education for Activity Program II scales), self-reported sedentary behaviour (MARCA), and functional capacity (6-min walk test). RESULTS At 10 weeks the intervention group showed no increased physical activity compared with the comparison group (weekly steps: change of +2,420 versus -12,189 steps p = 0.06; weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: change of +70 versus +8 min, p = 0.06; weekly distance walked: change of +3 versus -9.1 km, p = 0.05) and exercise knowledge (12% versus 1% improvement, p = 0.08). There were no statistically significant differences for these outcomes at 20 weeks, or in self-reported physical activity at 10 or 20 weeks. INTERPRETATION There was a positive short-term pattern for improvement in physical activity and knowledge. Internet-based programs may offer an alternative for participants unable to attend regular face-to-face physical activity programs.

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