AIM: To investigate the efficacy of an embodied mindfulness-based movement programme (MiYoga), targeting attention in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Total number of participants 42, with 24 boys (57.1%) and 18 girls (42.9%); mean age 9 y 1 mo, SD 3 y; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I = 22, II = 12, III = 8) and their parents were randomized to either MiYoga (n = 21) or waitlist comparison (n = 21) groups. The primary outcome was attention postintervention measured by the Conners' Continuous Performance Test, Second Edition (CCPT). Secondary outcomes included parent and child mindfulness, child quality of life, parental well-being, child executive function, child behaviour, child physical measures, and the parent-child relationship. RESULTS: Children in the MiYoga group demonstrated significantly better attention postintervention than the waitlist comparison group, with lower inattention scores on the hit reaction time standard error (F[1,33] = 4.59, p = 0.04, partial eta-squared (eta-p2) = 0.13) variable and fewer perseveration errors (F[1,33] = 4.60, p = 0.04, eta-p2 = 0.13) on the CCPT. Intention-to-treat analysis also revealed that sustained attention in the MiYoga group was significantly better than in the waitlist comparison group postintervention (F[1,37] = 5.97, p = 0.02, eta-p2 = 0.14). Parents in the MiYoga group demonstrated significantly decreased mindfulness (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale F[1,33] = 10.130, p = 0.003, eta-p2 = 0.246). INTERPRETATION: MiYoga offers a lifestyle intervention that improves attention in children with CP. MiYoga can be considered as an additional option to standard rehabilitation to enhance attention for children with CP.

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