Implementing physical activity programs in communities for children with neuro-disabilities

Few physical recreation programs exist for children with neurodevelopmental challenges, particularly in rural settings and in Indigenous communities.

This project’s goal is to study the implementation of a new physical activity coaching approach (NPAC) for children with neurodevelopmental challenges and their families.

Key components of the approach include personalized child-centred coaching; home-based activity components (using an app); an online networking site for parents and coaches; and social activities for parents. This approach has previously been tested with families in urban settings. The aim is to assess how it can be implemented for those living in rural and Indigenous communities in BC.

The project objectives will be to assess different ways to implement NPAC in diverse communities and to develop a model that outlines the key steps and strategies that can be used with other Indigenous and rural communities. The team will use an Indigenous-inclusive approach and a framework for developing and sharing knowledge that includes community members through all stages of the process. Over the course of three years, the team expects to implement and evaluate the NPAC in a total of 16 sites in close collaboration with their provincial and community-level project stakeholders and partners.

The team seeks to:

• Measure the impacts that implementation of the NPAC across the sites will have on health and well-being at child, family and community levels.
• Examine factors that helped or hindered implementation of the NPAC across the sites and how this information can help to generate a model or set of guidelines to help other rural and Indigenous sites use the NPAC.
• Increase abilities among community members to support physical activity for children and families living with neuro-developmental challenges.

They anticipate the project will contribute to more inclusive and equitable participation in physical recreation for rural and Indigenous families in BC and contribute to their improved health and well-being.