Young people with cerebral palsy need more than physical capacity to be active – social support and motivation matter

Physical activity supports health and participation, but many young people with cerebral palsy are less active than their peers. In his doctoral dissertation, Alfredo Ruiz Egea examines how beliefs, social expectations, and motivation shape physical activity engagement among Finnish youth with cerebral palsy. The findings suggest that participation is influenced not only by motor ability, but also by the social and motivational contexts that make activity feasible and meaningful.

Public defence on 17 December 2025

Published

16.12.2025

The dissertation is based on three studies conducted within the EXECP project (Exercise for Cerebral Palsy) at the University of Jyväskylä. Two studies apply the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explore intentions related to physical activity: one from the perspective of young people, and one from the perspective of parents. A third study applies Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to examine the quality of motivation and the role of need-supportive environments among youth who were already active.

Across the studies, three patterns emerged:

Among young people, intentions to participate were closely linked to social expectations and encouragement from significant others.
Among parents, the intention to support a child’s physical activity was strongly linked to perceived capability and feasibility—that is, whether parents felt able to manage practical and emotional demands.
Among active youth, autonomous motivation (being active because it feels meaningful or enjoyable) was supported by environments that foster choice and belonging, even when self-perceived competence was modest.

The dissertation highlights that promoting physical activity for young people with cerebral palsy is not only a question of training and physical capacity. It also requires socially supportive and autonomy-supportive environments in which young people feel included, encouraged, and able to participate.

Public examination

The public examination of the doctoral dissertation will take place on:

Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
Time: 12:00–14:00
Venue: University of Jyväskylä, Liikunta Building, Room L304
Online stream: https://r.jyu.fi/dissertation-ruiz-egea-171225

Dissertation title: Psychosocial and motivational determinants of physical activity in youth with cerebral palsy
Field: Sport and Exercise Psychology / Adapted Physical Activity / Rehabilitation sciences

Opponent: Professor Manon Bloemen (University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Netherlands)
Custos Professor Taija Juutinen (Finni) (University of Jyväskylä).

The event may be followed online at this link.

The doctoral dissertation can be read online in the JYX archives.

Additional information:

The dissertation is connected to the multidisciplinary EXECP project, coordinated by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä.

Contact:

Alfredo Ruiz Egea
alfredo.granada.ruiz@gmail.com +358449402694
Doctoral researcher, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Alfredo Ruiz Egea

Doctoral Researcher

Other news

Nature-based interventions can promote the well-being of young people in precarious situations

MA James Obeng’s doctoral dissertation examines how nature-based interventions can enhance the well-being of young people in precarious situations.

Walking difficulties do not prevent activity – even slow walking can feel strenuous for older adults

Slow walking can feel strenuous for older adults, even if this is not reflected in activity monitors. Walking difficulties are primarily associated with slower walking speed, but they do not necessarily shorten walking duration.

Dissertation: AI analysis of brainwave tests helps detect Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease

AI analysis of short, non-invasive brainwave recordings (EEG) can help detect Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more efficiently.