Table 2

Characteristics of trial participants at baseline: number (%)*

Control group (n=71)Intervention group (n=71)All (n=142)
Mean (range) age (years)7.6 (5–12)8.0 (5–12)7.8 (5–12)
Gender
 Female28 (40)31 (44)59 (42)
Social class of mother
 1 (highest)31 (44)23 (33)54 (38)
 213 (18)18 (25)31 (22)
 323 (32)25 (35)48 (34)
 4 (lowest)4 (6)5 (7)9 (6)
Ethnic group of main carer
 Asian6 (8)8 (11)14 (10)
 Black11 (16)10 (14)21 (15)
 Mixed1 (1)1 (1)
 White53 (75)51 (72)104 (73)
 Other2 (3)2 (1)
School
 Home educated1 (1)1 (1)
 Mainstream25 (35)31 (44)56 (39)
 Special needs40 (56)33 (46)73 (51)
 Special needs/mainstream6 (9)6 (9)12 (9)
Communication difficulties
 Has difficulties55 (78)38 (54)93 (66)
Fits
 Yes26 (36)18 (25)44 (31)
 No43 (61)51 (72)94 (66)
 Don't know2 (3)2 (3)4 (3)
Gross Motor Function Classification System category
 220 (28)22 (31)42 (29)
 38 (11)6 (9)14 (10)
 48 (11)13 (18)21 (15)
 535 (50)30 (42)65 (46)
Prior beliefs
 Strong19 (27)18 (25)37 (26)
 Not strong52 (73)53 (75)105 (74)
Diagnosis
 Quadriplegia only34 (48)35 (49)69 (49)
 Diplegia only13 (18)13 (18)26 (18)
 Hemiplegia only13 (18)12 (17)25 (17)
 Athetoid CP only6 (9)5 (7)11 (7)
 Athetoid CP+ quadriplegia1 (1)1 (1)
 Athetoid CP+ diplegia1 (1)1 (1)
 Quadriplegia + periventricular leukomalacia1 (1)1 (1)
 CP Non-specific3 (5)4 (7)7 (5)
 Monoplegia1 (1)1 (1)
  • * Number (%) except age range.

  • CP, cerebral palsy.