“Step up” – a pedometer based physical activity self-management program for children and adolescents with physical disability

INTERVENTION: The “StepUp” intervention is an 6‐week pedometer‐based physical activity program for children with physical disabilities. It comprises 1. a 1 hr one‐on‐one counseling session with the participant, their parent and a Novita physiotherapist to introduce the StepUp materials, 2. a pedometer, 3. the “StepUp” booklet, which provides advice on the benefits of physical activity for children with disabilities, tips to increase physical activity specifically tailored to children with physical disabilities, and a 6‐week log book to allow participants to record and track their progress. Participants will be asked to submit a copy of their step counts to the overseeing therapist weekly via mail or email. 4. 3 x fortnightly follow‐up phone calls from the Novita therapist (approx. 5 minutes in duration) to provide support and answer questions. CONDITION: Physical disability PRIMARY OUTCOME: Objective physical activity (Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometery) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Exercise intention (LEAP II exercise intention scale) Physical self‐worth (Physical Self‐worth Scale) Quality of life (KINDL) INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. aged 8‐17 years; 2. diagnosed as having a physical disability; 3. use ambulation as their main method of transport; 4. live in greater Adelaide; and 5. have sufficient cognitive ability to understand the program.