Influence of functional mobility and manual function on play in preschool children with cerebral palsy.

The study used convenience sampling, so the participants may not represent all children with cerebral palsy. The sample was small and mostly had mild motor impairment, so it says little about children with more severe mobility or hand-use limitations. Most children were classified at the lower motor-impairment levels, limiting comparisons across different levels of impairment. Play was assessed only in relation to the assessor, not with peers, so social participation may not reflect everyday play. The assessors were trained undergraduate students, and the children with cerebral palsy were assessed in rehabilitation centres while typically developing children were assessed in schools, which may affect comparability. Social class was noted as influencing play but was not analysed.

The supplied text does not report funding or conflicts of interest.

Do not read the motor associations as proof that improving mobility or hand use will improve play. This was a cross-sectional study without an intervention, and motor level was not significantly associated with pretend play or participation.