Article

The objective was to describe leisure activity preferences of children with
cerebral palsy (CP) and their relationship to participation. Factors associated
with greater interest in leisure activities were identified. METHOD: Fifty-five
school-aged children (36 males, 19 females; mean age 9 y 11 mo; range 6 y 1 mo-12
y 11 mo) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS]) level I
62%, level II 22%, level III-IV 16%; 33.3% hemiplegia, 29.6% diplegia, 25.9%
quadriplegia, 11.2% other) who could complete the Preferences for Activities of
Children (PAC) were recruited. RESULTS: Social and recreational activities were
most preferred, and self-improvement activities were least preferred. Younger
age, higher motivation, and IQ predicted interest in active-physical activities
(r(2)=0.39). Negative reaction to failure was associated with less preference for
social activities (r(2)=0.16), whereas increased prosocial behaviours were
related to greater preference for recreational (r(2)=0.13) and self-improvement
activities; the latter is also predicted by older age (r(2)=0.24). Interest in
skill-based activities was greater in females and in children who were highly
motivated, younger, and had greater motor limitations (r(2)=0.51). The findings
suggest that personal factors and functional abilities influence leisure activity
preferences. High preference for certain activities was not always associated
with involvement in these activities. INTERPRETATION: Determination of
preferences is inherent to child-centred practice and should, therefore, be part
of the evaluation process. Rehabilitation strategies can minimize barriers to
leisure participation, such as fear of failure, low motivation, or environmental
obstacles.

Langue : ANGLAIS