Association between motor functioning and leisure participation of children with physical disability: an integrative review

Abstract

Aim The aim of this integrative review is to synthesize the evidence of association between motor functioning and leisure participation of children with physical disability. Method We conducted a systematic electronic search of key databases from the period 1 January 2001 to 30 April 2014 using relevant keywords. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the qualitative and quantitative studies included and carried out in children with physical disability aged 6 to 12 years. We synthesized and compared information from both type of studies to identify the extent, and way by which, motor functioning influences leisure participation. Results Thirty‐five studies were included and analyzed for this review. Twenty‐four studies used quantitative and 11 studies used qualitative methodology. We identified the association between motor functioning and six dimensions of participation including diversity, intensity, context, preferences, enjoyment and quality of participation. Motor functioning was found to have a weak to moderate association with involvement in specific leisure activity types and dimensions. We developed a conceptual framework to illustrate the influence of motor functioning on leisure participation from this review. Interpretation Whether motor functioning poses a barrier to leisure participation for children with physical disability appears to depend on the functional movement required to participate in a particular leisure activity.

Aquatic therapy for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial and mixed-methods process evaluation

“…[96][97][98][99] The conceptual framework developed through an integrative review by Kanagasabai et al 100 suggests contextual conditions under which participation is reduced or maintained ( Figure 2). Another review, by Kang et al, 101 proposes that participation is optimised with physical, social and self-engagement.…”

“…Predictably, 100,191 some parents reported that their boys were increasingly frustrated at the loss of function (see Perceived improvement in confidence, independence or participation) and consequent withdrawal from sport, play (d880) and their peer group (d7500).…”

“…Agreed approaches to the conceptualisation and measurement of participation have been lacking, 97,98,100 but two reviews and a conceptual framework 100,227 now provide sound guidance for future research.…”

Psychometric Evaluation of the ACHIEVE Assessment

“…Key areas for assessment include home, school and community settings (8)(9)(10)(11). A complex interaction of personal characteristics, skills, and motivation (9,11,12) as well as environmental factors (10,13) influence participation. Recent developments (1) focus on a biopsychosocial conceptualization of child functioning, in particular not focusing solely on conditions (body functions and body structures), but instead aiming to assess and understand activities and participation in context (1).…”

ParticiPAte CP: a protocol of a randomised waitlist controlled trial of a motivational and behaviour change therapy intervention to increase physical activity through meaningful participation in children with cerebral palsy

“…Children with CP participate in leisure-time physical activities (PA) less often, 9 with less intensity 10 and with reduced diversity than their typically developing peers. 11 Children and youth with CP and physical disabilities also participate in more informal compared with formal (organised and structured) PA. 11 12 A longitudinal study in young children with CP aged 2–6 years found that activity limitations could predict reduced participation in leisure-time PA. 13 An integrative review of the relationship between motor functioning and leisure participation for young children with a physical disability also concluded that suboptimal motor functioning impacts frequency and diversity of participation in PA. 14 Children with physical disabilities, however, preferred to participate in PA over other types of activity irrespective of their level of motor functioning. 14 This evidence suggests that in the presence of support that enables participation in the activity of choice, the individual preferences of a child and other psychosocial aspects may be equally important determinants to the extent of participation.…”