Factors Affecting Leisure Participation After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

TBI has a significant negative effect on leisure participation. Leisure activities should be evaluated and included in a therapy program designed to promote reintegration into society and work.

Efficacy of leisure intervention groups in rehabilitation of people with an acquired brain injury

“…Results of this study also indicated a shift to more homebased, sedentary and isolating leisure activities after injury, which is of particular concern. Similarly, Bier et al (2009) who also explored leisure participation of individuals with TBI who were recruited from a rehabilitation program (in and out patients), found significant changes in leisure participation pre-and post-trauma.…”

“…Transport, in terms of both cost and distance to venues, was commonly identified as a barrier (Bier, Dutil & Couture, 2009;Douglas, Dyson, & Foreman, 2006). Activities being held at locations that were not disability-friendly, and a lack of congruence between an individual's interests and the activities offered in their region were also found to be a major influence on participation (Douglas, Dyson, & Foreman, 2006).…”

“…The approach taken in the rehabilitation of individuals with an ABI may need reconsideration, with more emphasis being placed on leisure activities being included in a therapy program designed to promote reintegration into society and work (Bier et al, 2009;Wise et al, 2010). Using participation in purposeful goal-oriented leisure activities as a bridge to the greater demands of the workplace and providing opportunities to build confidence with goaloriented projects along with social and communication skills may be more effective (Wise et al, 2010).…”

“…It has been suggested that leisure activities provide the ideal setting for people with a brain injury to test their social skills (Rosenthal, 1983). According to Bier et al, (2009), involvement in leisure activities can help create a broader social network that could provide some respite for family members and friends who are often still managing the activities of daily living of the person with a TBI many years after the trauma. Other possible strategies for increasing social activity within this population could include addressing the issues of depression and fatigue (Brown et al, 2003).…”

“…Physical, cognitive and emotional changes can create further barriers to their participation in leisure activities (Bier et al, 2009;Fines & Nichols 1994). Not having the opportunity to choose from a variety of leisure pursuits and physically and psychologically experience the benefits and characteristics of leisure participation were also identified as barriers to participation (Fines & Nichols, 1994).…”