Leisure characteristics of the pediatric spinal cord injury population

Despite the fact that play is the foundation for growth and development, little empirical evidence exists about the leisure characteristics of the pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI) population. The purpose of this study is to establish such a basis through the examination of leisure interests, frequency of participation, and satisfaction with activity in children and adolescents with SCI.

A Questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions for 49 recreation activities was administered to a convenience sample of children and adolescents with SCI from Shriners Hospitals for Children, Chicago.

Data from 66 children and adolescents with SCI demonstrated that the higher the intensity level of activity, the lower the participation rate among all injury levels. Subjects with C7-T6 lesions spent the most time engaged in recreational activities and also had the highest number of activities participated in per year. However, those with T7-S4 lesions had significantly more hours spent in high-intensity activities.

The goal is for rehabilitation professionals to use this information to further develop treatments and interventions specific for the pediatric SCI population.