Patterns and predictors of participation in leisure activities outside of school in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

This study analyzed the patterns and predictors of participation in leisure activities outside of school of Spanish children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Children and adolescents with CP (n = 199; 113 males and 86 females) participated in this cross-sectional study. Their mean age was 12.11 years (SD = 3.02; range 8-18 years), and they were evaluated using the Spanish version of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). Means, standard deviations and percentages were used to characterize the profile of participation, and linear regression analyses were employed to assess associations between the variables (child, family and environmental factors) and the diversity, intensity and enjoyment of participation. Children and adolescents with CP reported low diversity and intensity of participation and high levels of enjoyment. Participation in leisure activities outside of school was determined more by child and environmental factors than by family ones.