Participation in community-based activities is essential to the health and well-being of youth with physical disabilities; yet, it is extremely restricted. Emerging treatment approaches aimed at improving participation have shifted from focusing only on impaired body functions towards the performance of functional meaningful activities within the youth's natural environment. Investigators' initial results from studies in Quebec show that targeting intervention at the activity/participation level can result in improvement of impaired body functions (e.g., balance, attention, anxiety) - important components to address in rehabilitation. Investigators' team aims to continue studying the impact of participation by launching a larger more rigorous study. Investigators have partnered with major organizations providing rehabilitation services for youth as well as key community-based stakeholders including youth, clinicians, and managers, and together investigators plan to further examine whether engaging in an 8-week community-based activity individually chosen by the youth (e.g., sledge hockey, drawing, playing a musical instrument) can lead to a significant improvement in three key body functions: motor, behavioral and emotional. One hundred and fifty youth with physical disabilities living in Quebec and Ontario will participate and engage in an activity of choice. Changes in their body functions (e.g., movement, attention, mood) will be measured multiple times before, during and after engagement in the chosen activity. Findings of this study can guide clinicians, families and policy-makers to select effective approaches that not only promote participation but also facilitate additional motor and mental benefits from a single intervention. Such 'real-world' treatment approaches involving activities of choice can also increase motivation, compliance and reduce burden on the healthcare system and on the youth and families.
a physical disability (e.g., due to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, non progressive musculoskeletal disorders, juvenile arthritis);
restricted mobility, such as an inability to navigate all surfaces and stairs independently and safely without the use of aids, physical assistance, or external support;
youth with various diagnoses will be eligible;
youth with cognitive and communication issues and/or intellectual delay will be included and a proxy version of self-reported assessments will be used.
youth who are recovering within the first year following a severe brain injury or an orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin treatment 6 months prior or anticipated during the study period
youth with degenerative disorders
youth with a severe untreated mental health condition will also be excluded based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6)
McGill University
Lead sponsor
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator
McMaster University
Collaborator
Drexel University
Collaborator