Quality of Life Research

, Volume 21, Issue 3, pp 427–439 | Cite as

Quality of life and leisure participation in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities: a thematic analysis of the literature

  • Noemi Dahan-Oliel
  • Keiko Shikako-Thomas
  • Annette Majnemer
Article
First Online:
Accepted:

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to document evidence of the association between leisure participation and quality of life (QoL) in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and to identify the main factors that further clarify this relationship.

Methods

An electronic search of the literature was conducted using Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, OT Seeker, and the Cochrane library using relevant MESH heading and key words. An inductive thematic analysis was used to synthesize main findings from the studies. The mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review. All 19 studies fulfilled most of the criteria outlined by the MMAT for each study design (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods). Mixed methods studies had the lowest MMAT scores. Seven themes were identified that further elucidate the important relationships between leisure participation and QoL: active physical leisure participation and physical well-being; leisure participation and self; leisure participation and emotional well-being; leisure participation and social well-being; leisure participation and cognition; leisure preferences and well-being; and negative aspects of leisure participation.

Conclusions

The use of thematic analysis enabled the synthesis of findings from quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods study designs. Participating in both naturally occurring, spontaneous forms of leisure activities and participating in more structured types of leisure and therapeutic programs that focus on leisure contribute to improving the QoL of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. A key aspect to consider is the child’s ability to participate in his/her preferred leisure activities. Environmental adaptations may be required to ensure that the leisure opportunities meet the children’s capabilities and contribute positively to their QoL.

Keywords

Quality of life Participation Leisure Physical activity Neurodevelopmental disability Childhood disability Mixed methods Thematic analysis 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by infrastructure from the Montreal Children's Hospital-Research Institute and Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, both of which are funded by the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  • Noemi Dahan-Oliel
    • 1
  • Keiko Shikako-Thomas
    • 1
  • Annette Majnemer
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.School of Physical and Occupational TherapyMcGill UniversityMontrealCanada
  2. 2.Montreal Children’s Hospital-McGill University Health Centre and Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater MontrealMontrealCanada

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