Comparison of participation in out-of-school activities, activity preferences and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy and typical development

Abstract

The aim of this correlational study was to compare the participation in out of school activities, activity preferences, and quality of life (QoL) of children between 8 and 12 years of age with cerebral palsy (CP) (n = 30) and typical development (n = 60) in Turkey. Outcome measures included the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment, Preferences for Activity of Children, and the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results suggest children with CP were at a disadvantage compared to their typically developing peers in participating in out-of-school activities, however they tended to report greater preference for these activities than their typically developing peers. Based on these findings, we recommended health professionals aim to increase the quality of life for clients with CP by including social participation as one component of rehabilitation.