Play and Be Happy? Leisure Participation and Quality of Life in School-Aged Children with Cerebral Palsy

The objective of this study was to examine the association between leisure participation and quality of life (QoL) in school-age children with cerebral palsy (CP). Leisure participation was assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) and QoL using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the association between CAPE and PedsQL scores, and a multiple linear regression model was used to estimate QoL predictors. Sixty-three children (mean age 9.7 ± 2.1 years; 39 male) in GMFCS levels I–V were included. Intensity of participation in active-physical activities was significantly correlated with both physical ( r = 0.34, P = 0.007) and psychosocial well-being ( r = 0.31, P = 0.01). Intensity and diversity of participation in skill-based activities were negatively correlated with physical well-being ( r = −0.39, P = 0.001, and r = −0.41, P = 0.001, resp.). Diversity and intensity of participation accounted for 32% ( P = 0.002) of the variance for physical well-being and 48% ( P < 0.001) when age and gross motor functioning were added. Meaningful and adapted leisure activities appropriate to the child's skills and preferences may foster QoL.