Association between motor functioning and leisure participation of children with physical disability: an integrative review

AimThe aim of this integrative review is to synthesize the evidence of association between motor functioning and leisure participation of children with physical disability. MethodWe conducted a systematic electronic search of key databases from the period 1 January 2001 to 30 April 2014 using relevant keywords. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the qualitative and quantitative studies included and carried out in children with physical disability aged 6 to 12years. We synthesized and compared information from both type of studies to identify the extent, and way by which, motor functioning influences leisure participation. ResultsThirty-five studies were included and analyzed for this review. Twenty-four studies used quantitative and 11 studies used qualitative methodology. We identified the association between motor functioning and six dimensions of participation including diversity, intensity, context, preferences, enjoyment and quality of participation. Motor functioning was found to have a weak to moderate association with involvement in specific leisure activity types and dimensions. We developed a conceptual framework to illustrate the influence of motor functioning on leisure participation from this review. InterpretationWhether motor functioning poses a barrier to leisure participation for children with physical disability appears to depend on the functional movement required to participate in a particular leisure activity.