Article

PURPOSE: To determine whether participation in a week-long residential leisure
intervention program targeting individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI)
improved the leisure satisfaction, self-esteem and quality of life (QOL) of
participants. The program included leisure awareness, leisure resources, social
interaction skills and leisure activity skills. METHOD: Using a pre- and
post-intervention design leisure satisfaction, self-esteem and QOL were assessed
prior to, immediately following and at three months post program. Data were
analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Participants were eight men
and four women aged between 19 and 49 years who were recent clients of a rural
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service. The majority (7/12) had acquired their ABI
more than two years previously, and for most (10/12) the cause was trauma.
Program participants showed clinically important and statistically significant
improvements in leisure satisfaction (p = 0.002), self-esteem (p = 0.03) and QOL
(p = 0.02 to 0.008 for four domains of the World Health Organisation Quality of
Life - Bref scale) three months post program. CONCLUSION: Adults with an ABI
participating in leisure education programs can experience improvements in
leisure satisfaction, self-esteem and QOL following the program. The findings
suggest that active leisure intervention programs should be included in the
ongoing rehabilitative care of adults with an ABI. Implications for
Rehabilitation Leisure participation, leisure satisfaction and social integration
can be seriously compromised following an acquired brain injury (ABI). Engagement
in leisure activities has positive effects on physical and mental health and is
increasingly recognised as an important determinant of quality of life (QOL) for
people with ABI. Participation in a short-term intensive leisure intervention
program can improve leisure satisfaction, self-esteem and QOL. Active leisure
intervention programs should be included in the ongoing rehabilitation and
reintegration of adults with ABI.

Langue : ANGLAIS