Are you doing what you want to do? Leisure preferences of adolescents with cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at describing leisure activity preferences of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and their relationship to participation and to identify factors associated with greater interest in particular leisure activities. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. Participants were adolescents (n = 127; 59.5% male; ages 12-19 years old; mean = 15.3; SD = 2.01 years) with CP (GMFCS levels: I 40%, II 33%, III-IV 26%), who could complete the Preferences for Activities of Children (PAC) and other self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Social (2.53; 0.38) and active-physical activities were most preferred (2.10; 0.42), and self-improvement activities were least preferred (1.93; 0.49). Preference for certain activities was not strongly associated with actual involvement in these activities. Family activity-orientation, family expressiveness, and adolescent's motivation explained 15% of the variance in preferences for social activities, and 37% of the variance in preferences for self-improvement activities. CONCLUSION: Family factors, personal factors, and functional abilities influence leisure preferences. Rehabilitation interventions should consider adolescents' preferences and family dynamics to promote leisure participation.