Why is leisure important?

Following a stroke people are known to have markedly reduced levels of leisure participation (1)
People who have had a stroke report more difficulty in participating in work and leisure activities than those without a history of stroke (2)

1.Drummond A. Leisure activity after stroke. Int Disabil Stud 1990;12: 157-60
2. Schnitzler A et al. Participation in work and leisure activities after stroke: A National study. Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine 62 (2019) 351-355.
5.Ragheb MG, Ref: Griffith CA. The contribution of leisure participation and leisure satisfaction to life satisfaction of older persons. J Leisure Res 1982; 14: 295-3060
6.Parker CJ, Gladman JR, Drummond AE. The role of leisure in stroke rehabilitation. Disabil rehabilitation 1997 Jan;19(1):1-5
7.Korner-Bitensky N et al. A national survey of occupational therapists practices related to participation post stroke. J Rehabil med 2008; 40: 291-297
8.Gillen G & Burkhart A. Stroke rehabilitation. A function based approach. 2nd Ed. Mosby. St Louis. 2004
9. Suto M. Leisure in Occupational Therapy. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 1998. 65 (5) 271-278

Participation in leisure activity is associated with overall life satisfaction ⁶
Participating in meaningful leisure pursuits can enhance a persons well being ⁹

Physical activity in leisure time may aid longer term fitness, health and quality of life

Lack of meaningful leisure influences quality of life and mood ⁷
Leisure activities can improve a persons motivation, quality of life and self-esteem ⁸

Page last reviewed: 07 Apr 2021

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