Stability of Playfulness Across Environmental Settings

Abstract

The Test of Playfulness (ToP) was used in this pilot study to examine the stability of playfulness of 16 children with cerebral palsy (CP), aged 4–8 years, across three environmental settings: home, community, and school. Each videotaped play segment was scored using the ToP. The ANOVA statistic demonstrated a significant variance (p < 0.05) in the playfulness of the children across the 3 settings. The children were most playful at home and least playful at school (p < 0.05)The variability in playfulness across settings suggests that playful behaviors are influenced by factors external to the child. Eleven children were playful (achieving a positive ToP score) in at least one environment, which demonstrates that they had the capacity to be playful. Their play was supported in some settings and not in others. However, there was a lack of playfulness in 65% of the play segments suggesting that these children experience many barriers to their participation in play. Future research is needed to identify factors that help and hinder the playfulness of children with CP.

Key Words:

• Play
• physical disability
• participation
• assessment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sandy Gaik

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.

Debra Stewart, BSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Erinoak, Serving Young People with Physical Disabilities, Mississauga, ON, and Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.

Janette McDougall, MA, was Project Coordinator

Kip Husted, BEd, was a parent representative on the study team.

Aviva Yochman, MA, OTR, was a student in the School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel at the time of this study.

Imelda Burgman, MA OTR/L BCP, completed her MA in Movement Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University, and was an Occupational Therapist at The Shield Institute, Bronx, NY. She is currently Lecturer, Habilitation, School of Community Health, Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University, Albury, N.S.W., Australia.

Barbara J. Steva, OTWL, BCP, is Occupational Therapist, University of New England Community Occupational Therapy Clinic, Saco, ME. She was Director of Occupational Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation, Franciscan Children's Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Boston, MA, when this work was completed.

Mary-Ann L. Fulks, MSc, OT(C), is Occupational Therapist, Vancouver Community Mental Health Service and Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia. This study was completed in partial fulfillment of a Master of Science degree.

Laura Zawacki, MS, PT, PCS, currently practices Pediatric Physical Therapy in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Judy T. Jennings holds a Certificate in PT and an MA in Special Education and has 25 years of experience as a PT working with children from infancy to high school.

Barbara G. Sarbaugh, BS and MA in OT, has worked with children for 20 years and is on the faculty, occupational therapy program at Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH.

Nicholas S. Payne, PhD, recently retired from 40 years of experience in statistics and data analysis at Proctor & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH. He was recently Research Fellow in Data Analysis, clarifying the needs of mothers and babies.

At the time of this study, Marianne Kratochvil, MA, was a social worker at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta. She has since retired.