Occupation- and Activity-Based Interventions to Improve Performance of Activities of Daily Living, Play, and Leisure for Children and Youth Ages 5 to 21: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Importance: The findings support the use of occupation- and activity-based interventions to improve the occupational participation of children and youth with disabilities. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of occupation- and activity-based interventions to improve participation and performance in activities of daily living (ADLs), play, and leisure in children and youth. Data Sources: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, OTseeker, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; reference lists of retrieved articles; and tables of contents of selected journals were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2017. Study Selection and Data Collection: Studies addressing occupation- and activity-based interventions and outcomes for children ages 5 to 21 were selected and appraised using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines, evaluated for risk of bias, and synthesized to develop practice recommendations. Findings: Fifteen Level I (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials), 5 Level II (two groups, nonrandomized), and 3 Level III (one group, pretest–posttest, retrospective) studies were examined and categorized by type of intervention and outcome. Each study used occupation- or activity-based interventions and reported ADL, play, or leisure outcomes. Intervention themes identified include supporting engagement in occupations, supporting participation with cognitive supports, and using technology to support occupational participation and performance. Conclusions and Relevance: Strong evidence indicates that engagement in occupations and activities, practice within and across environments, and coaching and feedback improve participation and performance in ADLs and functional mobility. Moderate evidence supports the use of collaborative goal setting, modeling, and guided participation in play and leisure. Moderate evidence also supports technological interventions for ADL, play, and leisure performance. What This Article Adds: Engaging children and youth in occupations and activities; providing guidance in goal direction, planning, and feedback to enhance their participation; coaching caregivers in effective carryover; and providing technology-based intervention can improve the occupational participation and performance of children and youth.