Exploring Leisure Gaming as a Meaningful Occupation in Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation

This study examined participation, motivation, and perceived benefits associated with accessible digital gaming in pediatric inpatient rehabilitation.</p> <p>Fifteen inpatients aged 6–17 years participated in a four-week, twice-weekly drop-in gaming program using standard or adapted controllers selected according to individual access needs.

Outcomes included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), session records, and a four-week parent follow-up questionnaire.</p> <p>Mean COPM performance increased from 4.55 (SD = 1.99) to 6.42 (SD = 1.58; mean change = 1.87, <i>p</i> < .001), and satisfaction increased from 4.48 (SD = 2.31) to 6.59 (SD = 1.52; mean change = 2.11, <i>p</i> = .002). Six participants demonstrated increases of at least 2 points in performance and six in satisfaction.