Using Recreation for Rehabilitation Through an Adapted Community Bowling Program During COVID-19: A Pilot Study of Youth Outcomes

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of a community bowling program with COVID-19 protocols on quality of life and physical abilities in children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Researchers retrospectively examined data collected by the community-based program. Data collection occurred pre and post participation in the community-based bowling program. SETTING: The study was conducted in four public bowling facilities within the general community. PARTICIPANTS: Study participants included 34 adolescents and children who participated in a free community-based adapted bowling program. INTERVENTIONS: Children and adolescents who participated in the program bowled for one hour, once a week for six to twelve weeks. The duration of the bowling program varied according to the location hosting the program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life was evaluated using the PedsQL: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 Parent Report for Children (ages 8 to 12). The PedsQL survey was completed pre- and post-program by the parents of the study participants. Participants also completed a pre- and post-program pinch strength test, a grip strength test, a trunk flexion test, and a shoulder range of motion measure. These tests were administered by physical therapy faculty and occupational therapy students. RESULTS: The subjects were thirty-four children and adolescents with various disabilities participating in a community bowling program. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was the most commonly reported condition among the study participants, present in 14 of 34 children (or 41%). There were significant improvements (p-value=0.01) in bilateral pinch and grip strength. No differences were found in thoraco-lumbar range of motion or shoulder range of motion. Significant improvements were found in quality of life (p-value=0.01) primarily related to social and emotional factors. CONCLUSIONS: Adapted bowling had a positive effect on the QoL and physical skills of children/adolescents participating in a community-based program. The program was replicable across sites and there was no difference in outcomes from the newly established programs to the established programs. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: No conflicts of interest have been identified or reported by any of the researchers participating in this study.