Informing Therapeutic Practice through the Walking Program Experiences of Rehabilitation Clients With Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

Authors

  • Nancy Spencer-Cavaliere University of Alberta
  • Dianne Bowtell
  • Megan L. Langager

Keywords:

therapeutic recreation, neurological trauma, place attachment, transition, interpretive description, case study

Abstract

 The purpose of this interpretive description case study was to explore the therapeutic recreation walking program experiences of rehabilitation patients. Scannell and Gifford’s (2010) place attachment framework was used as the interpretive lens. Seventeen adults (11 women and 6 men) between 23 and 72 years of age, diagnosed with stroke or traumatic brain injury, participated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and field and reflective notes. The analysis led to three themes: (a) the experience of disability, (b) finding camaraderie, and (c) intentional therapeutic programming. The findings are discussed in the context of place attachment and their implications for practice, specifically in relation to supporting transition to community.

Published

2014-07-14

Issue

Section

Practice Perspective