title: Developmental approaches to therapeutic recreation programming: a new research focus.
abstract: Therapeutic Recreation is being increasingly recognized as a valuable element of a total rehabilitation approach. In order to be effectively utilized as a treatment tool however, recreation must be approached in a scientific manner which gears activities to individual skills, interests and rehabilitation goals. Many programs in the past have been based primarily on what the therapeutic recreation specialist thought was best, rather than relying on objective analysis of client needs. In actuality this should not be the case. A more scientific approach is evolving as professionals learn more about the physical and psychological ramifications of recreation participation. Analysis of activity demands and outcomes can be used to match participation with client needs and interests to provide a recreation program that is truly rehabilitative as well as enjoyable. This manuscript provides a review of the benefits of Therapeutic Recreation and describes why it is important to utilize scientific and objective criteria in program planning. A number of models are identified that have developed systems approaches to Therapeutic Recreation programming. A recent model, developed at New York University, is described in detail and some projections for the future are made.
mesh_terms: D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D009048:Motor Skills; D009519:New York City; D011998:Recreation; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D012919:Social Behavior; D013597:Systems Analysis