The Check-in Procedure to Increase Activity Engagement in Adults with Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract

Acquired brain injury (ABI) can cause an array of deficits that hinder daily functioning. In turn, these deficits can result in decreased engagement in leisure activities. Engaging in leisure is crucial to enjoying life and is correlated with increased rehabilitation outcomes. The current study aimed to increase the engagement in leisure activities for four adults with ABIs using the check-in procedure. This procedure involved making contact with the participant every 15 min, providing praise and providing choice if they were not engaged. The implementation of this procedure resulted in substantial increases in levels of engagement for three participants, while the fourth participant maintained his engagement levels. This increase in engagement was unaffected by the addition of novel activities alongside the preferred activities when providing choice. Additionally, this procedure increased the array of activities participants engaged with.