Publication Date
9-15-2026
Keywords
physical rehabilitation, joy, motivation, music, gamification
Abstract
Although multiple academic disciplines recognize the motivational power of joy, rehabilitation professionals have, historically, underemphasized this construct in clinical practice. In addition, many clinicians report persistent challenges in motivating patients to adhere to prescribed exercise regimens. In response, there is growing advocacy for integrating affective-based interventions into practice. This overview aims to 1) raise awareness among rehabilitation professionals about the role of joy in physical rehabilitation, 2) illustrate how joy influences physical activity engagement and recovery outcomes, 3) outline evidence-based strategies for enhancing joy in clinical settings, and 4) introduce validated measures of joy suitable for use in practice. By embedding enjoyment into rehabilitation, the goal is to strengthen patient motivation both during and beyond clinical encounters, ultimately improving health behaviors and outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Colón-Semenza C, Jones R, Kennedy W. Joy to the rehabilitation world: a call to incorporate enjoyment into clinical practice. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2026;13:134-41.
Submitted
July 10th, 2025
Accepted
February 26th, 2026
