Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice Research Articles

Exploring the Evolution and Utility of Neuro-Occupation: A Scoping Review.

Neuro-occupation was developed to study the relationship between the nervous system and occupation. Pragmatic implications of neuro-occupation have not been previously summarized. This study aimed to determine how neuro-occupation has been defined, applied across relevant fields, and evolved over time. We performed a scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Twenty-five works related to neuro-occupation published between 1997 and 2020 were included. We found that neuro-occupation evolved from utilization primarily in the United States to an international term applied to different clinical populations. Common themes were: (a) the reciprocal relationship between the nervous system and occupations; (b) the Intention, Meaning, and Perception (IMP) model of neuro-occupation; and (c) pragmatic implications for occupational therapy practice and interventions. We suggest an updated definition of neuro-occupation. In addition, we contend that although the term neuro-occupation was developed in response to historical debates in occupational therapy, continued use creates more confusion than clarity.

Assessing the Effectiveness of the MOVER Program for Treating Attention Deficit in Children (MOVER: Movement Opportunities Through Vestibular Engagement Rhythm)

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of participation in a movement- to music program on the attention span of elementary school-aged children who have attention deficits. The hypothesis was that participants would demonstrate improved attention on the Test of Sustained Selective Attention (TOSSA) (Kovacs, 2015). Methods: This quantitative study involved nine children who participated in four movement-to-music sessions with a staggered stop over a period of six weeks. The study incorporated a single group pre-test/post-test design, and a non-parametric Sign Test was utilized to analyze data from the TOSSA subcategories of concentration, detection, response inhibition, and test-taking time tolerance. Supporting qualitative data was also collected through peer debriefing, field notes, and a reflexive journal. Results: TOSSA results found that the movement-to-music program can significantly improve the attention of children who have attention deficits. Discussion: This study demonstrated positive implications for occupational therapy practice and for policy change regarding the inclusion of vestibular/proprioceptive movement opportunities available for children, especially those who have attention deficits.

Application of the ICF and OTPF-4 to Conceptualize the Dual Diagnosis of COVID-19 and Stroke: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice in Acute and Inpatient Rehabilitation

There is mounting evidence that the vascular manifestations associated with COVID-19 are linked to ischemic strokes. The emergence of patients with both COVID-19 and cerebrovascular accidents (COV-CVA) has created a need to adjust occupational therapy service delivery for inpatients with this dual diagnosis. This clinical perspective paper conceptualizes COV-CVA as a health condition using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF). The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework-4 was used to guide clinical considerations and recommendations for the evaluation, intervention, and discharge planning of patients with COV-CVA.

The Use of Glider Chairs to Support Sensory Modulation in Community Mental Health Settings: Qualitative Analysis of Multidisciplinary Staff’s Perspectives

Sensory modulation has growing evidence supporting use within inpatient settings; however, few studies focus on community mental health and specific sensory equipment integrated into the environment for consumers. Qualitative methodology was used to explore 31 staff's perspectives on glider chair use in community mental health (consumers aged 16–65 years). Five themes emerged: (1) Use when anxiety or distress are present; (2) Various explanations of benefits; (3) Facilitates the treatment process; (4) Limited understanding and need for training; (5) Physical, social, and financial barriers. Sensory modulation interventions may enhance consumers’ engagement in treatment. Research exploring consumers’ perspectives of sensory modulation interventions is required. Implications for occupational therapy practice This study suggests the following implications for occupational therapy and mental health practice: •Sensory equipment, such as glider chairs, may be useful for consumers’ self-management of anxiety and distress across a range of mental health treatment settings, including community mental health treatment services. •Consumers’ ability to engage in treatment may be improved with the use of sensory modulation interventions/equipment that provides a sense of calm and comfort. •Occupational therapists are viewed as leaders of sensory modulation interventions in mental health practice and likely need to drive multidisciplinary staff sensory modulation training and use to promote continuity of care from acute mental health settings to real-life environments in the community. •Multidisciplinary staff may be uncertain about why sensory modulation interventions have a positive influence on consumers’ behavior and functioning and occupational therapists can respond to this uncertainty with support in the form of sensory modulation education.

Predictors of Productivity and Leisure for People Aging with Intellectual Disability.

Background. Adults aging with intellectual disability (ID) face barriers to engagement in occupation. Greater understanding of factors that affect engagement in work and leisure occupations is required to support occupational engagement in this population. Purpose. Identify predictors of engagement in work and leisure occupations for adults aging with an ID, and consider implications for occupational therapy practice. Method. Data from wave 2 of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (IDS-TILDA) was analyzed using regression analysis to identify predictors of engagement in work and leisure occupations for adults aging with an ID. Findings. Adults who had difficulty getting around their home environment, poor physical health, or older age were less likely to engage in work and leisure activities. Implications. Occupational therapists can support adults aging with ID to age in place. Occupation-focused health promotion could enhance well-being through engagement in occupation.

Supporting People With Stroke to Return to Work in Singapore: Findings From a Pilot Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Return to work after stroke is an important rehabilitation outcome. Vocational rehabilitation may support people with stroke to return to work. To report the return-to-work rate of people with stroke who completed a local community-based vocational rehabilitation program and to describe the program's impact on their community reintegration. Retrospective database study. Community-based voluntary welfare organization. Fifty-eight men and women ages 21 to 55 yr, formally diagnosed with stroke, with no significant cognitive impairment, and fit to undergo rehabilitation. A pilot community-based interdisciplinary vocational rehabilitation program implemented between 2014 and 2017. The program included physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support, employment support, and caregiver support services. Return-to-work rate and community reintegration as measured by the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). Fifty participants completed the program. Their median age was 44 yr, and most were male (n = 37; 74%). Forty-four participants (88%) returned to work after completing the program. Statistically significant differences (p < .001) were found between their CIQ scores at program enrollment and at completion. The program appeared to benefit people with stroke in their return-to-work process. Future studies are recommended to determine the effectiveness of such programs and identify features contributing to their success. Potential implications for occupational therapy practice are that vocational rehabilitation interventions can be initiated earlier, comprehensive return-to-work programs can better address the unique needs of people with stroke, and interdisciplinary evaluations are needed to assess suitability for return to work. One of occupational therapy's unique goals is to facilitate performance and participation in valued activities such as work. Occupational therapists can play a pivotal role across the continuum of care to support their clients to explore and achieve their vocational goals after stroke.

Social Media as Occupation: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

Social Media as Occupation: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

Meaningful and Psychologically Rewarding Occupations: Characteristics and Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

The differences between meaningful and psychologically rewarding occupations were investigated. Fifty-two individuals from the United States and South Africa participated in the research, which was conducted using the Experience Sampling Method. Participants were cued at random, five times per day for 7 days. Each time when cued, they documented the types of occupations in which they were participating, associated mood, and perceived meaning of the occupations. Meaningful and psychologically rewarding occupations were similar: Both were physically stimulating and connected participants with other people. There were differences between U.S. and South African participants regarding perceived meaning of occupations and associated mood.

Community Mobility: Older Adults’ Awareness of and Perceptions of Transportation Options

Abstract Date Presented 4/21/2018 This qualitative study was aimed at understanding how older adults learn about community mobility options. It also identified the perceived barriers of different types of transportation. Implications for occupational therapy practice are discussed. Primary Author and Speaker: Claudia Oakes Contributing Authors: Elena Gandiaga, Rachel Williams

Mind–Body–Spiritually Based Program for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Trial

Abstract Date Presented 4/20/2018 This poster describes a randomized clinical trial to explore the effects of a mind–body–spiritually integrated intervention called the Mantram Repetition Program compared with present-centered therapy in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Implications for occupational therapy practice are discussed. Primary Author and Speaker: Jill Bormann Contributing Authors: Danielle Beck, Dorothy Plumb, Princess Osei-Bonsu, Jennifer Johnston, Carie Rodgers, Pia Heppner, Mark Glickman, Shibei Zhao, Steven Thorp, Erik Groessl, Ann Kelly

Guidelines for Contributors to AJOT.

Guidelines for Contributors to AJOT.

The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Academic Readiness in Preschool-Age Children of High-Need Families

Abstract Date Presented 3/30/2017 This session reviews study results describing the relationships among sensory processing, child behavior, academic readiness, and caregiver characteristics in preschool children from high-risk families. Results of the study and implications for occupational therapy practice are presented. Primary Author and Speaker: Jeanne Zobel-Lachiusa Contributing Authors: Kathryn Wiezbicki-Stevens, Dawn DiStefano

Effect of Home Modification Interventions on the Participation of Community-Dwelling Adults With Health Conditions: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigated the role of home modification interventions to improve participation outcomes for community-living adults and older adults. Thirty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies investigated older adult populations and used occupational therapists as interventionists. Strong evidence was found for home modification interventions to improve function for people with a variety of health conditions and for both single and multicomponent interventions that included home modifications to reduce the rate and risk of falls among older adults. Moderate evidence was found for improved caregiving for people with dementia. Comprehensive, higher intensity interventions demonstrated greater efficacy to improve occupational performance. Emerging evidence was also found for the role of occupational therapy in providing effective home modification interventions. Implications for occupational therapy practice, education, and research are discussed.

The Carter Cuff: A Preliminary Assessment of Its Effectiveness in Enhancing Upper Body Strength in People with Unilateral Amputation and Other Disabilities

Five participants with unilateral, upper extremity amputation were recruited from a convenience sample and participated in a supervised resistance training exercise program in their own local exercise facility using the Carter Cuff (Carter Medical Devices, LLC). The Carter Cuff is a relatively new assistive device that allows people with unilateral, upper extremity amputation and other disabilities or injuries of the hand to engage in resistance training exercises. Following a six weeks training period, an online survey was made available to the participants who provided demographic information and answered questions about their exercise habits and their satisfaction with the ease of use and effectiveness of the Carter Cuff as well as its impact on their lives. The results of the survey provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of the Carter Cuff and its positive effects on people with amputations. Though more quantitative data on physiological and psychological measures are needed, these preliminary findings have important implications for occupational therapy practice.

Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Forearm, Wrist, and Hand: A Systematic Review.

Occupational therapy practitioners are key health care providers for people with musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity. It is imperative that practitioners understand the most effective and efficient means for remediating impairments and supporting clients in progressing to independence in purposeful occupations. This systematic review provides an update to a previous review by summarizing articles published between 2006 and July 2014 related to the focused question, What is the evidence for the effect of occupational therapy interventions on functional outcomes for adults with musculoskeletal disorders of the forearm, wrist, and hand? A total of 59 articles were reviewed. Evidence for interventions was synthesized by condition within bone, joint, and general hand disorders; peripheral nerve disorders; and tendon disorders. The strongest evidence supports postsurgical early active motion protocols and splinting for various conditions. Very few studies have examined occupation-based interventions. Implications for occupational therapy practice and research are provided.

Occupational therapy in positive youth development

ABSTRACTChildhood adversity can seriously impact individuals’ immediate and later-life health and wellbeing. Physical, emotional, and social wellbeing is intricately linked to person and environmental factors, and specific behaviour choices. While some individuals are able to thrive despite difficult life circumstances, others need support to learn new behaviour patterns that bring forth resilience. Communities can play a central role in helping adolescents develop important assets that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling life. However, communities need equal support to effectively address adolescent health and development. Community capacity can be built through collaboration between community members and occupational therapists who understand how to support adolescent health and development through the active engagement in occupations. This paper highlights the process and outcomes of a positive youth development program situated in a faith-based community in Northern Poland. Implications for occupational therapy practice are discussed.

Factors Associated With IADL Independence Among Older Adults: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

Abstract Date Presented4/8/2016 Age, leisure activity participation, and depressive symptoms are all significant predictors of instrumental activity of daily living function. Occupational therapists can incorporate evidence-based interventions to address both depressive symptoms and leisure activity participation. Primary Author and Speaker: Szu-Wei Chen Additional Author and Speaker: Tracy Chippendale

A Model of Family Health: Contributors to Robust Family Health and Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

Abstract Date Presented 4/9/2016 Grounded theory methods were used to develop a preliminary model of family health that explicitly framed families’ experiences of health and factors that mediated robust family health. Understanding these constructs can support occupational therapy practitioner’s efficacious and family-centered service delivery. Primary Author and Speaker: Sarah Smith Additional Author and Speaker: Beth DeGrace

Health Status of Burmese Refugees Resettled in Central Indiana: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice

Abstract Date Presented 4/7/2016 Refugees often face changes in health status, which may negatively influence their functional participation. The purpose of this study was to explore health status of Burmese refugees resettled in the Midwestern United States in order to direct preventive care and promote minority health. Primary Author and Speaker: Fengyi Kuo Additional Authors and Speakers: Heidi Grove, Sarah Koning, Catherine Kennedy, Kelli Emady Contributing Author: Nancy Goldfarb

Mindfulness Interventions in Physical Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review.

A scoping review was conducted to describe how mindfulness is used in physical rehabilitation, identify implications for occupational therapy practice, and guide future research on clinical mindfulness interventions. A systematic search of four literature databases produced 1,524 original abstracts, of which 16 articles were included. Although only 3 Level I or II studies were identified, the literature included suggests that mindfulness interventions are helpful for patients with musculoskeletal and chronic pain disorders and demonstrate trends toward outcome improvements for patients with neurocognitive and neuromotor disorders. Only 2 studies included an occupational therapist as the primary mindfulness provider, but all mindfulness interventions in the selected studies fit within the occupational therapy scope of practice according to the American Occupational Therapy Association's Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process. Higher-level research is needed to evaluate the effects of mindfulness interventions in physical rehabilitation and to determine best practices for the use of mindfulness by occupational therapy practitioners.