Areas Of Occupational Performance Research Articles

Young Children Benefit from Intensive, Group-Based Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy.

This quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of an intensive, group-based pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (pCIMT) program for young children. Thirty-five children aged 21 months to 6 years, with unilateral hemiparesis (HP), or weakness on one side of the body from varying etiologies, participated in a 4-week intensive, interprofessional, theme- and group-based pCIMT clinic program in the Midwest, United States. The program ran for 4 weeks with 3 h of therapy per day, 5 days per week with 3 weeks of 24 h casting for the unaffected arm, followed by 1 week of bimanual focus. Outcome measures included the Quality Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). The participants statistically significantly improved the unilateral function of the HP arm in four of five QUEST variables (p < 0.009), bimanual coordination as measured by the AHA (p < 0.001), and some areas of occupational performance as measured by the COPM (p < 0.001) and PEDI (p < 0.05). This study revealed the intensive, group-based pCIMT clinic model was effective and feasible to implement with the support from various stakeholders.

Effectiveness of custom seating and mobility services for individuals with disabilities in Guatemala

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of custom seating and mobility services provided via an international service learning (ISL) model on the occupational performance of individuals with disabilities in Guatemala. A one-group prospective pretest-posttest design was implemented using the standardized Wheelchair Outcome Measure (WhOM – Spanish) administered on the day of wheelchair fitting, and at 3- and 6-month intervals after receiving seating and mobility services. A two-tailed t-test demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in satisfaction for in-home and out-of-home occupations for all participants (n = 71) at 3-months with a huge effect size (d > 2) and this improvement was maintained at the 6-month interval. The results were consistent for various areas of occupational performance (e.g. activities of daily living). The provision of customized seating and mobility services by occupational therapists through an ISL model demonstrated effectiveness at improving satisfaction with occupational performance for individuals with disabilities in Guatemala. Cultural humility, customization of equipment based on personal and environmental factors, inclusion of education and training, and collaboration with in-country partners were identified as contributors to positive outcomes.

Surveying the Landscape of Persistent Concussive Symptoms in Adults Through an Occupational Lens.

Little is known about how and to what extent persistent concussive symptoms affect occupational performance in adults. To evaluate the impact of persistent postconcussive symptoms on occupational performance. A cross-sectional study design was used in which the occupational performance needs of adults with persistent concussion symptoms were identified by a trained occupational therapist via semistructured interview. University research space. Adults ages 18 to 60 yr experiencing persistent concussion symptoms. Occupational performance was evaluated using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Data were then categorized by two researchers using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (4th ed.). The most commonly affected occupational performance areas included education and work, social participation, and performance of instrumental activities of daily living. Aligning with prior knowledge of the impact of psychosocial difficulties and higher order cognitive deficits on daily life, performance of complex occupations is heavily affected in adults with persistent concussive symptoms. Plain-Language Summary: The functional impact of symptoms that adults experience postconcussion becomes apparent as they return to their life occupations. The results of this study showed that adults with persistent concussive symptoms more commonly experienced occupational challenges with participation in education, social activities, and the performance of instrumental activities of daily living, with subtle, important variations in symptoms across adults. Detailed, client-centered evaluation of occupational performance changes postconcussion is an area of potential growth for occupational therapy practice and research.

Abstract TP88: The Role of Tele-Occupational Therapy to Facilitate Occupational Performance in Stroke Survivors Selected by Patient Reported Outcomes

After a stroke, coming back home is difficult for most stroke patients. Occupational Therapy (OT) promotes coping with this situation, but in-home intervention is scarce. Through patient reported outcomes (PROMs), an OT can detect possible needs in the areas of occupational performance (OP), and then provide the appropriate tools to facilitate occupation in areas of self-care, productivity and leisure. We aimed to evaluate a tele-OT intervention through a holistic app to provide OT after discharge from a comprehensive stroke center. Methods: Consecutive stroke patients discharged home were included in a multimodal digital follow-up program (NORA) through a mobile application validated for communication, education, adherence, risk factors control and PROMs/PREMs recollection. Patients with OT needs are offered a telematic visit to solve stroke-related doubts, everyday activities, home modifications promoting patient’s autonomy and self-care. A tele-OT satisfaction questionnaire (teleOT-PREM) was recollected. Results: Over two years, 993 patients were included in NORA follow-up and reported PROMs at 7-30 days. 147 (14.8%) patients presented OT needs and were included in our tele-OT intervention. Sixty-one were men, with a mean age of 68.5y and a median mRS of 2 at hospital discharge. Tele-OT patients reported worse PROMs than the global series: in HADS, 40.8% anxiety and 34.2% depression and in PROMIS-10 89.3% altered mental health and 82.1% altered physical health, as compared with 13.1%, 17.7%, 64.7%, and 54.8% respectively (p&lt;0.001) 108 patients answered the teleOT-PREM. The median usefulness of intervention (in a scale from 0-10) was 8.2 and 65% reported being “very satisfied” with the visit. Conclusion: Stroke has a direct impact on a person’s occupational performance. Follow-up by an expert of the occupation (OT) could help to identify the post-stroke patient’s needs and poor PROMs can be used as a selection tool. Tele-OT intervention may promote a better OP, facilitating the daily life activities and improving the quality of life. Tele-OT intervention was feasible and considered useful for most of our stroke patients with OT requirements.

A perspective at the daily routines of esports players: life balance

Introduction: Esports is a fairly rising and growing entertainment and career platform. The recent changes in the life balance and general health of the players, which are thought to be related to esports, draw attention. Material and methods: 53 professional esports players and 44 non-professional esports players participated in the study. All of the participations was male. Online assessment methods were preferred and participants answered the questions in the Sociodemographic Data Form, Activity Wheel, and Life Balance Inventory. The normality of the data was tested using the Kolmogorow-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Demographic characteristics were compared with The Independent Samples T-test and Chi-square test. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare LBI subtests scores and occupational performance areas of the sample group. Results: Professional players showed more balanced results on the LBI Relationships subscale. A significant difference was found between the two groups in the field of productivity performance. Discussion: All players interpret their lifestyles as balanced; qualitative research is needed to detail the individual differences and meaning attributed to occupations for all players.

Post-COVID-19 survivors’ strategies for improving occupational balance: A qualitative study

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused some major changes in occupational patterns that form part of the individual’s occupational identity. Due to debilitating symptoms, post-COVID-19 survivors with limitations in the occupational performance areas may experience occupational imbalance. The objective of this study was to investigate the methods employed by patients to engage in their daily activities for regaining occupational balance. Methods: The study used an interpretive paradigm and conventional content analysis. An in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted with 11 patients who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the past 6 months or less, along with their three primary caregivers residing in Tehran. The sampling method used was purposive and continued until conceptual saturation was reached. Participants with the most tremendous possible diversity in demographic variables were included. Data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss’s recommended Constant Comparative Analysis. Results: The findings showed that patients used different strategies which included self-treatment based on others’ recommendations, compensatory, fatigue prevention and adaptive strategies to restore occupational balance. Conclusion: As occupational therapists, we must understand post-COVID-19 survivors’ perspectives on occupations and their preferred strategies. Also, findings confirm that occupational balance is a dynamic process that the adaptive capacities of the patients help to restore occupational balance.

The Ballroom Basics for Balance Program: A Pilot Effectiveness Study

Abstract Date Presented 04/21/2023 After a 12-week dance class for community-dwelling older adults, there were improvements in the areas of occupational performance and self-efficacy. Primary Author and Speaker: Paige Gresens Additional Authors and Speakers: Alexander Furlow, Kyra Neuser, Lesley M. Thao, Kristen A. Pickett, Sarah A. Zurawski Contributing Authors: Susan Frikken

That’s a WRAP! Effects of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan on Occupational Performance of Allied Health Graduate Students

Abstract Date Presented 04/21/2023 This randomized controlled trial study explored use of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) app in OT and allied health graduate students. Participants showed improvement in the occupational performance areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure. Primary Author and Speaker: Jennifer Maloney Additional Authors and Speakers: Savannah Fehnel, Rosh Bautista, Natalya Schienholz

Comparison of the Executive Functions, Occupational Performance and Perceived Occupational Proficiency in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorder

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the executive functions (EFs) and occupational performance and perceived occupational proficiency (POP) in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, 72 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP; n = 22), specific learning disabilities (SpLD; n = 26) or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; n = 24) were included in the study group and 84 typically developed children were included in the comparison group. All children were evaluated with the Child Occupational Self-Assessment (COSA) and all parents were evaluated with The Executive Function and Occupational Routines Scale (EFORTS) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Accordingly, statistically significant differences were found between the study group and the comparison group in terms of total scores of the COSA and EFORTS (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference between the CP, ADHD, and SpLD diagnosis groups and the comparison group in terms of sub-parameters of COSA and EFORTS score (p < 0.05). The findings showed that children with different diagnoses within neurodevelopmental disorders have difficulties in different EFs and occupational performance areas. Also, the pattern of association between EF and POP was different for each group. Therefore, therapists need to consider occupational performance and POP with EFs in their assessments before planning their intervention.

Young Adult Self-Perceptions: Readiness for Home Management, Financial Responsibilities, and Politics and Citizenship

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. This mixed-methods study identified college student self-perceptions of readiness for independent adult living in key occupational performance areas. Results from quantitative online surveys and qualitative open-ended interviews showed that college students may benefit from training in home management, financial education, and broader exposure to government issues. College-age clients receiving OT services may also benefit from this as part of the OT intervention program. Primary Author and Speaker: Grace Fisher Additional Authors and Speakers: Keri Bremigen, Stephanie Giardina, Jessica Lane, and Syrena Riley

Item Analysis, Age Trends, and Internal Consistency Reliability of the Children's Occupational Performance Questionnaire (COPQ).

Occupational performance measures are essential for guiding client-centered interventions for children and for measuring progress and program outcomes. To evaluate and report on the psychometric properties of a new assessment tool, the Children's Occupational Performance Questionnaire (COPQ). Descriptive and correlational methods were used. A convenience sample primarily from the northeastern United States was recruited, consisting of the caregivers of 156 children and 25 older children who completed the COPQ as a self-report. Participants' ages ranged from 2 mo to 19 yr. Seventy-five percent of them identified as typically developing, and 25% had a medical condition or disability affecting development. Data from completed questionnaires assessing children with and without disabilities were used to explore aspects of the COPQ's content validity, including age trends and item difficulty. Internal consistency reliability was also examined for each of the five domains: Personal Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Social Participation, Play/Leisure, and Education/Work. Each COPQ domain showed strong internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = .96-.99). Age trends indicated increasing competency in occupational performance with age across domains and supported occupational performance as a developmental construct. The COPQ shows promise as a reliable occupational performance measure for children for both clinical and research purposes. Potential items for modification or deletion were identified to reduce redundancy and increase efficiency. Further study of the tool's psychometrics and normative data collection are needed. The COPQ addresses all areas of occupational performance and is being developed as a valid, reliable assessment tool for children. It aims to assist in guiding occupational therapy interventions and detecting changes in occupational performance in response to treatment.

Validity of the Occupational Performance Scale of the Sensory Processing Three Dimensions Measure.

The Sensory Processing Three Dimensions (SP3D) Occupational Performance Scale (OPS) is a new parent-report measure developed for use as part of a comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation for children with sensory processing and integration challenges. To examine the internal consistency and discriminant validity of the SP3D OPS, examine relations between sensory processing subtypes and areas of occupational performance (OP), and determine the extent to which specific sensory processing challenges predict problems with OP. Nonexperimental, descriptive design using correlations, group comparisons, and stepwise regression. Three outpatient clinic sites in the United States. Parents of 66 children (33 typically developing and 33 with clinical problems) ranging in age from 4 to 12 yr. The SP3D OPS and SP3D Inventory were completed by parents to address psychometrics of the SP3D OPS and determine the association between sensory processing and integration challenges with OP. Internal consistency reliability and discriminant validity of the SP3D OPS were supported. Scores on the Dyspraxia and Sensory Overresponsivity subscales best predicted deficits in OP. Significant relations were found between sensory processing and integration and competency in multiple OP areas. The SP3D OPS shows promise as a measure of OP. The OP deficits among children with sensory processing and integration challenges are in part due to subtype presentation. Further studies of the SP3D OPS's reliability and validity are needed. This new occupational performance measure shows associations between sensory processing and OP areas. It can provide information to support therapists in identifying family concerns relevant to goal setting and intervention.

School-Based Occupational Therapy during COVID-19 Pandemic

School-based occupational therapy (OT) is very important because it helps the student to be more successful and engage or participate in roles, habits, routines and occupations at school, and those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic brought huge changes to the daily lives of people worldwide and affected their participation in almost all their daily activities or occupations. Occupation includes all purposeful human activity through which people can influence their health and well-being and adapt to change. Measures related to COVID-19 and lockdown (when there is one) require changes in the daily school and home routine of students who need new training (especially those in special schools) to protect their health and adapt to changes. School occupational therapists (OTs) work with teachers and the school team and have an important role among the interdisciplinary team in occupational engagement, in order to avoid the negative consequences of illness and disability and promote the positive impact of participating in occupations on a student’s health and well-being. They focus on a wide range of areas of occupational performance such as education, social participation, play, leisure, work and activities of daily living. The purpose of this short report is to highlight the usefulness of school-based OT in supporting students in everyday life, including new COVID-19 conditions. Some directions are also discussed, so as for OTs, teachers and school team to be able to help students meet the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in OT school-based services including self-care, hygiene, masks and facial coverings, daily school and home routine, social distancing, e-learning/technology management and telehealth in collaboration with parents, and other professionals in school.

Relationships between executive functions and occupational performance of children with medulloblastoma

Introduction This study examines executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma and children with typical development. The aim was to compare the executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma and children with typical development and to investigate the relationship between the executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma. Method Parents of 105 children (6–12 years) completed the Childhood Executive Function Inventory. A total of 105 children were administered the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement to obtain information on occupational performance areas. Executive functions and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma ( n = 52) and typical development ( n = 53) were compared. Correlation analysis was conducted between the executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma. Results Executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma were lower than those with typical development. Significant relationships were found between the executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma ( p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion It is clear that the executive functions of children with medulloblastoma significantly affect their occupational performance level. Client-centered, occupation-oriented cognitive therapy interventions prepared according to occupational therapy theories and models might be useful to increase the occupational performance level of children with medulloblastoma.

Occupational performance of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis based on disability level in Iran

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disease across the world as well as in Iran. Individuals with MS usually experience occupational performance problems that result in limitations in their daily life. This study aimed to determine the occupational performance of individuals with MS based on the disability level in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 individuals with MS (20 to 50 years old) were recruited through a convenience sampling strategy from different clinics in Arak City, Iran, during 2016-2017. The Persian versions of Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were used to assess the status of occupational performance and level of disability. The data were analyzed using chi-square, Spearman's rank correlation, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The total number of 248 occupations were identified as difficult to perform in the following areas: 125 (50.40%) in self-care, 58 (23.38%) in productivity, and 65 (26.20%) in leisure. In addition, the prioritized occupations (n = 149, median: 3, range: 1-4) had significant difference in the distribution of occupations compared with the non-prioritized occupations (P < 0.0001) and the ratings for performances and satisfactions were generally low. There were significant differences between the occupational performance and level of EDSS. Conclusion: The findings of current study suggest that individuals with MS suffer from widespread problems in the areas of occupational performance, particularly in self-care. The findings emphasize the need for identifying the problems of daily occupations in individuals with MS.

Ayres Sensory Integration® 중심의 그룹놀이치료가 저소득층 ADHD 아동의 작업수행능력에 미치는 효과

Ayres Sensory Integration® 중심의 그룹놀이치료가 저소득층 ADHD 아동의 작업수행능력에 미치는 효과

Ayres Sensory Integration® 중심의 그룹놀이치료가 저소득층 ADHD 아동의 작업수행능력에 미치는 효과

Ayres Sensory Integration® 중심의 그룹놀이치료가 저소득층 ADHD 아동의 작업수행능력에 미치는 효과

Trauma and the role of the school-based occupational therapist

ABSTRACTRecent research has shown that experiencing trauma in childhood may have a significant effect on school performance, particularly in the occupational performance areas of education, social participation, and play. This article highlights how occupational therapists working in the public schools can play a unique supportive role for these children through individualized programming that includes: consulting and collaborating with a multidisciplinary school team; analyzing environments, tasks, and routines with a trauma-informed sensory-based approach; and providing direct occupational therapy. Designed with the input of the student, this multifaceted plan helps facilitate regulation and participation in school for the child who has experienced trauma.

Parent-Mediated Interventions With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract Date Presented 3/30/2017 A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of parent-mediated interventions for children with autism in occupational performance areas. Findings support improvement in social communication and symptom severity, with emerging support for feeding, play, independence, and behavior. Primary Author and Speaker: Caitlin Dammann Additional Authors and Speakers: Colleen Althoff, Sarah Hope, Karla Ausderau

Contribution of military psychology in supporting those in rural and remote work environments

This article explores the relevance of the body of military psychology knowledge to the management and support of those living and working in rural/remote industries and locations, particularly within Australia. For those who live and work in rural/remote settings, there are social, occupational, health and environmental challenges. Some of these are shared with families and individuals who are associated with military life. The published literature on the shared attributes between military and rural/remote work environments rarely makes a direct link. However, looking at both areas suggests opportunities for the application of psychological knowledge in the well-developed field of military psychology to the rural/remote setting. This article focuses on application of psychological knowledge in the areas of occupational performance, fatigue, mental health, family care and in the training of psychologists to work in rural/remote areas. The cross-pollination of knowledge between those working with military personnel and family and those working in rural/remote settings should allow practitioners greater opportunities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in these communities.