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Examining The Delivery Mode Of Mental Practice In Reducing Hemiparesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Teresa M. Green, Nicole M. Fromm, Farida Sita Gayle, Jinna Lee, Wanyi Wang, Asha K. Vas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Mental Practice (MP) is an effective intervention to address upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis post-stroke. However, parameters for the delivery mode of MP have not been defined. Therefore, this study's purpose was to define delivery mode parameters by comparing the effectiveness of audio-guided and video-guided MP.

Method: Eighteen participants, < 1-month post-stroke, with UE hemiparesis were randomized to a MP, repetitive task practice (RTP) or control group. The MP groups performed audio-guided or video-guided MP, 5x/week. The RTP group physically performed the functional tasks. The control group received traditional stroke rehabilitation. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) were used to assess change in UE hemiparesis.

Results: Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated audio MP increased FMA-UE scores from pretest (Mdn = 34.0, Mean = 34.0, SD =9.56) to posttest (Mdn = 49.0, Mean = 49.6, SD =7.5), p = .042, r = .64. Similar improvement in FMA-UE scores was found with traditional therapy. Audio MP decreased WMFT …

Assessing Unmet Needs Of Caregivers After Stroke: Occupational Therapist Practices And Perspectives, Deborah R. Clymer, Hadley A. Fields, Kathy Kniepmann

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Family caregivers of stroke survivors often feel unprepared and overwhelmed post discharge with numerous unmet needs. Occupational therapists can play an integral role in addressing family caregivers’ needs. Limited research exists on assessment practices of occupational therapists in identifying caregivers’ needs poststroke. This study explores the practices and perspectives of occupational therapists in assessing unmet caregivers’ needs.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed methods research design was used to electronically survey 15 occupational therapists. Part 1 of the survey explored participant methods for identifying caregivers’ needs and their views on using formal caregiver assessment tools. Part 2 gathered participant perspectives on …

The Effects Of Outdoor Air Pollutants On The Costs Of Stroke Hospitalizations In China, Siyu Zeng, Luo Li, Fang Chen

Transactions of the International Conference on Health Information Technology Advancement

Stroke, the most frequent cause of severe disability and the second cause of death among adults in the world, brings tremendous mental and economic burden to patients and their families. Emerging evidence indicates that the air pollution mixture contributes to strokes. Knowing the relationship between the air pollution and the hospital costs of stroke can help us predict the costs due to air pollution, provide grounds for the allocation of medical insurance funds, and provide better working arrangements for CDC. However, few studies have examined this connection. We used time series analysis with a generalized additive model to estimate the …

Selection Of Post-Acute Care For Stroke Patients, Kathryn M. Gulfo, Glen Gillen, Lauri Bishop, Clare C. Bassile, Randy B. Kolodny, Joel Stein

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Significant variation exists in post-acute care for stroke survivors. This study examines referral practices of occupational and physical therapists for patients after acute stroke.

Method: Occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) were surveyed either electronically or in person at a national conference. The respondents selected the most appropriate referral for each of five case vignettes. The referral choices included Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH), home with home services, or home with outpatient services. Demographic data included practice location, setting, and duration. The respondents were also asked to rate …

Use Of Occupational Performance Coaching For Stroke Survivors (Opc-Stroke) In Late Rehabilitation: A Descriptive Case Study, Danika Belliveau, Isabelle Belliveau, Aniane Camire-Raymond, Dorothy Kessler, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. Following stroke, 60% of people report needing help with everyday activities, and 80% report having very few meaningful activities. These restrictions often continue for years. This study explored the efficacy of Occupational Performance Coaching for stroke survivors (OPC-Stroke) on the participation level of adults in the later stage of stroke rehabilitation.

Method: A descriptive case study design was used. One participant in the later stages of rehabilitation was recruited. Outcome measures for participation, goal performance and satisfaction, and emotional well-being were administered pre and postintervention to observe for direction of …

“I Think Relax, Relax And It Flows A Lot Easier”: Exploring Client-Generated Relax Strategies, Dianne Cirone, Sara E. Mcewen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. Some adult stroke survivors participating in Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) treatment programs self-generated relax strategies that have not been explored in previous CO-OP publications. The objective of this study was to describe the process by which adults with stroke used relax strategies and to explore the outcomes associated with their use.

Methods. Secondary analysis of transcripts of intervention sessions from five participants was conducted.

Results. All five participants applied relax strategies after initially observing a breakdown in performance that was attributed to increased fatigue or tension. The relax strategies used by the participants during their occupations …