Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Critically Appraised Paper For “Adaptive Vs. Non-Adaptive Cognitive Training By Means Of A Personalized App: A Randomized Trial In People With Multiple Sclerosis.”, Kevin Ng, Jeffrey Kou, Patricia Lyons, Yvonne Lam, America Ortega, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that causes cognitive and physical fatigue, which can slow cognitive processing speed (CPS). Slow CPS affects occupational engagement. Evidence suggests that physical activity can be used as an intervention to address and manage slowed CPS in MS. This Level I randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the impact of a physical-activity behavioral intervention on CPS and walking performance among people with mild to moderate MS.

Seventy-six participants with mild to moderate MS participated in the study for 6 months. The participants were split into two groups, the intervention group and the wait-list control group. In …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Adaptive Vs. Non-Adaptive Cognitive Training By Means Of A Personalized App: A Randomized Trial In People With Multiple Sclerosis.”, Erin Chaffee, Ty Duong, Kaylee Gothelf, Emily Minor, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a working-memory program to improve the cognitive status of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Given the increasing use of technology in modern-day society, further research is required to provide evidence supporting working-memory training devices that are easily accessible for people with memory deficits.

Critically Appraised Paper For “Effects Of Dance On Motor Functions, Cognitive Functions, And Mental Symptoms Of Parkinson’S Disease: A Quasi-Randomized Pilot Trial”, May Anne Gamueda, Caroline Lee, Susan Nguyen, Ajay Pala, Blanka Pentek, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a systemic condition that presents not only motor but also nonmotor symptoms, as a result of dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia. Rehabilitation typically focuses on motor deficits, however, despite the fact that nonmotor symptoms have a significant impact on quality of life. The researchers of this study investigated the effectiveness of dance on motor functions, cognitive functions, and mental symptoms of individuals with PD. They chose dance as their intervention because it has been shown to activate the basal ganglia as well as improve mood. In addition to motor function and mood, the researchers also …

Critically Appraised Paper For “The Effects Of A Home-Based Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Program On Balance Among Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease”, Amanda Lee, Sophie E. Miller, Holly Snyder, Phoebe Taasan, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based exercise program using the Nintendo Wii system in its capacity to improve balance and balance confidence and maintain exercise compliance. Balance and balance confidence were measured with the Center of Pressure Length (COPL) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), which were administered before the start of the intervention, 6 weeks into the intervention, and within 1 week postintervention. Although changes in balance and balance confidence scores were found to be nonsignificant, a pattern emerged in which scores for both measures rose between preand postintervention assessments, then fell to nearly baseline levels …

Critically Appraised Paper For “The Effect Of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy On Spasticity And Motor Function Of The Affected Arm In Patients With Chronic Stroke.”, Jacqueline Bloom, Emily Lu, Matt Tong, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

This study explored the effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on the spasticity and functional use of the affected arm and hand among persons of working age who presented with spastic hemiplegia resulting from a stroke that occurred more than 6 months ago. The researchers developed a modified CIMT program for use in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic with intensive and varied exercise training aimed at targeting the negative symptoms of spastic hemiplegia. Previous research on CIMT has taken place in laboratory settings and has not specifically focused on CIMT’s effects on spasticity.

The researchers used a battery of assessments …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Bobath Concept Versus Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy To Improve Arm Functional Recovery In Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Clinical Rehabilitation, Emily Garnica, Savannah Hancock, Tiffany Huang, Jessica Phung, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The researchers used a Level I, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial design to compare the functional arm recovery of 22 high-functioning poststroke participants. Participants were evenly assigned to receive therapy using the Bobath concept or constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT).

The first intervention group received therapy using the Bobath concept, a neurodevelopmental treatment focused on specific handling techniques that guide the patient’s affected arm through initiation and completion of tasks. The intervention consisted of 1 hr of training per day in an outpatient clinic and a 24-hr home program for 10 consecutive weekdays. The second intervention group received CIMT, a rehabilitation treatment …

Critcally Appraised Paper For: “Is Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy More Effective Than Bimanual Training In Improving Arm Motor Function In The Subacute Phase Post Stroke? A Randomized Controlled Trial.”, Jason Ichimaru, Jennifer Sik, Kelly Schmidt, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Patients poststroke compose one of the largest demographics treated by occupational therapists in the physical disability setting. Approximately two-thirds of individuals who have had a stroke present with arm function impairment (Kwakkel & Kollen, 2007). Therefore, effective arm rehabilitation in occupational therapy settings is critical to help patients regain functional independence and quality of life. Modified constraint-induced movement (MCIM) therapy has been reported as the superior method of arm rehabilitation for individuals in the subacute phase poststroke, although recent research has also supported bimanual training. This 4-week, randomized controlled, quantitative study compared the effect of MCIM therapy and bimanual task-related …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Effect Of Physical Exercise-Movement Strategies Programme On Mobility, Falls, And Quality Of Life In Parkinson's Disease”, April Perez, Morganne Peterson, Raechel Jacala, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

A research team conducted a Level III prospective, longitudinal study to examine the effect of a standardized rehabilitation program, consisting of regular exercise and movement strategies, on fall risk, mobility, hospitalization, and quality of life for individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Over 2 years, 15 participants attended weekly rehabilitation sessions during Year 1 and biweekly sessions during Year 2. The rehabilitation program was designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and gait pattern. Using a pre- and posttest study design, the research team assessed participants at baseline and at Year 1 and Year 2 follow-up evaluations. Using …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Efficacy Of Occupational Therapy For Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, Amber Zadravecz, Hannah Tashjian, Emily White, Stephanie Pawek, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Parkinson’s disease is a disabling, progressive condition that hinders occupational performance in daily activities and social participation. Occupational therapy supports engagement in activities that are meaningful to the patient. The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of occupational therapy in addition to standard care for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Critically Appraised Paper For Occupational Therapy Intervention: Effects On Self-Care, Performance, Satisfaction, Self-Esteem/Self-Efficacy, And Role Functioning Of Older Hispanic Females With Arthritis, Jennifer Borcich, Erin Sheehy, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Arthritis is a chronic condition that presents physical and psychosocial challenges that can affect daily functioning. The researchers in this study examined two frequently used methods of occupational therapy intervention—enabling or preparatory activities and occupation-based activities—for managing and improving symptoms of arthritis to improve participation, satisfaction, and self-efficacy in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Twenty-nine older Hispanic women with osteoarthritis participated in the study and were randomized into two intervention groups and a control group. Whereas the occupation-based intervention group consisted of 10–15 min of enabling or preparatory activities, followed by 30 min of occupation-based activities, the enabling/preparatory-based intervention group …

For Stroke Patients, In What Ways Does Robot-Assisted Therapy Improve Upper Extremity Performance In The Areas Of Motor Impairment, Muscle Power, And Strength?, Maria Mandrussow, Ani Keshishyan, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability among adults. Adequate rehabilitation of the upper extremity in stroke patients can improve performance in activities of daily living. Robot-assisted therapy can offer intense, repetitive, and task-specific training to the impaired limb after stroke. Prior studies have shown that robot-assisted therapy may improve strength and motor deficits of the impaired limbs, but there is a lack of research comparing the effects of unilateral robot-assisted training protocol (URTP) versus bilateral robot-assisted training protocol (BRTP) with a robotic device. Comparison of the effectiveness of these two protocols is beneficial to determine the appropriate treatment …

In Adult Patients With Unilateral Stroke, Is Distributed Constraint-Induced Therapy Or Bilateral Arm Training More Effective In Improving Upper Extremity Motor And Functional Outcomes Compared With A Routine Approach?, Courtney Beyer, Christine Kim, Janice Li, Angelica Soltis, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Stroke survivors may experience deficits and impairments of upper extremity (UE) function that limit their engagement in meaningful everyday occupations. It is important for occupational therapists to identify and test the effectiveness of interventions targeted to decrease UE learned nonuse, improve functional performance, and increase participation in one’s daily occupations.

This study compared the efficacy of distributed constraint-induced therapy (dCIT) and bilateral arm training (BAT) in improving movement strategies and functional abilities of the UE in stroke survivors. Each intervention group participated in the intervention 2 hr/day, five times per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Participants in the dCIT group …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Cognitive Stimulation Of Executive Functions In Mild Cognitive Impairment: Specific Efficacy And Impact In Memory”, Avery Wilson, Yamin Zaw, Malcolm Isely, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Executive functions play a pivotal role in an individual’s independence. However, little research has been conducted on the efficacy of specific cognitive training for individuals with deficits consistent with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The researchers in this study aimed to use a cognitive stimulation program that taught specific strategies to enhance the participants’ attentional and executive functional tasks. The study, using a crossover design involving two groups, included 30 participants affected by the amnestic form of MCI, executive function deficits, or both. The 6-month training sessions addressed challenges through the use of individualized cognitive strategies and proposed activities to exercise …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Cognitive Training For Improving Executive Function In Chemotherapy-Treated Breast Cancer Survivors”, Kaitlyn M. Williams, Morgan Mousley, Katherine Blank, Jocelle Flores

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The present literature regarding patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy treatment indicates increased occurrence of cognitive deficits, particularly in executive function. To explore these deficits, the researchers used an online, computer-based intervention program aimed to improve impaired cognition. The population of this study was a group of female breast cancer survivors who had previously received chemotherapy treatment with or without hormonal therapy. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. The implemented intervention was a home-based cognitive training computer program accessible through an online subscription to the Lumos Lab, Inc. The intervention group completed the …

Does Therapeutic Horseback Riding Decrease Balance Deficits In Community-Dwelling Older Adults?, Salwa Yaser, Lisa Mrsny, Krystin Beeman, Skyler Moon, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Hippotherapy and therapeutic riding (TR) provide pleasurable activity and physical exercise to individuals and yet limited study is available on its therapeutic value to improve balance in older adults. In this study, the researchers measured the benefit of TR on balance and quality of life in communitydwelling older adults. A convenience sample of individuals 65 years and older was recruited from a local community. The study is a single-blind, pretest-posttest, controlled study of a 10-session TR program with a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) trained and certified TR instructor. Each TR session included grooming and tacking, mounting, a warm-up …

Does A Multicomponent Home Intervention Reduce Functional Difficulties In Community-Dwelling Older Adults As Compared To No Intervention?, Laura Henty-Clark, Rosemarie Lion, Nadine Marcelo, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Many older adults live with chronic conditions that may affect their ability to safely perform their daily occupations. Small decreases in ability of older adults to function independently can have profound effects, possibly leading to hospitalization, institutionalization, or death. However, preventative home-based interventions for older adults typically are not reimbursed by Medicare or other insurance carriers.

This study on intervention effectiveness contributes to a growing body of evidence for providing preventative home-based intervention to older adults to support their abilities to function independently in their communities. This study examined whether a preventative home-based intervention, including occupational therapy and physical therapy, …

For Low-Income Adults Who Experience Trouble With One Or More Activities Of Daily Living (Adl) Or Two Or More Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living (Iadl), Does The Community Aging In Place: Advancing Better Living For Elders (Capable) Improve Performance Of Adls And Iadls?, Noelle Bakken, Lauryn Banovitz, Abigail Lafrenz, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The growing population of older adults has created a societal shift, with many older adults preferring to stay in their homes for a longer period of time. This trend, known as aging-inplace, may provide greater independence and autonomy to older adults compared with those living in nursing homes. However, physical and cognitive changes associated with age may affect the ability to safely perform activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). This study examined performance in ADLs and IADLs, fall efficacy, and quality of life in 40 low-income, community dwelling adults aged 65 and older. Participants …

For Healthy Older Adults, Does Participation In A Water-Based Balance Training Exercise Program, When Compared To A Land-Based Balance Training Exercise Program, Improve Balance Performance?, Sara Pro, Rajvinder Bains, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Occupational therapy plays a significant role in wellness promotion for older adults. Critical to maintaining health and wellness in older adults is prevention of falls and fall-related injuries. One in three community-dwelling older adults reports a fall every year, and the incidence of falls increases exponentially from ages 60 to 65 and 80 to 85. Falls are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from fractures and secondary complications. Leading causes of falls in older adults include decreased balance and an abnormal gait pattern. Balance training programs can help improve balance, decrease the risk of falling, and promote functional independence. However, …

Do Restorative Home Care Programs Increase Independence In Adls And Iadls In Older Adults Receiving Home Health Services?, Adrienne Angeles, Shanee Ben-Haim, Amy Smith-Schwartz, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

There has been a worldwide shift from viewing aging as a dependent stage of life to one that increasingly encourages independence and a more active lifestyle for older adults. In Australia, where this study was conducted, restorative care that embraces active aging was not yet considered an essential component of home health care on the national level. However, restorative home care has been gaining more recognition as increasing importance is placed on independence and self-management in older adults.

The researchers of this study explored whether older adults’ participation in restorative home care programs reduced the need for ongoing personal care. …

For Younger Patients With Stroke, Does Rehabilitation In The Home, Compared To Rehabilitation In The Day Clinic, Improve Early Level Of Activity Participation?, Elizabeth Ashley Brown, Alex Robert Shragg, Jovita Vasquez, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The main purpose of this study was to determine if 3 weeks of rehabilitation in the home setting improves activity to a larger extent and facilitates rehabilitation in younger patients following a stroke compared to patients receiving intervention in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Cost effectiveness among these interventions was also described.

Critically Appraised Paper For "Does Cognitive Treatment For Illness Perceptions Increase Patient-Specific Physical Activity Levels Of Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain When Compared To No Intervention?", Jaclyn Fok, Shannon Landau, Liberty Bellah, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

1. To test the hypothesis that patient-relevant activity limitations can be reduced in patients with CLBP after receiving CTIP.
2. To determine which maladaptive illness perceptions are detected and impacted by the CTIP.

Do Low Vision Interventions, Including Prescription And Training In The Use Of Low Vision Devices, Such As Magnifiers, Telescopes, Selective Transmission Lenses, Electronic Devices, And Computers, Enhance Older Adults’ Vision In Reading Standard Labels On Medication Bottles?, Vanessa Mae Clemente Carzon, Mallory Hope Engelhardt, Amanda Marie Woods, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of low vision rehabilitation interventions on individuals with low vision, particularly on the ability to read standard labels on medication bottles.

Does Dance-Based Therapy Improve Balance And Mobility In Older Adults?, Emily Ann Dodge, Florina Mendoza-Battle, Tanya Elesia Orgill, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

This study explores the effects of dance-based therapy on balance and mobility in older adults living in an AIP facility.

Does Fall Risk Education Tailored By Motivation Increase Fall Risk Identification And Fall Prevention Behaviors In Community-Dwelling Older Adults When Compared To Fall Risk Education Tailored By Authenticity?, Jonathan William Alonso, Brittnee Jane Witham, Cournety Brooke Mcintosh, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

To determine whether multimedia fall prevention education using different instructional strategies increases older adults’ ability to identify fall risks and implement fall prevention behaviors into their daily activities.

For Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Functional Limitations, Does An Occupational Therapy Home Modification Intervention Program That Includes The Provision Of Adaptive Equipment And/Or Architectural Renovations To The Home Help Improve Occupational Performance And Satisfaction With The Ability To Perform Everyday Activities?, Sarah Jane Dequis Calub, Matthew Jordan Carlson, Monica Fernandez, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Determine the effect of an occupational therapy home modification intervention program on occupational performance and self-reported levels of satisfaction of occupational performance.

For Patients With Acute Cerebral Vascular Accident, Is Virtual Reality Gaming More Effective Than Standard Recreational Therapy For The Improvement Of Hand Function?, Amy Marie Sequeira Boeschen, Elizabeth Jeanne Szoboszlay, Martha Welderufael, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of VR gaming using the Nintendo Wii vs. standard recreational therapy for the improvement of UE function in patients who have experienced a stroke.

Are Physical, Cognitive, And Perceptual Exercises Effective At Improving Abilities Associated With Driving (Such As Behavioral Speed, Visual Attention, Psychomotor Performance, Speed Of Perception, And Executive Functioning) In Older Adults Compared To A Control Group Of Older Adults Not Participating In An Exercise Group?, Caitlin Danae Mcintyre, Regina Okun, Josue Julian Zamora, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

To study the effect of a specific exercise program on changes in performance in the areas of behavioral speed, visual attention, psychomotor performance, speed of perception, and executive functioning in older adult drivers.