Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Current Normative Data For Grip, Pinch, And Fine Motor Control For Pediatrics And Adults, Jackie Kaiser, Kyle Richards

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background:

Fine motor control can be measured with the Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) and the 9 Hole Peg Test (Aaron & Jansen, 2003; Oxford Grice et al., 2003). Grip and pinch strength are measured with a dynamometer and pinch gauge respectively, which are tools that measure strength in both pounds and kilograms (McQuiddy, Scheerer, Lavalley, McGarth, & Lin, 2015). The normative data for these tools from the mid-1980s is still being used in practice today and that needs to change.

Best Approach To Treating Distal Radius Fractures, Ashley Godawski, Caceti Dobrowolski

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background Information:

Distal Radius Fractures (wrist) are commonly caused by falling on an outstretched hand. The two treatments for distal radius fractures are surgical intervention through Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) or conservative non-surgical treatment. The ORIF surgery includes reducing the broken bone and then setting it back in place with screws, plates, rods or pins. Conservative treatment includes casting or immobilization of the wrist in order to promote natural healing.

The Effects Of A Driving Simulator On Driving-Related Skills Necessary For Adl And Iadl Function, Rebecca Pope, Haley Szpara

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background

Returning to driving is often a goal for an individual following a neurological impairment. Critical skills for success in returning to driving include intact cognition, visual, and visual-perceptual skills which are skills that are commonly compromised in individuals who have had a neurological accident. In addition, these skills are necessary for other areas of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLS), as well as activities of daily living road driving performance (Crotty & George, 2009). Emerging evidence has shown the use of driving simulator training as an intervention to increase and the generalizability this may have on ADL function and …

Benefits Of Group Therapy For Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi), Victoria Vaughan, Kristyn Bickley

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background Information: According to the CDC:

• The economic cost of TBI in 2010, including direct and indirect medical costs, was estimated to be approximately $76.5 billion.
• Effects of TBI can include impaired thinking or memory, movement, sensation (e.g., vision or hearing), or emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, depression).
• Those who survive a TBI can face effects that last a few days, or the rest of their lives.

Objective Measures Of Iadl Kitchen Safety Of Individuals With Cognitive And Visual Impairments, Kylie Townsley, Marisa Gonzalez

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case Study:

72 year old woman fell donning pants, acquiring a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), scoring 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Symptoms include confusion, headaches, memory loss, and fatigue. Comorbidities include age-related macular degeneration. She is in acute rehabilitation to be evaluated on her ability to complete kitchen tasks independently to determine her discharge plan.

Effectiveness Of Sensory-Based Intervention In A Classroom Setting, Daneel Dickson, Emily Resmer

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case

A 9 year old male student is having difficulty staying focused during class. He is easily distracted and interacts with his peers at inappropriate times, such as when a teacher is providing instruction to the class. The student's teacher voices her concerns about the student's attention during academic tasks to an OT where the use of sensory integration is then explained to help with classroom behaviors.

Lack Of Sleep And The Effects Of Performance During Therapy Sessions In Acute Care, Lena Siciliano, Erica Knight

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Disrupted sleep in acute care setting is common, but it's relationship with functional performance is unknown.

Efficacy Of Early Mobilization In Acute Care, Brianna Byrd, Lauren Korte

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case:

A 53-year-old female was hospitalized after suffering a R CVA resulting in L hemiplegia and cognitive impairments. She has been stabilized and is in an acute care rehabilitation setting to regain strength and functioning. The rehabilitation team, including occupational therapists, are debating if implementing an early mobilization treatment plan, within 24 hours of onset, would be beneficial for improving function.

A Comparative Review Of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Assessments, Danielle Costantini, Kyle Ailes

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Best Practice For Increasing Upper Extremity Sensory Function After A Cva, Holly Nagy, Christie Schmitt

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Intermittent pneumatic compression is most effective for tactile sensation (touch and texture discrimination) recovery post stroke, while SENSe (neuro rehabilitation) is the most effective for other somatosensory function (vibration and pressure) post stroke.

Combining Strategies For Improved Outcomes Of Social Interaction Skills In Children With Autism In Occupational Therapy, Kelly Allen, Kaitlyn Felt

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that often presents with struggles in behavioral problems arising from sensory processing abnormalities, emotional dysregulation, self-stimulatory behavior, and anxiety, negatively impacting social interaction skills and limit the ability to engage with peers, productivity in school, and participating in daily routines (Wood, et al, 2009). Sensory integration therapy (SIT), often used in OT with clients with ASD, focuses on neurological processing of sensory information and helps clients modulate sensory responses (Khodabaskhshi, Abedi & Malekpour, 2014). This approach differs greatly from another commonly-used strategy focused on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive-based approaches …

Persons With Dementia And Their Capacity For Helping: An Exploratory Study, Maria Mcdaniel, Maureen Mickus

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

This observational study explored helping behaviors (HBs) among persons with dementia (PWD) in a communal dining space of a memory care facility. HBs were observed regularly and related to assistance with another resident, staff, and stuffed animal. PWD, even in the moderate stages of the disease, have the capacity to help others.

Effectiveness Of Art-Based Interventions For Reducing Stress Among Caregivers Of Cancer Patients, Emily Kocjan, Sarah Powell

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background

Occupational therapist (OT) frequently work with patients with a cancer diagnosis along with their caregivers. Approximately 50% of family caregivers report decreased time for social activities, decreased energy, emotional well-being, physical functioning, and ability to cope with stress (Lang & Lim, 2013). One approach reducing caregiver stress may be art-based therapy. Art-based therapy has been effective for promoting health in a variety of populations although the impact of on cancer caregivers is less understood.

Mirror Therapy & Motor Function With Chronic Stroke, Elise Grubb, Sara Ponischil

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Aim of this CAT

Existing literature provides evidence for mirror therapy interventions during the subacute stage of stroke; the purpose of this CAT is to discover evidence for mirror therapy during the chronic stage of stroke.

Case Scenario

Male, 63, right-sided chronic stroke with moderate left hemiparesis

Mirror Therapy Defined

Mirror therapy is a therapeutic intervention using the motions of the unaffected side of the body, reflected in a mirror, as visual feedback; this feedback enables bilateral motor training and stimulates functional improvement of the brain.¹

Methods Of Self-Regulation In Children With Anxiety, Jordyn Madden, Maya Lamer

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background

• Children with anxiety symptoms often present with self-regulation deficits affecting their coping and problem solving performance skills, in turn impacting school performance. Research identifies self-regulation as the ability to manage appropriate behaviors to fully engage in daily occupations.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was developed to regulate mental health needs and firmly planted in occupational therapy. OT's utilize CBT as a frame of reference to guide their treatment with clients who have difficulties in occupational performance.
• CBT is a "structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy..., directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional (inaccurate and/or unhelpful) thinking and behavior" (Beck, 2011, p. …

Effectiveness Of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (Pnf) On Gait And Balance In Older Adults, Alyssa Bradenburg, Savannah Dugan

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) approach uses the anatomical structures of the agonist and antagonist muscles to sequence muscle movements thus improving body functions and engagement in occupations in those with functional limitations. Proprioception involved sensory receptors that provide information regarding body position and movement. The neuromuscular system involves the nerves, muscles, and facilitation to make tasks easier for the client to perform. PNF patterns are performed in a spiral diagonal direction with resistance provided by an occupational therapist, putting emphasis on functional training and motor learning.

Effectiveness Of Movement-Based Interventions To Improve Low Tone In School-Aged Children, Morgan Pugh, Katie Bell

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Description of Movement-Based Intervention

Movement-based approached have been classified as task-oriented interventions and focus on children's 'occupations,' such as tying shoelaces, ball catching, and handwriting. Children with developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) have difficulty performing coordinated motor skills required for self-care, social activities, and academic achievement (Miyahara, Hillier, Pridham, & Nakagawa, 2017). Low muscle tone is a core feature of DCD as most children have low tone in their trunk, making stable sitting difficult and creates movement challenges while in the classroom (About Causes, n.d.).

Effective Interventions For Sensory Modulation Disorder In Children That Experienced Complex Trauma, Mahalia Adams, Madison Herfert

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case

George is a six-year-old boy that has experienced post-utero trauma. His biological parents often neglected and abused him. At the age of two, George was adopted. He is now demonstrating difficulty processing and responding to sensory input approximately. Specifically, George is over-responsive to auditory input and under-responsive to tactile input. Due to these sensory modulation difficulties, George is struggling to succeed in class and behave at home.

Effectiveness Of Multifaceted Fall Prevention Programs In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Marissa Friday, Cali Mohney

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case Study:

Client is a 72 year old female who has suffered a fall from loss in balance, which has increased fear of falling and decreased activity. Occupational Therapy wants to implement a Multifaceted Fall Prevention Program to improve participation and quality of life.

The Road To Resilience: Traveling The Path Less Followed To Realize What Is Possible, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Bernadette Mineo, PhD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and mixed media artist based in Portland, Oregon, provided the cover art for the Winter 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Paper Dolls” (2009), consists of 37 individual paper doll sculptures made from mixed media. Dr. Mineo believes that being an artist is about connecting with one’s creative heart. Her art is about being playful, challenging oneself, and setting up experiments. Engaging in a daily creative art practice has brought joy to Dr. Mineo’s life. Art has empowered her to take risks, build resilience, and …

Increasing Functional Abilities Of People With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Through Occupational Therapy, Jennifer R. Dochod, Cynthia A. Grapczynski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The level of functional impairment that people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) experience is life changing. Reduced engagement in purposeful and meaning activities because of functional impairments increases the emotional impact of POTS and decreases quality of life. By including occupational therapy early on in treatment, people with POTS can learn ways to adapt, cope, and incorporate changes into their lifestyles. Increasing participation in purposeful and meaningful occupations that are of value to the individual leads to increased quality of life, increased participation in desired roles, increased sense of well-being, and increased perception of health.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Functional Literacy, Lenin C. Grajo, Sharon A. Gutman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In this Opinions in the Profession article we aim to uniquely articulate the distinct value of and need for functional literacy development in the clients we serve. Functional literacy, as coined in this article, is the ability to interpret common written materials needed to effectively carry out basic daily life skills and participate in meaningful occupations and social roles. We propose three specific strategies through which occupational therapists, across practice settings, developmental stages, and populations, can assume active roles in literacy support as it is embedded in occupation: literacy (a) as a form of occupational justice promotion; (b) as an …

Role Emerging Placements: Skills Development, Postgraduate Employment, And Career Pathways, Sobiya Syed, Andrea Duncan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy educators are increasingly using role emerging placements (REPs) as a forum for students to develop skills required to work in emerging areas of practice. This study explores the impact of REPs on skill development, postgraduate employment, and career pathways for occupational therapists. An online survey was sent to occupational therapists across Canada (n = 1,763). Occupational therapists who had completed a REP responded to the online survey (n = 88). Descriptive analysis was used to examine trends in the quantitative data, and content analysis was used to code categories derived from qualitative survey data. Results indicated five skills …

Collaborative Care Best Practices Model (Ccbpm) Development For Nursing And Occupational Therapy Assistant Interprofessional Simulation, Carrie M. O'Reilly, Lisa P. Simmons, Mary L. Romanello

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The use of simulation as a teaching and learning stratagem is well supported in the professional literature. The development of a collaborative care best practices model (CCBPM) was undertaken to help the creation and implementation of an interprofessional education (IPE) learning strategy between occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and pre-licensure nursing students at a private liberal arts college. The project goals and outcomes involved faculty development, CCBPM development, and OTA and nursing novice student competency acquisition in their respective professions. Twenty-three students (10 OTA and 13 nursing) completed the IPE learning simulation exercise. A mixed-method approach to data analysis was used …

Enhancing Collaborative Practices With Preprofessional Occupational Therapists And Early Childhood Special Education Student Teachers: A Pilot Study, Kathleen M. Farrand, Megan Troxel Deeg, Oaklee Rogers, Allison M. Mullady, Stephanie S. Williams, Bjorg T. Lesueur

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article presents the Collaborative Design Model as a tool for developing collaboration and self-efficacy for preprofessional educators and service providers. As student populations continue to become more diverse, preprofessionals entering the classroom must be prepared to collaborate with colleagues effectively and efficiently to address the variety of needs presented in the classroom. Little research exists on the collaboration among preprofessional teachers and preprofessional occupational therapists. The proposed model provides a method for supporting preprofessionals in collaborating to meet the needs of students at risk for or with disabilities. Initial pilot findings suggest the Collaborative Design Model could potentially increase …

Occupational Therapist Licensure Revocation By State Licensing Boards, Regina Drummond, Myrel Agbayani, Christine Chong, Chris Josko, Shelby Murley, Brenda M. Coppard

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists must abide by certain standards to maintain a license to practice. Despite the existence of various studies on licensure revocation in other health care professions, no prior research has been conducted regarding occupational therapist licensure revocations. The purpose of this study was to examine reasons for occupational therapy licensure revocations in the United States from 2005 to 2015. A retrospective descriptive study design was completed. Data were collected from public databases on state websites or through communication with state licensure board representatives. From 2005 to 2015, 65 occupational therapists had their licenses revoked in 40 states and the …

A Scoping Review Of Challenges And The Adaptation Process In Academia: Implications For Occupational Therapy Educators, Maria Concepcion C. Cabatan, Lenin C. Grajo, Erlyn A. Sana

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The fulfillment of role expectations and responsibilities as one builds an academic career can be challenging. Increased demand for occupational therapy faculty merits examination of academic experiences from the literature. This study describes the experiences of educators using adaptation models (Savickas & Porfeli, 2012; Schkade & Schultz, 2003) as a theoretical lens. Arksey and O’Malley’s Scoping Study Framework (2005) was used in the study. Researchers reviewed literature from 2005-2017 from four databases. Researchers analyzed 28 articles from higher education and the health professions using quantitative and qualitative methods. Twenty-two of the 28 articles were published from 2010-2017. The studies analyzed …

The Effects Of The Leisure Activity Of Coloring On Post-Test Anxiety In Graduate Level Occupational Therapy Students, Brittney N. Burton, Mary F. Baxter

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study examined the effects of the leisure activity of coloring on the anxiety levels of graduate level occupational therapy students after taking a high stress exam. This study also examined the effects of the leisure activity of coloring on the students’ perceptions of preparedness for and performance on the exam.

Method: The participants were recruited for this quantitative, pre/posttest study through a purposive convenience sample and randomly assigned to either the leisure activity or the control. A self-report assessment was used for data collection. The changes in anxiety levels were examined using a repeated measures analysis …

The Feasibility Of Conducting Task-Oriented Training At Home For Patients With Stroke, Veronica T. Rowe, Marsha Neville

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Task-oriented training for upper extremity hemiparesis following a stroke is an effective intervention with evidence of its application in the clinic setting. However, the home provides an enriched and practical environment to implement this intervention. This report presents the feasibility of implementing task-oriented training at home.

Method: Stroke survivors with limitations in upper extremity movement and function were assessed before and after a Task-Oriented Training and Evaluation at Home (TOTE Home) program, and 1 month later. Areas of process, resources, management, and scientific value were analyzed for the feasibility of a larger randomized clinical trial (RCT).

Results …

Older Adults And Photo-Elicited Perspectives On Shopping For Groceries In A Changing Community, Lori E. Breeden, Alessandra Planera, Lauren Kirchner, Samantha Asencio, Matthew Branden, Evan Dunlap, Alex Robinson, Samantha Stevens, Sally Wasmuth

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: A community experiencing gentrification created challenges for older adults and their ability to access food. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine barriers and facilitators perceived by three urban-dwelling older adults during their grocery shopping experiences.

Methods: The researchers conducted photo-elicitation supported interviews to gather information on grocery shopping from three older adults attending a local senior center. Photo-elicited interviews were conducted, and the thematic analysis examined the participants’ perspectives on their experiences.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed the participants’ experiences in a changing landscape. In the categories of community resources, transportation, and the store, …