Circus Use by Occupational Therapists: A Collective Case Study.
Jill Maglio, Carol A McKinstry, Tracy L Fortune
PMID 40213082WHAT IT FOUND
Occupational therapists mainly used circus to engage clients around motor, cognitive, and social and emotional goals.
Community health benefits were often implied, not explicitly intended or measured.
Key findings
01Seven of eight participants identified individual-focused circus-themed occupational therapy as their primary practice.
02Eight subthemes emerged across therapists' narratives: belonging, joy, skill development, participation, activities, challenges, intentions, and influences.
03All eight participants described using circus to contribute to community well-being.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample was small and purposive, so it describes how some therapists use circus rather than what circus does. Interviews were the only data source, so the study did not observe sessions or measure client outcomes. Community health benefits were often implied or secondary rather than explicitly intended or measured. The first author had personal circus and occupational therapy experience, which may shape interpretation despite reflexivity efforts.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude circus improves client outcomes or community health. The paper reports therapists' experiences and themes, not measured effects.