OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Research for occupational therapy

Papers an occupational therapist can act on, across daily living, mental health, hand therapy, paediatrics and rehabilitation, each read in full rather than from its abstract.

10,853 PAPERS · PAGE 112 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTOther2022A Scoping Review of the Characteristics of Activity-based Therapy Interventions Across the Continuum of Care for People Living With Spinal Cord Injury or Disease.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationAcross 140 studies, activity-based therapy for spinal cord injury varied widely, with most research done in labs. Intensity was rarely reported. Clinicians should not assume a standard protocol exists; document specific exercises, dosage, and technology used for each patient.
• PTOTCohort2022Longitudinal Median Nerve Ultrasound Changes in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury and an Age- and Sex-Matched Nondisabled Cohort.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationOne year after spinal cord injury, patients reported more carpal tunnel symptoms than age-matched controls. Ultrasound changes in the median nerve were subtle and mostly appeared in the nondominant hand, suggesting monitoring for symptoms rather than relying on imaging alone.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Is the Activity Measure for Postacute Care "6-Clicks" Tool Associated With Discharge Destination Postacute Stroke?Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationIn 721 people after ischemic stroke, higher mobility and daily-activity scores near discharge were associated with going home rather than a facility. The same scores did not distinguish inpatient rehab from skilled nursing.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Clarification of Factors Determining Discharge Destination Among Elderly Patients After Stroke With Low Levels of Independence in Activities of Daily Living: A Retrospective Study.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationAmong stroke survivors with severe disability, those who could eat by mouth, had better cognitive scores, and lived with family were more likely to go home. Patients living alone all went to long-term care, regardless of their physical ability.
• PTOTPilot2022Pilot Study of a Fall Prevention and Management Intervention Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis Who Use a Wheelchair or Scooter Full-Time.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationFalls did not change in a way the study could show after a six-session group program for full-time wheelchair or scooter users with MS. Transfer quality, fall prevention strategies, and perceived importance of community participation improved.
• PTOTOther2022The Influence of Age at Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury and Years of Wheelchair Use on Shoulder Complex Joint Dynamics During Manual Wheelchair Propulsion.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationShoulder movement during wheelchair propulsion changes based on age at injury and years of use. Those injured younger showed specific motion patterns linked to impingement risk as they aged, but pain was not measured.
• PTOTCohort2022The Predictive Validity of Functional Outcome Measures With Discharge Destination for Hospitalized Medical Patients.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationFour mobility scores predicted whether hospitalized patients went home or to rehab. Late scores near discharge were most accurate, but early AM-PAC scores also worked. A basic mobility score of 16 or higher suggested a patient would likely return home.
• OTSLPCohort2022The impact of early stages of COVID-19 on the mental health of autistic adults in the United Kingdom: A longitudinal mixed-methods study.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults' mental health did not worsen overall during early lockdown. Anxiety and stress scores fell on average, but individual reactions varied widely. Loss of routine, uncertainty and reduced support predicted decline, while social contact and leisure activities predicted improvement.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023The virtual family conference in stroke rehabilitation: Education, preparation, and transition planning.Clinical rehabilitationCarers reported significantly better stroke knowledge, satisfaction with information, and confidence in transition planning after virtual family conferences. Stress levels also improved in most areas. This was a pre-post study without a control group, so it shows feasibility and perceived benefit, not proof of effectiveness.
• PTOTRCT2023Cerebral Adaptation Associated with Peripheral Nerve Recovery in Neuralgic Amyotrophy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairMultidisciplinary rehabilitation improved shoulder function and pain more than usual care, but did not produce greater changes in brain activity. Patients in both groups showed increased visuomotor brain activity and better motor imagery performance, suggesting natural recovery or non-specific training effects.
• OTSLPSurvey2023Anxiety and Worries of Individuals with Down Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study in the UK.Journal of autism and developmental disordersCaregivers reported that children with Down syndrome had lower anxiety than those with other special needs, but anxiety still rose significantly during the pandemic. Children with Down syndrome worried less about boredom and finances, but more about social approach, compared to peers.
• PTOTSLPRCT2023Comparison of Outcomes of Two Different Corticosteroid Injection Approaches for Primary Frozen Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineBlind anterior corticosteroid injection for frozen shoulder reduced pain more effectively than posterior injection at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Anterior injection also improved external rotation faster at 4 weeks. Both approaches improved function, but the anterior route offered superior pain relief and quicker recovery of specific movement.
• PTOTCohort2023Long-Term Change and Predictors of Change in Physical and Mental Function after Rehabilitation: A Multi-Centre Study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineRehabilitation patients reported modest improvements in physical and mental function that persisted for 3 years. Patients with lower coping resources at baseline showed the greatest mental health gains, while those with higher coping resources improved more physically. Neurological patients improved more slowly than other groups.
• OTSurvey2023Effect of Children's Autism Spectrum Disorder Severity on Family Strain and Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey in the U.S.Journal of autism and developmental disordersHigher autism severity in children was linked to worse child sleep and greater caregiver strain. Child sleep problems played a small mediating role in caregiver strain. Caregiver sleep quality was driven mainly by household income, not directly by the child's autism severity.
• OTQualitative2022A case study of a strategic initiative in pediatric rehabilitation transition services: An insiders' perspective on team principles and practices.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesRespect, partnership, shared leadership, co-design, and solution-focused communication were described by eight team members as important in a pediatric rehabilitation transition service. It is an insider view of service development, not proof that these practices improve patient outcomes.
• PTOTOther2022Acceptability of wearable inertial sensors, completeness of data, and day-to-day variability of everyday life motor activities in children and adolescents with neuromotor impairments.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesMost children with neuromotor impairments accepted wearing movement sensors for a week, though charging, showering, and slipping sensors caused missing days. A full week is needed for dependable estimates.
• PTOTSurvey2022Parent-report health-related quality of life in school-aged children with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPortuguese parents of 68 school-aged children with cerebral palsy reported clinically low quality of life in physical well-being, mood and emotions, autonomy, and bullying compared with European norms. Mobility and cognitive impairment were linked to lower scores.
• OTSLPQualitative2022Music education contributes to development and personal change in young adults with disabilities.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesYoung adults with intellectual disabilities described a three-year music education as building confidence, friendship and new skills. Teachers and staff reported increased participation and well-being. This describes what participants said about the experience. It does not test whether the programme caused these changes.
• OTSLPQualitative2022Clinician Perspectives on Telehealth Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic.Journal of autism and developmental disordersClinicians reported telehealth worked well for interviews and clear-cut cases but lacked confidence in diagnosing subtle symptoms or older children via video. Home observations offered richer behavioral data, though technology barriers and interpreter difficulties remained significant challenges.
• PTOTOther2023Interpreting the CPASS Trial: Do Not Shift Motor Therapy to the Subacute Phase.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairDo not shift standard stroke rehabilitation to the subacute phase. The trial compared added therapy at different times, not moving care. Standard therapy was already concentrated early. Participants received an average of 27.9 hours of standard therapy in the first two months.
• PTOTCohort2023Associations Between Adherence to Self-Management Activities and Change in Function and Health Outcomes in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases.Journal of rehabilitation medicinePatients with rheumatic diseases who stuck to their self-management plans improved more in pain, fatigue, physical function, and quality of life over a year. Adherence did not predict better mental health or daily living skills. Routines were the hardest activities to keep up.
• PTOTSLPRCT2023A randomized controlled trial on the effects of "Global Postural Re-education" versus neck specific exercise on pain, disability, postural control, and neuromuscular features in women with chronic non-specific neck pain.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineGlobal postural re-education and neck-specific exercises reduced pain and disability equally well in women with chronic neck pain. Neither approach improved postural sway. Clinicians can choose based on patient preference or availability, as one is not superior to the other.
• OTRCT2023The prevalence of obesity and lifestyle behaviors of parents of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Disability and health journalAbout 81% of parents of adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities were overweight or obese, and many ate few fruits and vegetables. Higher fruit and vegetable intake was linked to lower BMI; reported activity was not.
• OTSLPOther2023The Social Support Network of Adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition: An Exploration Using the Network in Action-Questionnaire.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAdults with autism reported few network members and wanted more friends or better contact. Family members listed more network members than patients did, but the two often disagreed on what help was needed. Use patient self-report to guide treatment goals, not proxy estimates.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Returning to Work after Stroke: Associations with Cognitive Performance, Motivation, Perceived Working Ability and Barriers.Journal of rehabilitation medicineStroke survivors with higher cognitive scores, better self-perceived working ability, and fewer perceived barriers were more likely to return to work. Self-assessments predicted return-to-work at 12 months, while early cognitive screening predicted it at 6 months.
• OTSLPCohort2023Social and Behavioural Outcomes of School Aged Autistic Children Who Received Community-Based Early Interventions.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAt school age, autistic children who had received group early intervention and standard community early intervention were largely similar. Both showed moderate to low adaptive behaviour and social skills; less play disruption was reported for the group intervention children.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Impact of social-, health-, and disability-related factors on pregnancy outcomes in women with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A population-based latent class analysis.Disability and health journalWomen with intellectual disabilities face higher pregnancy risks, but the level depends on their specific profile. Those with significant medical, psychiatric, and physical comorbidities had the greatest risk of complications like preterm birth and caesarean delivery.
• OTPilot2023Feasibility of a combined intermittent theta-burst stimulation and video game-based dexterity training in Parkinson's disease.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationNine people with Parkinson’s disease completed all nine sessions of combined brain stimulation and video-game dexterity training without dropouts or reported adverse events related to the stimulation. They rated the devices usable and reported high engagement. This pilot did not test whether dexterity improved.
• OTSLPQualitative2022Parental experiences of having a child with CLN3 disease (juvenile Batten disease) and how these experiences relate to family resilience.Child: care, health and developmentParents described recurring losses and family strain as their child's vision, speech, movement and behaviour declined. They also described resilience through meaning, shared memories, support groups and flexible routines.
• PTOTPilot2022Modular hip exoskeleton improves walking function and reduces sedentary time in community-dwelling older adults.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationTwelve older adults trained with a hip exoskeleton in their senior community. Walking speed and endurance improved beyond clinically important thresholds. Daily sedentary time dropped by 112 minutes. No falls or injuries occurred. This is a small pilot, so efficacy is not yet proven.
• OTSLPSurvey2022A survey of autistic adults, relatives and clinical teams in the United Kingdom: And Delphi process consensus statements on optimal autism diagnostic assessment for adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults and relatives reported mixed UK diagnostic experiences. Many had referral help, but 65.3% waited over 12 weeks; some sensory or information needs were unmet. Clinicians agreed on 11 statements for adult autism assessment services, expert recommendations, not tested interventions.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2022Socioecological model-based design and implementation principles of lower limb preservation programs as partners for limb-loss rehabilitation programs- A mini-review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThis review outlines a framework for building limb-preservation programs that partner with rehabilitation services. It recommends integrating vascular, wound, and reconstruction care with physical, occupational, and mental health support. Central coordination and patient navigation are highlighted as key strategies for multidisciplinary teams.
• PTOTQualitative2022Wrist-Worn devices to encourage affected upper limb movement in unilateral cerebral palsy: Participatory design workshops.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesChildren with unilateral cerebral palsy and their therapists told researchers that wrist-worn devices must look like standard fitness trackers and be easy to fasten with one hand. School policies on phones and trackers were the biggest practical barrier to using them daily.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Rehabilitation after paediatric acquired brain injury: Longitudinal change in content and effect on recovery.Developmental medicine and child neurologyRehabilitation focus shifts significantly during admission. More active practice predicted faster daily activity recovery. However, teams often swapped emotional support for medical management when early recovery was slow, complicating any simple dose-response link.
• PTOTSLPOther2022Programmes to support paediatric to adult healthcare transitions for youth with complex care needs and their families: A scoping review.Child: care, health and development47 articles described programmes supporting paediatric-to-adult transition for youth with complex care needs, mostly without evaluation. Coordinators, early planning, family involvement and digital tools were common, but evidence of benefit was limited.
• OTSLPCohort2023Measuring Changes in Social Skills Throughout an Intervention Program for Children with ASD, Contributions from Polar Coordinate Analysis.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with autism showed fewer total social behaviors after a ten-session group program, but the quality of interactions improved. High-level interactions and positive nonverbal cues increased, while low-level functional requests decreased. The study lacked a control group, so changes cannot be definitively attributed to the intervention.
• PTOTMeta-Analysis2023Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on motor function after spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationNon-invasive brain stimulation improved lower-limb strength and balance in people with spinal cord injury, but did not improve walking speed, endurance, or upper-limb function. Most participants received concurrent rehabilitation, so the specific contribution of the brain stimulation remains unclear.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2023Stroke Rehabilitation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Challenges and Opportunities.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationStroke rehabilitation in low- and middle-income countries is severely under-resourced, with few therapists and high patient costs. Current guidelines often fail because they are not adapted to local realities. Effective solutions require community-based care, task-shifting to caregivers, and tele-rehabilitation.
• OTCohort2023Baseline Function and Rehabilitation Are as Important as Stroke Severity as Long-term Predictors of Cognitive Performance Post-stroke.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationAfter minor stroke, cognition often improved over 12 months, but verbal memory stayed low and recovery varied by domain. Pre-stroke function and rehabilitation were linked to later improvement, not stroke severity alone.
• PTOTCohort2023Effects of dynamic body weight support on functional independence measures in acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective cohort study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationPatients with acute stroke who used dynamic body weight support during therapy gained more functional independence than those receiving standard care. The average gain was 7.8 points higher on the 18 to 126 point FIM scale. This small retrospective study suggests a potential benefit but requires confirmation.
• OTSLPQualitative2023Caregiver Insights and Improvement Strategies for Youth with Autism Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Journal of autism and developmental disordersCaregivers rated endoscopy experiences highly but requested ASD-specific preparation guidance, mental health support, and reduced waiting times. They valued care teams that asked for their input on calming strategies and communicated directly with non-verbal children rather than just the parents.
• PTOTSLPOther2023A Learning Health System Infrastructure for Precision Rehabilitation After Stroke.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationThis paper describes building a database to track stroke recovery, not testing a treatment. It details how clinicians can enter data consistently, such as labeling fields to prevent mixing up time and speed. It offers no findings on patient outcomes or intervention efficacy.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Patterns of Special Education Eligibility and Age of First Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Identification Among US Children with ASD.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren identified only through school records were evaluated and diagnosed with autism over a year later than those seen in health settings. School evaluations for developmental delay often missed specific autism traits like restricted interests, potentially delaying access to specialized services.
• PTOTOther2023Testing and evaluation of lower limb prosthesis prototypes in people with a transfemoral amputation: a scoping review on research protocols.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationTesting of new above-knee prostheses lacks standard methods, with wide variation in participant selection, familiarization time, and outcome measures. This prevents clinicians from comparing the real-world benefits of different prototype devices or assessing if they improve daily walking.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in Individuals With Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationDepression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in people with chronic traumatic brain injury did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before it. Symptoms remained stable, though disability and substance use consistently predicted higher distress.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Relationship Between Nutritional Status and Severity of Cerebral Palsy: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineUndernutrition affects half of children with cerebral palsy and worsens as motor and eating difficulties increase. Blood tests failed to identify nutritional status, so clinical assessment of eating ability and growth remains essential for screening.
• PTOTRCT2023The effect of myofascial release in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a cross-over randomized controlled trial.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineAdding myofascial release to standard decongestive therapy reduced arm pain and improved shoulder movement more than placebo touch, but it did not shrink arm volume any more than placebo. Since both groups received decongestive therapy, the volume reduction cannot be credited to the release alone.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2022Family-centred service in paediatric acquired brain injury rehabilitation: Bridging the gaps.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesFamily-centred care is best practice in paediatric brain injury rehab, but implementation varies widely and lacks clear guidelines. Clinicians must actively partner with families, tailoring goals and communication to the child's development and the family's unique context.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Declining trends in birth prevalence and severity of singletons with cerebral palsy of prenatal or perinatal origin in Australia: A population-based observational study.Developmental medicine and child neurologyThe number of Australian singletons with cerebral palsy has dropped significantly. This decline was seen in all gestational age groups, but was most pronounced in very preterm and term babies. The proportion of children with bilateral spasticity decreased, while those with dyskinetic or hypotonic presentations increased.
• OTSLPSystematic Review2022Loneliness in autistic adults: A systematic review.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults described wanting connection but finding social interaction exhausting and isolating. Loneliness was not the same as being alone, so clinicians should not assume an autistic adult does not want contact.