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 128 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• OTCohort2023Quality of life, sense of coherence and occupational balance one year after an occupational therapy intervention for people with depression and anxiety disorders.Work (Reading, Mass.)People with depression and anxiety who kept working or returned to work improved their quality of life, while those on continuous sick leave did not. All groups showed some gains in occupational balance, but small sample sizes mean these patterns are tentative.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Goal-setting and personalization under the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework: Community reintegration program for post-stroke patients.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPost-stroke patients shifted from setting vague goals like 'walking better' to specific, environment-based goals like 'using the subway' after goal-setting with therapists. This suggests that prompting patients to describe their real-life contexts early in rehab helps them define more meaningful and achievable targets for community reintegration.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Aphasia improvement without logotherapy during motor neurorehabilitation of post-stroke hemiparesis using virtual reality or modified constraint-induced movement therapy: A retrospective cohort.NeuroRehabilitationSevere post-stroke aphasia improved in all three motor rehab groups without speech therapy. Virtual reality yielded the highest language scores and satisfaction. The contribution of each component cannot be separated from general motor training.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Respite and connection: Autistic adults' reflections upon nature and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceMost autistic adults found nature provided respite from sensory overload and isolation during lockdowns, while others felt excluded by restrictions or anxious in crowds. Nature was not a universal solution; experiences varied from relief to disconnection.
• PTOTMeta-Analysis2023Shoulder ultrasound imaging in the post-stroke population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of rehabilitation medicineUltrasound scans of hemiplegic shoulders in post-stroke patients frequently show damage to the biceps tendon (41.4%) and supraspinatus tendon (33.2%). These structural issues are significantly more common on the affected side than the unaffected side, but motor function severity did not predict the presence of these lesions.
• OTOther2023The Pictorial Interview of Children's Metacognition and Executive Functions (PIC-ME): Cultural Adaptation for Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Populations.Occupational therapy internationalOccupational therapists reported avoiding the PIC-ME tool for ultra-Orthodox children because the pictures did not match their lives. Adapting the images to include specific dress codes and religious activities helped typically developing children in this group understand the test items.
• OTPilot2023Assessment Fidelity of Parents Implementing a Standardized Telehealth Infant Autism Screener.OTJR : occupation, participation and healthParents coached via telehealth administered an infant autism screener with 82% fidelity. While lower than trained in-person examiners, this level was acceptable. Structured items were performed better than unstructured ones. Clinicians should use clear scripts and video demos to support parents.
• OTSystematic Review2023How physical home workspace characteristics affect mental health: A systematic scoping review.Work (Reading, Mass.)Home noise, low light, thermal discomfort, poor air quality and no dedicated workroom were linked to worse concentration, sleep, stress and productivity. These are associations from mainly cross-sectional studies, not tested causes.
• OTQualitative2023Knowledge of autism gained by learning from people through a local UK Autism Champion Network: A health and social care professional perspective.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceThe most valuable autism learning came from hearing autistic people speak as equal network members, rather than from presentations. Seven health and social care staff described this as changing how they understood day-to-day autism needs.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023No Effect of Return to Sport Test Batteries with and without Psychological PROs on the Risk of a Second ACL Injury: A Critical Assessment of Four Different Test Batteries.International journal of sports physical therapyPassing return-to-sport tests, whether physical only or including psychological scores, did not predict a second ACL injury in 419 patients. Test results alone cannot determine readiness; clinicians must consider other risk factors like age and sex.
• PTOTCohort2023Physical Activity in Youth with Down Syndrome and Its Relationship with Adiposity.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPYouth with Down syndrome spent more time in light activity and less time sedentary than matched controls, but showed similar rates of meeting moderate-to-vigorous activity guidelines. Light activity was strongly linked to lower body fat in both groups, suggesting daily movement matters as much as exercise.
• OTSystematic Review2023Martha Rogers' science of unitary human beings in relation to workers health and well-being: A scoping review.Work (Reading, Mass.)Only five studies applied this nursing theory to worker well-being, all involving nurses. The theory was rarely used adequately. Findings linked stress and job satisfaction to social support and environment, but the evidence base is too sparse to guide practice.
• PTOTOther2023Quality of Physical Activity Participation Among Adults with Disabilities Through Pandemic Restriction.Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergotherapieAdults with disabilities described losing independence and motivation during pandemic restrictions. They adapted by using home exercises and online classes, but relied heavily on social support. No baseline factor predicted later quality of activity, so clinicians cannot assume one variable drives participation.
• OTRCT2023Effects of anodal tDCS on electroencephalography correlates of cognitive control in mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury.NeuroRehabilitationAnodal tDCS combined with cognitive training increased brain activity markers on an executive function task but not on working memory or attention tasks. The study was small and used EEG outcomes, not behavioral improvements, so it does not yet support changing clinical practice for TBI rehabilitation.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Psychometric properties of inhibitory control measures among youth with Down syndrome.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRMost computerised inhibitory control tests failed feasibility criteria for youth with Down syndrome, but parent and teacher rating scales were reliable. Analogue tasks with manipulatives worked better than screens. For clinical use, rely on the BRIEF2 or simple physical tasks like the Statue test.
• PTOTRCT2023Effect of five-elements music therapy combined with Baduanjin qigong on patients with mild COVID-19.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTIn hospitalized patients with mild COVID-19, adding five-elements music and Baduanjin qigong to routine nursing lowered anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance scores more than routine nursing alone. The study was small, single-site, and had no follow-up, so the durability of these gains is unknown.
• PTOTOther2023Reliability Analysis of In-person and Virtual Goniometric Measurements of the Upper Extremity.International journal of sports physical therapyGoniometric measurements taken from static screenshots during a virtual visit are as reliable as in-person assessments. For shoulder, elbow and wrist flexion and extension, clinicians can use a standard goniometer on a captured image to obtain objective range of motion data.
• OTCase Report2023Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP) approach as telehealth for a child with developmental coordination disorder: a case report.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesAn eight-year-old boy with developmental coordination disorder improved his handwriting, cycling, and playground skills after ten weekly telehealth sessions. The therapist coached him to discover strategies via video, while his mother filmed homework practice for review.
• OTSurvey2023Disabled Students' perception of the sensory aspects of the learning and social environments within one Higher Education Institution.The British journal of occupational therapyDisabled students described libraries and lecture halls as overwhelming due to noise, poor lighting, and crowding. Over half reported acoustic issues, and many felt forced to hide in bathrooms or leave campus to cope with sensory overload.
• OTCohort2023Predictive value of Heart Rate Variability measurements and the Brief Resilience Scale for workability and vitality.Work (Reading, Mass.)In 428 workers, a six-item self-reported resilience score modestly predicted better ability to do the job and energy at work after 2 to 4 years. A one-minute heart rate variability test did not predict either outcome.
• OTOther2023Selection and recruitment of pre-registration occupational therapy students in the United Kingdom: Exploring entry criteria across education providers.The British journal of occupational therapyUK occupational therapy admissions lack standardisation. Candidates with non-traditional qualifications face inconsistent entry criteria and few part-time options. Traditional routes and interviews dominate, potentially excluding diverse applicants who lack prior exposure to the profession.
• OTSLPCohort2023Relationship between quantitative digital behavioral features and clinical profiles in young autistic children.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchIn 485 toddlers, tablet-recorded gaze and movement patterns lined up with parent and clinician measures of autism-related behavior, language, and fine motor skills. The authors call this an initial validity check.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Characterizing the autism spectrum phenotype in DYRK1A-related syndrome.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchChildren with DYRK1A syndrome showed social communication deficits similar to other children with autism and intellectual disability, but parents reported more severe nonverbal issues. They displayed fewer rigid routine behaviors and more repetitive sensory motor movements than children with idiopathic autism.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023The prevalence and developmental course of auditory processing differences in autistic children.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAuditory filtering difficulties are common in autistic children and remain stable from age 3 to 9. Children with more reported auditory difficulties at age 3 showed more agitation, hyperactivity, and lower adaptive skills at age 9, independent of their cognitive ability.
• OTPilot2023Student-led occupational performance coaching in a university setting.The British journal of occupational therapyClient-rated goals improved, but mental health results were mixed. Depression and anxiety improved, while stress change was uncertain.
• PTOTCase-Control2023Functional capacity of individuals with brachial plexus injury.Work (Reading, Mass.)Individuals with brachial plexus injury had lower two-handed functional capacity than healthy controls but similar one-handed capacity on their unaffected side. They exerted the same heart rate and perceived effort, meaning they are not working less hard, just with less capacity.
• OTSLPSurvey2023Current Practice in Occupational Therapy for COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Conditions.Occupational therapy internationalOccupational therapists reported providing interventions often or very often for people with COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 condition in all assessed areas except assistive technology, service coordination, and swallowing, while access, wait time, staff time, and funding were common negative factors.
• PTOTCohort2023Normative Values of Isometric Shoulder Strength Among Healthy Adults.International journal of sports physical therapyHealthy adults aged 20-59 show symmetrical shoulder strength between arms for most movements. Men were stronger than women in all tests. Higher activity levels were associated with greater strength. These norms help therapists benchmark recovery and return-to-sport readiness using the uninvolved arm as a valid reference.
• OTQualitative2023Building Families' Capacities: Community Forums with Parents and Occupational Therapists.Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergotherapieParents and therapists identified nine principles for family-centred care, prioritising flexible scheduling, avoiding home-programme overload, and addressing siblings' needs. These are expert recommendations for service design, not tested interventions that prove better child outcomes.
• PTOTPilot2023Using mobile health to encourage physical activity in individuals with intellectual disability: a pilot mixed methods feasibility study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesNine adults with intellectual disability completed a 12-week goal-setting app trial. Recruitment was low and objective step counts were missing for many. Participants liked the structure, but staff often lacked information. This tests feasibility, not whether the apps increase activity.
• PTOTCohort2022Validity and feasibility of using a seated push-up test among community-dwelling older adults.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoA seated push-up test successfully identified lower body strength and mobility in older adults. Passing the test required lifting 85% of bodyweight. The 1-minute version detected further differences in strength and endurance among those who passed the initial test.
• OTOther2023Patient and public involvement in research published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy 2015-2021: A scoping review.The British journal of occupational therapyMost occupational therapy research published in this journal between 2015 and 2021 did not report involving patients or the public. Of the few that did, descriptions were often unclear, making it hard to judge the quality or impact of that involvement.
• PTOTCohort2023Characterization of initial ankle-foot prosthesis prescription patterns in U.S. Service members following unilateral transtibial amputation.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesMost military amputees received a passive energy-storing foot. Those fitted later, or with cancer or dysvascular causes, were more likely to get an articulating foot. Women were more likely to get a computer-controlled foot. This describes current prescribing habits, not which foot works best.
• PTOTSystematic Review2023The impact of pregnancy on women with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a scoping review.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicinePregnancy does not cause average curve progression in treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, but some women progress regardless. Back pain is common but rarely severe. Surgical patients face higher caesarean rates and difficult epidurals, though analgesia is usually eventually achieved.
• OTSLPQualitative2023Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Health Care.Autism in adulthoodAutistic transgender and non-binary adults reported being denied or delayed gender healthcare due to providers misinterpreting autism as mental illness or incompetence. Participants described hiding their autistic identity to avoid gatekeeping and highlighted the need for sensory-friendly environments and clear, written communication.
• PTOTOther2023Telehealth Delivery of Evidence-Based Intervention Within Older Adult Populations: A Scoping Review.OTJR : occupation, participation and healthTelehealth delivery of evidence-based occupational therapy for older adults is feasible and often preferred by clients, but it does not consistently outperform in-person care. Success depends on adapting activities for the screen and ensuring clients have reliable technology access and support.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Anxiety, depression, and well-being in autistic adults and adults with other developmental disabilities: A longitudinal cross-lagged analysis.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchIn adults with autism or developmental disabilities, caregiver-reported anxiety predicted later depression, but depression did not predict later anxiety. Depression linked to lower purpose and growth, while both anxiety and depression linked to lower self-acceptance.
• OTOther2023Cognitive Rehabilitation: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Relevance of OTPF.Occupational therapy internationalThis scoping review maps existing cognitive rehabilitation programs for adults with mild traumatic brain injury against the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. It identifies that most programs target occupation and client factors, providing a structure for OTs to align treatment with functional daily living goals.
• PTOTSystematic Review2023Structural and pathophysiological muscle changes up to one year after post-stroke hemiplegia: a systematic review.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineMuscle loss and electrical changes start within hours of stroke on the affected side, but also occur on the unaffected side. Early rehab should target both limbs to prevent atrophy and maintain strength.
• PTOTSLPCase Series2023Causes of death among people with myelomeningocele: A multi-institutional 47-year retrospective study.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineIn 293 deaths among people with myelomeningocele, shunted patients most often died of neurological causes while unshunted patients died of pulmonary causes. Infection was the leading mechanism overall, but a quarter of deaths had unknown causes, limiting clear prevention targets.
• OTPilot2023Understanding the Barriers of Implementing a Self-Awareness Assessment in Occupational Therapy Practice within a Brain Injury Population: An Exploratory Study.Occupational therapy internationalA one-hour training session significantly improved occupational therapists' knowledge and confidence in using self-awareness assessments, with gains lasting three months. However, actual use of these formal tools remained rare, with only two of fourteen therapists reporting increased use.
• PTOTRCT2022Use of mobile app to enhance functional outcomes and adherence of home-based rehabilitation program for elderly with hip fracture: A randomized controlled trial.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoA mobile app improved exercise adherence in the first month, but did not lead to better walking, mobility, or function than paper handouts at two months. The study was underpowered due to dropouts, so the lack of functional difference is uncertain.
• PTOTOther2022Normative reference values and regression equations to predict the 6-minute walk distance in the Asian adult population aged 21-80 years.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoExisting 6-minute walk equations overestimate distance for healthy Singaporean adults. New equations based on age, gender and effort data provide accurate local benchmarks. Clinicians should use these specific values rather than foreign norms to judge patient performance.
• OTRCT2023Effects of health qigong exercise on sleep and life quality in patients with drug abuse.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTMale patients with drug abuse who did Health Qigong or aerobic exercise reported better sleep, and measured sleep improved. Health Qigong gave more benefit than radio gymnastics on several sleep and quality-of-life scores.
• OTOther2023Recruiting participants for ergonomic research using self-reported stature and body mass.Work (Reading, Mass.)People in ergonomics studies slightly overreported height and underreported weight, especially when BMI was above the healthy range. The adjustment equations are for research recruitment, not clinical assessment.
• OTCohort2023Effect of combining motivational interviewing with cognitive remediation on personal recovery in patients with schizophrenia.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTAdding monthly motivational interviews to cognitive remediation did not significantly improve programme completion rates, though more patients finished. Among those who completed, the interview group showed greater gains in global functioning and hope than the group without interviews.
• OTPilot2023The smart-home study: A feasibility study to pilot the use of smartphone technology to identify environmental falls risk factors in the home.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTHealthy adults could follow photo guidelines, but only 10 of 49 submitted images were usable. Therapists agreed on risks in the few good photos, but found they could not assess key hazards like furniture stability or spatial width remotely.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Cecostomy tubes improve bowel continence for pediatric patients with spina bifida: A retrospective analysis of outcomes from a single clinic.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineChildren with spina bifida who had cecostomy tubes reported bowel continence one step better on a five-point scale. This means moving from daily to weekly accidents, or weekly to monthly. The tubes were used alongside other management strategies, so the exact contribution of the tube alone is unclear.
• PTOTSLPRCT2023Effect of myofascial cupping vs integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques on pain and neck movement in individuals with latent trigger point in trapezius.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoMyofascial cupping reduced pain more than integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques after two weeks. Both treatments improved pressure pain threshold and neck movement equally. Cupping is a viable option for trapezius trigger points, especially when pain is the primary concern.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Visuospatial perspective taking in people with Down syndrome.Research in developmental disabilitiesPeople with Down syndrome matched typically developing children on visuospatial perspective taking when tested with a verbal task, but both groups struggled with a picture-choice task. Assessment methods significantly alter observed ability, so choose tasks that reduce cognitive conflict.