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 129 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTPilot2023Feasibility of temperature monitoring smart socks in adolescents and young adults with spina bifida.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineHalf of the adolescents who tried continuous temperature monitoring socks never wore them. Of the seventeen who did, nine found them comfortable and easy to put on. The socks measured foot temperature reliably, but the study was too short and small to detect any pressure injuries.
• OTOther2023Sensory processing, autonomic nervous function, and social participation in people with mental illnesses.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTIn people with mental illness, lower parasympathetic activity was linked to higher sensory avoidance, which in turn was associated with reduced social participation. This suggests assessing sensory processing patterns before interventions aimed at increasing social engagement.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Feasibility and Acceptability of a Codesigned Health Care Transition Intervention for Young People With Spinal Cord Injuries.Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitationYoung people with spinal cord injury and clinicians found a new transition website easy to use and helpful for preparing for adult care. They said it works best when a therapist introduces it in clinic, rather than expecting families to find it alone.
• OTQualitative2023Tailored support for preparing employees with cancer to return to work: Recognition and gaining new insights in an open atmosphere.Work (Reading, Mass.)Employees with cancer valued tailored return-to-work support for feeling seen, heard and safe. They said they felt strengthened, regained confidence and planned return. Professionals also valued it, but adapted it heavily and found it time-consuming.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Muscle contraction exercise for low back pain.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoBoth isometric and isotonic core exercises, given alongside TENS and infrared heat, significantly reduced pain and disability in adults with non-specific low back pain. The two exercise types were equally effective, so choice can depend on patient preference or tolerance.
• OTSurvey2023Sexuality and ageing: A mixed methods explorative study of older adult's experiences, attitudes, and support needs.The British journal of occupational therapyMany older adults rated being a sexual person important, defined sexuality through pleasure, relationships and intimacy, and said clinicians rarely raised it. They asked for open conversations, online resources and age-specific services.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2023A narrative review of the use of a cutting-edge virtual reality rehabilitation technology in neurological and neuropsychological rehabilitation.NeuroRehabilitationEvidence for the Khymeia VR system is mixed. Face-to-face VR training often improved motor and cognitive function compared to standard care. However, home-based VR via telerehabilitation mostly matched conventional treatment, failing to show superiority in many cases.
• OTPilot2023A Semantic-Based Cognitive Training Programme on Everyday Activities: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study among Cognitively Healthy Older Adults.Occupational therapy internationalNine healthy older adults found a nine-week app-based memory programme feasible and acceptable. They rated the therapist-led sessions as highly effective but were less convinced by the self-administered iPad sessions. This was a feasibility test, not a trial of whether the programme improves memory.
• PTOTPilot2023Parent/caregiver's role in nutrition, physical activity, and food access among children diagnosed with spina bifida.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineFamilies with spina bifida who reported poorer eating and activity habits had children with higher BMI scores. Most caregivers had average nutrition knowledge, but food security was rarely an issue.
• PTOTOther2023Investigating Subtypes of Motor Skills and Activities of Daily Living among Young Children with Motor Delay.Occupational therapy internationalChildren with motor delay fell into three groups based on fine and gross motor skills. The group with poor skills in both areas dressed significantly worse than the group with relatively good motor function. No differences appeared in eating or toileting, suggesting daily activity assessments may miss quality issues.
• OTOther2023The athletic work force: Sport as a key to employment for people with intellectual disabilities?Work (Reading, Mass.)Surveyed Swedish athletes with intellectual disability reported work: 34 men full-time and 26 part-time; 4 women full-time and 14 part-time. Interviews suggested sport helped through contacts and strength, but sport's role was not proven.
• OTSurvey2023Which Occupations Did People Engage in during Lockdown? A European Cross-Sectional Descriptive Survey by Generation.Occupational therapy internationalDuring lockdown, adults across Europe mostly increased leisure activities like reading and crafts, followed by household tasks. Older adults preferred doing more of what they already knew, while younger adults tried new things. Satisfaction and performance scores rose for most people.
• OTSurvey2023Healthcare and Behavior Changes for Adults With Down Syndrome 1-Year Into COVID-19.American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilitiesCaregivers of 438 adults with Down syndrome reported pandemic losses: 12% kept employment, most lost activities, and nearly half showed behavior changes, including anxiety, depression, boredom, and skill loss.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023In-between duty and hope for recognition, the experience of physiotherapists working in a university hospital during the COVID-19 first wave in Switzerland: a qualitative study based on focus groups.Archives of physiotherapyPhysiotherapists felt proud of their adaptability but feared it made them look interchangeable. Solidarity with colleagues helped manage stress, while poor communication and lack of protective equipment caused anxiety. They want recognition of specific clinical skills, not just generic flexibility.
• OTOther2023Immersive virtual reality: An effective strategy for reducing stress in young adults.The British journal of occupational therapyYoung adults described the beach VR session as relaxing, easy to use, and a distraction from stress. The paper recorded lower heart rate after the session, but no control group tested whether VR caused it.
• OTCohort2023Impacts of Daily Life and Job Satisfaction on Social Participation of Persons with Visual Impairment.Occupational therapy internationalFor employed people with visual impairment, higher job satisfaction and monthly income are linked to better social participation. Employment stability specifically predicted participation. Therapists in vocational roles should target income security and job retention, not just task performance, to help clients stay engaged in their communities.
• PTOTSystematic Review2023Increasing physical activity levels in care homes for older people: a quantitative scoping review of intervention studies to guide future research.Disability and rehabilitationMost care home physical activity interventions targeted individual residents. Few addressed organisational or physical environment factors. This maps what has been tried, not evidence that any programme works.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Prediction of emergence from prolonged disorders of consciousness from measures within the UK rehabilitation outcomes collaborative database: a multicentre analysis using machine learning.Disability and rehabilitationRoutine rehab scores identified patients likely to stay unconscious better than patients likely to regain consciousness. Models predicted staying unconscious more reliably than regaining consciousness. When tested on unseen patients, accuracy fell, so these scores are not yet dependable prognosis.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Shank3 deletion in PV neurons is associated with abnormal behaviors and neuronal functions that are rescued by increasing GABAergic signaling.Molecular autismDeleting Shank3 in parvalbumin neurons caused repetitive grooming and memory issues in mice. Ganaxolone, which boosts GABA signaling, reversed these deficits. This suggests GABAergic modulation may help Shank3-related symptoms, but human trials are needed.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium.Molecular autismCaregiver questionnaires often combine sensory behaviors across different senses into single scores. This study found that while overall hyperreactivity scores are valid, hyporeactivity and seeking scores are not. Clinicians should assess sensory issues by specific sense rather than relying on broad totals.
• PTOTSLPOther20232023 updates to the spina bifida transition to adult care guidelines.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineUpdated guidelines recommend starting transition planning at birth and formally at age 14. They urge using the TRAQ-SB tool to track self-management skills, ensuring bowel and bladder independence, and creating detailed hand-off packets for adult providers.
• OTSystematic Review2023Cognitive stimulation and activities of daily living for individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia: A scoping review.The British journal of occupational therapyCognitive stimulation did not consistently improve daily activities in mild-to-moderate dementia. Standard group programmes mostly showed no ADL benefit. Multi-component programmes that trained daily tasks looked more promising, but were intensive and often residential.
• PTOTSurvey2023Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among weavers: A cross-sectional study.The South African journal of physiotherapyWeavers in Burkina Faso reported high rates of musculoskeletal pain, with lower back pain affecting nearly three-quarters. Pain was linked to long working hours, age, and years of experience. Ergonomic changes, such as splitting heavy loads and alternating sitting with movement, are needed to reduce these risks.
• PTOTCohort2023Health and work-related factors as predictors of still being active in working life at age 66 and 72 in a Swedish population: A longitudinal study.Work (Reading, Mass.)Highly educated professionals and those with physically light jobs were more likely to still be working at 66. Men were more likely to work until 72 than women. Having fewer diagnosed diseases also predicted continued work at 66.
• OTQualitative2023Art-Based Workshops for Women: An Opportunity for Reflection on Identity and Transformation following Cancer Treatment.Occupational therapy internationalWomen living with cancer described mixed-media art workshops as a way to express feelings they could not put into words. The shared creative process allowed them to reflect on their changing identities and transform their self-perception without the pressure of direct conversation.
• PTOTCohort2024The effect of depression on prosthesis prescription in men and women who have undergone a lower limb amputation.Disability and rehabilitationVeterans with depression were less likely to receive a prosthesis, especially women. Men with transtibial amputations and depression had over three times the odds of receiving a prescription compared to women with the same profile. This disparity suggests depression acts as a specific barrier to care for women veterans.
• OTCase Report2024Comparison of brain activation and functional outcomes between physical and virtual reality box and block test: a case study.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyIn one person with chronic stroke, no difference was found between a VR box-and-block test and the real test for blocks moved or brain activity. This is one case, not proof VR works.
• OTSLPQualitative2024Ethical issues raised by incorporating personalized language models into brain-computer interface communication technologies: a qualitative study of individuals with neurological disease.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyPeople with neurodegenerative diseases generally support storing personal vocabulary in brain-computer interface devices to maintain identity and relationships. They want control over privacy, the ability to switch communication styles for different partners, and family involvement in building the language model.
• PTOTQualitative2024Multilevel barriers to using assistive technology devices among older hispanics from poor and disadvantaged communities: the relevance of a gender analysis.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyOlder Hispanic adults in low-income Puerto Rico communities reported not knowing about assistive technology devices or where to get them. Women faced greater barriers due to cost, limited decision-making power in the household, and stigma about looking old or dependent.
• PTOTSurvey2024Association of mobile health (mHealth) use with health status and COVID-19-related concerns by people with mobility impairments.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyTwo thirds of adults with mobility impairments used smartphone health tools. Use was more common among those with higher education. Clinicians should not assume all patients can access or use app-based care.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2023Technology for activity participation in older people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia: expert perspectives and a scoping review.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyDigital health tools for older adults with dementia mostly support daily tasks and social connection, but rarely address leisure, sleep, or work. Experts warn that poor design and lack of tailored training limit uptake, especially for those with less tech experience.
• PTOTSLPPilot2023Feasibility of performing a multi-arm clinical trial examining the novel combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and aerobic exercise for post-stroke depression.Topics in stroke rehabilitationCombining brain stimulation and treadmill walking is feasible for post-stroke depression, with high adherence and mild side effects. Preliminary data suggest both interventions reduce symptoms, but the study is too small to prove which treatment works or if the combination is superior to either alone.
• PTOTOther2023Effects of wheels and tires on high-strength lightweight wheelchair propulsion cost using a robotic wheelchair tester.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologySwapping the default solid tires and casters on a lightweight wheelchair for specific upgraded components reduced propulsion cost by up to 41% on tile and 18% on carpet. This mechanical testing shows better wheels and tires significantly lower the effort needed to move.
• PTOTOther2023The global state of play: A study of the demographic characteristics of disability golfers.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationMost registered golfers with disability were men over 45, came from high-income countries, and 62.6% needed a golf cart. Golfers with neurologic, spinal cord, or visual impairments had worse golf handicaps.
• PTOTQualitative2023Developing a community-engaged wheelchair exercise program for persons with MS: community advisory board formation and feedback.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyWheelchair users with MS advised that exercise programs must offer flexible aerobic bouts, alternative resistance options like wrist weights, and clear guidance on handling setbacks. They emphasized independence in equipment setup and requested coaching by clinicians or peers to support adherence.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Utilization and Cost of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services for Pediatric Patients Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Using a Commercial Claims Database.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationOutpatient PT and OT use in pediatric ALL rose to 54% by 2013-2017, and first visits came earlier, but SLP use stayed low. Access was uneven, with patients outside the Midwest less likely to receive rehab.
• OTCohort2023The Impact of Work Incentives Benefits Counseling on Employment Outcomes: A National Vocational Rehabilitation Study.Journal of occupational rehabilitationClients with disabilities receiving Social Security benefits who got work-incentives counseling were more likely to have competitive employment (34.3% vs 29.4%), but among those employed they earned less per hour and worked fewer weekly hours.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Using Billing Codes to Create a Pediatric Functional Status e-Score for Children Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationMost of the top billing codes ranked by their relationship to discharge WeeFIM mobility, self-care, and cognition/communication scores were also chosen by expert clinicians. This is a first-step score model, not a validated clinical tool.
• PTOTOther2023Engaging in a home-based exercise program: a mixed-methods approach to identify motivators and barriers for individuals with stroke.Assistive technology : the official journal of RESNAStroke survivors engaged with a home exercise app but rarely met the recommended dose. They were motivated by activities that felt useful and by seeing their own progress. Caregiver availability and daily schedules were the main barriers. Tailoring the program to the person and their support network is essential.
• PTOTCohort2023Enhanced Street Crossing Features are Associated with Higher Post-Stroke Physical Quality of Life.Topics in stroke rehabilitationLiving near street crossings with better features (like curb cuts) was associated with higher physical quality of life after stroke. Sidewalk quality and nearby destinations showed no such link. This suggests accessible crossings are a specific environmental target for post-stroke recovery.
• PTOTOther2023Corpus Callosal Microstructure Predicts Bimanual Motor Performance in Chronic Stroke Survivors: a Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study.Topics in stroke rehabilitationIn chronic stroke survivors, poorer corpus callosum fiber organization was linked to slower bimanual task performance among those who used both hands, not among those who used one hand.
• OTSurvey2023Economic evaluation of upper limb prostheses in the Netherlands including the cost-effectiveness of multi-grip versus standard myoelectric hand prostheses.Disability and rehabilitationMulti-grip myoelectric hands cost much more than mono-grip hands, but users did not report better health-related quality of life or user experience. The extra cost was not matched by better outcomes.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022A Network Analysis of the PART-O at 1 and 2 Years After TBI: A Veterans Affairs Model Systems Study.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationSocial relationships and internet use were the most central parts of participation for veterans with TBI. Seeing friends and providing emotional support became more strongly linked over time, suggesting these social interactions deepened during recovery.
• PTOTCohort2024Diagnostic profiles associated with long-term opioid therapy in active duty servicemembers.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationActive duty servicemembers with complex combinations of pain and mental health conditions were far more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy than those with single issues. The 'Multisystem Multimorbid' profile had over nine times the odds of long-term use compared to the 'Relatively Healthy' group.
• PTOTSystematic Review2024A systematic review and cross-sectional survey of rehabilitation resources for injury patients in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania.Disability and rehabilitationEight rehabilitation organizations were identified in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region. Most require out-of-pocket payment, which limits access for patients without insurance. Awareness of these services is low among both patients and referring doctors.
• PTOTCase Report2024A big data approach to evaluate receipt of optimal care in childhood cerebral palsy.Disability and rehabilitationA new scoring method measured how closely two children's cerebral palsy care matched best-practice guidelines. Both children had low adjusted scores, primarily because they did not see physical, occupational, and rehabilitation specialists together in most years.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Evaluation of Active Labor Market Policy Reform: Employment Outcomes of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.Journal of occupational rehabilitationCompleting vocational rehabilitation was linked to 2.6 months longer employment for those who finished the service compared to those who dropped out. The benefit was smaller for people with mental impairments and larger for those already employed at entry.
• PTOTQualitative2024Requirements for home-based upper extremity rehabilitation using wearable motion sensors for stroke patients: a user-centred approach.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyFor sub-acute stroke home rehab, patients and therapists prioritised real-time feedback, personalised goals, weekly therapist contact, and easy independent use.
• PTOTSurvey2024Prevalence of secondary prosthesis use in lower limb prosthesis users.Disability and rehabilitationMost lower limb prosthesis users do not have a secondary device. Those who do are typically younger, male, veterans, and report higher mobility. Back-up and sports prostheses are the most common types. The findings suggest significant gaps in access to these devices for many patients.
• PTOTRCT2023Bridging gaps across levels of care in rehabilitation of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: Results from a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial.Clinical rehabilitationAdding a complex support package to usual rehabilitation did not improve patients' goal attainment or health outcomes compared to usual care alone. Only 31% of the intervention group received the intended post-discharge follow-up, suggesting implementation failures rather than lack of efficacy.