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 137 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPCohort2023Social-Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Emotion Perception in Daily Life and in a Formal Assessment Context.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with ASD, ADHD, and DLD showed similar delays in emotion discrimination and high rates of behavioural problems. Poor voice tone discrimination was linked to having no friends, affecting 32% of the clinical group. These difficulties appeared regardless of specific diagnosis.
• OTOther2024Brief Report: Characterization of Sensory Over-Responsivity in a Broad Neurodevelopmental Concern Cohort Using the Sensory Processing Three Dimensions (SP3D) Assessment.Journal of autism and developmental disorders44 of 82 children with neurodevelopmental concerns had auditory or tactile over-responsivity. Auditory over-responsivity was more common than tactile over-responsivity, and rates did not differ by ASD status.
• PTOTOther2024Relative aerobic load of walking in people with multiple sclerosis.Journal of rehabilitation medicineWalking at a comfortable pace demands 60% of peak aerobic capacity for people with MS, a level considered high. Almost one-third exceed their ventilatory threshold, meaning daily walking causes physiological exhaustion. This suggests patients may be walking too fast for their fitness.
• PTOTOther2024The Delphi of ORACLE: An Expert Consensus Survey for the Development of the Observational Risk Assessment of Contractures (Longitudinal Evaluation).Clinical rehabilitationExperts agreed on ten clinical factors for assessing contracture risk in care homes, including muscle weakness and pain. They excluded spasticity and passive exercises from the tool because care assistants cannot reliably identify spasticity and evidence for passive exercises is weak.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2024Social support needs of caregivers rearing children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities at home in Japan.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesCaregivers of children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities most urgently need more places to leave their children for care. They also asked for help with medical tasks at home, support for siblings, and plans for when the caregivers themselves grow old.
• PTOTQualitative2024Patient experiences of physical activity and inactivity in the stroke unit: an interview study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineStroke patients described wanting to move and be independent, but staying in bed often felt invisible. They said staff who explained exercises, prioritized patients over routines, and encouraged movement helped them get up and feel respected.
• OTSLPCohort2024Exploring the Symptom Profiles of Intolerance of Uncertainty in Autistic Children.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents reported that autistic children struggled more with the emotional distress of uncertainty than with the thoughts or behaviors. This pattern held even when anxiety was absent. Screening for feelings of stress, inability to relax, and sleep problems may identify children needing emotion regulation support.
• PTOTRCT2024Efficacy of focused shockwave therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome: a preliminary study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAdding focused shockwave therapy to education, night splinting and exercises improved hand symptoms and function more than conservative care alone over 6 weeks in 24 participants with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Surface Electromyography for Evaluating the Effect of Aging on the Coordination of Swallowing Muscles.DysphagiaIn healthy older adults, swallowing muscles coordinate less tightly as age increases, but only when swallowing a large 30 ml gulp. Small sips showed no age-related change. This suggests stress testing with larger volumes is needed to detect early aging effects on swallowing coordination.
• PTOTSLPRCT2023Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Conventional Swallowing Rehabilitation Training on Post-stroke Dysphagia.DysphagiaAdding 1 mA tDCS to standard swallowing therapy improved swallowing scores more than standard therapy alone at 3 months. However, both groups received extensive concurrent treatments, so the specific benefit of tDCS cannot be isolated from the rest of the care.
• PTOTOther2024Freezing of gait assessment with inertial measurement units and deep learning: effect of tasks, medication states, and stops.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA deep learning model using leg sensors matched expert ratings of freezing of gait severity in Parkinson's disease. It worked well for standard walking and turning tests, but only if trained on the specific task being tested. It also distinguished freezing from voluntary stops if stops were included in training.
• OTCohort2024Influence of Perceptual Load on Attentional Orienting in Post-Stroke Fatigue: A Study of Auditory Evoked Potentials.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairStroke survivors with high fatigue showed reduced brain responses to unexpected sounds only when background noise was present. This suggests high perceptual load impairs attentional orienting in fatigue, even when physical performance and early sensory processing remain normal.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Distinct Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in Groups of Very Preterm Children Screening Positively for Autism Spectrum Conditions.Journal of autism and developmental disordersVery preterm toddlers who failed two or more critical M-CHAT items had smaller brainstem and cerebellar volumes at term-equivalent age and more autism traits at age 4-7 than those who screened negative. The critical positive group also showed the most severe developmental delay.
• OTSLPRCT2024Effectiveness of a Robot-Assisted Psychological Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersRobot-assisted sessions did not clearly outperform therapist-only sessions. Both groups improved on autism symptoms, social cognition, inhibition and parent-reported problems, but the autism symptom change was too small to matter clinically.
• PTOTCohort2024The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine on Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability: A Longitudinal Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersScores measured before, during, and after lockdown in adults with autism and intellectual disability showed more autistic traits during confinement, improved executive function and wellbeing after reopening, and worse balance, with no change in walking.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024Spatial Neglect: An Exploration of Clinical Assessment Behaviour in Stroke Rehabilitation.Clinical rehabilitationStroke clinicians rarely use standardised spatial neglect assessments because they view it as a visual problem rather than a multisensory one. They lack knowledge of functional tools and feel assessment is outside their scope. Barriers include time, cost, and equipment. Clinicians want short, flexible tests and online training with practical demos.
• PTOTOther2024Defining a universal measurement unit and scale for gross motor development.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesA new theoretical scale places gross motor tasks on a universal 0-100 unit scale, anchored from supine to walking. It explains 87% of task difficulty variance using body position, movement, and support, but remains unvalidated in typical children.
• PTOTNarrative Review2024Optimizing lower limb rehabilitation: the intersection of machine learning and rehabilitative robotics.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesMachine learning can make lower limb rehabilitation robots more accurate and personalized, but high costs and 'black box' algorithms currently block clinical use. Therapists should view these tools as emerging aids requiring explanation and trust-building, not proven replacements for manual care.
• PTOTOther2024Simulation of a control method for active kinesiotherapy with an upper extremity rehabilitation exoskeleton without force sensor.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationSimulations suggest an upper-limb exoskeleton can detect patient movement intentions using only standard motor encoders, without force sensors or EMG. This approach could lower device cost and weight, but no human testing was performed to confirm safety or clinical benefit.
• PTOTSLPMeta-Analysis2024Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation alone and in combination with rehabilitation therapies on gait and balance among individuals with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationtDCS improved walking rhythm and reduced freezing of gait, but did not significantly change walking speed or stride length. It also helped balance on the Timed Up and Go test. No single optimal protocol for dose or placement has been established.
• OTOther2024Could Sensory Differences Be a Sex-Indifferent Biomarker of Autism? Early Investigation Comparing Tactile Sensitivity Between Autistic Males and Females.Journal of autism and developmental disordersTactile sex differences were not specific to autism. Girls were less sensitive than boys on discrimination and order tasks, but not simple detection or reaction time. The study was preliminary and not enough to change assessment.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Assessing Prevalence and Characteristics of Oro-bulbar Involvement in Children and Adults with SMA Type 2 and 3 Using a Multimodal Approach.DysphagiaOro-bulbar impairment is common in SMA types 2 and 3, particularly reduced mouth opening and tongue strength in children and non-ambulant adults. Objective tests often reveal problems that patients do not report, so clinicians should assess swallowing function directly rather than relying on patient complaints.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Factors associated with acute care service use after epilepsy hospitalisation in people with intellectual disability.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRHospital readmission and emergency presentations after epilepsy admission were common in people with intellectual disability, especially those with self-harm history, mental or developmental disorders, asthma, longer stays, or incarceration history.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Examining the Outcomes of Project ECHO® as an Interprofessional Community of Practice for Pediatric Feeding Clinicians.DysphagiaClinicians working with pediatric feeding disorders reported significantly higher confidence after joining a virtual case-based learning network. The program was highly rated for its practical, interactive format, which participants preferred over traditional lectures. Fewer requests for external clinical advice were observed during the program period.
• OTPilot2024Evaluating the impact of a darts game intervention on cognitive function in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment: a pilot study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesA darts communication programme did not establish cognitive improvement in older adults. In those without mild cognitive impairment, forward weight shift while throwing had a possible link to later MoCA scores, but the link was not established.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Collegiate student-athletes concussion knowledge and attitudes: what a difference a decade Makes.Brain injuryIncoming college athletes showed a small increase in concussion knowledge but a large, safer shift in attitudes over a decade. Clinicians should focus education on reporting behaviors and correcting myths about imaging, rather than basic symptom recognition.
• OTOther2024"I completely shut down": A mixed methods evaluation of the fear-avoidance model for young adults with a recent concussion and anxiety.Rehabilitation psychologyYoung adults with recent concussion and anxiety described symptoms, fear, avoidance, and depression making work, academics, and social life harder. Pacing, activity adjustment, social support, and mindfulness were described as helping some confront symptoms and recover.
• OTPilot2024Autistic-Delivered Peer Support: A Feasibility Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic-delivered peer support was feasible for 29 Medicaid-eligible autistic youth and adults. 90% were satisfied, 70% would recommend it, and 65% said it was culturally sensitive.
• OTRCT2024Assessing effectiveness of serious game training designed to assist in upper limb prosthesis rehabilitation.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesTask-specific and non-task-specific serious games did not improve prosthesis simulator use more than mouse-and-keyboard control in able-bodied students. Scores rose over testing, but training groups did not beat control, so transfer was not shown.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2024Parent-Therapist Partnership Survey: Parent Feedback and Psychometric Properties.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of children receiving school-based therapies rated needs in two areas: being informed and empowered as team members, and needing support and guidance. A 36-item survey can ask these needs directly. It does not show that using it improves child or family outcomes.
• PTOTCohort2024Assessment of Mobility Trajectories Using Wearable Inertial Sensors During Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationPretransplant gait limitation measured by wearable sensors was linked to worse post-transplant function by clinician and patient report. During hospitalization, mobility fell early, then improved slowly but remained below pretransplant levels at discharge.
• PTOTOther2024Accuracy and Reliability of Remote Categorization of Upper Limb Outcome After Stroke.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairRemote video assessment matched in-person upper limb outcome for 88% at 3 months and 96% at 6 months. It was less accurate at the chronic stage, 75% and 79%, and for the Good and Limited categories.
• OTSLPCohort2024Heightened Anxiety and Depression Among Autistic Adolescents with ADHD: Findings From the National Survey of Children's Health 2016-2019.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAdolescents with both autism and ADHD have the highest rates of anxiety and depression. Anxiety affects 72% of females and 69% of males with both conditions. Depression affects 39% of females and 38% of males. These rates are far higher than in those with only one condition or neither.
• OTOther2024Vocational Outcomes in ASD: An Examination of Work Readiness Skills as well as Barriers and Facilitators to Employment Identified by Autistic Adults.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adults with stronger flexibility and daily living skills were more likely to be employed without support. Qualitative themes identified job mismatch and workplace inflexibility as key barriers, alongside the need for employer psychoeducation.
• PTOTOther2024A neuromechanical model characterizing the motor planning and posture control in the voluntary lean in Parkinson's disease.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationPD patients lean slower and with stiffer ankles, especially backward. They also make smaller preparatory movements before leaning. These model parameters correlate with clinical scores like UPDRS and Functional Reach, offering a way to quantify specific balance deficits.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2024Digital tools for direct assessment of autism risk during early childhood: A systematic review.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceDigital tablet and smartphone tasks measuring social preference and motor movements consistently distinguished autistic children from typical peers in 38 pilot studies. These tools are brief and automated, but none are validated for clinical screening yet.
• OTSLPCohort2024Longitudinal Relations Between Early Sensory Responsiveness and Later Communication in Infants with Autistic and Non-autistic Siblings.Journal of autism and developmental disordersInfants with low reaction to sensory input or high distress from it had lower language scores nine months later. These early behavioral signs predicted communication delays in both high-risk and typical groups.
• OTSLPQualitative2024Friendships in Children with Williams Syndrome: Parent and Child Perspectives.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of children with Williams Syndrome reported difficulties sustaining friendships due to disinhibited behaviour, social anxiety, and mismatched interests. Children often named friends but interactions were mostly confined to school. Peer dynamics shifted as neurotypical peers gained independence.
• PTOTSLPPilot2024A Digital Intervention to Promote Self-Management Self-Efficacy Among Community-Dwelling Individuals With Stroke: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesA 12-week text-messaging and coaching program improved stroke survivors' confidence in managing home, work, and social activities. Retention was high, but the small sample and unblinded design mean this shows feasibility, not proven effectiveness.
• OTSLPQualitative2024Parental Perspectives: How Sensory Sensitivities Impact the Transition to Adulthood in Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of autistic adolescents and young adults described sensory sensitivities as a constant barrier to independence. Touch and sound issues most often restricted job options, social participation, and daily living tasks. Parents reported needing to manage environments and teach self-advocacy to help their children navigate adulthood.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024"I Wish I Had That!": A Qualitative Analysis of Psychosocial Treatment Preferences Among Young Adults With Recent Concussion and Anxiety.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationYoung adults with recent concussion and anxiety want a short, early, virtual program led by a compassionate facilitator. They need clear facts to debunk myths, coping skills for activity pacing, and validation that their symptoms are normal. They prefer agency over rigid instructions.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Dysphagia Prevalence and Outcomes Associated with the Evolution of COVID-19 and Its Variants in Critically Ill Patients.DysphagiaIn critically ill COVID-19 patients referred to speech pathology, 94% had dysphagia at initial assessment. Most recovered by discharge, but 29% still had swallowing problems. Longer time on a ventilator or tracheostomy was linked to slower recovery.
• OTOther2024The Impact of Emergency Pandemic HCBS Funding on the Continuity and Security of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.Journal of autism and developmental disordersPeople with intellectual and developmental disabilities were more likely to have stable services and life planning in states that raised HCBS payment rates or offered retainer payments during the pandemic. Retainer payments had the stronger association.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024A Qualitative Study of Adults' and Support Persons' Experiences of Support After Autism Diagnosis.Journal of autism and developmental disordersLate-diagnosed adults and their families described a confusing gap between diagnosis and support. They wanted clear guidance on services, autism-informed professionals who respect their identity, and help for support persons. Peer support was valued but often lacked practical problem-solving.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2024The Relationship Between Nutrition-Physical Activity Behaviors of Autistic Children with Their Families and Children's Obesity Levels During Covid Pandemic.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of children with severe autism reported lower family nutrition and activity scores than those with atypical autism. Regularly monitoring the child's height and weight was linked to higher scores. However, neither family habits nor mealtime behaviors correlated with the children's actual BMI before or during the pandemic.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Identifying profiles of stroke patients benefitting from additional training: a latent class analysis approach.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAdditional training improved daily living scores only for a specific group: patients aged 65-84 with right-side paralysis and moderate dependence. For this group, combining self-exercise with staff-led training worked best. Other patient profiles showed no significant benefit from these additions.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Unmet environmental needs and unmet healthcare needs in a population of young adults with cerebral palsy: what the SPARCLE study tells us.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesYoung adults with cerebral palsy who lack social support are much more likely to have unmet needs for speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counselling. Physical accessibility alone did not predict unmet care. Clinicians should assess family and community support networks, not just transport or building access.
• PTOTCohort2024Decreased Bed Mobility Function Is Associated With Postdischarge Mortality for Cancer Patients in Inpatient Rehabilitation.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationCancer patients who leave rehab with low bed mobility scores or little improvement are three times more likely to die within six months. This simple bedside measure predicts mortality better than admission scores and works independently of overall physical function.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Association between cognitive dysfunction and diabetes in patients over 65 years old: a cross-sectional study using propensity score matching.Journal of rehabilitation medicineOlder adults with diabetes were significantly more likely to have cognitive dysfunction than matched controls. Among those with diabetes, having cognitive dysfunction was strongly associated with greater dependence in daily activities like bathing and dressing.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Latent Class Analysis Identifies Distinctive Behavioral Subtypes in Children with Fragile X Syndrome.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with fragile X syndrome fall into five distinct behavioral groups. Three moderate-severity groups differ clearly: one with high anxiety and social avoidance, one with disruptive behaviors, and one with attention issues but less social impairment. This helps target support.