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 196 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• OTRCT2026Three-dimensional assessment of finger individuation reveals finger- and joint-specific selective motor control deficits in children with cerebral palsy.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationChildren with cerebral palsy had lower ability to isolate finger forces, especially index and ring fingers. In the preferred hand, better finger control went with better pegboard, block, and manipulation scores. This is an assessment finding, not a treatment effect.
• OTCohort2026Preverbal visual assessment for screening cerebral visual impairment: Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility.Developmental medicine and child neurologyA caregiver questionnaire for infants under two years caught almost every child who was later diagnosed with cerebral visual impairment. However, it also flagged many who did not have it. Treat any concern on the form as a reason for a full eye and brain assessment.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025The Effect of Genotype on Self-Reported Dysarthria and Dysphagia in Parkinson's Disease: A Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative Study.International journal of language & communication disordersPatients with SNCA and GBA mutations self-reported worse speech and swallowing problems than those with LRRK2 mutations after the first two years. All groups started with similar mild symptoms. Motor phenotype did not predict these self-reported communication or swallowing difficulties.
• PTOTQualitative2025Play Together? Unveiling Facilitators and Barriers to Inclusive Outdoor Play for Dutch Children With and Without Disabilities: A Qualitative Study.Child: care, health and developmentChildren with disabilities, especially those in special schools, face the most barriers to outdoor play. Key obstacles include lack of nearby peers, inaccessible playgrounds, and pity from other children. Familiarity and growing up together were the strongest facilitators for inclusive play.
• OTQualitative2025Empower Our Growth as Athletes: Voices of Swedish Athletes With Intellectual Disability.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDSwedish athletes with intellectual disability described belonging when coaches made training understandable, checked in on feelings, respected their goals, and built a club where disability was not judged.
• PTOTSLPCase-Control2025Divergent aperiodic slope and alpha dynamics expose cortical excitability gradients in fragile X syndrome.Molecular autismEEG scans revealed brain patterns indicating high excitability in males with fragile X syndrome, but not in females. This sex-specific difference suggests that treatments targeting brain excitability may need to be tailored differently for boys and girls.
• OTSystematic Review2025Natural Setting Interventions to Increase Physical Activity Level in Older Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDPhysical activity programmes in familiar settings were implemented, but effects were mixed. The only study judged low risk of bias found no significant increase.
• OTSLPMeta-Analysis2025Autistic traits are associated with lower perceived executive function but not poorer executive function task performance in the general population: complementary meta-analytic evidence.Molecular autismPeople with more autistic traits report worse executive function on questionnaires, but their actual performance on cognitive tasks is not impaired. This gap suggests the difficulty lies in how they perceive their own abilities, not in the abilities themselves.
• PTOTPilot2026Multimodal machine learning mobility assessment in Parkinson's disease within supervised and unsupervised settings.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding muscle sensors to standard motion trackers improved walking detection accuracy from 87.52% to 94.47% in ten people with Parkinson's. This multimodal approach revealed that free-living walking is slower, more variable, and requires higher muscle effort than clinic assessments.
• PTOTPilot2026Drumming with BEAT: a pilot study on the impact of drum set playing on motor control and quality of life in Parkinson's disease.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThree people with Parkinson's disease played a drum set for six weeks. All showed some improvement in balance and upper limb speed, but mood and quality of life scores were inconsistent. The program was feasible and engaging, but this small study cannot prove it works.
• PTOTOther2026Associations between activity limitations and participation restrictions in people with late effects of polio.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationActivity limitations and participation restrictions are only weakly associated in people with late effects of polio. Assess both separately during rehabilitation. Focusing on performance alone misses the broader participation issues that affect daily life.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2026Current status and future prospects of brain-computer interfaces in the field of neurological disease rehabilitation.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesBrain-computer interfaces show promise for stroke and ALS rehabilitation, improving motor function and communication. However, evidence is limited by small studies and short follow-up periods, so these tools should be viewed as experimental adjuncts rather than established treatments.
• PTOTRCT2026Guided corticomuscular neuroplasticity for restoration of wrist-hand function post-stroke.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationGuided brain-computer interface training improved wrist-hand function and shifted brain activity to the affected hemisphere. However, it triggered less often than standard bilateral training, which showed faster initial gains and greater spasticity reduction. The guided approach demands more effort but targets specific neural reorganization.
• PTOTCohort2026Predicting Geriatric Rehabilitation Stays of ≤4 Weeks After Hip Fracture Surgery: Machine Learning Approach Using Physical Activity and Patient Data.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesAfter hip fracture surgery, a model using first-week activity and patient data identified likely stays of 4 weeks or less. It performed well in 100 Dutch patients, but needs external testing before changing discharge planning.
• PTOTMeta-Analysis2026Does transcranial direct current stimulation enhance sensorimotor recovery in chronic ankle instability? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding tDCS to rehab improved balance control and sensorimotor function, but did not change ankle movement patterns, brain excitability measures, or patient-reported scores. The benefit was small and the evidence quality was low.
• PTOTCohort2026Optimizing the Approach to Calculating CST Lesion Load in Ischemic Stroke Patients for Understanding Motor Outcomes.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairUsing an age-matched brain template and a specific lesion calculation method, the maximum weighted lesion load of the corticospinal tract, best predicted motor impairment and function after stroke. This approach replicated in a second group and used only standard MRI scans.
• OTSLPCase-Control2025Associations Between Altered Auditory EEG Markers and Clinical Impairments in Fragile X Syndrome.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn 41 people with fragile X syndrome and 46 controls, brain responses to repeated and changing sounds differed, and some differences tracked cognitive, autistic, daily living and ADHD symptoms. No treatment was tested.
• OTOther2026Assessing the Living Well in the Community Program for people with disabilities in the context of COVID-19.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThe Living Well in the Community program showed no significant improvement in behavioral health, healthcare use, or community engagement when moved online during the pandemic. Participants did report significantly more hours spent on education, volunteering, or employment, and high confidence in managing chronic conditions.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026Understanding the Origins and Factors of Burnout in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Grounded Theory Analysis.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesCanadian physiatrists described a 'hierarchical performance paradox' where medical training prioritizes academic perfection over compassion, fostering shame and imposter syndrome. Burnout risk peaks in residency due to low autonomy and high demands, persisting through career stages via administrative burdens and emotional isolation.
• PTOTRCT2026Lessons learned while exploring the impact of movement-tracking feedback on the experiences of children with neuromotor disorders taking part in interactive home exercise programs: a multi-case mixed methods study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationMovement tracking feedback helped two of three children complete more prescribed exercises, but the system often failed to count movements accurately. Parents valued the feedback, while children found technical errors frustrating. The game was preferred over conventional home exercises, but the technology requires refinement before clinical use.
• PTOTPilot2026Motor imagery BCI enables more practical and user-friendly exoskeleton control than smartwatch for users with spinal cord injury: a preliminary study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationFive people with spinal cord injury controlled an exoskeleton via brain-computer interface. It was slower than a smartwatch but allowed hands-free operation while using crutches. Participants preferred the BCI because operating a smartwatch required releasing a crutch or therapist assistance.
• OTOther2026Medicaid home and community based services are vital for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A descriptive study of service use among all adult enrollees, 2022.Disability and health journalMost adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities used Medicaid home services, but those with autism alone were 18.3 percentage points less likely to receive any support. Service availability varied widely by state, with rates ranging from 19.1% to 98.2%.
• PTOTOther2026Decoding multi-class motor attempt from the affected unilateral limbs in chronic stroke patients.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA new computer algorithm correctly identified which of four unilateral movements a chronic stroke patient was attempting to make 52.79% of the time. This outperformed nine other decoding models, but the high error rate and long processing time mean it is not yet ready for real-time clinical rehabilitation.
• OTSLPSystematic Review2026Personal and Environmental Factors Influencing Self-Determination of People With Intellectual Disabilities and Epilepsy: A Scoping Review.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRPeople with intellectual disability and epilepsy described self-determination as shaped by seizure control, trusted tailored communication, and being involved in decisions. Parents and professionals often took over, while choice opportunities and personal preferences supported autonomy.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Associations between quality of life in communication and sociodemographic and clinical aspects of Parkinson's disease.CoDASFor people with Parkinson's disease, quality of life in communication is driven more by non-motor symptoms and daily activity difficulties than by motor speech issues. Rigidity as an initial symptom was linked to worse communication scores than tremor. Assess mood and function, not just speech.
• PTOTOther2025'I feel trapped in my safe clothes': The impact of tactile hyper-sensitivity on autistic adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults described clothing textures like labels and seams as causing physical pain, anxiety, and barriers to work. While tactile sensitivity alone linked weakly to poor body image, it significantly lowered self-esteem in those already dissatisfied with their appearance. Comfort often forced a trade-off with self-expression.
• OTQualitative2025Co-Designing Peer Support for Women Labelled With Intellectual Disabilities Who Have Experienced Sexual Violence.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDWomen labelled with intellectual disabilities who experienced sexual violence said peer support should be built with them, not for them. They asked for caring, listening, companionship, fair pay, emotional support, safe matching, accessible communication and practical help.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Keeping Up With School During Hospitalization for Children With Chronic Illnesses, Siblings and Parents.Child: care, health and developmentFamilies staying at a Ronald McDonald House reported that teachers supported school continuity through flexible, reduced workloads and easy digital contact. Parents valued this but noted that homeschooling or prolonged absence cut off access to therapy services and peer socialization.
• PTOTPilot2025Promoting continuous rehabilitation with AI-based motion capture and biomechanical analysis: objective feedback as a catalyst.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesObjective feedback on shoulder movement improved exercise motivation for one month in older adults with stroke, diabetes, or foot deformity. Motivation dropped off after four weeks. The effect was absent in participants with Parkinson's disease, who declined regardless of feedback.
• PTOTPilot2026Evaluation of a Stretching Forearm Sleeve for Lateral Epicondylitis: Repeated Measures Study.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesNineteen adults with tennis elbow wore a stretching sleeve for 30 minutes daily for 12 weeks. Pain-free grip strength and self-reported pain improved significantly, but without a control group, natural recovery cannot be ruled out.
• PTOTPilot2026AI-based video analysis for the assessment of upper limb function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: feasibility of remote monitoring.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAn AI model accurately classified upper limb impairment severity in children with unilateral cerebral palsy from routine handheld clinic videos. The tool achieved high discrimination across all four assessment indices, suggesting it could support remote monitoring and reduce clinician scoring burden.
• PTOTMeta-Analysis2026The effectiveness of robotic therapy in reducing upper limb spasticity in stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationRobotic therapy produced small reductions in elbow and wrist flexor tone compared with conventional therapy, but not shoulder tone. Hand-only devices did not reduce tone, and daily independence did not clearly improve.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Benchmarking large language models against human experts in rehabilitation medicine: a multidimensional evaluation.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationTop-tier AI models wrote rehabilitation plans that scored higher than textbook expert answers on safety and evidence, but missed the patient's life context. Use AI to draft the medical checklist. You must still add the human strategy and personal goals.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Transition From Children's to Adults' Healthcare for Youth With (Genetic) Intellectual Disabilities: An ERN-ITHACA Guideline.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRTransition planning for young people with intellectual disabilities should start at 13 or 14 years and use a named worker to coordinate care. These are expert recommendations, not evidence that they work.
• PTOTOther2026Standardized International Manual of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Function After Stroke.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairExperts agreed on a standardized manual for the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, with 89% consensus for the upper limb and 93% for the lower limb. This resolves ambiguous instructions and sets clear training standards for consistent motor scoring in stroke care.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2026Clinical Models of Care for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Forensic Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRStructured discharge pathways and community forensic teams are linked to shorter hospital stays and safer transitions for adults with intellectual disabilities. These outcomes depend on clear roles, multidisciplinary coordination, and staff training rather than isolated therapies.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Aphasic patients in the hospital from the perspective of a healthcare team: implications for care.CoDASStaff described caring for patients with aphasia as frustrating and difficult because they could not understand speech. They relied on guessing and wanted language clinicians to guide team communication.
• OTCohort2025Relationship Between Intellectual Disability and Behavioral Comorbidity in Children With Fragile X Syndrome.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn children with fragile X syndrome, higher intellectual disability level was linked with more frequent autism, irritability/agitation/aggression/self-injury, obsessive/perseverative behavior, and higher sensory problem scores. Anxiety and ADHD-like symptoms were not linked to intellectual disability level.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2025Involving Adult Siblings in the Lives of Individuals With Pervasive Support Needs: Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDHealthcare professionals supporting adults with profound intellectual disabilities report lacking knowledge about siblings' preferences and having insufficient time for collaboration. Most feel supported by colleagues but not by management, and only a minority view facilitating the transition of care from parents to siblings as part of their job.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Criterion Validity, Scalability and Stability of Scoring on the Bayley-III in Children With Angelman Syndrome.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRThe Bayley-III works well for tracking groups of children with Angelman syndrome but is unstable for individual patients. Scores often fluctuate due to attention and motor issues, meaning a single test result may not reflect true ability or change.
• PTOTPilot2026EEG based multifunctional connectivity fusion across frequency bands and parameters promote motor function assessment in stroke: a pilot study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationIn 12 stroke patients, combined EEG brain synchronization measures were linked to upper limb motor scores. None were linked to lower limb scores. This is exploratory.
• PTOTSLPCase-Control2026Motor skills and working memory capacity in preadolescents born very preterm.Developmental medicine and child neurologyChildren born very preterm had lower working memory capacity than term-born peers. This link was fully explained by their poorer motor skills, specifically balance and manual dexterity. Brain activity measures did not mediate this relationship, suggesting motor deficits are a key pathway to cognitive difficulties.
• OTQualitative2026Codesigning a Neurocognitive Assessment Protocol for Hyperphagia: Perspectives From Stakeholders in Prader-Willi Syndrome.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRCaregivers and professionals helped adapt a food attention eye-tracking test for Prader-Willi syndrome. Predictable mealtime routines and flexible scheduling made the adapted test appear feasible in a small group, but eye-tracking data quality was variable.
• PTOTSLPPilot2026Development of an easy-read version of the Brain Injury associated Visual Impairment - Impact Questionnaire (BIVI-IQ).Clinical rehabilitationStroke survivors with visual impairment rated an easy-read version of a vision-impact questionnaire similarly to the standard version. The easy-read took longer to complete, but half preferred it. This offers a path to self-report for those with communication difficulties, though testing in that specific group is still needed.
• PTOTSystematic Review2026Outcomes and standardized tools in telehealth physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy: A scoping review using the ICF framework.Developmental medicine and child neurologyTelehealth physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy is mostly assessed in person, not remotely. While some questionnaires and specific movement tests show promise for remote use, most standardized tools still require clinical settings, limiting the ability to track real-world functional changes.
• PTOTNarrative Review2026Post-Stroke Motor Fatigability: Defining and Studying the Impairments That Emerge During Prolonged Motor Tasks.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairProlonged motor tasks after stroke often show greater endurance loss in paretic limbs, likely from reduced brain input to the muscle rather than the muscle itself. Tests vary, so endurance time may be more informative than strength alone.
• PTOTOther2026Psychometric properties of functional mobility outcome measures in children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.Developmental medicine and child neurologyFour mobility measures work well for children with arthrogryposis, but they do not agree on who is impaired. Use them together for a full picture. Parents reported worse mobility than children did, so ask both. Small changes of 1-2 levels on walking scales are meaningful.
• PTOTRCT2026Effect of an exosuit on daily life gait performance in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA home-based exosuit program did not increase daily walking time over six weeks compared with a conventional training program. Usability and satisfaction were marginal, so routine prescription of this exosuit to improve daily walking is not supported.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2026Use of artificial intelligence for outcome assessment in pediatric rehabilitation: a scoping review.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationMost AI tools for pediatric outcome assessment are still experimental, focused on gait in children with cerebral palsy. High accuracy reported in these studies reflects technical testing, not clinical readiness for routine use.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2026Off-axis biomechanical alterations and related interventions in medial knee osteoarthritis: a mini review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesHip abductor strengthening reliably improves pain and function in medial knee osteoarthritis. Personalized gait retraining and valgus bracing reduce short-term symptoms, but evidence for lateral wedge insoles is inconsistent. Long-term structural benefits remain unproven.