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 69 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPRCT2020The effects of visual feedback balance training on the pain and physical function of patients with chronic degenerative knee arthritis.Journal of physical therapy scienceBoth muscle-strengthening exercises and visual feedback balance training reduced pain and improved function in older adults with knee arthritis. However, adding visual feedback to standard therapy did not show a significant advantage over standard therapy alone.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Brain activity during real-time walking and with walking interventions after stroke: a systematic review.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationBrain imaging during real-time walking in stroke survivors shows increased activity in motor and planning areas compared to standing, but findings vary widely by walking phase. Activation patterns are inconsistent when compared to healthy adults, and no single brain region reliably predicts walking recovery.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Combining transcranial direct current stimulation with a motor-cognitive task: the impact on dual-task walking costs in older adults.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationApplying brain stimulation while older adults walked a complex virtual reality task cut dual-task walking costs by almost 50%. Stimulation while seated or sham stimulation during walking did not change gait costs. This immediate effect requires confirmation in larger trials before clinical use.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Comparison of use of plaster casting versus elastic bandage following carpal tunnel release: a randomized controlled study.Journal of rehabilitation medicinePlaster casting after carpal tunnel surgery offered no advantage over elastic bandaging for strength, pain, or healing. The cast group reported significantly more difficulty with daily activities at two weeks, but groups were equal by four weeks. Elastic bandaging is sufficient for postoperative care.
• OTRCT2021Does rTMS Targeting Contralesional S1 Enhance Upper Limb Somatosensory Function in Chronic Stroke? A Proof-of-Principle Study.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairHigh-frequency brain stimulation to the side opposite the stroke, paired with sensory stimulation to the affected hand, made affected-arm two-point discrimination 1.187 mm better versus sham. Other clinical sensory tests did not change.
• PTOTPilot2021A Brief Intervention to Support Implementation of Telerehabilitation by Community Rehabilitation Services During COVID-19: A Feasibility Study.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationAfter the combined six-week remote support program, more than half of client consultations were via telerehabilitation, but clinicians' perceived barriers did not change.
• PTOTSystematic Review2020Patients' perceptions with musculoskeletal disorders regarding their experience with healthcare providers and health services: an overview of reviews.Archives of physiotherapyPatients with musculoskeletal pain, arthritis or osteoporosis wanted clear tailored information, respectful communication, trusted clinicians, individualized treatment and smooth care transitions. Most evidence came from reviews of healthcare services, not physiotherapy alone.
• OTSLPSurvey2020Bilingualism in autism: Language learning profiles and social experiences.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic adults who know more languages rate their social life as more satisfying than monolingual peers. Proficiency in a third language also linked to higher social quality. This is a self-report correlation, not proof that learning languages improves social outcomes.
• PTOTSLPMeta-Analysis2020A systematic review and meta-analysis on effect of spinal mobilization and manipulation on cardiovascular responses.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoSpinal manipulation and mobilization slightly lowered systolic blood pressure in the main analysis, but the result was borderline and varied greatly between studies. Diastolic pressure and heart rate showed no significant change. This is not yet reliable evidence for treating hypertension.
• OTSLPCase-Control2020Service use by youth with autism within a system-driven implementation of evidence-based practices in children's mental health services.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceYouth with autism in public mental health services received more total claims and longer care than matched peers. They received less psychotherapy but more case management, medication, and crisis services. Behavioral parent training was their most common primary evidence-based practice.
• PTOTRCT2021Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cardiopulmonary Responses and Predictors of Change in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationEight weeks of cycling did not significantly improve peak oxygen consumption, but both exercise groups improved submaximal aerobic capacity compared to controls. Younger participants with lower baseline fitness who cycled at higher speeds showed the greatest gains.
• PTOTOther2021Implementation of evidence-based assessment of upper extremity in stroke rehabilitation: From evidence to clinical practice.Journal of rehabilitation medicineStroke therapists implemented a new upper extremity assessment guideline. Short screening tests were adopted quickly, but the comprehensive Fugl-Meyer test required significant training time. Adherence to strict assessment timelines remained difficult due to workload and staff rotation.
• PTOTPilot2021Standardizing fatigue-resistance testing during electrical stimulation of paralysed human quadriceps muscles, a practical approach.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationDistributed stimulation did not improve fatigue resistance in three men with spinal cord injury during dynamic knee extension. The protocol standardized testing at 40% of maximal evoked torque, but no electrode configuration significantly outperformed conventional stimulation.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021How persons with transtibial amputation regulate lateral stepping while walking in laterally destabilizing environments.Gait & postureBoth able-bodied adults and those with transtibial amputation tightened their lateral stepping control when faced with visual or platform perturbations. Amputees did not show impaired regulation, suggesting their balance deficits stem from biomechanics rather than a failure to adapt their stepping strategy.
• PTOTCase-Control2021Symmetry function in gait pattern analysis in patients after unilateral transfemoral amputation using a mechanical or microprocessor prosthetic knee.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA microprocessor knee did not make gait clearly more symmetrical than a mechanical knee. The two groups differed mainly in hip movements in the frontal plane, and both still walked asymmetrically compared to healthy controls.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021The Emergence of Autism Symptoms Prior to 18 Months of Age: A Systematic Literature Review.Journal of autism and developmental disordersInfants later diagnosed with autism showed subtle deficits in gaze, smiling, gestures and motor skills from 6 to 12 months, before full symptoms appeared. These early signs were often less frequent typical behaviors rather than unusual excesses, making them hard to spot without careful monitoring.
• PTOTCohort2021Bone quality in adults with severe motor and intellectual disabilities.Journal of rehabilitation medicineIn adults with severe motor and intellectual disabilities, the ability to walk was the strongest predictor of better bone quality. Older age and anti-epileptic drug use were linked to lower bone quality. Tube feeding and sex were not significant factors.
• PTOTRCT2021Robot enhanced stroke therapy optimizes rehabilitation (RESTORE): a pilot study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationNine patients with subacute stroke completed 10 days of robotic therapy on top of standard care. They showed significant improvements in motor and function scores compared to baseline, while the control group showed minimal change.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Cortical activity during sensorial tactile stimulation in healthy adults through Vojta therapy. A randomized pilot controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationStimulation at the Vojta pectoral point activated motor and sensory brain areas in healthy adults, while sham stimulation did not. This supports the therapy's neurophysiological basis but does not prove clinical effectiveness in patients with neurological disorders.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Construct validity of the Actiwatch-2 for assessing movement in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDThe Actiwatch-2 accurately detects the presence of upper body movement in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, distinguishing it from stillness. However, it fails to identify body position or the specific type of activity, such as massage versus active play. Individual calibration is required.
• OTSLPOther2021Assessing Irritability in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Affective Reactivity Index.Journal of autism and developmental disordersThe ARI effectively measures irritability in children with autism. Noncompliance was a stronger predictor of irritability than anxiety. Anxiety only increased irritability in children who did not have high levels of noncompliance.
• OTOther2021Family network typologies of adults with intellectual disability: Associations with psychological outcomes.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDAdults with intellectual disabilities living in supported accommodation fall into four distinct family network types. Those with the smallest, least supportive networks reported the lowest satisfaction with personal relationships and community, yet also displayed the fewest behavioural problems.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021"Just tell me in a simple way": A qualitative study on opportunities to improve the transition from acute hospital care to home from the perspectives of patients with traumatic brain injury, families, and providers.Clinical rehabilitationPatients and families recovering from traumatic brain injury at home want simple, written education on symptoms and recovery phases, plus clear timelines for discharge. They also need a coordinated plan for follow-up care. Therapists can support this by providing plain-language materials and helping map out post-discharge goals.
• PTOTSLPRCT2020Cost-effectiveness of botulinum neurotoxin A versus surgery for drooling: a randomized clinical trial.Developmental medicine and child neurologyTwo-duct ligation cost more upfront but was more effective than botulinum toxin A for drooling in children with cerebral palsy. Success rates were 63% versus 27%. The higher initial cost of surgery was offset by fewer repeat treatments, suggesting it may be more cost-effective over time.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2020Parents' perceptions and concerns about physical activity participation among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents describe promoting physical activity as an overwhelming burden. They struggle to find activities that are predictable, meaningful and adaptable, often relying on rigorous planning and advocacy to manage their adolescent's anxiety and social difficulties.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2020Sleep health practices and sleep knowledge among healthcare professionals in Dutch paediatric rehabilitation.Child: care, health and developmentAllied health professionals in Dutch paediatric rehabilitation addressed sleep less often than physicians, had low sleep knowledge, and many did not feel they knew enough. If you work with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, ask about sleep and refer when needed.
• PTOTNarrative Review2021A review of movement disorders in chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationCancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity show excessive side-to-side sway, slower shorter steps, and jerky grasping. These objective movement deficits link to sensory loss but may also involve weakness or vision reliance, requiring targeted assessment beyond patient reports.
• OTSLPQualitative2021How is COVID-19 Affecting the Mental Health of Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Their Families?Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of children with special needs reported that school closures disrupted routines and removed specialist support, leading to increased anxiety, challenging behaviour and feelings of being overwhelmed. A minority described reduced stress at home.
• PTOTSLPMeta-Analysis2021Effectiveness of specialized rehabilitation after mild traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of rehabilitation medicineSpecialized brain injury rehabilitation reduced post-concussion symptoms compared with usual care. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interdisciplinary programmes showed small benefits for mood and activity. Evidence quality was low because participants knew which treatment they received, so effects may be exaggerated.
• OTSystematic Review2021Impacts of Low-cost Robotic Pets for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Scoping Review.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesLow-cost robotic cats and dogs reduced agitation and improved mood in people with dementia, and lowered loneliness in healthy older adults. However, some users found the robots creepy or distressing, and the evidence comes from small studies with poor quality ratings.
• OTCohort2021Epilepsy in adulthood: Prevalence, incidence, and associated antiepileptic drug use in autistic adults in a state Medicaid system.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceEpilepsy is highly prevalent in autistic adults, especially those with intellectual disability. Many autistic adults on antiepileptic drugs lack epilepsy diagnoses, suggesting off-label use for behavior. Clinicians should screen for epilepsy in aging autistic adults with ID.
• PTOTSLPCohort2020Factors associated with stroke survivors' inconsistent uptake of physiotherapy interventions at Turton Community Health Centre, KwaZulu-Natal.The South African journal of physiotherapyStroke survivors who did not feel they were improving with exercises were significantly less likely to attend physiotherapy appointments. Transport costs and lack of family support also hindered attendance, but statistical links to these factors were not significant.
• PTOTOther2020Common musculoskeletal impairments in postpartum runners: an international Delphi study.Archives of physiotherapyExperts agreed postpartum runners with pain commonly show abdominal, hip, and pelvic floor weakness, plus tight hip flexors. Risk factors include muscle imbalance, poor control, and returning to running too soon. This is expert opinion on what to check, not proof these causes pain.
• PTOTPilot2020Biodex© training post-stroke for postural stability in the upper trunk: A pilot study.The South African journal of physiotherapyAdding Biodex upper-limb weight-bearing training to standard stroke rehabilitation did not improve upper trunk postural stability more than standard care alone in this pilot. Both groups improved over the month, so the Biodex added no extra measurable benefit.
• PTOTCase-Control2021Mild Stroke Affects Pointing Movements Made in Different Frames of Reference.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairPeople with mild stroke could not keep their hand path steady when their trunk was unexpectedly blocked while reaching, in both body-centered and external space. Healthy adults adjusted instantly; stroke survivors diverged early. This points to a motor planning deficit missed by standard impairment scores.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Systematic review on wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait training in neuromuscular impairments.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationMost evidence comes from small, short-term trials with few randomised comparisons. Stroke studies show some gains over conventional therapy, but spinal cord injury research lacks randomised controls. Devices remain heavy, require staff supervision and walking aids, and have limited home-use data.
• PTOTRCT2021Effects of wearable ankle robotics for stair and over-ground training on sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding 20 sessions of stair and over-ground training with a powered ankle robot to standard care improved walking speed more than standard care alone. The powered mode also allowed patients to walk faster and climb more steps during the training itself compared to a passive locking mode.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Investigating the feasibility of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation to facilitate post-stroke overground gait performance in chronic stroke: a partial least-squares regression approach.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA single session of cerebellar brain stimulation was tolerated by ten men with chronic stroke. It did not improve clinical walking speed or balance. However, it changed specific timing patterns in gait, with one stimulation setup speeding up steps on the affected side while slowing stance on the unaffected side.
• PTOTOther2020One-repetition maximum can be estimated with a handheld dynamometer and circumference in community-dwelling older adults.Journal of physical therapy scienceFor older adults, knee strength (1RM) can be estimated using a handheld dynamometer and thigh circumference. The predicted values matched actual measurements closely, offering a safe, low-cost alternative to heavy gym equipment for prescribing resistance training.
• PTOTPilot2020Effects of an exercise program with video: targeting older female residents in a remote island.Journal of physical therapy scienceA three-month DVD exercise program improved standing balance in older women living on a remote island. Walking speed, grip strength, and cognitive measures did not change significantly. Self-selection into groups limits confidence in the results.
• PTOTSLPOther2020The effect of a postural exercise program on muscle power in Italian high school students.Journal of physical therapy scienceStudents' vertical jump height increased by 2.1 cm on average after eight weeks of postural exercises. However, with no control group, it is impossible to know if the exercises caused the gain or if students simply improved from normal growth and activity.
• PTOTOther2020Habitual posture and weekly time spent sitting do not contribute to the lumbopelvic curvature during active unilateral knee extension in sitting test.Journal of physical therapy scienceHabitual slouching and total sitting time did not predict lumbopelvic control during the active unilateral knee extension test in young adults. Gender was the only significant predictor, with males showing poorer control. Clinicians should not expect posture correction alone to improve this specific movement control.
• OTSLPCase-Control2020Developmental-behavioral profiles in children with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring gastrointestinal symptoms.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchPreschoolers with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms showed more self-injury, sensory sensitivities, sleep issues, and aggression than those without GI symptoms. These behavioral changes occurred regardless of cognitive level or sex, suggesting problem behaviors may signal physical discomfort in young children.
• OTSLPOther2020Assessing the convergence of self-report and informant measures for adults with autism spectrum disorder.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceCaregivers reported more daily living skill deficits and unmet service needs than adults with autism did themselves. Both groups agreed closely on symptom severity. Combining self-report and caregiver views predicted employment status better than either alone.
• PTOTSLPCohortSuccessful Community Discharge Among Older Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury in Skilled Nursing Facilities.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationFor older adults with TBI in skilled nursing facilities, discharge home depends on function, not injury severity. Cognitive impairment, dependence in daily activities, incontinence, and dual Medicare/Medicaid enrollment predict failure to discharge home. Traditional injury scores like GCS do not.
• OTSLPSurvey2021Disability and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationPeople with chronic moderate-severe TBI reported fewer pandemic-related changes to daily life, habits, and well-being than noninjured peers. They also reported less frequent masking and staying home, while some said TBI made the pandemic harder.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Prevention and management of respiratory disease in young people with cerebral palsy: consensus statement.Developmental medicine and child neurologyRespiratory disease is a leading cause of death in cerebral palsy, but there is no high-level evidence that any intervention prevents or treats it. These guidelines rely on expert consensus to recommend risk screening for swallowing, mobility, and reflux.
• OTRCT2021Achieving Independence and Mastery in School: An Open Trial in the Outpatient Setting.Journal of autism and developmental disordersMiddle schoolers with autism and their parents completed a 7-week clinic-based program teaching organization and study skills. All 21 families finished the course. Parents reported large improvements in homework habits, while teachers noted modest gains in productivity and assignment completion.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Health-Enabling Technologies to Assist Patients With Musculoskeletal Shoulder Disorders When Exercising at Home: Scoping Review.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesMost home exercise technologies for shoulder pain are prototypes that track range of motion but rarely check movement quality. Only eight studies showed significant clinical improvements, so these tools currently assist rather than replace therapy.
• PTOTSLPPilot2020Relationship between correcting error and smoothness of movement in the process of motor learning.Journal of physical therapy scienceTwelve healthy adults learned to distribute weight evenly during sit-to-stand. Load errors dropped significantly after practice, but movement smoothness only improved at the lower back in one direction. This small study in healthy people does not show how patients with impairments learn.