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 72 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTOther2021Ban Bedcentricity: A Multifaceted Innovation to Reduce Sedentary Behavior of Patients During the Hospital Stay.Physical therapyA hospital-wide initiative to reduce bed rest showed mixed results. Patients on two cardiac wards spent less time lying in bed and were more likely to go home. However, orthopedic patients showed no change in bed rest and actually stayed in the hospital longer.
• PTOTOther2021Consistent differences in lumbar spine alignment between low back pain subgroups and genders during clinical and functional activity sitting tests.Musculoskeletal science & practicePeople with low back pain classified into the Rotation-Extension subgroup sit with a more extended lumbar spine than those in the Rotation subgroup. This difference holds true during both clinical tests and functional preferred sitting, regardless of gender.
• PTOTNarrative Review2021An overview of fractional anisotropy as a reliable quantitative measurement for the corticospinal tract (CST) integrity in correlation with a Fugl-Meyer assessment in stroke rehabilitation.Journal of physical therapy scienceFractional anisotropy (FA) from MRI correlates with Fugl-Meyer motor scores in chronic stroke, but the relationship is inconsistent across studies. Ipsilesional FA tracks recovery better than contralesional FA. Use these imaging markers to inform prognosis, not as standalone diagnostic tools.
• PTOTOther2021Age-associated increase in postural variability relate to greater low-frequency center of pressure oscillations.Gait & postureIn older adults, greater postural variability during a forward lean task was strongly predicted by low-frequency center-of-pressure oscillations. This suggests future rehab strategies could target these specific oscillations to improve balance and reduce fall risk.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Describing community-based rehabilitation services in Indonesia by using The International Classification of Service Organization in Rehabilitation 2.0.Journal of rehabilitation medicineEight community-based rehabilitation services in Indonesia were described using a structured framework. Services relied on unpaid village cadres who collaborated with health professionals, provided free care in homes, and focused on early detection, education, and referral rather than direct clinical treatment.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Perseverance with technology-facilitated home-based upper limb practice after stroke: a systematic mixed studies review.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationStroke survivors described three stages: getting started, staying engaged, and continuing or moving on. Fit, usability, meaningful goals, challenge, support, and shorter sessions were reported to help perseverance. Adherence fell as trials got longer and sessions more frequent.
• PTOTQualitativeMixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Determinants of Practice Change in Skilled Nursing Facility Rehabilitation: Adapting to and Sustaining Value With Postacute Reform.Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001)Therapists who sustained high-intensity resistance training worked in patient-centered systems with cohesive teams. Those who failed were hindered by reimbursement pressures, poor team communication, and ageist assumptions that older adults could not tolerate intense exercise.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Guided exercises with or without joint mobilization or no treatment in patients with subacromial pain syndrome: A clinical trial.Journal of rehabilitation medicineGuided exercises improved shoulder function in patients with subacromial pain syndrome. Adding joint mobilization to the exercises provided no extra benefit for function or range of motion, but did reduce pain more quickly in the first six weeks.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021'It's not hands-on therapy, so it's very limited': Telehealth use and views among allied health clinicians during the coronavirus pandemic.Musculoskeletal science & practiceMost clinicians adopted telehealth rapidly but doubted its value. Only 42% thought it was as effective as face-to-face care, and just 25% believed patients valued it equally. Lack of hands-on contact was the main barrier, with most clinicians reporting inadequate training.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2021Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the recovery of people with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit: A narrative review.Journal of rehabilitation medicineNMES may slow muscle wasting and help wean ventilated patients, but evidence for building strength is mixed. It is safe for most ICU patients, including those with pacemakers, provided electrodes are placed carefully. Use it alongside active movement, not just as a passive substitute.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Physical Therapy: A Rapid Overview.Physical therapyTelerehabilitation often matches in-person physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain and function, but results are inconsistent across neurological and cardiopulmonary conditions. Many included reviews had high risk of bias, so evidence for superiority is weak. It is a viable alternative when access is limited.
• PTOTPilot2021The Kickstart Walk Assist System for improving balance and walking function in stroke survivors: a feasibility study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationStroke survivors walked faster and bore weight more evenly while wearing a lightweight passive exoskeleton. However, the device did not improve Timed Up and Go scores or walking speed, and participants found it uncomfortable and difficult to put on. This is a short-term feasibility study, not proof of recovery.
• PTOTRCT2021Effect of Virtual Reality Gait Training on Participation in Survivors of Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Physical therapyVirtual reality gait training did not improve community participation more than standard treadmill training in stroke survivors. Both groups improved, and patients found the virtual reality approach safe and enjoyable, but it offered no statistical advantage over conventional care.
• OTRCT2021On the way home: a BCI-FES hand therapy self-managed by sub-acute SCI participants and their caregivers: a usability study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationCaregivers and SCI users learned to run BCI hand therapy after 4 to 5 OT-led sessions, but effectiveness was not shown because participants also had usual therapy and natural recovery. Do not treat this as evidence the device improves hand function.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021How do core autism traits and associated symptoms relate to quality of life? Findings from the Longitudinal European Autism Project.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceDepression symptoms, not core autism traits, were the strongest predictor of reduced quality of life in autistic adults. In children, anxiety and social difficulties also lowered satisfaction. Many autistic individuals reported good quality of life, so screen for subthreshold mental health issues rather than assuming poor well-being based on diagnosis alone.
• OTSurvey2021A brief report of the prevalence of chronic and acute health conditions among blind American adults.Disability and health journalBlind and low-vision U.S. adults self-reported many lifetime health conditions. Men more often reported stroke, migraine, arthritis, and recent hospitalization than women.
• OTRCT2021Explore combined use of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive training on executive function after stroke.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAdding real brain stimulation to cognitive training improved executive function and complex daily tasks in stroke patients more than sham stimulation. However, gains in some key cognitive tests did not reach the threshold for clinically meaningful change.
• PTOTSLPCase-Control2021Differences in Body Mass Index (BMI) in Early Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Youth with Typical Development.Journal of autism and developmental disordersEarly adolescents with autism had higher body mass index percentiles than typically developing peers, driven mainly by males. This difference persisted after excluding participants on weight-gain medications, suggesting autism itself, rather than medication side effects, is associated with increased weight in this age group.
• PTOTRCT2021Comparing an eHealth Program (My Hip Journey) With Standard Care for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Randomized Controlled Trial.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesAdding My Hip Journey to standard care did not add benefit for hip function, quality of life, or self-efficacy at 6 weeks, 3 months, or 6 months. Standard care included a booklet, a preoperative session, and a phone call. Both groups improved after surgery.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Determining Near Point of Convergence: Exploring a Component of the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screen Comparing Varied Target Sizes.International journal of sports physical therapyMeasuring near point of convergence with a pen tip or small electronic device yields larger distances than using printed letters. Because target size changes the result, clinicians must use the same tool for baseline and post-injury testing to avoid misclassifying healthy athletes as impaired.
• OTSurvey2021Assessing the psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak and its related factors on Lebanese individuals with physical disabilities.Disability and health journalSelf-reported fear of COVID-19 was mild among Lebanese adults with physical disabilities. Anxiety and depression were more frequent in unemployed participants, and depression was also linked to no college education and being married.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021The Comparative Mental Health Responses Between Post-Musculoskeletal Injury and Post-Concussive Injury Among Collegiate Athletes: A Systematic Review.International journal of sports physical therapyCollegiate athletes with concussions and those with musculoskeletal injuries showed similar patterns of depression and anxiety. Anxiety scores dropped initially but often remained clinically significant. Athletes frequently returned to play before their psychological symptoms resolved, regardless of injury type.
• PTOTSLPOther2020Postural Control While Listening in Younger and Middle-Aged Adults.Ear and hearingMiddle-aged adults with near-normal hearing showed poorer balance than younger adults while listening to competing speech, even when speech scores were similar. Balance worsened as listening became harder. This suggests listening effort drains cognitive resources needed for stability, potentially raising fall risk in noisy environments.
• PTOTSLPCohortPrimary Language and Participation Outcomes in Hispanics With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationHispanic people with TBI who speak English at home reported higher community participation than those who speak Spanish. However, once age, education, and injury severity were accounted for, only social relations scores differed. This suggests language itself is not the sole driver of participation gaps.
• PTOTSLPPilotFeasibility and Acceptability of a Telephone-Based Intervention for Hispanic Children to Promote Treatment Adherence After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationA telephone-based navigation and education program was feasible and acceptable for Hispanic families after their child's traumatic brain injury. Most parents reported high satisfaction, and 86% of children attended initial follow-up rehabilitation appointments on time.
• OTSLPNarrative Review2021Clinical Manifestation, Evaluation, and Rehabilitative Strategy of Dysphagia Associated With COVID-19.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationFor suspected or confirmed COVID-19 dysphagia, clinicians recommended early screening, avoiding nonurgent scope or X-ray swallowing tests, and starting diet or swallow strategies before active exercises. These are expert recommendations, not tested interventions.
• PTOTOther2021Autism Traits Predict Self-reported Executive Functioning Deficits in Everyday Life and an Aversion to Exercise.Journal of autism and developmental disordersStudents with more autism traits reported worse everyday executive function but performed normally on lab tests. They exercised less, citing mental fatigue and lack of skill. Self-report measures captured deficits that performance tasks missed.
• PTOTSurvey2021Long-term perceived disabilities up to 10 years after transient ischaemic attack.Journal of rehabilitation medicineMany TIA survivors reported ongoing difficulties up to 10 years later, especially emotions, strength and participation. Most lived independently, but women and older people reported more problems.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2020Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on mental health and perceived strain among caregivers tending children with special needs.Research in developmental disabilitiesCaregivers of children with special needs in India reported high rates of depression and significantly increased strain during the COVID-19 lockdown. Factors like lack of tele-rehabilitation and difficulty with homecare therapy were linked to worse mental health, suggesting a need for better remote support and caregiver training.
• PTOTSLPCohort2020Pubertal Timing During Early Adolescence: Advanced Pubertal Onset in Females with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchFemales with autism showed earlier breast development and menarche than typically developing females, with menarche occurring 9.5 months earlier on average. No such difference was found in males. This suggests girls with autism may need puberty education and support sooner than peers.
• PTOTSLPOtherConvergent Validity of In-Person Assessment of Inpatients With Traumatic Brain Injury Using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT).The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationThe BTACT composite scores align well with standard neuropsychological tests in patients with severe brain injury, but individual subtests for reasoning and speed do not. Use the overall or domain composite scores for monitoring recovery. Do not rely on single subtest scores for clinical decisions.
• PTOTSLPCohortNovel Claims-Based Outcome Phenotypes in Survivors of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationInsurance claims data identified four distinct recovery profiles in children surviving traumatic brain injury. The two highest-need groups required significantly more speech and physical therapy, mobility equipment, and neurologic medications. Injury severity, seizures, and inflicted injury mechanisms predicted these high-resource outcomes.
• OTRCT2021Child- compared with parent-report ratings on psychosocial measures following a mild traumatic brain injury among youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms.Brain injuryYouth with persistent concussion symptoms reported more symptoms and better functioning than their parents did. Ratings often differed, especially by age and gender, so ask both for their views before planning care.
• PTOTSLPCase Report2021Inter-Disciplinary Conservative Management of Bilateral Non-United Lumbar Pars Defects in a Junior Elite Golfer.International journal of sports physical therapyA 15-year-old golfer with bilateral lumbar pars fractures avoided surgery through a 12-month interdisciplinary exercise program. He returned to competitive golf and accepted a college scholarship, remaining asymptomatic 18 months post-intervention.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Impact of COVID-19 on services for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.Disability and health journalPrivileged patients with disabilities reported frequent service discontinuations, leading to health declines and reliance on untrained family. Telehealth helped some but not others. Remote work benefits were noted, but the sample was small, white, and highly educated, limiting generalizability.
• PTOTSLPCohort2020Intergenerational Effects of Maternal Childhood Experiences on Maternal Parenting and Infant Developmental Progress.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPMothers who felt their own mothers were supportive were more likely to scaffold their infants. This scaffolding predicted better infant communication and problem-solving progress at 12 months. Adverse childhood experiences did not predict scaffolding, and maternal sensitivity did not predict developmental progress.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Ipsilateral Motor Pathways and Transcallosal Inhibition During Lower Limb Movement After Stroke.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairIn people with chronic stroke, the brain uses more ipsilateral pathways to the paretic leg during dynamic movement than during static holds. Transcallosal inhibition was also greater in the paretic leg. These neurophysiological changes did not correlate with walking speed or overall impairment.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Persistent Symptoms and Disability After COVID-19 Hospitalization: Data From a Comprehensive Telerehabilitation Program.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationOne month after discharge, many older COVID-19 survivors reported persistent symptoms and disability. ICU patients had worse outcomes than ward patients, including higher rates of breathlessness, pain, and dependence in daily activities.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Tracking Hyoid Bone Displacement During Swallowing Without Videofluoroscopy Using Machine Learning of Vibratory Signals.DysphagiaA neck sensor and machine learning located about half of the hyoid bone's position on each video frame during swallowing. It could also distinguish reduced from normal hyoid movement. This is a promising non-invasive screening tool, but it is not yet accurate enough to replace imaging for diagnosis or treatment monitoring.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Descriptive Strength and Range of Motion in Youth Baseball Players.International journal of sports physical therapyYouth baseball players aged 5-12 already show shoulder adaptations similar to adults: greater external rotation and internal rotation strength in the throwing arm. However, total range of motion remains symmetrical between arms, suggesting these changes are normal development rather than immediate injury risk.
• OTSLPSystematic Review2021Behavioural, psychiatric and psychosocial factors associated with aggressive behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review and narrative analysis.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDNo behavioural, psychiatric or psychosocial factor was consistently associated with aggression across 38 studies of adults with intellectual disabilities. Aggression types often co-occurred. Use individual functional assessment rather than assuming a diagnosis or skill deficit causes aggression.
• OTSLPOther2020White matter alterations in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in relation to sensory profile.Molecular autismAdults with autism or ADHD showed similar brain white matter changes compared to controls. Sensory issues linked to these changes in the same way across all three groups. This suggests sensory difficulties may stem from shared brain mechanisms rather than being unique to autism.
• PTOTSurvey2021Stakeholder Perspectives on Engaging With Cerebral Palsy Research Studies After Onset of COVID-19 in the United States.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationPeople with cerebral palsy and their caregivers are willing to join research sooner than they are to socialize, but parents wait longer than adults do for studies offering no direct benefit. Those with higher physical needs were the most cautious about returning to in-person research.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2021Prenatal cytomegalovirus, rubella, and Zika virus infections associated with developmental disabilities: past, present, and future.Developmental medicine and child neurologyPrenatal rubella, cytomegalovirus and Zika can cause developmental disability even when maternal illness is mild. Timing matters, and hearing loss or subtle delays may appear after birth.
• PTOTRCT2021HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN): telerehabilitation using an unactuated device based on serious games improves the upper limb function in chronic stroke.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationChronic stroke patients improved arm function after six weeks of home training with the MERLIN device and serious games. Gains lasted six weeks after stopping, but quality of life did not change. Only ten of twelve participants completed the training.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Expectations of individuals with neurological conditions from rehabilitation: A mixed-method study of needs.The South African journal of physiotherapyAdults with stroke, spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury in Nigeria reported unmet needs across all life domains. Social and recreational needs were most prevalent, followed by rehabilitation and medical needs. Those with spinal cord injury reported the highest needs across seven domains.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021A rehabilitation programme focussing on pelvic floor muscle training for persistent lumbopelvic pain after childbirth: A randomized controlled trial.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAdding biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training to standard stabilization exercises reduced pain and disability more than standard care alone at 12 weeks. However, the mental component of quality of life did not improve, suggesting physical symptoms respond better than psychological well-being.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Latarjet Procedure for the Treatment of Anterior Glenohumeral Instability in the Athlete - Key Considerations for Rehabilitation.International journal of sports physical therapyThis is a proposed five-phase rehab protocol for athletes after Latarjet shoulder surgery, moving from protection to power. It relies on expert opinion and clinical experience, not trial data, so it offers a framework to discuss with your surgeon rather than proven outcomes.
• OTSLPCase Report2021Information, communication, advocacy, and complaint: how the spouse of a man with aphasia managed his discharge from hospital.AphasiologyA spouse of a man with aphasia said she was not told what aphasia meant, was given changing discharge plans, and had to write a complaint letter after a registrar dismissed her concerns. This is one account, not proof that advocacy changes care.
• PTOTRCT2021Rehabilitation with accurate adaptability walking tasks or steady state walking: A randomized clinical trial in adults post-stroke.Clinical rehabilitationBoth accuracy-based adaptability tasks and steady-state walking improved walking speed similarly in adults post-stroke. Neither training style was superior for functional recovery. However, the adaptability group showed a larger reduction in prefrontal brain activity during dual-task walking, suggesting improved automaticity despite identical functional gains.