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 77 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Predictors of mental health among parents of children with cerebral palsy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: A web-based cross-sectional study.Research in developmental disabilitiesCaregiver burden predicted anxiety, depression, and stress more strongly than income or education. About half of parents reported anxiety symptoms. For therapists, this means assessing and reducing the daily load of care, not just the child's function, is central to supporting the family.
• PTOTRCT2021Augmented efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation on the virtual reality-based cycling training for upper limb function in patients with stroke: a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding brain stimulation to virtual reality cycling reduced spasticity and improved participation in stroke patients. However, it did not improve upper limb motor function compared to sham stimulation plus the same exercise. The benefit was specific to tone and daily life involvement, not movement quality.
• OTSLPOther2021Listening Effort in School-Aged Children With Limited Useable Hearing Unilaterally: Examining the Effects of a Personal, Digital Remote Microphone System and a Contralateral Routing of Signal System.Trends in hearingA personal remote microphone helped children with one-sided hearing loss understand speech and listen with less effort in most classroom-like conditions. A CROS system only helped when speech came from the deaf side. It made listening worse when speech came from the hearing side.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Not just at school: Inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder in a weight management program in a community pediatric setting.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceChildren with autism completed an inclusive weight management program at the same rate as peers without autism. They achieved similar weight outcomes. Adaptations like predictable routines and sensory adjustments allowed them to participate fully alongside typically developing children.
• OTSLPQualitative2021'It's not that they don't want to access the support . . . it's the impact of the autism': The experience of eating disorder services from the perspective of autistic women, parents and healthcare professionals.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic women with anorexia described standard eating disorder treatments as mismatched to their needs. Cognitive behavioural therapy failed because it assumed abstract skills they lacked, while group therapy caused shutdown due to social demands. Practical occupational therapy and emotion-focused dialectical behaviour therapy were valued more highly.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Factors associated with falls in community-dwelling older adults: an analysis based on subscales of the frailty screening index.Journal of physical therapy scienceFalls in older adults were linked to three specific frailty signs: not walking weekly, feeling slower, and unexplained tiredness. These items predicted falls better than the total frailty score. Check these three questions when screening community-dwelling patients.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Using Biofeedback to Reduce Step Length Asymmetry Impairs Dynamic Balance in People Poststroke.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairUsing visual feedback to reduce step length asymmetry in people post-stroke increased forward body rotation during walking, suggesting impaired dynamic balance rather than improvement. The strategy used to achieve symmetry matters, as participants varied in how they compensated.
• PTOTCohort2021Shedding light on light exposure in elderly with intellectual disabilities.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDRElderly people with intellectual disabilities in group homes spend their day in low light. They rarely get the bright exposure linked to better sleep and mood, especially on weekends. This is a descriptive finding, not proof that lighting changes cause their health issues.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Evaluation of sex differences in preschool children with and without autism spectrum disorder enrolled in the study to explore early development.Research in developmental disabilitiesPreschool boys and girls with autism symptoms scored almost identically on behavior, development, and screening tests. Small differences in restricted interests were not clinically meaningful. Screening tools appear equally sensitive for young children of both sexes, so do not assume girls present differently at this age.
• PTOTNarrative Review2021Self-management at the core of back pain care: 10 key points for clinicians.Brazilian journal of physical therapySelf-management support should be central for persistent low back pain. Reviews of trials reported small to moderate effects on pain, disability and self-efficacy for at least one year, but the evidence quality was low to moderate.
• OTSLPRCT2021Modulation of atypical brain activation during executive functioning in autism: a pharmacological MRI study of tianeptine.Molecular autismA single dose of tianeptine shifted atypical brain activation in adults with autism towards typical patterns during attention tasks. However, it did not improve actual test performance, so this is a proof of concept for brain changes, not evidence of clinical benefit.
• PTOTQualitative2021Motivation for Rehabilitation in Patients With Subacute Stroke: A Qualitative Study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesSubacute stroke patients are driven by extrinsic factors like returning home, work, or family roles, not by enjoyment of therapy itself. Older patients often conserve energy by skipping self-training despite high motivation, so staff should assess motivation through conversation rather than just observing activity levels.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Generalizing the predictive relationship between 1-month motor skill retention and Rey-Osterrieth Delayed Recall scores from nondemented older adults to individuals with chronic stroke: a short report.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding visuospatial memory test scores to prediction models modestly improved accuracy for 1-month motor skill retention in older adults and people with stroke. The benefit was small and based on very few stroke patients, so it is not yet a clinical tool.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021Women with cerebral palsy: A qualitative study about their experiences with sexual and reproductive health education and services.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineWomen with cerebral palsy reported that providers often assumed they were not sexually active, omitting basic sexual health education and exams. They faced physical barriers like inaccessible exam tables and privacy conflicts when needing assistance, leading to a heavy reliance on self-advocacy.
• PTOTSLPMeta-Analysis2021Sleep disorders in rare genetic syndromes: a meta-analysis of prevalence and profile.Molecular autismSleep disorders are common in rare genetic syndromes, but the type varies by syndrome. Screen for breathing issues in Mucopolysaccharidosis II, daytime sleepiness in Smith-Magenis, and insomnia broadly. Do not treat all poor sleep as behavioural.
• PTOTRCT2021Executive Function Moderates Functional Outcomes of Engagement Strategies During Rehabilitation in Older Adults.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationNo overall difference between Enhanced Medical Rehabilitation and standard physical and occupational therapy was found in this exploratory analysis. Higher clock drawing scores were associated with higher discharge function in patients receiving the Enhanced Medical Rehabilitation approach.
• OTOther2021A co-twin-control study of altered sensory processing in autism.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceWithin identical twin pairs, higher autism traits were still linked to less noticing and more avoiding sensory input. Sensitivity differences were found only in fraternal pairs. Across the sample, autism traits and diagnosis were linked to sensory differences.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews.International journal of sports physical therapyCorticosteroid injections relieve lateral epicondylitis pain in the short term (2-8 weeks). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are superior for long-term pain relief and function (beyond 8 weeks). PRP preparation and injection techniques vary widely across studies, limiting specific protocol guidance.
• OTQualitative2021Autistic adults' subjective experiences of hoarding and self-injurious behaviors.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceTen autistic adults described hoarding objects for emotional security and memory, not just special interests. Half reported self-injury to regulate distress or sensation. These behaviors serve specific functions. Ask about them directly, as they may be hidden from family.
• PTOTMeta-Analysis2021The Efficacy and Treatment Fidelity of Kinesiology Taping in Conjunction With Conservative Treatment Interventions Among Individuals With Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.International journal of sports physical therapyAdding kinesiology tape to shoulder exercises showed no significant pain reduction, but suggested large improvements in disability and range of motion. However, most studies had poor treatment fidelity, meaning the tape application was inconsistent, so these positive findings are unreliable.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021Development of an ICF Core Set for adults with cerebral palsy: capturing their perspective on functioning.Developmental medicine and child neurologyAdults with cerebral palsy identified pain, fatigue, and mood issues as primary body problems. They highlighted weak collaboration between disciplines and poor transition to adult services as major barriers. Those with intellectual disability reported distinct challenges in language and self-care.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Identifying hearing impairment and the associated impact on the quality of life among the elderly residing in retirement homes in Pretoria, South Africa.The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir KommunikasieafwykingsMost elderly residents in South African retirement homes failed hearing screens, with 77% referred for further evaluation. Self-reported hearing difficulties were significantly associated with reduced quality of life. Many participants had never heard of an audiologist, and hearing aid users reported challenges with device maintenance.
• PTOTCohort2021Goal Attainment: A Clinically Meaningful Measure of Success of Botulinum Toxin-A Treatment for Lower Limb Spasticity in Ambulatory Patients.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationBotulinum toxin reduced muscle tone but did not significantly change objective gait speed or other gait parameters. However, most patients achieved their self-set goals. Goal attainment was higher in younger patients and those with low-functioning gait profiles, suggesting patient-centered goals capture benefits that standard gait tests miss.
• PTOTOther2021Scoping Review of Judgment-Based Measures of Ambulation with Assistive Devices for Children and Youth.Physical & occupational therapy in pediatricsExisting judgment-based measures for children walking with assistive devices rarely specify the device type or separate walkers from crutches. This makes it hard to track progress when a child switches devices. Current tools also use vague response scales that do not clearly define difficulty versus assistance.
• PTOTPilot2021Assessing Physical Function and Mobility following Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury with the NIH Toolbox Motor Battery: A Feasibility Study.Physical & occupational therapy in pediatricsThe NIH Toolbox Motor Battery is feasible for children with traumatic brain injury, taking about 23 minutes. It detects endurance and balance problems that parents may not report, but it fails in children under 5 due to distraction and difficulty following instructions.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Gluteal Muscle Activation During Common Yoga Poses.International journal of sports physical therapyHalf Moon and Warrior Three poses produce high muscle activation in the glutes, making them suitable for strengthening exercises. Other poses like Tree and Warrior Two generate lower activation, fitting better for endurance work. No significant sex differences were found in gluteus maximus activity.
• OTCohort2021Associations Between Emotional Competence and Prosocial Behaviors With Peers Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilitiesPreschoolers with autism who spoke in complex sentences showed lower non-obvious emotion understanding, less positive coping, and lower emotion regulation. These traits, not negative temperament, tracked with weaker prosocial behavior.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Concentric and Eccentric Force Changes with Elastic Band and Isotonic Heavy Resistance Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial.International journal of sports physical therapyUntrained women gained similar strength after four weeks of heavy lifting with dumbbells or elastic bands. Both methods improved concentric and eccentric force, so choose based on patient preference and portability rather than expecting one to outperform the other.
• PTOTPilot2021Immersive virtual reality in children with upper limb injuries: Findings from a feasibility study.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineIn a small feasibility study, children with upper limb injuries reported that immersive virtual reality games made rehabilitation exercises more enjoyable, easier, and less painful than usual therapy. Physiotherapists observed increased range of motion and engagement, though the study lacked a control group and baseline data.
• PTOTOther2021Diagnosing sarcopenia: Functional perspectives and a new algorithm from the ISarcoPRM.Journal of rehabilitation medicineA proposed diagnostic algorithm suggests screening older adults for sarcopenia using chair stand and grip strength tests, then confirming muscle loss with ultrasound of the anterior thigh. This approach is not yet tested in clinical practice.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021Homes of Stroke Survivors Are a Challenging Environment for Rehabilitation Technologies.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesStroke survivors' homes are often emotionally charged and socially complex, making technology placement difficult. Partners may enforce exercise schedules that conflict with the survivor's desire for leisure, causing distress. Successful deployment requires negotiating space and usage with the whole household, not just the patient.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Feeding and eating problems in children and adolescents with autism: A scoping review.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceFeeding problems, especially food selectivity driven by sensory issues, are pervasive in autistic youth. True eating disorders involving weight or shape concerns are rarely studied, yet evidence suggests higher risk. Clinicians must distinguish between sensory-based refusal and body-image pathology to avoid misdiagnosis and select appropriate treatment.
• PTOTOther2021Development and sensibility assessment of a health-related quality of life instrument for adults with severe disabilities who are non-ambulatory.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDCaregivers and professionals found a new Dutch caregiver-rated questionnaire for adults with severe non-ambulatory disabilities meaningful, understandable and usable. It takes about 20 minutes to complete, but further testing is needed before routine clinical use.
• OTSLPSurvey2021The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries.Molecular autismAdults with autism reported significantly greater increases in depression and anxiety during the pandemic than those without. They faced specific stressors like disrupted routines, grocery shopping, and loss of support, while some found relief from social and sensory overload.
• OTOther2021Effect of Standing on a Standardized Measure of Upper Extremity Function.OTJR : occupation, participation and healthStanding made healthy young adults slower on the Jebsen Hand Function Test. Total time increased by 4.4% with the right hand and 5.6% with the left hand. Do not compare sitting and standing scores as if they mean the same.
• PTOTSLPPilot2021Surviving and Thriving: Early Intervention for Neonatal Survivors With Developmental Disability in Uganda.Infants and young childrenA peer-led early intervention for infants with disability in Uganda improved family quality of life and caregiver confidence. Neurological scores rose slightly, but developmental quotients did not change. Nutritional status worsened, with more children underweight and stunted after the program.
• OTOther2021How many trials are needed in kinematic analysis of reach-to-grasp?-A study of the drinking task in persons with stroke and non-disabled controls.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationIn people with chronic stroke and without disability, most drinking task movement measures became stable after 2 to 3 trials. Returning time, reaching time and time to peak velocity needed more trials.
• PTOTMeta-Analysis2021Serious games for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: a meta-analysis.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationSerious games designed for rehabilitation improved upper limb function, activity, and participation after stroke compared to conventional therapy. Games that followed at least 8 of 11 neurorehabilitation principles showed significantly better results than those that followed fewer.
• OTPilot2020Examining child mealtime behavior as parents are coached to implement the Mealtime PREP intervention in the home: Findings from a pilot study.The British journal of occupational therapyParents coached in home mealtime strategies used more techniques over time. Child problematic behaviors and parent-reported mealtime issues significantly decreased. This pilot suggests coaching parents in structured mealtime routines may improve behavior, but lacks a control group to prove causation.
• OTOther2021PCQ: Preferred Comfort Questionnaires for product design.Work (Reading, Mass.)This paper is not relevant to clinical therapy practice. It describes a workshop where experts selected questionnaires for evaluating physical comfort in product design, such as seats and hand tools. There are no patient outcomes or therapeutic findings here.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Evaluating the latent structure of the non-social domain of autism in autistic adults.Molecular autismIn 833 autistic adults, non-social traits split into four distinct but related dimensions: repetitive motor movements, insistence on sameness, restricted interests, and sensory sensitivity. These four areas should be assessed separately rather than as a single score or broad pair, as they vary independently across individuals.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Kinesiology Tape: A Descriptive Survey of Healthcare Professionals in the United States.International journal of sports physical therapyMost clinicians learn kinesiology taping from continuing education and peers, not research. Half use 50% tension for three days. Many skip skin prep or removal instructions. The paper reports what practitioners do, not whether the tape works.
• PTOTPilot2021Effectiveness of Distance Technology in Promoting Physical Activity in Cardiovascular Disease Rehabilitation: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, A Pilot Study.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesAdding a Fitbit and app to standard cardiac rehab increased light activity in the first six months but not moderate-to-vigorous activity or step counts. No benefits persisted after twelve months, and adherence to the software was low.
• OTOther2021Seat pitch and comfort of a staggered seat configuration.Work (Reading, Mass.)This study examines aircraft seat comfort for a specific engineering project and has no application to clinical practice.
• PTOTCohort2021Gripforce reduction in children with an upper neonatal brachial plexus palsy.Journal of rehabilitation medicineChildren with upper neonatal brachial plexus palsy had significantly weaker grip in their affected hand compared to healthy controls. This weakness was not linked to reduced sensation, shoulder movement, or poor bimanual coordination, suggesting the cause is unclear rather than a simple sensory or mechanical deficit.
• OTOther2021Designing a floor plan using aircraft seat comfort knowledge by aircraft interior experts.Work (Reading, Mass.)Aircraft interior experts and computer algorithms both achieved a maximum of 48 seats in a test cabin section. Experts prioritized passenger comfort and regulatory feasibility, while algorithms found layouts with slightly higher potential revenue by rotating seats, though the comfort impact of these rotated configurations remains unknown.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Youth Baseball Caregiver Understanding of Safe Pitching Guidelines and Player Injury.International journal of sports physical therapyMost caregivers of youth pitchers did not know safe pitching guidelines existed. Caregivers who knew the rules monitored pitch counts better. Pitchers throwing breaking balls or pitching for more than six months a year were more likely to report arm pain.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Psychological eHealth interventions for people with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDMost studies used wearable sensors to prompt adaptive behaviour in people with severe disabilities. Only two trials tested remote video coaching for parents. No study delivered therapy directly to adults via video. Evidence is mostly single-case, so effectiveness remains unproven.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Shoulder Isokinetic Strength Balance Ratio in Overhead Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study.International journal of sports physical therapyShoulder strength balance ratios differ by sport and sex, so grouping all overhead athletes together is inaccurate. Female softball players had higher conventional ratios, while judo, handball, and tennis players had lower functional ratios than controls.
• OTQualitative2021What is good service quality? Day service staff's perspectives about what it looks like and how it should be monitored.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDNine day service staff identified five practical markers of quality: managers working on the frontline, staff matched to activities, treating clients as partners, regular reflection, and respecting the support worker role. They felt current audits miss these realities.