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 79 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSystematic Review2021Properties of the surface electromyogram following traumatic spinal cord injury: a scoping review.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationSurface EMG can detect residual voluntary muscle signals after spinal cord injury, even when movement seems absent. Most studies reported only signal amplitude. Timing and frequency information were rarely used.
• PTOTOther2021Effects of trunk anterior tilt and knee joint flexion angle changes on muscle activity in the lower limb muscles.Journal of physical therapy scienceIn healthy men, tilting the trunk forward and bending the knees changed which leg muscles worked. Hamstrings and glutes fired harder as the trunk leaned forward, while the calf muscle worked harder when the knee was straight. This helps therapists choose exercises that target specific muscles.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Early intervention evidence for infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy: an overview of systematic reviews.Developmental medicine and child neurologyEarly motor interventions for infants at risk of cerebral palsy show limited evidence. Active, task-specific training and environmental enrichment are weakly supported, but many trials are low quality. Passive techniques like stretching are ineffective. Clinicians should prioritize engaging, goal-directed activities over generalized stimulation.
• PTOTCase Report2021Gait training using a hybrid assistive limb after botulinum toxin treatment for cerebral palsy: a case report.Journal of physical therapy scienceA single case report describes a man with cerebral palsy who received botulinum toxin injections followed by robot-assisted gait training. Walking speed, endurance, and gross motor function improved and were maintained for three months. This describes one person's outcome, not a proven treatment.
• PTOTRCT2021Sequential motor learning transfers from real to virtual environment.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationPractising a button-press task in the real world made a subsequent virtual reaching task faster. The reverse did not happen. Practising the virtual task first did not improve performance on the real-world task.
• PTOTCase-Control2021Alterations in intermuscular coordination underlying isokinetic exercise after a stroke and their implications on neurorehabilitation.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationDuring fixed-speed upper limb movements, stroke survivors generated weaker and less accurately directed forces, used fewer coordination patterns than controls, and more impaired participants showed more altered muscle activation.
• OTQualitative2021Social Circus for People with Disabilities: A Video Analysis through the Lens of the MOHO.Occupational therapy internationalYouTube videos of social circus for people with disabilities showed fun, achievement, flexible roles, teamwork, and transferable skills like balance and communication. They describe possibilities, not proof that circus improves outcomes.
• PTOTPilot2021Robot-mediated overground gait training for transfemoral amputees with a powered bilateral hip orthosis: a pilot study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationSeven transfemoral amputees completed a four-week overground training program with a powered hip exoskeleton. Walking speed and symmetry improved after training, but wearing the device during assessment slowed walking and increased metabolic cost compared to walking without it.
• PTOTSLPRCT2021Predictors of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Performance in Patients with Stroke.Occupational therapy internationalFor stroke survivors, how independent they are in basic self-care tasks was the strongest predictor of their ability to manage complex daily activities like shopping or finances. Older age, poorer executive function, and higher depression scores also predicted worse performance.
• PTOTSLPPilot2021Short report on research trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and use of telehealth interventions and remote brain research in children with autism spectrum disorder.Autism : the international journal of research and practice6 children with ASD engaged in 60-minute Zoom gross-motor or seated-play activities twice weekly for 8 weeks. Children gave satisfaction 4.4 and parents 4.3 out of 5. No completed trial results are reported.
• OTSLPOther2021'No idea of time': Parents report differences in autistic children's behaviour relating to time in a mixed-methods study.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParents of autistic children reported significantly lower scores on time management and planning compared to parents of neurotypical children. Qualitative descriptions highlighted three key differences: struggles with learning time concepts, inflexible planning for the future, and time perception heavily influenced by the child's specific interests.
• OTPilot2021Objective assessment of impulse control disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease using a low-cost LEGO-like EEG headset: a feasibility study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA low-cost EEG headset recorded usable brain responses, but impulse-control-related changes after dopamine medication were small and tentative. This pilot cannot guide medication decisions.
• OTOther2021Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Scale A-ONE: An Italian Cross-Sectional Study.Occupational therapy internationalIn 70 Italian adults with brain disorders, A-ONE daily-living scores were stable when rated by trained occupational therapists and matched Barthel scores except communication. The communication domain tracked Barthel scores poorly, so it can support OT assessment, not prove treatment works.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Effect of virtual reality therapy, combined with physiotherapy for improving motor proficiency in individuals with Down syndrome: A systematic review.The South African journal of physiotherapyAdding Nintendo Wii exercise to standard physiotherapy or occupational therapy did not show overall better motor proficiency in Down syndrome. Agility improved in some studies, but balance, strength and coordination were mixed or inconclusive.
• OTOther2020Measuring the occupational balance of people with insomnia in a Chinese population: Preliminary psychometric evidence on the Chinese version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTPeople with more severe insomnia had lower occupational balance scores on a Chinese questionnaire. It may help occupational therapists assess sleep-related daily activity balance, but the evidence is preliminary.
• PTOTCohort2020Factors predicting clinically significant functional gain and discharge to home in stroke in-patients after rehabilitation - A retrospective cohort study.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTYounger stroke in-patients, those with haemorrhagic stroke, and those starting with moderate motor function were linked to clinically important motor gain. Those with family or attendant support and higher admission function were linked to going home.
• OTSurvey2020Predictors of academic integrity in undergraduate and graduate-entry masters occupational therapy students.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTStudent dishonesty was predicted by cheating tendencies, moral practice scores, and pressure to perform. Fieldwork integrity was linked to gender and cheating tendencies. The study suggests focusing teaching on referencing rules and ethical reasoning, though self-report data limits certainty.
• OTSLPSurvey2021Needs assessment in unmet healthcare and family support services: A survey of caregivers of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder in Delaware.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchCaregivers of 263 children and youth with autism reported unmet needs for speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills, and family support, especially provider shortages and access barriers.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021How wearable sensors have been utilised to evaluate frailty in older adults: a systematic review.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationWearable sensors show promise for objectively identifying frailty in older adults, but current evidence is too varied to recommend a specific device or placement. Physical activity and gait speed appear most useful, though definitions differ widely across studies.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Hand rehabilitation programmes for second to fifth metacarpal fractures: A systematic literature review.The South African journal of physiotherapyOne high-quality trial found a structured home exercise programme matched or beat traditional physiotherapy for hand movement and function after surgery. Two observational studies suggested early self-managed mobilisation works for non-surgical fractures, but evidence remains limited.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Dysphagia in cervical spinal cord injury: How international literature trends can guide South African practice patterns - A scoping review.The South African journal of physiotherapyDysphagia is common in cervical spinal cord injury, often transient but risky due to respiratory compromise. Tracheostomy and ventilation are key markers. In South Africa, speech therapists are scarce, so nurses and physiotherapists should screen for swallowing issues early to prevent pneumonia.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Assessment of medical morbidities in a rhesus monkey model of naturally occurring low sociality.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchMale rhesus monkeys classified as naturally low-social suffered significantly higher rates of trauma and more total injuries than socially competent peers. No differences were found in gastrointestinal, inflammation, or other medical morbidities. This supports the validity of this animal model for studying ASD-related physical risks.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Participation and quality of life in persons living with spinal cord injury in Norway.Journal of rehabilitation medicinePeople with spinal cord injury who participated more in work and leisure reported higher life satisfaction and mental health. Sociodemographic factors like income and education were stronger predictors of quality of life than the severity of the injury itself.
• OTSLPCohort2021Factors associated with cognitive improvement in subacute stroke survivors.Journal of rehabilitation medicineHalf of subacute stroke survivors with cognitive impairment improved clinically. Patients who could eat independently and interact socially on admission were more likely to improve. This suggests preserved daily function predicts cognitive recovery, not just baseline impairment.
• OTQualitative2021Implementing Partnering for Change in Québec: Occupational Therapy Activities and Stakeholders' Perceptions.Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergotherapieTherapists spent most time on classroom-wide activities and building trust with staff. Stakeholders valued this collaboration but felt one day a week was insufficient to support all students and educators equitably.
• PTOTCohort2021Morphological and skill-related fitness components as potential predictors of injury in elite netball players: A cohort study.The South African journal of physiotherapyHigher body fat percentage predicted lower injury risk in elite netball players, while no skill-related fitness test predicted injury. The protective effect of heavier players may reflect contact injuries where lighter players are more vulnerable.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Perceived Barriers to Blood Flow Restriction Training.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThree barriers stop clinicians from using blood flow restriction: choosing pressure, picking a device, and managing pain. The authors recommend using limb occlusion pressure, avoiding elastic wraps, and starting with low pressure to help patients tolerate the exercise.
• OTCohort2020Pre-placement examinations for newly recruited health care support staff.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTNewly recruited health support staff had lower handgrip strength than local norms, but weak grip did not predict musculoskeletal symptoms. Only lower bilateral lifting capacity was significantly associated with current symptoms, suggesting pre-placement exams should prioritize functional lifting tests over grip strength.
• OTSurvey2020Current practices and factors affecting evidence-based occupational therapy practice for patients with dementia in Japan.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTJust under half of surveyed Japanese occupational therapists reported practicing evidence-based care frequently. The strongest barrier was self-rated ability to understand scientific papers, followed by access to information and availability of advice from colleagues.
• OTOther2020Development of the final version of the occupational adaptation questionnaire for family caregivers.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTA questionnaire for family caregivers in Japan covered gratitude, life balance, caring awareness, health and social role. It can help occupational therapists ask about caregiver problems, but it has no cutoffs.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Leisure and Productivity in Older Adults with Cancer: A Systematic Review.Occupational therapy internationalCancer limits social leisure and physical activity in older adults, with 14% to 18% reporting social restrictions. Patients often abandon valued tasks for low-demand activities. Evidence for occupational therapy interventions is sparse, relying mostly on case reports rather than trials.
• OTOther2021A video game based hand grip system for measuring muscle force in children.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA video game hand grip matched published grip norms in 14 of 20 age groups, and all but one of 13 patients with muscle disease finished. It is not yet a tested clinical measure for therapy changes.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021Validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for traumatic brain injury from Australian community patient perspectives.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAustralian TBI survivors confirmed most standard disability categories but highlighted missing subjective experiences. These included distorted taste, muscle stiffness, and the distress of adjusting to memory gaps. Clinicians should assess these specific sensory and psychological changes, which are often overlooked in standard care.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021Long Term Exercise Engagement of Adults Living With Type Two Diabetes Is Enhanced by a Person-Centred Care Approach Delivered by Knowledgeable, Well Trained Health Care Professionals.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPeople with type 2 diabetes stayed in a community exercise programme for the blood pressure checks, social contact and tailored advice. Exercise was the added bonus. Clinicians should focus on building trust and safety first, then introduce movement.
• PTOTRCT2021Repeated standing back extension exercise: Influence on muscle shear modulus change after lumbodorsal muscle fatigue.Work (Reading, Mass.)After inducing back muscle fatigue, five sets of standing back extension exercises significantly reduced muscle stiffness in healthy men. The exercise had no effect on stiffness in participants who were not fatigued first.
• PTOTCohort2021Differences in physical function across cancer recovery phases: Findings from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey.The British journal of occupational therapyRecent cancer survivors reported significantly more difficulty with high-level tasks like standing for two hours, walking a quarter-mile, and working than those two or more years post-diagnosis. Basic daily activities like eating and bathing showed no difference. Screening should prioritize mobility and work capacity early in recovery.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Exploration of Sensory Processing Difficulties among Children Attending Primary School in Denmark.Occupational therapy internationalParents of 1,723 Danish primary school children reported that 21.3% showed definite sensory processing difficulties, with boys more affected than girls. The most common issues were sensory seeking and auditory filtering, suggesting a need for classroom awareness rather than clinical diagnosis.
• OTSLPOther2021Assessing general and autism-relevant quality of life in autistic adults: A psychometric investigation using item response theory.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchThe ASQoL measure produced biased results for autistic women compared to men, falsely suggesting lower quality of life. The 4-item WHOQOL-4 was stable across groups and accurately measured global quality of life, making it a better choice for clinical assessment.
• OTSurvey2021Role Perception and Professional Identity of Occupational Therapists Working in Education Systems: Perception du rôle et identité professionnelle des ergothérapeutes qui travaillent dans les systèmes scolaires.Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergotherapieOccupational therapists in education systems gave teamwork with educational staff a score of 3.26 on a 1 to 7 scale, yet this teamwork was the strongest area associated with professional identity. Seniority in education and feeling professionally capable also added to that identity.
• OTSurvey2021An investigation of the diet, exercise, sleep, BMI, and health outcomes of autistic adults.Molecular autismAutistic adults were less likely than non-autistic adults to meet minimal diet, exercise, and sleep recommendations, with more sleep problems and dietary restrictions, especially among autistic females.
• OTCase-Control2021Shifted phase of EEG cross-frequency coupling in individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.Molecular autismChildren with Phelan-McDermid syndrome showed a shifted timing of brain waves compared to typically developing peers. This neural difference did not correlate with their autism severity or sensory issues, but it did track with repetitive behaviours like insistence on sameness and rituals.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Nonpharmacological Treatment for Supporting Social Participation of Adults with Depression.Occupational therapy internationalNonpharmacological interventions like animal-assisted therapy, social engagement programs, and behavioral activation can improve social participation and reduce depressive symptoms in adults. However, evidence for improved quality of life is weak, and no single program was proven superior due to varied study designs.
• OTOther2021A Comparative Study of Efficacy and Functionality of Ten Commercially Available Wrist-Hand Orthoses in Healthy Females: Wrist Range of Motion and Grip Strength Analysis.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesOff-the-shelf wrist splints tested in healthy women did not hold the wrist in the recommended 10 to 15° extension. None consistently prevented wrist flexion. Grip strength decreased for every splint except #6.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021A method for measuring time spent in bradykinesia and dyskinesia in people with Parkinson's disease using an ambulatory monitor.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationWrist-worn monitoring quantifies time spent above bradykinesia and dyskinesia targets, correlating with clinical scales and showing larger changes than those scales after treatment. This offers a continuous objective measure for tracking motor fluctuations and therapy response in Parkinson's disease.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2021A Narrative Review of Function-Focused Measures for Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesA review identified 14 ICF-based tools for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Most focus on participation and activity rather than body function. Seven target cerebral palsy, but three can be used for any child regardless of diagnosis.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2021Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech: From Recognition to Diagnosis and Care.AphasiologyProgressive apraxia of speech is a distinct neurodegenerative syndrome, not just aphasia. It often precedes parkinsonism or supranuclear palsy. Treatment should prioritize communication strategies and partner training, as impairment-focused therapy has limited evidence.
• PTOTOther2021Reliable and valid robot-assisted assessments of hand proprioceptive, motor and sensorimotor impairments after stroke.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA robotic test of the index finger reliably separates stroke patients from healthy controls and correlates with standard clinical scores. It takes about 14 minutes per hand and can distinguish motor from sensory impairments, offering a detailed profile of hand deficits.
• OTOther2021The effect of different work-rest schedules on ergonomic risk in poultry slaughterhouse workers.Work (Reading, Mass.)Simulating three 20-minute breaks instead of six 10-minute breaks raised ergonomic risk scores by 20% in poultry slaughterhouse tasks. Frequent short breaks distributed hourly kept risk lower than longer, less frequent blocks.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Fathers Matter: Enhancing Healthcare Experiences Among Fathers of Children With Developmental Disabilities.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesFathers of children with disabilities said they were involved, but clinicians said fathers were less involved. Seven fathers and 13 clinicians described ways to include fathers: direct attention, explain, take time, and accommodate schedules.
• OTOther2021Stimulating Research to Advance Evidence-Based Applications of Telehealth in Occupational Therapy.OTJR : occupation, participation and healthThis paper outlines a research agenda for occupational therapy telehealth. It identifies four priority areas: assessing in everyday contexts, partnering with caregivers, improving delivery methods, and standardizing data collection. It proposes studies but reports no patient outcomes or evidence of effectiveness.