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 81 OF 218 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021ICF Personal Factors Strengthen Commitment to Person-Centered Rehabilitation - A Scoping Review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesResearchers found that studies on the ICF framework use inconsistent definitions for personal factors, often confusing them with body functions or environmental factors. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to document what truly drives a patient's engagement in rehabilitation.
• OTOther2021Occupational performance coaching for stroke survivors delivered via telerehabilitation using a single-case experimental design.The British journal of occupational therapyTelehealth occupational performance coaching for stroke survivors was feasible: six completed, satisfaction averaged 24.8 on an 8-32 scale, and relationships were strong. But only six of 14 goals improved, so it is not proven effective.
• OTQualitative2021Proactive Community Occupational Therapy Service for Social Participation Development of Thai Adults with Depression: A Grounded Theory Study from Occupational Therapists' Perspective.Occupational therapy internationalThai occupational therapists described a community service approach for adults with depression: make depression care part of occupational therapy work, help patients reconnect through family and meaningful activities, and link with local health and government networks.
• PTOTSLPPilot2021A novel measure of matching categories for early development: Item creation and pilot feasibility study.Research in developmental disabilitiesMost children with developmental delays could engage with a new tablet-based concept matching task, but many struggled with the dragging motion. This pilot shows the format is feasible, but the interface needs changes to reduce motor demands before clinical use.
• OTOther2021Psychometric properties of the Assessment of Positive Occupation 15 final version in individuals with mental illness.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTThe APO-15 is a reliable tool for assessing positive occupational engagement in people with mental illness. It distinguishes those struggling to engage from those who are not, with a cut-off score of 43. Results support its use in both community and hospital settings.
• OTSLPCohort2021Relationship Between Parent and Teacher Reported Executive Functioning and Maladaptive Behaviors in Children With Down Syndrome.American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilitiesTeachers reported more executive functioning problems than parents in children with Down syndrome. Better behavioral regulation and metacognition were linked to fewer attention and externalizing problems. These concurrent links suggest targeting inhibitory and emotional control may help, but do not prove causation.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Effect of Robot-Assisted Therapy on Participation of People with Limited Upper Limb Functioning: A Systematic Review with GRADE Recommendations.Occupational therapy internationalAdding robot-assisted therapy to conventional therapy did not improve participation and showed a negative short-term effect compared to conventional therapy alone. Robots beat usual care in one small study, but evidence was very low quality. Do not expect robots to boost real-life engagement.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Predictors of return to work among stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTStroke survivors in Nigeria returned to work at a 63.8% rate. Those with left-side weakness were far more likely to return than those with right-side weakness. Environmental barriers like transport and workplace access, plus pain and fatigue, significantly hindered return to work.
• OTSLPOther2021Auditory and Visual Integration for Emotion Recognition and Compensation for Degraded Signals are Preserved With Age.Trends in hearingOlder adults recognized emotions less accurately than young adults across all conditions. However, they integrated audio and video just as well and compensated for degraded sound equally. They did not show the expected 'positivity effect' for happy faces.
• PTOTCohort2021Non-motor impairments affect walking kinematics in Parkinson disease patients: A cross-sectional study.NeuroRehabilitationIn early Parkinson's disease, higher fatigue and pain levels correlated with slower walking and longer Timed Up and Go times. Patients with mild cognitive impairment reported worse pain and fatigue than those without, though walking speed did not differ between the groups.
• PTOTOther2021Combining goal setting and achievement with occupational therapy to improve pain, psychological factors and physical activity in patients after high tibial osteotomy: A non-randomized controlled study.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTOT goal setting did not lower walking pain more than usual rehab, but was associated with better depression, more daily steps and more activity time by five weeks.
• OTCohort2021Genetic and morphological estimates of androgen exposure predict social deficits in multiple neurodevelopmental disorder cohorts.Molecular autismFacial masculinity, but not finger ratio, was linked to autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability. Genetic markers for higher testosterone and lower sex-hormone binding globulin predicted poorer social functioning, specifically fewer friends and less imaginative play.
• OTCase Report2021The application of an information support robot to reduce agitation in an older adult with Alzheimer's disease living alone in a community dwelling: a case study.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTIn one woman living alone with Alzheimer's, a robot giving timed daily cues reduced frequent wandering. The robot's content was designed by an occupational therapist to match her specific memory and time-orientation needs.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021An Investigation of the Association between Transversus Abdominis Myofascial Structure and Activation with Age in Healthy Adults using Ultrasound Imaging.International journal of sports physical therapyHealthy adults aged 18 to 77 showed thinner deep abdominal muscles and reduced transversus abdominis activation with age, while the surrounding fascial layers thickened. These ultrasound measurements provide reference values for assessing normal aging, helping distinguish typical changes from pathology.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Risk Factors for Shoulder Injuries in Water Polo: a Cohort Study.International journal of sports physical therapyA history of previous shoulder injury was the strongest predictor of a new injury, increasing odds 6.5 times. Greater scapular upward rotation and loss of internal rotation range of motion were also linked to new injuries, but strength measures showed no consistent association.
• OTCohort2021Predicting outcomes of conservative treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: Group- and individual-based rehabilitation.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTBaseline symptom and hand-function scores helped identify who met discharge criteria after two-stage carpal tunnel treatment. A symptom score cut-off guided group splint education; a function score cut-off guided intensive one-on-one care.
• OTSurvey2021COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status.Research in developmental disabilitiesCaregivers reported moderate-to-large negative behavior changes in 74% of children with ASD during pandemic regulations. Food insecurity was a stronger predictor than income alone. Clinicians should screen for food access when managing behavioral escalations in these families.
• PTOTCohort2021The impact of visuospatial perception on distance judgment and depth perception in an Augmented Reality environment in patients after stroke: an exploratory study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationIn patients after stroke, visuospatial deficits make judging the distance of virtual objects harder, especially for everyday items. Quality of stereovision predicted performance in healthy adults, but visuoconstruction was the key factor for patients.
• OTSLPPilot2020Developing a Screening Tool for Young Children Using an Ecological Framework.Infants and young childrenA new screening tool for homeless children was tested with 60 families. Most questions worked well, but items about daily skills and parenting did not fit and were replaced. The tool is feasible for staff to use, but it is not yet proven to accurately identify developmental delays.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Reliability of the infrared motion-time acquisition system for each motion segment in the timed up-and-go test.Journal of physical therapy scienceAn infrared system measured TUG segments in healthy young adults with high repeatability. It did not test fall prediction or older patients, so it cannot yet guide clinical fall risk assessment.
• PTOTSystematic Review2021Effectiveness of eHealth Tools for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesMost comparisons showed eHealth tools after hip or knee replacement did not outperform usual care on physical or psychological outcomes, but several studies found lower travel, time, and cost.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Physical work conditions and perceived health problems among informal automobile artisans.Work (Reading, Mass.)Informal auto mechanics in Nigeria reported high rates of illness and injury. Heavy lifting, sucking petrol, and working over 8 hours were linked to more illnesses. Lifting and petrol sucking also predicted injuries. This is self-reported data from one setting.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2021Work experiences, resources, and beliefs among vulnerable subgroups of mental health care users.Work (Reading, Mass.)Three vulnerable groups with mental illness all reported very low belief in their future worker role, despite different life situations. People with substance use history had the least recent work experience. Recent immigrants had the most work experience but the lowest quality of life. Young people with psychosis had the fewest perceived resources for work.
• PTOTSLPPilot2021Changes in cerebral blood flow during forward and backward walking with speed misperception generated by virtual reality.Journal of physical therapy scienceAfter watching a VR video of walking faster than they actually walked, healthy adults showed increased blood flow in the right prefrontal cortex when walking backward on a treadmill. This did not happen when walking forward. The study measured brain activity, not physical recovery.
• OTSystematic Review2021Performance-Based Executive Function Instruments Used by Occupational Therapists for Children: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties.Occupational therapy internationalEvidence for five performance-based executive function tests used by OTs with children is weak. While these tools assess real-world tasks, their reliability and validity are inconsistent or unproven. Use them with caution and do not rely on them as definitive measures.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Immediate effect of video viewing with an illusion of walking at a faster speed using virtual reality on actual walking of stroke patients.Journal of physical therapy scienceAfter watching a 2-minute VR video of walking faster than their own pace, 12 stroke patients walked at a slightly faster step rate. Walking speed did not change significantly, and the effect of the illusion on actual walking remains unproven.
• OTSystematic Review2021Surgical Approaches to Upper Limb Spasticity in Adult Patients: A Literature Review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesNo randomized trials were found for upper-limb spasticity surgery. Low-level studies report improved pain, posture, hygiene, or function in selected patients, but surgical effects cannot be separated from combined procedures.
• OTSLPSurvey2021Computer-Mediated Communication in Adults With and Without Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Survey of Social Media Use.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesMost adults with moderate-to-severe TBI used social media, often like peers without TBI, but they reported less use of professional platforms and event-related uses, and 12 of 53 said injury changed their use.
• PTOTSLPOther2021A Mixed Methods Study of Functioning and Rehabilitation Needs Following COVID-19.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesTwenty people with long COVID described symptoms that fluctuated and worsened if they pushed too hard. They felt powerless because they lacked guidance on pacing, yet physical strength and endurance tests looked normal. Clinicians need to ask about activity limits and mental fatigue, not just muscle power.
• OTOther2021An examination of the psychometric properties of the occupational identity questionnaire for community-living elderly who require care.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTA 14-item self-report questionnaire helped older adults in Japan describe past self, present and future expectations, and current satisfaction. It was consistent as a self-report, but weakly matched therapist-rated occupational identity, so use it as the client's voice, not a replacement for clinical interview.
• OTOther2021The Influence of Self-Perception on Manipulative Dexterity in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.Occupational therapy internationalSelf-perception of dexterity predicted objective test scores, but self-reported ability did not correlate with actual performance. ABILHAND scores aligned with quality of life, not the pegboard tests. Assess how patients feel about their hands and their quality of life, not just their speed.
• PTOTSurvey2021Malnutrition is associated with depression in Japanese older adults requiring long-term care or support.Journal of physical therapy scienceDepression scores were significantly linked to malnutrition risk in older adults needing long-term care. Higher depression scores predicted malnutrition risk. Specific depressive feelings like emptiness and loss of interest were more common in those at nutritional risk.
• PTOTQualitative2021Social validity of work ability evaluations and official decisions within the sickness insurance system: A client perspective.Work (Reading, Mass.)Clients found work ability evaluations acceptable only when tests mirrored real workplace demands and staff listened. They felt official decisions were illegitimate because case managers gave no explanation, ignored evaluation results, and communicated solely via bureaucratic letters.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021The delivery of the ReWork-Stroke program: A process evaluation.Work (Reading, Mass.)Two OTs delivered a stroke return-to-work program to 13 clients. They found workplace visits, building alliances with clients, and coordinating with employers were key. The three-month work trial limit was often too short for clients to fully realize their new limitations.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Pediatric unilateral spatial neglect: A systematic review.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicinePediatric unilateral spatial neglect often persists for years but is missed by simple paper-and-pencil tests. Clinicians should use challenging functional tasks, eye tracking, or age-appropriate tools like the Teddy Bear Cancellation Test to detect it, as standard assessments frequently fail to identify the condition.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021The intersection of gross motor abilities and participation in children with autism spectrum disorder.Infants and young childrenChildren with autism who had better gross motor skills participated more in self-care, active play, and social interaction. Many children lacked opportunities for team sports or bike riding due to parent or environmental factors, not just their own ability.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2021The Assistive Device Situation for ALS Patients in Norway.Occupational therapy internationalPatients and therapists found specialist hospital care effective but municipal follow-up inconsistent due to staff turnover and lack of ALS expertise. Upper limb devices for dressing and eating were described as inadequate. Rapid disease progression often rendered specially adapted equipment obsolete before delivery.
• OTRCT2021Does a brief work-stress intervention prevent sick-leave during the following 24 months? A randomized controlled trial in Swedish primary care.Work (Reading, Mass.)A brief work-stress intervention in primary care did not prevent sick leave over 24 months. The intervention group had slightly fewer sick days, but the difference was not significant. The study may have been underpowered to detect a real effect.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021Psychological interventions with older adults during inpatient postacute rehabilitation: A systematic review.Rehabilitation psychologyPsychological interventions for older adults in inpatient rehab lack high-quality evidence. Anxiety showed no significant improvement. Depression results were mixed and unreliable due to high risk of bias. Clinicians cannot assume these therapies work in this setting.
• OTSurvey2021A mixed methods study of employers' and employees' evaluations of job seekers with a mental illness, disability, or of a cultural minority.Work (Reading, Mass.)Employers and employees rated job seekers with mental illness or physical disability lower than a single mother without health issues. Previous experience with similar colleagues predicted more favourable ratings. Barriers varied by condition: physical disabilities raised concerns about job fit and accommodation, while mental illness raised concerns about social interaction and customer relations.
• OTSLPNarrative Review2021Acquired Brain Injury in Adults: A Review of Pathophysiology, Recovery, and Rehabilitation.Perspectives of the ASHA special interest groupsYoung adults with acquired brain injury face unique barriers returning to college. Existing cognitive rehabilitation often lacks the intensity and real-world context needed for academic success. A proposed integrated approach combines restorative drills with contextualized, high-intensity training in meaningful settings to better support educational goals.
• PTOTRCT2021Efficacy of wrist robot-aided orthopedic rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationRobot-assisted wrist rehab matched conventional therapy on standard clinical tests for grip, dexterity, and function. However, patients using the robot showed significantly better range of motion and overall robotic performance scores than those receiving traditional manual therapy.
• PTOTSLPCohort2021Co-Occurrence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPTwenty-four percent of children with sickle cell disease had a neurodevelopmental disorder. Half of those with language disorders and only 63% of those with ADHD received appropriate therapy or medication. Screen for cognitive issues in all sickle cell patients, as many eligible children miss school support.
• PTOTSLPCase-Control2021Initial action output and feedback-guided motor behaviors in autism spectrum disorder.Molecular autismAdults and children with autism showed weaker grip strength and less stable force control. Their eye movements became less accurate with age, unlike controls. Initial force output and reaction times were normal. These motor differences correlated with symptom severity.
• PTOTOther2021Impact of Upper Extremity Impairment and Trunk Control on Self-Care Independence in Children With Upper Motor Neuron Lesions.Physical therapyTrunk control explains more self-care independence in children with upper motor neuron lesions than arm movement quality, spasticity, or strength. Therapists should prioritize trunk stability training, as it provides the stable base required for the upper limbs to function effectively during daily tasks.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Prevalence and Correlates of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Diverse, Treatment-Seeking Pediatric Overweight/Obesity Sample.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPIn treatment-seeking youth with obesity, ADHD was linked to fewer active days and more meals per day, but not consistently to higher BMI. Rurality predicted higher BMI. Stimulant medication was associated with even lower physical activity.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Upper extremity biomechanics in native and non-native signers.Work (Reading, Mass.)Native signers showed fewer micro-rests and lower muscle tension than non-natives, supporting injury risk theories. However, natives also demonstrated greater range of motion and ballistic tendencies, contradicting the hypothesis that they have safer biomechanics.
• OTOther2021Comparing narrative-informed occupational therapy in adult outpatient mental health to treatment as usual: A quasi-experimental feasibility study with preliminary treatment outcomes.Occupational therapy in mental healthAdding narrative-informed occupational therapy to standard mental health care was feasible with high attendance. Therapist-rated participation improved, but client-reported recovery did not change more than standard care alone.
• OTSurvey2021How anxious were Quebec healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based cross-sectional survey.Work (Reading, Mass.)Quebec healthcare workers who reported intention to avoid caring for COVID patients had higher anxiety, especially women and less experienced staff. Caring for COVID patients itself was not linked to higher anxiety.
• PTOTSLPPilot2021Association between pulmonary oxygen uptake on-kinetics and acute cardiovascular responses to resistance exercise in patients with coronary artery disease: a preliminary study.Journal of physical therapy scienceIn 7 low-risk heart disease patients, slower oxygen uptake kinetics predicted larger blood pressure spikes during light leg exercises. This metric worked better than standard fitness or heart function tests. The study is too small to change practice, but suggests oxygen kinetics may help gauge exercise safety.