Assessment of Knowledge of Iranian Occupational Therapists of Handling of Children with Cerebral Palsy
Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of Iranian occupational therapists regarding the handling of children with cerebral palsy and the application of their knowledge into practice. A questionnaire with two scales of a self‐report and a knowledge‐based test was designed. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. Of 77 participants, 64.9% participants reported their knowledge of handling at moderate, 14.3% at low and 6.5% at very low level. The result of the test showed that 57.1% participants had knowledge at moderate and 16.9% at low level. Toileting and bath...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - December 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Masoomeh Rezaei, Maryam Malekpour, Mehdi Rassafiani Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Older Adults' Perceptions of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study
Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore older adults' perceptions of participation in physical activity (PA) as it impacts productive ageing and informs occupational therapy (OT) practice. In this phenomenological study, 15 community‐dwelling older adults were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling at community locations. Data collection methods included two interviews and an observation. The primary finding was that older adults continue individual patterns of meaningful PA across their lifespan when they have support to adapt to age‐associated limitations, with a gradual decline in intensity during...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - December 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Sclinda L. Janssen, Jan E. Stube Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Participation and Quality of Life of Cognitively Impaired Older Women in Israel Following Hip Fractures
Abstract The main objective of this study was to identify the impact of cognitive problems on the participation and quality of life of individuals following hip fracture among senior women. Sixty women aged ≥65 years after an operation due to a hip fracture, half with non‐impaired cognition (average Mini Mental State Examination 27) and half with mild cognitive impairment (average Mini Mental State Examination 21) were examined and interviewed at admission to a rehabilitation hospital in Israel and 1 month after discharge with the following measures: Functional Independence Measure, Geriatric Depression Scale, Isra...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - December 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Sharon Karni, Netta Bentur, Nava Ratzon Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Community Engagement: Outcomes for Occupational Therapy Students, Faculty and Clients
The objective of this paper is to provide programme description and outcomes of the effectiveness of the Bridge Program for all three stakeholders. This uses mixed methods research design including descriptive and quantitative and qualitative one‐group pre‐test–post‐test designs. Instruments consisted of the Occupational Therapy Student and Mental Health Population Scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Quantitative results support that graduate occupational therapy students gained research and clinical skills (n = 100; p = .000); clients increased performance and satisfaction toward goals...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - December 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Victoria P. Schindler Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Equipment for Stroke Patients in Taiwan: Usage Problems and Improvement Needs
Abstract The purpose of this study was to survey occupational therapists for the usage problems and for their improvement needs for upper extremity rehabilitation equipment (UERE). A questionnaire was given to experienced occupational therapists from 113 hospitals that provide occupational therapy services with three or more professional full‐time therapists. A total of 48 hospitals sent back questionnaires, and 184 valid questionnaires were received. Most of the UERE had two major problems: The base of the equipment was unstable, and the equipment was uninteresting to use. The therapists reported that three major needs ...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - November 5, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Lan‐Ling Huang, Chang‐Franw Lee, Ching‐Lin Hsieh, Mei‐Hsiang Chen Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Efficacy of a Sound‐based Intervention with a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Auditory Sensory Over‐responsivity
Abstract Sound‐based interventions (SBIs) are being used by paediatric occupational therapists to help children with autism spectrum disorders and co‐morbid sensory processing disorders. A limited yet growing body of evidence is emerging related to the efficacy of SBIs in reducing sensory processing deficits among paediatric clients with co‐morbid conditions. The current study employed an ABA single‐subject case‐controlled design, implementing The Listening Program® with a 7‐year‐old child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrated auditory sensory over‐responsivity (SOR). The intervention co...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - September 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Bryan M. Gee, Kelly Thompson, Holly St John Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Occupation‐Based Family‐Centered Therapy Approach for Young Children with Feeding Problems in South Korea; A Case Study
Abstract Documenting the effectiveness of an occupation‐based family‐centered therapy approach, when providing therapy for a young child with feeding problems, is needed in a culture such as Korea, which has a strong medical model of service. A case study was conducted involving a 16‐month‐old boy with feeding problems. An occupation‐based family‐centered therapy approach was carried out for 10 weeks. The results indicated that this approach addressed the physical components of the child's feeding problems and also the parent‐child bonding, which together improved the overall family dynamics. Although these...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - August 14, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Sun‐Joung L. An Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Development and Initial Testing of Functional Task Exercise on Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment at Risk of Alzheimer's Disease – FcTSim Programme – a Feasibility Study
This study used a single‐group repeated‐measures design. A total of 11 patients (mean age 71.8 years) were recruited to participate in a structured functional task exercise programme for 10 weeks. All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline, post‐intervention and post‐3‐month follow‐up using the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test (CVVLT), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (Lawton IADL) and Problems in Everyday Living test (PEDL). Data were analysed using a repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Cohen...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - June 13, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Lawla L.F. Law, Fiona Barnett, Matthew K. Yau, Marion A. Gray Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Pilot Study: Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy for Japanese Children with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
This study's objective was to investigate the efficacy of sensory integration therapy (SIT) for children with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). The subjects were 20 HFASD children with IQs above 70 selected from previously collected data. Eight participated in individual SIT sessions, and 12 participated in group therapy (GT) including social skill training, communication training, kinetic activities, and child–parent play for 8–10 months. Changes in Total score and five Index scores on the Japanese version of the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers before and after therapy between children in the S...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - June 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Ryoichiro Iwanaga, Sumihisa Honda, Hideyuki Nakane, Koji Tanaka, Haruka Toeda, Goro Tanaka Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Effectiveness of a Workplace Training Programme in Improving Social, Communication and Emotional Skills for Adults with Autism and Intellectual Disability in Hong Kong – A Pilot Study
Abstract This pilot study explored the effectiveness of workplace training programme that aimed to enhance the work‐related behaviours in individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Fourteen participants with autism and mild to moderate intellectual disability (mean age = 24.6 years) were recruited. The workplace training programme included practices in work context and group educational sessions. A pre‐test–post‐test design was used with the Work Personality Profile, the Scale of Independent Behaviour Revised and the Observational Emotional Inventory Revised to evaluate the targeted behaviours. Im...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - June 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Karen P. Y. Liu, Denys Wong, Anthony C. Y. Chung, Natalie Kwok, Madeleine K. Y. Lam, Cheri M. C. Yuen, Karen Arblaster, Aldous C. S. Kwan Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Paediatric Occupational Therapists' Use of Sound‐based Interventions: A Survey Study
This study had a small sample size (n = 74) and an estimated response rate of 14.7%, so generalization to occupational therapy practice in the United States is not possible. Further research is needed to identify the internal and external influences on the selection of SBIs as an OT intervention in paediatric practice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Occupational Therapy International)
Source: Occupational Therapy International - June 1, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Bryan M Gee, Nancy Devine, Amanda Werth, Vu Phan Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Prevalence of Sensory Modulation Disorder among Puerto Rican Preschoolers: An Analysis Focused on Socioeconomic Status Variables
Abstract The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of sensory modulation disorder (SMD) in a sample of Puerto Rican preschoolers and to examine differences in the prevalence of SMD based on socioeconomic status (SES) variables. Caregivers of children from Head Start programs and private preschools were recruited from three regions in Puerto Rico (PR) to participate in the study. Each caregiver completed a Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and a demographic data sheet. Total scores on the SSP were used to establish diagnosis of SMD. The total sample included 141 participants (response rate of 64%). Prevalence of...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - May 25, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Rosa Román‐Oyola, Stacey Reynolds Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

The Realities of a Globally Connected Profession
(Source: Occupational Therapy International)
Source: Occupational Therapy International - May 24, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Anne Marie Witchger Hansen, Jaime Muñoz, Yolanda Suarez‐Balcazar Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Global Partnerships for International Fieldwork in Occupational Therapy: Reflection and Innovation
Abstract International fieldwork placements (IFPs) have become very popular among healthcare students including those in occupational therapy programmes. There are many potential benefits that can accrue to the students; however, there are critiques of international placements especially for students going to underserviced areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study/model programme description that critically reflects on six partnerships in three underserviced countries that provide IFPs to students from one Canadian university. The personal opinions of each partner were collected verbally, by email and by ...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - May 9, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Debra Cameron, Lynn Cockburn, Stephanie Nixon, Penny Parnes, Lesley Garcia, Jacqui Leotaud, Kristina MacPherson, Peter A. Mashaka, Ruth Mlay, Julius Wango, Trish Williams Tags: Special Issue Paper Source Type: research

Establishing Reliability and Validity for “Make My Day” – A New Tool for Assessing Young Arab‐Israeli Children's Typical Daily Activities
Abstract There is a paucity of literature regarding the daily routines of young children (4–7 years) and their perception of their performance. Research indicates that children's involvement in treatment therapy improves their self‐consciousness, which contributes in return to the therapy's progress. Until recently, occupational therapists set goals for children by involving their parents in the planning. However, recent studies indicate that children are aware of their performance and can provide reliable data, given an evaluation that is adapted to their stage of development. “Make My Day” (MMD) is a new evalua...
Source: Occupational Therapy International - April 24, 2013 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Tsameret Ricon, Liat Hen, Aram Keadan‐Hardan Tags: Research Article Source Type: research