Occupational Therapy International最新文献

Introduction: This study is aimed at identifying suitable tools capable of evaluating one-handed skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: In this article, the systematic reviews on upper extremity assessment tools for children with CP from 2000 to 2024 were identified in databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. Then, the obtained tools were evaluated, among which only those capable of assessing one-handed skills in children aged 3 years and older in accordance with the activity level of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health were selected to evaluate the quality of evidence and psychometric properties in children with CP using CanChild Outcome Measure Rating Form. Results: A total of 13 systematic reviews were selected for further analysis. Subsequently, 149 tools were identified for initial evaluation, of which 18 were capable of assessing one-handed skills in children with CP. Among these, COPM, ACHES, and PMAL_R demonstrated excellent evidence for overall clinical utility. Conclusion: This study showed that among the numerous tools available for assessing one-handed skills in children with CP, only a limited number have excellent evidence for overall clinical utility. These findings can serve as a basis for selecting more precise, evidence-based tools in the assessment, and rehabilitation interventions for these children.

Introduction: The aim of this review was to examine the evidence for sound-based interventions in decreasing auditory hypersensitivity and improving behavioural and emotional regulation among children. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of primary research examining the use of sound-based interventions to reduce auditory hypersensitivity and regulate emotion or behaviour. Studies were eligible if they were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal, from January 2010 to March 2023. Studies of any design were included. Results: A total of 4741 titles were identified in the search. Eight papers were eligible, covering six different sound-based interventions. Preliminary evidence highlights improvements in depression and anxiety symptomatology and improved behavioural outcomes including language, listening, and social behaviours. Heterogeneity was high across studies; they varied widely in sample size, population type, study design, and outcomes measured. Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of sound-based interventions in improving auditory sensitivity and emotional and behavioural outcomes. However, there is a need for higher quality studies, including randomised controlled trials, and consistency in outcomes across studies to enable a clearer assessment of the evidence.

Introduction: Motor imagery training (MIT) has gained attention as an occupational therapy tool for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Although MIT has shown some effectiveness in children with DCD, intervention methods for DCD can still be improved. Further, occupational therapists should update their knowledge of motor imagery (MI) and MIT for children with DCD and understand their application. Objective: The objective of this study is to survey the existing evidence on MI and MIT in children with DCD and comprehensively identify what is known and the problems that have been identified. Methods: We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review and American Occupational Therapy Association guidelines for data collection and quality assessment. We searched for articles that included the words "developmental coordination disorder" and "motor imagery, motor imagery training (mental practice)." We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and the Cochrane Library databases; the search end date was March 12, 2024. Findings: In total, 30 articles, including seven clinical studies and 23 fundamental studies, were eligible for this review. We surveyed (1) methods for assessing MI ability or clarity in children with DCD, (2) what is known about MI in children with DCD, and (3) the methodology of MIT for children with DCD. Conclusion: Children with DCD have reduced MI ability compared to that had by typically developing children. Thus, MIT is recommended as a means of reducing the behavioral consequences of internal modeling deficits in children with DCD. On the other hand, information on the methodology used in MIT for children with DCD is inadequate, and no clear intervention measures have been proposed. In the future, it is important to clarify the amount of load when performing MIT and clarify the combination with other programs through more advanced research methods.

Introduction: Despite the global focus on occupation-based practice (OBP), limited research exists on its implementation in Iran. There is a lack of evidence on how OBP is practiced and the factors affecting its use among Iranian occupational therapists, which is essential for addressing barriers and promoting a more occupation-centered approach in clinical settings. Objectives: This study is aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, interests, usage rates, and environmental factors affecting OBP among Iranian occupational therapists and examining the relationship between sociodemographic factors and OBP. Study Type: This work is a cross-sectional analytical study. Data Collection Location: The data collection location of this study is the private and government clinics across Iran. Methods: A total of 202 participants completed demographic and OBP questionnaires. Key aspects such as total performance, usage rate, attitudes, knowledge, interest, and environmental factors were evaluated. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing statistical tests including ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and T-test. Results: The total OBP performance among Iranian occupational therapists is 64%, and 60.7% of them use OBP approaches. They have a positive attitude (83.6%) and high interest (78.3%) towards these approaches. However, environmental factors (44.7%) and an average level of knowledge (65.6%) have hindered the full utilization of these approaches. The average OBP score among occupational therapists in government settings was significantly higher than in private centers (p value < 0.001). Additionally, occupational therapists with a PhD scored higher than those with a bachelor's or master's degree (p value < 0.001). The level of work experience has a significant correlation with the total OBP score (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: This study examines the factors affecting OBP adoption in Iran, showing that while therapists have positive attitudes and interest, environmental barriers and limited knowledge hinder full implementation. Government-employed therapists and those with PhDs engage more, and work experience is crucial. The findings stress the need for targeted education and systemic changes, contributing to global insights on OBP integration.

Background and Purpose: A growing body of evidence demonstrates that physical exercise training is beneficial in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study is aimed at examining the effects of a 12-week inline skating intervention on ADHD symptoms, executive functions (EFs), and motor proficiency in children with ADHD. Methods: This study employed an asymmetric crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. A total of 24 children with ADHD (aged 6-12 years) were recruited from nongovernmental organizations, elementary schools, and parent networks. Participants were paired based on age, medication status, and ADHD presentation and then randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG) (n = 12) or a wait-list control group (CG) (n = 12). The IG participated in a 12-week inline skating program (80-min sessions, twice weekly), while the CG maintained their regular daily routines and did not participate in any structured physical activity (PA) or skating training during this period. After 12 weeks, the CG underwent the same intervention. ADHD symptoms (parent reported), EFs (inhibition and spatial working memory), and motor proficiency (fine motor control, body coordination, manual coordination, strength, and agility) were assessed at three time points: baseline (T1), posttest (T2), and follow-up (T3). Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Results: Children with ADHD in the current study demonstrated improved symptoms, EFs, and motor proficiency (all p < 0.05) after 12-week inline skating intervention. Moreover, the effects appeared to be sustained for at least 12 weeks. Conclusion: This RCT provides preliminary evidence that inline skating may be a feasible and beneficial PA intervention for children with ADHD. However, larger studies are needed to further evaluate its long-term efficacy. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Registry of Clinical Trials: ACTRN12624000593538.

Background: Humans, as occupational beings, are inherently driven to achieve mastery and adaptation. This drive is evident in international graduate students who face unique academic and sociocultural challenges when adapting to unfamiliar environments, such as South Korea. These challenges can hinder their occupational participation, yet there is a notable gap in the literature addressing the specific occupational issues faced by international students in this context. Aim: This study is aimed at exploring the unique occupational challenges encountered by international graduate students in Korea and their general adaptive responses, analyzed through the lens of the occupational adaptation (OA) model. Additionally, this study proposed interventions for educational institutions and occupational therapy practitioners to support students in achieving OA. Method: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Systematic searches across global (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) and Korean (RISS and KISS) databases identified qualitative studies published in English or Korean over the past 10 years. ChatGPT-4 assisted with data extraction, which was reviewed for accuracy. Study characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis identified key themes related to occupational challenges. Results: The review identified 3 articles and 6 dissertations exploring the occupational challenges of 59 international graduate students in Korea. Most participants were master's students, primarily from China, Uzbekistan, and Laos. Two main themes emerged: (1) the hierarchical nature of Korean culture, which impeded academic and social engagement, and (2) the fast-paced lifestyle, which disrupted occupational balance. These challenges led to stress, isolation, and reduced participation, affecting role competence and quality of life. While students attempted adaptive strategies, they were often insufficient, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Conclusions: International graduate students in Korea faced significant pressure to achieve mastery in a demanding environment. Culturally sensitive interventions, combined with strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle redesign, can improve stress management, self-advocacy, and occupational balance, leading to greater academic success.

Background: Few studies have examined the activity of the accessory inspiratory muscles as well as respiratory function simultaneously in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while performing activities of daily living (ADLs). This cross-sectional study is aimed at understanding the differences in the demands for respiratory expenditure and activity of the upper limbs and accessory inspiratory muscles during functional performance in individuals with and without COPD. Methods: Thirteen patients with mild to moderate COPD and 10 healthy adults were enrolled. All participants were asked to complete the requested ADL tasks involving upper limb elevation while recording activities of muscles of the accessory inspiratory muscles, as well as respiratory expenditure via the Delsys Trigno electromyography and Ultima CardiO2 system, respectively. Results: Muscle activity of the pectoralis major (PM) in the COPD group was significantly higher than that in the non-COPD group during washing both sides of the head (p < 0.05) and storing 2- and 4-kg objects on a shoulder-height shelf (p < 0.05). Ventilatory inefficiency and metabolic expenditure were significantly higher during the storage of objects at head height in the COPD group. A positive correlation was observed between sternocleidomastoid muscle activity and metabolic/ventilatory expenditure in the non-COPD group. However, muscle activity of the upper trapezius was significantly correlated with metabolic/ventilatory expenditure in the COPD group. Higher PM muscle activity and ventilatory inefficiency in the COPD group were found during performing ADLs involving upper limb elevation. Conclusions: Individuals with COPD demonstrated increased accessory inspiratory muscle activity, reduced ventilatory efficiency, and higher metabolic expenditure during ADLs involving upper limb elevation compared to healthy controls. The PM in the COPD group was the major accessory inspiratory muscle for performing ADLs involving upper limb elevation. These findings could inform recommendations for individuals with COPD to adjust their strategies for upper limb elevation while performing ADLs. Training of the larger accessory inspiratory muscles in rehabilitation programs has also been considered to enhance ADL performance in individuals with COPD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04146948.

Objective: This study is aimed at testing the immediate and retained treatment efficacies of digital mirror therapy (DMT) and digital action observation therapy (DAOT) on clinical outcomes in chronic stroke patients, in comparison with dose-matched, active control rehabilitation (CR). Methods: Nineteen patients were randomly assigned to the DMT, DAOT, or CR for 3 weeks. Outcome measures, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment, Motor Activity Log (MAL), and visual analogue scale of the EQ-5D-5L, were conducted at preintervention (T0), postintervention (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2). Results: There were no significant differences among the three groups on the outcomes at different time points. However, in the DMT group, scores were significantly higher on the FMA-UE and the CAHAI at T2 than at T0; in the DAOT group, those on the FMA-UE and the quality of movement subscale of the MAL were significantly higher at T2 than at T0. In the CR group, scores on the FMA-UE and the CAHAI were significantly higher at T1 than at T0. Conclusions: Both DMT and DAOT had retained treatment effects on motor function. DMT and DAOT might be feasible as alternative intervention strategies for chronic stroke patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04441190.

Despite the critical role of occupational therapists in healthcare, there has been limited focus on understanding their job satisfaction compared to other health-related disciplines. This gap is significant as job satisfaction among occupational therapists profoundly influences employee morale, client care, and organizational dynamics. This study explored factors influencing occupational therapists' job satisfaction through an ecological lens to enhance their work environments, promoting both personal and professional growth. A scoping review of qualitative evidence was conducted from 1921 to 2024 via CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, and AMED, including 10 qualitative articles. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. Four key themes were identified impacting job satisfaction including humanistic values driving professional fulfillment, professional identity and recognition, workplace structural barriers, and advocacy and strengthening approaches. Although occupational therapists find their job rewarding and fulfilling because of its client-centered care, they confront challenges particularly with professional recognition, career identity, and limited support. To enhance their job satisfaction, a more system-level ecological approach is required to enhance the leadership approaches, mentorship, communication channels, and collaboration opportunities.

Occupational therapy (OT) is an emerging healthcare profession in Vietnam, with limited awareness and understanding among local healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study is aimed at assessing the impact of an educational intervention designed to improve HCPs' knowledge and attitudes toward OT in Vietnamese healthcare settings. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 13 participants from Da Nang Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Hospital and Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital, representing various healthcare disciplines. The intervention included a series of journal club sessions focused on the principles, scope, and culturally relevant applications of OT. Quantitative data from pre- and postintervention assessments revealed significant improvements in HCPs' general knowledge of OT, its practice areas, and goals, with statistical significance observed in multiple domains. Qualitative data collected through field notes and reflective journals provided additional insights into HCPs' evolving perceptions of OT's role in holistic and mental healthcare. Notably, the study highlighted cultural factors, such as family involvement in patient care, which align with OT's client-centered approach but may also pose challenges in the integration of OT services. Barriers to OT adoption, including resource limitations and institutional support, were identified, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy and resource allocation to sustain the progress achieved through the intervention. The findings suggest that culturally tailored educational programs are essential for the effective integration of OT in Vietnam and similar contexts. This research contributes to the global understanding of OT's role in diverse healthcare environments, providing a framework for expanding OT services in emerging regions.