bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Occupational Therapy Contributions to Health Services Research
Authors: Andresen Elena M. , Tang Janet J. , Barney Karen F.
Published: December 2014

Health care delivery includes a backdrop of constrained resources and scrutiny of quality, benefits, and cost of services. The peer-reviewed evidence supporting the benefits of occupational therapy is therefore of considerable importance in the debate about what constitutes reimbursable therapies. This article identifies the scope of occupational therapy research articles in recent published literature. MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched for “occupational therapy” from January 1996 through October 2002. Articles were coded by content, journal, and country. Journal ratings for “impact” also were reviewed. A total of 3,391 articles met inclusion criteria and 868 (25.6%) were classified as research, among which more than half (55.0%) were published in occupational therapy journals. Within occupational therapy journals, 21.4% of scholarship identified as occupational therapy was classified as research compared to 42.9% of the articles in rehabilitation medicine journals. Occupational therapy scholarship is in danger of being omitted in the current debates on health care delivery, costs, and quality. More transdisciplinary research may be one avenue for expanding occupational therapy research.
Validity and Reliability of the Activity Card Sort—Hong Kong Version
Authors: Chan Vikky W. K. , Chung Jenny C. C. , Packer Tanya L.
Published: December 2014

It is pertinent for occupational therapists to measure the changing patterns of activity engagement of older adults who might have undergone the process of aging, institutionalization, and illness. The Activity Card Sort was developed to measure the level of activity engagement in the main areas of occupational performance. This study examined the reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Hong Kong version of the Activity Card Sort. Using expert panel reviews, 65 activities were identified as culturally appropriate for inclusion in the Hong Kong version. Sixty geriatric clients who had experienced a stroke participated in the evaluation. Results showed that the Hong Kong version of the Activity Card Sort was able to discriminate between clients with different levels of functioning ( t = −14.24; p = .00), and was positively associated with the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale ( r = 0.86; p = .00). Excellent test—retest reliability ( r = 0.98) and internal consistency ( r = 0.89) were demonstrated. The findings suggest the Hong Kong version of the Activity Card Sort is a reliable and valid instrument to use with the Hong Kong Chinese elderly population.
Social Support Provides Motivation and Ability to Participate in Occupation
Authors: Isaksson Gunilla , Lexell Jan , Skär Lisa
Published: December 2014

In this study, a qualitative perspective of how 13 women (aged 25 to 61 years) with spinal cord injury perceive the importance of social support for their participation in occupation is presented. The data were collected through repeated in-depth interviews and field notes, and the analysis used a grounded theory approach. The women needed both emotional and practical support, which was important in a time perspective and motivated them to participate in occupation. The women needed to receive support soon after the injury, but after a period of time they needed to give and receive support in a reciprocal fashion. Social support is therefore an effective rehabilitation strategy that can motivate people with disabilities to participate in meaningful occupation. The importance of social support for a person's motivation and ability to participate in occupation expands our knowledge of the relationship between individuals, their social environment, and occupation.
Validity of the Executive Function Performance Test in Individuals with Schizophrenia
Authors: Katz Noomi , Tadmor Inbal , Felzen Batya , Hartman-Maeir Adina
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) in a schizophrenic population. Participants were 30 individuals with the acute phase of schizophrenia and 31 with the chronic stage. Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha was high (α = .88). Two-way multiple analysis of covariance revealed that the acute group scored significantly higher than the chronic group on almost all tasks and components of the EFPT ( p = .045 to .000), supporting construct validity. Moderate to high Spearman correlation coefficients were found between the total EFPT score and the total Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome profile and standardized scores within each of the groups ( r =.433 to .764; p < .017 to .000), supporting criterion validity. The findings support the use of the EFPT for identifying executive functions in the context of everyday life and instrumental activities of daily living tasks. However, further studies are needed in different populations and cultures.
CO-OP Intervention for Young Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Taylor Shannon , Fayed Nora , Mandich Angela
Published: December 2014

Children with developmental coordination disorder experience difficulties with fine and gross motor tasks that affect their occupational performance. Research has found the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) measure to be an effective approach for improving skills in daily occupations with children between 7 and 12 years old who have developmental coordination disorder. The purpose of this single-case design study was to determine the effectiveness of using the CO-OP approach with children ages 5 to 7 years. Four children chose three different goals to work on during therapy. Child and parent Canadian Occupational Performance Measure ratings and performance observation ratings at follow-up demonstrated the effectiveness of the CO-OP approach, supporting the use of the CO-OP with younger children and suggesting further research on the CO-OP with younger children is warranted.
Occupation-Based Practice and its Relationship to Social and Occupational Participation in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Ward Kristine , Mitchell Jennifer , Price Pollie
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to increase the evidence regarding the use of occupation-based practice and its effects on social and occupational participation in adults with spinal cord injury. Three individuals who had experienced a spinal cord injury 2 to 5 years previously, lived in the community, and received services from one of the two selected occupation-based occupational therapists participated in the study. Using a qualitative ethnographic design, they participated in one semi-structured, open-ended interview that contained questions designed to elicit experiences of life satisfaction, participation in meaningful occupations, social roles and responsibilities, and participation in occupational therapy. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, narrative analysis, literature review, and narrative smoothing. Seven occupation-based approaches appeared to directly support the participants' current level of occupational and social participation. This study provides occupational therapists with a more practical understanding of how to apply these approaches in their own practices.
Routines and Rituals: Opportunities for Participation in Family Health
Authors: Fiese Barbara H.
Published: December 2014

Family routines and rituals offer the opportunity to fully participate in family health. “Family health” is defined as the ways in which the household, as a whole, engages in daily activities to promote the well-being of its members and is emotionally invested in the maintenance of health over time. Routines and rituals provide the settings for family health. Empirical support for the importance of routines and rituals is provided from studies aimed at examining medical adherence, mealtime interactions, and nighttime waking in children with chronic health conditions. Implications for practice and policy are provided.
Activity and Vestibular Function in Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Lindquist Jerry E.
Published: December 2014

This study was designed to assess vestibular function in persons with chronic schizophrenia and to determine whether a lifestyle characterized by little physical activity is related to existing dysfunction. Four groups of subjects were assembled. One group was composed of persons with the diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia. A second group was composed of spinal pain patients who were assumed to reflect chronically low levels of physical activity, but without suspected neurological involvement. The third group was composed of manic patients being treated with neuroleptic medications, as were the chronic schizophrenics. This group acted as a medication control group. The fourth group was a control group composed primarily of occupational and physical therapists in the community. Tests designed to assess vestibular function and tests designed to assess physical activity level were administered individually to each member of each group. It was hypothesized that if both the chronic schizophrenic group and the spinal pain group manifested low scores on vestibular instruments as well as low scores on the activity instrument when compared to control subjects, then prolonged levels of physical inactivity and not a primary neurological dysfunction could possibly be associated with vestibularly based sensory integrative dysfunctions in these populations. This was not found. However, low levels of physical activity were experimentally confirmed in both the chronic schizophrenic and the spinal pain group. Additionally, similar patterns of vestibular response were found in the chronic schizophrenic and the manic groups suggesting the possible interference of neuroleptic medications when vestibular functions are considered.
An Ethnographic Study of Deinstitutionalized Adults: Their Community Settings and Daily Life Experiences
Authors: Kielhofner Gary
Published: December 2014

In the past two decades deinstitutionalization policy has relocated thousands of mentally ill and mentally retarded persons and reshaped a major sector of the health care system. This paper reports a 3-year ethnographic study of 69 deinstitutionalized retarded persons in which occupational therapy and social science participant observers followed subjects in their everyday environments. Field notes, interviews, and videotape data were collected. The aim of the study was to examine the daily lives, living settings, and social circumstances of retarded adults. This paper describes findings on the community residential system and its impact on the lives and adaptation of retarded persons. The discussion of the study methods details the historical development of the research process. The findings presented are an analytic model of the community residential system and a description of adaptive problems of retarded persons living in the community.
The Construction of Patient Management Problems as Self-Assessment Instruments
Authors: Feinstein Ellen , Gray Madelaine S. , Stern Ellen , Levine Harold G.
Published: December 2014

Cognizant of the importance of helping occupational therapy practitioners to maintain and upgrade their ability to provide high quality occupational therapy services, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) launched a comprehensive competency assurance system. One key part of the competency assurance system was the development and implementation of a program of self-assessment. The challenge was in trying to develop self-assessment instruments that would be acceptable and useful to the AOTA membership. After investigation, the decision was made to use written simulations in the form of Patient Management Problems (PMPs). This report describes procedures used for producing and field testing the written simulation problems, with accompanying feedback units and continuing education resource packets, for use as an integral part of a competency assurance program in occupational therapy. Field testing has demonstrated wide acceptance of this type of instrument by a sizable sample of occupational therapy practitioners.
Equilibrium Reactions in Normal Children and in Boys with Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
Authors: Fisher Anne G. , Bundy Anita C.
Published: December 2014

Equilibrium improves with age and is impaired in children with sensory integrative (SI) dysfunction. While objective developmental tests of equilibrium (beam walking and one-legged standing balance) exist, no other objective tests of equilibrium as typically evaluated in the clinic are available. The purpose of this investigation was to identify behavioral aspects of equilibrium that correlated with age and / or discriminated between normal boys and boys with SI dysfunction. The angle of tilt of the trunk from vertical while reaching laterally and standing on a tilt board (Tilt Board Reach) correlated with age in normal boys, normal girls, and boys with SI dysfunction. When considered together, angle of tilt of the trunk from vertical while reaching laterally and standing on a flat platform (Flat Board Reach) and maximum angle of tilt of the tilt board before stepping off when the tilt board was manually tipped (Tilt Board Tip) were the best discriminators between normal boys and boys with SI dysfunction. Total scores of expected behavioral responses were less reliable, discriminated less well, and tended to have lower correlations with age.
Factors Associated with Independent Meal Preparation in Aphasic Females: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sarno Martha Taylor , Buonaguro Antonia
Published: December 2014

Ten aphasic females, all of whom ordinarily prepared their own meals, were examined in food preparation tasks to determine the relationship, if any, between communication disabilities and residual meal preparation skills. A rating scale, the Functional Meal Preparation Scale (FMPS), was developed and used in this study. Ratings obtained on the FMPS were compared with overall communication skills, specific language tasks, and Stick Construction and Three Dimensional Block Performance as indicators of some visual perceptual skills. None of the comparisons reached statistical significance. Clinical observation corroborated the lack of correspondence between homemaker skills and neurolinguistic residuals. This is an area where it appears that linguistic and certain visual perceptual processing deficits do not necessarily affect performance. Implications for modifying the rehabilitation management of aphasic home-makers are suggested.
Comparison of the Motor Tests of the SCSIT and the L-NNBC
Authors: Su Ra-Van , Yerxa Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2014

This study compared the test-retest reliability of the seven motor tests of the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT) with the motor skills subtest of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery—Children's Version (L-NNBC). Both sets of motor performance items were administered twice to a group of 30 dysfunctional 8-year-old children. There was a 1-week interval between test administrations. In addition to reliability comparisons, data were analyzed to determine correlations among individual as well as total motor test scores of the two instruments The test-retest reliability coefficients of the SCSIT motor tests ranged from .41 to .91, while coefficients for the L-NNBC subtests ranged from .30 to .93. Total motor performance scores for the SCSIT and L-NNBC had observed test-retest reliability estimates of .97 and .87, respectively. The total motor performance scores for the two instruments had a correlation of r = .83 for the 30 subjects tested. These findings are discussed in relation to factors that may influence reliability coefficients in normal children as well as children with dysfunctions.
Nomothetic and Idiographic Strategies for Clinical Research: In Apposition or Opposition?
Authors: Ottenbacher Kenneth
Published: December 2014

The use of large-N group comparison research strategies based on a nomothetic model is compared and contrasted with idiographic methods employing single-system designs and advocating the intensive study of the individual The limitations of research design and analysis based on a nomothetic model are reviewed, and some corresponding advantages of the idiographic approach are presented A bias has existed in the generation of empirical knowledge in the behavioral and social sciences which favored the use of large-N group comparison designs This bias may result in a research literature with limited clinical relevance for the individual client or consumer of occupational therapy services. The argument is made that both nomothetic and idiographic approaches represent valid methods of establishing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. The implications for occupational therapy practice and research are briefly discussed.
Mood and Affect following Success and Failure in Two Cultural Groups
Authors: Shih Louisa Shing-Ru , Nelson David L. , Duncombe Linda W.
Published: December 2014

Occupational therapy theorists and others have stated that success and failure in activities play important roles in the development of a generalized sense of competence in occupational performance In this study it was hypothesized that a success experience and a failure experience would elicit different moods and affects in participants, and that people from different cultural backgrounds would respond to success and failure differently. Twenty Chinese graduate students currently enrolled in U.S. graduate schools and 20 U.S. graduate students participated in this study. The semantic differential technique and the Bipolar Form of the Profile of Mood States (POMS-BI) were used as dependent variables In addition to success-failure and nationality, gender inadvertently was found to be a significant predictor of responses and was treated as the third independent variable Results revealed that across the nationalities and across the sexes, the success experience resulted in significantly more positive moods and affects than the failure experience on all dependent variables. The only significant interaction between nationality and success-failure occurred on the composed-anxious factor of the POMS-BI, such that the Chinese group felt especially composed after the success activity in comparison with the American group. Females' moods were generally lower than males' on pre-activity, post-success, and post-failure measurements.
Preliminary Normative Data on the Position of the Scapula in Normal Six-Year-Old Boys
Authors: Quinn Joan M. , Bundy Anita C.
Published: December 2014

This study established preliminary normative data on the position of the scapula on the thorax in 91 normal 6-year-old hoys. Scapular abduction and upward tilt of the scapula were measured with a ruler and a beveled prOTRactor in four test positions. The data showed that multiple measurements were needed due to the high variability of scapular positioning across subjects. The most reliable and least variable of the four test positions was the quadruped position. Results provide therapists with acceptable guidelines for the range of scapular deviation in normal 6-year-old boys. Implications for further research are discussed.
Diagnostic Tests in Occupational Therapy: A Model for Evaluation
Authors: Law Mary C. , Polatajko Helene J.
Published: December 2014

This article describes a model for the evaluation of diagnostic tests used in occupational therapy. In this model, new diagnostic tests are compared to valid tests (“gold standard”), and their sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and agreement are calculated. The use of this method is illustrated with data from the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test and the Stille-Werner Rotation Chair.
Relationship between Manual Midline Crossing and Hand Preference
Authors: Stilwell Janet M.
Published: December 2014

The relationship between manual midline crossing and hand preference was studied in 200 2- to 6-year-old children. Performance patterns of right-, left-, and mixed-handed children were compared. Right- and left-handed children exhibited significantly greater frequency of preferred than nonpreferred hand use for total hand use and for contralateral hand responses. The right-handed group showed a developmental trend for contralateral hand responses, with age-related changes due to a progressive increase in frequency of contralateral right (preferred) hand responses. The mixed-handed group displayed a weak preference toward use of the right hand for total hand use and for contralateral hand responses. A general reduction in frequency of midline crossing cited within the mixed-handed group was due to reduced frequency of contralateral right-hand responses. The theoretical significance of the research findings and their implications for sensory integration test interpretation are discussed.
Clinical Reasoning in Psychosocial Occupational Therapy: The Evaluation Process
Authors: Barris Roann
Published: December 2014

This qualitative study attempted to explore and describe the initial evaluation process in psychosocial occupational therapy. Observation of 19 therapists interviewing patients, detailed transcripts of those interviews, interviews with the therapists, and two questionnaires on therapists' beliefs and attitudes about psychosocial occupational therapy and mental illness were analyzed. Results suggested that the initial evaluation interview process varies in terms of content and format; links exist between interview formats and types of treatment programs; communication of therapist beliefs seems to be an important facet of the interview; as with other health professionals, much routinization seems to exist in clinical decision making; and the environment appears to be a more pervasive influence on clinical reasoning than personal beliefs and attitudes.
Faculty Perceptions of Rewards in Occupational Therapy Education: Implications for Improving Research Productivity
Authors: Parham Diane
Published: December 2014

This study reports results from an investigation of reward systems in occupational therapy education. Full-time occupational therapy faculty in baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate programs were surveyed ( N = 275) and asked to rate a list of possible work-related rewards for potential importance of each to the individual respondent. Results highlighted the value that faculty place on intrinsically rewarding aspects of their work. Factor analysis revealed four main dimensions of rewards: economic, research related, teaching/service related, and social/environmental. These types of rewards are discussed in relation to enhancing research productivity among occupational therapy faculty.
Grip-Strength Measurement: A Comparison of Three Jamar Dynamometers
Authors: Flood-Joy Maureen , Mathiowetz Virgil
Published: December 2014

These two studies evaluated whether three types of Jamar dynamometers measured equivalently. In study A, 26 subjects were tested on 2 types; in study B, 30 subjects were tested on 3 types. Both studies found significant differences between and among the dynamometers. Therapists can no longer assume that all versions of the Jamar dynamometer measure equivalently, and the differences should be taken into account when using normative data and when assessing treatment effectiveness. In the latter case, the same dynamometer must be used for pre- and posttesting.
Performance on a Fine Motor Task by Dominant Hemiplegics
Authors: Shah S. K. , Cooper B. I.
Published: December 2014

The left and right hand performance of 321 right-dominant older unimpaired persons on a timed test of fine motor planning was compared with that of 244 right-dominant patients with unilatereral brain damage following stroke, using the unaffected hand. The test task, a cost- and time-efficient measure of manipulative ability, differentiated between older unimpaired persons and hemiplegic patients but did not discriminate side affected. The significant effects of right and left hemisphere stroke, aphasia, advancing age, and sex differences on manipulative ability, and their implications, are discussed in relation to the literature on ideational apraxia.
Relationships between Eating Behaviors and Person/Environment Interactions in College Women
Authors: Barris Roann
Published: December 2014

This study examined relationships between self-reported eating habits, environmental interactions occurring within the context of personal projects, and the psychosocial atmosphere of the living environments of 65 college women. Regression analyses and comparisons of selected high and low scores on the eating measures suggested that women with high (dysfunctional) eating scores had more food-related personal projects, did more projects alone, performed more projects at home, and had projects linked to a more limited range of environmental settings than did the women with low scores. They also derived less enjoyment, anticipated less success, and felt more stress and less control of their projects than the other women did. Finally, in their living environments, they perceived a strong emphasis on a traditional social orientation and on competition.
A Comparison of Psychiatric Patients and Normal Subjects Based on the Model of Human Occupation
Authors: Barris Roann , Dickie Virginia , Baron Kathi Brenneman
Published: December 2014

This study examined the empirical validity of the model of human occupation in psychosocial occupational therapy. A battery of instruments corresponding to the components of the model was administered to young adult patients with chronic conditions, patients with eating disorders, adolescents hospitalized for psychiatric disorders, and normal adults and adolescents. The only variables on which the groups did not differ significantly were the Fatalism subscale of the Internal—External Scale and the Future Meaning dimension of the Life Attitude Profile. A series of comparison regressions using ratings on each of four roles from the Role Performance Scale as criterion variables generally was more useful in explaining the performance of the group with eating disorders and less useful with the young adult group with chronic conditions. The regressions were also more useful in explaining social and productive role performance than in explaining leisure or self management role performance. In the most successful model, life purpose, self-control, existential vacuum, and family environment explained 46% of the variance in social role performance by the group with eating disorders. For young adult patients with chronic conditions, the best model—consisting of existential vacuum, past roles, self-control, family environment, and life purpose—accounted for 32% of the variance in performance of the productive (work or education) role. For the adolescents hospitalized with psychiatric disorders, skills, family environment, life purpose, and past roles accounted for 35% of the variance in social role performance.
Schroeder-Block-Campbell Adult Psychiatric Sensory Integration Evaluation: Concurrent Validity and Clinical Utility
Authors: Hamada Roger S. , Van Schroeder Carolyn
Published: December 2014

One hundred thirteen psychiatric patients and 31 normal subjects who were evaluated with the Schroeder-Block-Campbell (SBC) Adult Psychiatric Sensory Integration Evaluation differed significantly in their scores on the Physical Assessment, Abnormal Movements, and Childhood History subscales. Sex and inpatient status were not found to be significantly related to Physical Assessment and Abnormal Movements scores; DSM-III diagnosis, age, and treatment with antipsychotic medication were significantly related to these scores Exploratory cutoff scores differentiated psychiatric subjects in general and schizophrenic subjects in particular from normal subjects at a level well above chance. The implications of these findings for using the SBC as a clinical and research tool are discussed It is argued that the SBC provides a reliable, valid, standardized tool for assessment, treatment monitoring treatment evaluation, and research.
Effect of Choice Making on a Self-Care Activity in Mentally Retarded Adult and Adolescent Males
Authors: Rice Martin S. , Nelson David L.
Published: December 2014

Of central importance to occupational therapy is the issue of motivation in activity. The purpose of this study was to look at the effects of choice on motivation during an activity undertaken by mentally retarded adult and adolescent males Each subject was given a choice of five wrinkled T-shirts that had sports logos on them. The subject chose one and was asked to iron the T-shirt before he took it to keep. Counterbalancing for order of presentation, we designed the study so that each subject also experienced not having a choice between five T-shirts and then having to iron the one given to him. The amount of ironing was measured by calculating the amount of water evaporation A one-tailed t test indicated that with this population, choice in an activity was a significant motivator for increased participation in a subsequent activity ( p < .05). Results are discussed in terms of the need for research to build a theoretical base upon which practice directed to developing a sense of efficacy in mentally retarded and other populations can be founded.
Relation between an Oral Form Discrimination Task and Chewing Behavior in Normal 5- to 8-Year-Old Children
Authors: Gisel Erika G. , Schwob Hannah
Published: December 2014

Therapists often apply oral-sensory stimulation to children with eating problems with the expectation that sensory stimulation will facilitate chewing and swallowing. Evidence from the literature to support such an expectation is inconsistent, which may be due to the difficulty of separating the sensory from the motor component when working with the eating-impaired child The present study addresses the question of whether any correlation between measures of chewing and oral sensation can be shown in healthy normal children by using normative data from a chewing assessment (Gisel, 1988a) and a sensory assessment (Gisel & Schwob, 1988).

Eighty-six children between the ages of 5 and 8 participated in this study; 15 were 5 years old, 26 were 6 years old, 26 were 7 years old, and 19 were 8 years old. Significant correlations were found between the time (in seconds) for chewing viscous foods and perception of size as measured by an oral form discrimination task The data support the idea that there may be an association between oral form perception and chewing; however, the nature of this association is still unknown.
Relationships between Therapists and Parents of Preschool Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Survey
Authors: Hinojosa Jim , Anderson Jill , Ranum Gary W.
Published: December 2014

This survey investigated the roles of occupational therapists working with parents of preschool children with cerebral palsy. It examined and identified (a) attitudes of occupational therapists working with parents, (b) roles occupational therapists assume when working with parents, and (c) issues that arise in the working relationship with parents. Data were collected from 257 registered occupational therapists currently working with preschool children with cerebral palsy. The instrument used to collect the data was developed by the authors and other experienced clinicians. Results suggest that occupational therapists are more likely to concentrate on therapeutic objectives and techniques than deal with parental feelings Data are presented and summarized with implications for occupational therapy clinical practice.
Occupational Therapy Administrators and Clinicians: Differences in Demographics and Values
Authors: Bailey Diana M.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine variables that predict whether an occupational therapist will choose an administrative role or a clinical role within the profession. It is hoped that the results will be useful to those educators whose job is to recruit potential occupational therapy administrators. Variables were measured with Catell's Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (Catell, Eber, & Tatsuoka, 1982); the Rokeach Values Survey (Rokeach, 1968); nine semantic differential items measuring fear of success, fear of failure, identification with mother or father, and self-concept; and a demographic survey. The therapist's age and educational degree, and the values of lovingness, capability, mature love, inner harmony, and a sense of accomplishment were major correlates of role choice.

The roles the respondents had actually chosen were predicted with 67% accuracy. Age, educational degree, male mentoring in administration, the specialty of physical disabilities, and the values of capability, a sense of accomplishment, freedom, and ambition were predictors of the administrative role. Age, degree, and the values of lovingness, helpfulness, mature love, and inner harmony were predictors of the clinical role The personality factors fear of success or fear of failure, identification with mother or father, and self-concept did not contribute to the respondents' choice of occupational role.
Occupational Therapists' Self-Assessment after Participation in a Course on Theory and Research
Authors: Poole Janet L.
Published: December 2014

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an audiotape continuing education program on how theory relates to research. Thirty-nine occupational therapists who had been assigned to a control group or an audiotape group in a previous study served as subjects. Analysis of variance revealed that the audiotape group scored significantly higher than the control group on written tests completed immediately after the continuing education program and 6 to 9 months later. Chi-square analyses of the responses to a self-report questionnaire on research-related behavior revealed no significant difference between the two groups. Thus, although the continuing education program increased knowledge, participation in the program did not significantly increase involvement in research-related behaviors.
The Effect of the Duration of Intertrial Rest Periods on Isometric Grip Strength Performance in Young Adults
Authors: Trossman Patricia B. , Li Ping-Wu
Published: December 2014

This study examined the effect of the duration of intertrial rest periods on isometric grip strength scores in successive trials with the use of the power grip attachment of the Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment work simulator. Male and female subjects, 19 to 41 years of age, were randomly assigned to one of three groups, categorized by 15-, 30-, or 60-sec rest periods between five consecutive isometric grip tests. No significant differences were found between the groups in the pattern of decline in torque across trials. However, the group with the longest intertrial rest period had a significantly smaller percentage of decline in torque from the first to the last trial and the highest intraclass correlation coefficient between the five trials for both hands. In addition, the same group of subjects demonstrated significantly smaller differences in torque from the first to the second pretrial, which had a 2-min rest period, than from the first to the second experimental trial, which had shorter intertrial rest periods of 15, 30, or 60 sec.
Interpreting Evidence of Predictive Validity for Developmental Screening Tests
Authors: Miller Lucy Jane , Lemerand Pamela A. , Schouten Peter G. W.
Published: December 2014

Evidence of predictive validity is an essential basis for the selection and use of a screening instrument. In the area of developmental screening such information is typically assessed by two methods: correlational analysis and classificational analysis. This paper describes each methodology and reviews their relative advantages and disadvantages in relation to the early identification of developmental handicaps and risks.
Adaptive Equipment: Its Effectiveness for People with Chronic Lower Back Pain
Authors: Tyson Rosemary , Strong Jenny
Published: December 2014

People with chronic lower back pain frequently have difficulty independently performing daily living tasks. The occupational therapist prescribes assistive devices and adaptive equipment to enhance independent performance of activities of daily living. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nine types of adaptive equipment prescribed for chronic lower back pain patients seen at a major hospital. Equipment effectiveness was evaluated using frequency of use and perceived benefit as the dependent measures. Forty subjects responded to a mailed questionnaire. Of the 120 pieces of equipment in possession, 87.5% were in use and 85% were considered to be of some benefit. The number of occupational therapy sessions was significantly associated with an increased frequency of use and perceived benefit of the adaptive equipment (p < .05).
The Behavioral and Cognitive Response of Brain-Damaged Patients to Therapist Instructional Style
Authors: Tickle-Degnen Linda , Rosenthal Robert
Published: December 2014

Two instructional styles, one task-oriented and one patient-oriented, were investigated for their effect on the nonverbal behavior and immediate cognitive performance of patients with brain damage. A repeated measures design was used to address the hypotheses that the patient-oriented style relative to the task-oriented style would create greater patient nonverbal positivity and self-directiveness and result in better patient performance on a block design task. Twenty-eight patients received two instructional periods from one of seven therapists who used the same style or alternate styles during the two periods. As predicted, during the patient-oriented style of instruction the patient displayed more nonverbal positivity and self-directiveness than during the task-oriented style. On the other hand, the task-oriented style during the first instructional period led to higher scores on the subsequent block design task while the patient-oriented style during the second period led to higher scores.
Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability of a Process Skills Assessment
Authors: Doble Susan E.
Published: December 2014

The Process Skills Assessment is an observational assessment designed to evaluate process skills as demonstrated during the performance of a self-selected task. Retest reliability results indicated that the assessment can be used to measure changes in clients' process skills after therapy if the same task is used upon re-administration. Although all assessment tasks meet specific guidelines, each one places slightly different demands on the subject's process skills. The different process skill demands of tasks must be addressed to ensure generalizability of the assessment results beyond the specific task. Inter-rater reliability results indicated that two raters observing the same subject will reach a moderate level of agreement when identifying general process skill deficits. The findings suggest that increased specificity of the individual rating scale items and procedures to ensure raters' adherence to assessment training protocol will improve the consistency of ratings across raters.
The Impact of Heterogeneity in a Clinical Trial: Motor Outcomes after Sensory Integration Therapy
Authors: Law Mary , Polatajko Helene J. , Schaffer Robin , Miller Janice , Macnab Jennifer
Published: December 2014

The effect of a therapeutic intervention in a clinical trial may be obscured by heterogeneity in the study subjects. This paper examines the results of a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of 6 months of sensory integration therapy, perceptual-motor treatment, and no program (control) on learning disabled children with sensory integrative dysfunction. Contrary to expectations, Polatajko, Law, Miller, Schaffer, and Macnab (1991) found no significant differences between the groups on motor performance. However, overall, the children made motor gains; indeed, some children made very large gains. Others did not make gains or deteriorated. Change scores indicated that approximately half of the children improved more than can be expected by maturation alone while half did not. The heterogeneity of the response of individual children to treatment appeared to have led to an overall non-significant result. The heterogeneity was examined using a backward elimination regression procedure. The importance of this heterogeneity for assigning children to programs and designing outcome studies in occupational therapy is discussed.
Making a Difference: Occupational Therapy in the Public Schools
Authors: Niehues Anita N. , Bundy Anita C. , Mattingly Cheryl F. , Lawlor Mary C.
Published: December 2014

In this study the nature of occupational therapy practice in the public schools was explored through the use of qualitative methodology. Five expert school system practitioners participated in open-ended, in-depth interviews conducted by the principal investigator These occupational therapists were asked to narrate a situation from their practice when they felt their interventions had made significant differences for students and in students' abilities to learn in school. Transcripts from the narrative interviews were analyzed for thematic content using a method of constant comparative analysis (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Three major themes emerged from this analysis: reframing, untold stories and situatedness, and ambivalence and paradox. The results of this study describe the practice of expert occupational therapists in public schools from a unique perspective. They also provide some insights into the ways in which educationally related occupational therapy services developed over time.
Evidence for Content and Discriminant Validity of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test Competency Exam
Authors: Royeen Charlotte Brasic , Koomar Jane , Cromack Ted , Fortune Jim C. , Domkey Lynetta
Published: December 2014

This article presents an overview of the evidence for content and discriminant validity of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) Competency Exam. First, a summary of certification vs. licensure is presented. Second, the five requirements for certification in administration and interpretation of the SIPT (Ayres, 1989) are presented. Third, a discussion of the differences between the SIPT and the SIPT Competency Exam is presented.

Fourth, a historical log of how content validity was built into the SIPT Competency Exam is presented. Fifth, evidence for discriminant validity of the SIPT Competency Exam is presented by reporting on a study investigating performance on the exam by different groups of occupational therapists. Finally it is concluded that preliminary evidence suggests that the SIPT Competency Exam is a valid test for use by Sensory Integration International as one of the five requirements for certification in the administration and interpretation of the SIPT (Ayres).
Test-Retest Reliability of the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test in Children with Motor Coordination Problems
Authors: Wilson Brenda N. , Kaplan Bonnie J. , Faris Peter D.
Published: December 2014

Although test-retest reliability of the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test (SCPNT) with normal children is reported in the literature as high, there is more variability in response and lower reliability when the lest is used with learning or motor disabled children. As part of another study, 69 children (aged 5 to 9 years) with motor coordination problems were administered the SCPNT on multiple occasions. Test-retest reliability ranged from .64 to .79 (ICC) when the same tester administered both tests, but was very low when different testers were used (.12 and .17). There was no difference in test-retest reliability between children who had an average degree of excursion and those with barely perceptible excursion. Implications for the use of the test are discussed.
Self-Rating as an Evaluation Tool following Continuing Professional Education
Authors: Humphry Ruth , Geissinger Shirley
Published: December 2014

How well the typical workshop meets professionals' needs to acquire new knowledge and maintain a high level of competence has been questioned. To adequately document the outcome of Workshops, well designed evaluation measures are essential. This article discusses the development of a self-rating tool to assess participant change after a workshop on working with families who have a child receiving early intervention services. One anticipated outcome of the workshop is that the therapist will indicate a higher level of performance in areas related to working with families. Prior to its use the evaluation tool's reliability and validity were examined.
Issues in Early Intervention: Measuring Attitudes about Family-Centered Services
Authors: Humphry Ruth , Geissinger Shirley
Published: December 2014

The steps taken to develop an attitude-gauging instrument which is consistent with a family-centered approach in early intervention are reported. Data provided by occupational therapists ( N=319) in two pilot studies were used to support reliability and validity of the questionnaire, Issues in Early Intervention (IEI). Also, factors that may influence how occupational therapists, attending workshops on early intervention, responded to the questionnaire are reported. A regression model was able to explain 25% of the variance of the total score for IEI. The results suggest that geographic region and employment experience characteristics have small but significant influence on respondents' attitudes.
Materials-Based Occupation versus Imagery-Based Occupation versus Rote Exercise: A Replication and Extension
Authors: DeKuiper William P. , Nelson David L. , White Bob E.
Published: December 2014

Historically, occupational therapists have embedded exercise within occupation to enhance performance. In a recent study Lang, Nelson, and Bush (1992) compared the effects of materials-based occupation (kicking a balloon), imagery-based occupation (imagining kicking a balloon), and rote exercise on the number of exercise repetitions performed. This study extends that study by measuring the vertical distance and speed of the movement by means of Motion Analysis, Inc. digitization of videotape, in addition to exercise repetitions. The subjects included 24 women and 4 men between 76 and 98 years of age residing in residential facilities. All of the subjects experienced the three conditions but in different orders. After a statistically significant analysis of variance across the three conditions (p<.001), the Tukey procedure determined that the materials-based occupation condition elicited significantly more repetitions than the other two conditions. The difference between the imagery-based occupation and rote exercise was not statistically significant. Analyses of variance indicated no significant difference between conditions for both the vertical distance variable ( p=.074) and the speed variable ( p=.61).
Intrarater and Interrater Objectivity of the Erhardt Developmental Prehension Assessment among Trained and Untrained Examiners
Authors: Scheer Christina , Morris Shelley , Williams Joye , McPherson James J.
Published: December 2014

Seven trained and eight untrained examiners rated the videotaped performance of one child with the Erhardt Developmental Prehension Assessment to determine intrarater and interrater objectivity. Objectivity is one component of reliability. Reliability studies reflect errors because of subject performance changes and rater inconsistencies in applying scoring criteria. Objectivity, through the use of videotaped performances, investigates those errors in assessments caused by the inconsistency of applying scoring criteria. Findings demonstrated high levels of intrarater objectivity and moderate to high levels of interrater objectivity for trained examiners. Training led to significantly increased correlation coefficients for interrater tests. Results of the study are discussed in relation to possible sources of instability of scores, the use of the assessment in the clinic, and directions future research could take in further development of this instrument.