bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the Effect of Kinesthetic Training on Handwriting Performance in First-Grade Students
Authors: Sudsawad Pimjai , Trombly Catherine A. , Henderson Ann , Tickle-Degnen Linda 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesthetic training on handwriting performance in first-grade students 6 to 7 years of age who had kinesthetic deficits and handwriting difficulties.
METHOD. With a randomized–blinded three group research design, 45 children were assigned to either a kinesthetic training group, a handwriting practice group, or a no treatment group. Kinesthesis and handwriting legibility were measured before and after intervention. Teachers’ judgments of handwriting legibility in the classroom setting were sought at 4 weeks after the intervention to see whether any improvement gained would be maintained in the natural setting. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for data analyses.
RESULTS. At posttest, all groups showed significant improvement of kinesthesis, with no significant difference in the magnitude of improvement among the groups. There was no significant improvement of handwriting legibility as measured by a standardized test in any of the groups, although teachers indicated improvement of handwriting legibility in the classroom setting in all groups. Teachers also reported maintenance of handwriting legibility at 4 weeks after posttest.
CONCLUSION. Kinesthetic training did not improve handwriting or kinesthesis in these children. The findings of this study offer no support for use of kinesthetic training to improve handwriting legibility in first-grade students.
The Relationship Between Hand Strength and the Forces Used To Access Containers by Well Elderly Persons
Authors: Rahman Nafees , Thomas Julie Jepsen , Rice Martin S. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study extended previous work of Rice, Leonard, and Carter [AJOT, 52(8), 621–626] and examined the relationship between grip and pinch strengths and the forces produced while accessing common household containers in healthy, elderly persons.
METHOD. Forty-two women and 9 men 60 years of age and older were assigned randomly to one of four order groups in a counterbalanced, repeated-measures design. Grip strength was measured via a dynamometer and pinch strength via a pinch meter. The forces required to access six common household containers were measured with force sensing resistors applied to each container. Data analysis included Pearson product-moment correlations between the dependent variables of grip and pinch strength and force produced on the containers. Analyses of variance were used to determine differences by gender on the dependent measures and order of presentation of containers.
RESULTS. A fair relationship (r = .31 to .44) was found between grip and pinch strength and the ability to open three containers. Little or no relationship was found between grip and pinch strength and the ability to open the remaining three containers (r = −.03 to .25). Significant gender differences existed on overall strength and the force used to access two of the six containers. No order effects were found.
CONCLUSIONS. Strong relationships did not exist between the grip and pinch strength and the amount of force the elderly participants used to open the containers, which is similar to what Rice et al. found for younger persons. The participants appeared to use a greater proportion of their available strength when accessing the containers than did their younger counterparts previously studied. Further research is needed to determine at what level of weakness one would expect to see performance deficits in common daily occupations.
Functional Outcomes and Daily Life Activities of African-American Elders After Hospitalization
Authors: Spencer Jean , Hersch Gayle , Shelton Margarette , Ripple Joanne , Spencer Cheryl , Dyer Carmel B. , Murphy Kathleen 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. African-American elders were recruited from a transitional unit after hospitalization and tracked for 6 months in the community after discharge to (a) examine functional outcomes on the unit and in the community and (b) identify patterns of participation in daily life activities. The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH-2) framework provided the structure to examine the connections among body systems, functional outcomes, and social participation for this population that has been underrepresented in past research.
METHOD. A mixed design combined qualitative and quantitative methods, including qualitative interviews to document personal adaptive experience, a standardized functional assessment to identify functional outcomes, and a structured format to record activity participation.
RESULTS. Findings revealed that 11 of the 17 participants improved their functional outcomes after discharge. Three patterns of activity participation identified were self-care, self-care and household management, and mixed activities. Contextual influences were diverse family support arrangements.
CONCLUSION. Complex relationships were identified among body systems, functional outcomes, and daily life activities that were influenced by individual values and support arrangements.
Young Children’s Occupations: Explicating the Dynamics of Developmental Processes
Authors: Humphry Ruth 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Describing development as sequential sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial milestones does not explain how children learn to do or improve their occupations. In response to changes within occupational therapy and challenges in early intervention, this article focuses on development of occupation and proposes a dynamic system perspective. Contemporary research suggests that processes are in place to ensure that children develop as occupational beings. Social participation and caregiving routines guide the child toward becoming occupational by introducing intentional acts and by endowing experiences with meaning. A self-organizing process enables children to integrate their immature capacities and engage in occupations. Simultaneously, caregiving shapes these emerging behaviors, ensuring that performance is culturally compatible. Finally, using self-organization to maintain occupational engagement enables the child to accommodate to maturing abilities and environmental challenges. This reorganized pattern in turn is the basis for developmental changes, new behaviors, and refinement of current abilities. Application of concepts is made to acquisition of skills for eating a meal.
Range of Motion at the Wrist: A Comparison Study of Four Wrist Extension Orthoses and the Free Hand
Authors: Collier Sarah E. , Thomas Julie Jepsen 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study compared the total wrist range of motion permitted by four different styles of wrist extension orthoses and the free hand.
METHOD. Using a repeated-measures, counterbalanced design, 40 healthy female volunteers 20 to 39 years of age shot a basketball while free handed and while wearing each of four wrist extension orthoses: AlignRite; Rolyan D-Ring Long; Rolyan D-Ring Short; and a custom-made, thumb hole design orthosis. The motion at the wrist was measured by an electrogoniometer.
RESULTS. No significant differences were found in total wrist motion permitted among the four orthotic conditions. Analyses revealed that the custom-made orthosis allowed significantly less palmar flexion and significantly more dorsiflexion than the three commercially available orthoses. All orthoses significantly restricted wrist movement compared with the free hand.
CONCLUSION. The commercially available wrist extension orthoses offered little difference in the amount of restriction they provided. The custom orthosis restricted movement to a different portion of the available range than did the commercial orthoses. Future research should examine how different strapping techniques on custom-made orthoses affect total range of motion permitted at the wrist. Knowledge of patterns of restriction among various styles of orthoses will help therapists to select the most appropriate orthosis for a client‘s individual needs.
A Synthesis of the Effects of Occupational Therapy for Persons With Stroke, Part II: Remediation of Impairments
Authors: Ma Hui-ing , Trombly Catherine A. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
This article is the second of a two-part synthesis of research regarding the effects of occupational therapy to improve activity and participation and to reduce impairment for persons with stroke. Part I synthesized research findings for restoration of role participation and activity performance. Part II synthesizes research findings regarding the effects of occupational therapy to remediate psychosocial, cognitive-perceptual, and sensorimotor impairments. Only 29 studies involving 832 participants (mean age = 64.3 years) addressed these goals. No studies directly researched the effects of occupational therapy on depression after stroke. Eight studies addressed cognitive-perceptual abilities. The findings indicated that homemaking tasks resulted in greater improvement of cognitive ability than paper-and-pencil drills and that tasks that forced awareness of neglected space, including movement of the opposite limb into that space, improved unilateral neglect. Fifteen studies examined the effect of occupational therapy on various motor capacities after stroke. Coordinated movement improved under these conditions: (a) following written and illustrated guides for movement exercises, (b) using meaningful goal objects as targets, (c) practicing movements with specific goals, (d) moving both arms simultaneously but independently, and (e) imagining functional use of the affected limb. Research on inhibitory splinting was inconclusive. Based on these few studies and lack of replication, we could make only tentative recommendations for practice. Further definitive research is needed.
Doing-Being-Becoming: Occupational Experiences of Persons With Life-Threatening Illnesses
Authors: Lyons Michael , Orozovic Nicole , Davis Joanne , Newman Julie 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. Life-threatening illness profoundly affects people’s occupational functioning, yet continuing occupational engagement seems vital to their well-being. This qualitative study used a doing-being-becoming framework to explore the place of occupation in human lives threatened by illness.
METHOD. The experiences of 13 male and 10 female day hospice participants were investigated through a combination of focus groups, individual interviews, and participant observation. These data were interpreted by a process of constant comparison, coding, and theme building.
RESULTS. Experiences of doing were evident in accounts of losing and maintaining valued occupations and striving to preserve physical and mental functioning. A sense of being through occupational engagement arose in social relationships and self-exploration that enhanced feelings of self-worth. Occupation promoted the experience of becoming by providing fresh learning opportunities and a sense of contributing to others’ welfare.
CONCLUSION. The data offer new insights into the potential benefits of occupational engagement for persons dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Use of the doing-being-becoming framework enriched analysis of these data, which, in turn, have contributed to the understanding of the framework’s theoretical concepts.
Research Productivity Among Occupational Therapy Faculty Members in the United States
Authors: Paul Stanley , Liu Yuanlong , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the current research performance patterns of occupational therapy faculty, identify factors that influence individual faculty members productivity, and compare current faculty research performance with earlier studies in occupational therapy. Survey questionnaires from 158 faculty members were analyzed. Compared to earlier data, the results showed that today’s occupational therapy faculty members have obtained higher degrees, published more refereed articles, acquired larger external grants, stayed in academia longer, and developed clinical specialty areas. Tenured senior faculty members spent more time on research-related tasks, produced more publications and grants, and perceived institutional factors as more favorable for research than did untenured faculty in lower ranks. The overall enhancement in productivity among occupational therapy faculty members in the 1990s suggests an increase in academic scholarly activities.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Faculty Development Workshops
Authors: Mitcham Maralynne D. , Lancaster Carol J. , Stone Beth M. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, from the participants’ perspective, the effectiveness over time of 10 occupational therapy faculty development workshops conducted between 1994 and 1998.
METHOD. Surveys were mailed to 179 occupational therapy faculty participants to gather demographic data and perceptions of the following aspects of the workshops: benefits over time of the instructional content, changes made in current teaching practices, progress as a faculty member, and future needs for faculty development.
RESULTS. The response rate was 63% (n = 106). The majority (72%) of respondents had less than 5 years of teaching experience. Respondents were women in their early 40s with approximately 12 years of clinical experience and a master’s degree. Respondents perceived the most effective aspect of the faculty development workshops as the opportunity to participate in a face-to-face environment in which they observed the skills of a master teacher demonstrating instructional principles. Further, respondents reported that the greatest changes in their current teaching practices occurred in their ability to design, implement, and evaluate a course of instruction, thus increasing their perceptions of progress as a faculty member.
CONCLUSION. The 10 faculty development workshops conducted between 1994 and 1998 were judged effective by occupational therapy faculty members who perceived that their participation resulted in benefits over time to their current teaching practices.
Outcomes of an Occupational Therapy Program for Mothers of Children With Disabilities: Impact on Satisfaction With Time Use and Occupational Performance
Authors: VanLeit Betsy , Crowe Terry K. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This experimental research study evaluated the impact of an 8-week psychosocial occupational therapy intervention program for mothers who have children with disabilities.
METHOD. Thirty-eight mothers of children with disabilities were randomly assigned to participate either in the treatment or the control group (19 in each). The occupational therapy intervention was designed to facilitate increased perceptions of satisfaction with time use and occupational performance, thereby positively affecting maternal and family well-being. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered to measure self-perceptions of occupational performance and satisfaction over time.
RESULTS. No significant differences were found between the two groups on time use perceptions. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups on the COPM Performance subscale, the treatment group demonstrated significantly greater score increases (p &lt; .05) on the COPM Satisfaction subscale.
CONCLUSION. This preliminary study suggests that attending to the time use and occupational concerns of mothers of children with disabilities can have a positive impact on their satisfaction with occupational performance.
The Importance of Leisure in the Lives of Persons With Congenital Physical Disabilities
Authors: Specht Jacqueline , King Gillian , Brown Elizabeth , Foris Carey 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Although occupational therapists emphasize a balance among the three occupational areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure in people’s lives, leisure often is focused on less than the other areas in both the research literature and clinical practice. Very little research has been conducted on the benefits of leisure activities in adults with congenital disabilities. The information contained in this article is a secondary analysis of the interview protocols of nine adults (30–50 years of age) with either cerebral palsy or spina bifida. The primary purpose of the interview was to determine protective processes surrounding turning points in the lives of persons with disabilities. This secondary analysis allowed us to determine the benefits and meaning of leisure for this population. Consistent with literature that focused on either persons without disabilities or persons with acquired disabilities, the participants in the present study reported that involvement in leisure activity provides mental and physical health benefits, enjoyment, opportunity to develop a self-concept and increase self-esteem, and opportunities to build and enhance social relationships. All these benefits enable people to find meaning in life through doing, belonging, and understanding self in the context of their worlds.
A Validity Study of the Evaluation Tool of Children’s Handwriting–Cursive
Authors: Koziatek Susan M. , Powell Nancy J. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVES. This study examined concurrent validity of the Evaluation Tool of Children’s Handwriting–Cursive (ETCH-C) by comparing ETCH-C total legibility percentage scores with handwriting grades from teachers. The study also identified the legibility percentage score discriminating between satisfactory and unsatisfactory handwriting.
METHOD. The participants were 101 fourth graders who completed two handwriting instruments. Three teachers sorted the Cursive Practice and Review work sheets into A, B, C, and unsatisfactory groups to establish handwriting grade. The study compared ETCH-C total legibility percentage scores with teacher grading, using personal judgment of handwriting on the Cursive Practice and Review work sheet.
RESULTS. Mean legibility percentage scores increased significantly as handwriting grade increased. The concurrent validity coefficients were .61 for ETCH-C total words and .65 for ETCH-C total letters and handwriting grade. ETCH-C legibility percentage scores discriminating satisfactory from unsatisfactory handwriting ranged from 73% to 82% on ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves.
CONCLUSION. Results support the concurrent validity of the ETCH-C with handwriting grades. A 75% word legibility percentage score discriminated satisfactory and unsatisfactory handwriting.
Patients’ Perspectives on the Self-Identified Goals Assessment
Authors: Melville Lisa Link , Baltic Tamara A. , Bettcher Timothy W. , Nelson David L. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ perspectives of the validity of the Self-Identified Goals Assessment (SIGA), which is designed for use by occupational therapists working in subacute rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. The SIGA has two primary purposes: (a) to help the patient identify personally meaningful occupational goals to be addressed in therapy and (b) to evaluate changing levels of patient-defined success in desired occupations.
METHOD. Participants (20 women, 10 men) were patients with varied diagnosed conditions at a hospital-based subacute facility. Their mean age was 73.4 years (SD = 12.2). The SIGA was administered by the patients’ regular occupational therapy practitioner after admission and before discharge; a graduate student followed up each administration of the SIGA by asking participants fixed-alternative and open-ended questions about the usefulness of the assessment. Fixed-alternative questions were analyzed as simple dichotomies, and open-ended questions were analyzed through categorization into convergent and divergent themes across participants.
RESULTS. Twenty-nine of the 30 participants confirmed the personal meaningfulness of goals identified in the SIGA admissions interview, and 28 reported that they thought the SIGA helped the therapist realize what was personally important to them. On admission, 9 participants reported difficulty quantifying their performance on the 0-to-10 scale; however, 27 reported that their scores were accurate self-assessments. Participants’ perspectives of the SIGA tended to be particularly positive at discharge.
CONCLUSION. Given the lack of efficient, structured approaches to the measurement of self-identified goals in subacute and skilled nursing facilities, the SIGA tentatively is recommended for use in these settings, pending future research.
Family Routines and Rituals: A Context for Occupational Therapy Interventions
Authors: Segal Ruth 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
PURPOSE. This paper explores the importance of family daily routines and rituals for the family’s functioning and sense of identity.
METHODS. The findings of this paper are derived from an analysis of the morning routines of 40 families with children with disabilities in the United States and Canada. The participants lived in urban and rural areas. Forty of the 49 participants were mothers and the majority of the families were of European descent. Between one and four interviews were conducted with each participant. Topics included the family’s story, daily routines, and particular occupations. Data on the morning routines of the families were analyzed for order and affective and symbolic meaning using a narrative approach.
FINDINGS. The findings are presented as narratives of morning activities in five families. These narratives are examples for rituals, routines, and the absence of a routine. Rituals are discussed in terms of their affective and symbolic qualities, routines are discussed in terms of the order they give to family life, whereas the lack of family routine is discussed in terms of lack of order in the family.
CONCLUSIONS. Family routines and rituals are organizational and meaning systems that may affect family’s ability to adapt them.
An Evidence-Based and Occupational Perspective of Interventions for Persons With Substance-Use Disorders
Authors: Stoffel Virginia C. , Moyers Penelope A. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
An interdisciplinary evidence-based review of interventions among persons with substance-use disorders was completed in 2001 as part of American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA’s) Evidence-Based Literature Review Project (Lieberman & Scheer, 2002). Four effective interventions for adults and adolescents with substance use were identified, including brief interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational strategies, and 12-step programs. The research studies reviewed reported outcomes primarily related to reduction in alcohol and drug use. Occupational therapy interventions grounded in current evidence-based literature are suggested. Interventions are modified to include an occupational perspective leading to outcomes consistent with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2002). Study findings propose research questions to encourage further investigation of the effectiveness of these best practice interventions.