bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Health Status for Persons With Wrist or Hand Impairments Receiving Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy
Authors: Hart Dennis L. , Tepper Sherri , Lieberman Deborah 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe changes of health status as perceived by clients with hand or wrist impairments who received rehabilitation in acute, orthopedic outpatient facilities from occupational therapy or physical therapy personnel.
Method. One thousand three hundred ninety-nine adults with wrist (n = 692) or hand (n = 707) impairments who were treated between July 1996 and June 1997 were selected from the Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc. (FOTO) national rehabilitation database. Each client completed a health status questionnaire on intake and discharge. Data consisted of number of outpatient visits, duration of treatment episode, and health status scores for six functional scales. Measures of intensity, global health status, global utilization, and client satisfaction were calculated. Outcomes were evaluated across occupational therapists and physical therapists.
Results. Clients perceived improvement (p &lt; .05) in their health status over the course of therapy. Number of visits and measures of health status and client satisfaction were similar across type of therapist. Episode duration was longer (p &lt; .05) and intensity was less (p &lt; .05) for clients seen by occupational therapists.
Conclusion. Clients receiving rehabilitation in acute orthopedic outpatient centers perceived improvement in their functional abilities and health and well-being (global health status and individual functional scales) over the time during which treatment was provided. Results confirm the responsiveness of the outcomes instrument to clinical change in the clients’ perception of their health status over the course of therapy and support the use of health status as a measure of clinical outcome.
The Experience of Clinician-Researchers in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Cusick Anne 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This study examined the experience of occupational therapy clinicians who do research to illuminate factors that influenced their research, the processes involved, and the outcomes. The qualitative approach of grounded theory was used. Purposive sampling of all research-productive clinicians in acute care hospitals in one Australian city occurred. Fifteen clinicians participated in in-depth interviews that explored their experiences of research. Results were analyzed with the constant comparative method, and six conceptual categories were developed. These categories were further analyzed in terms of their relationships, and a core category that explained and synthesized the data was identified—becoming a clinician-researcher. This category encompassed a process of role change during which the person changed from clinician to clinician-researcher. Conditions for this change were identified, and three key concepts were derived to elaborate the core category. In becoming a clinician-researcher, the person was active in (a) identifying research as significant, (b) constructing actions in relation to research, and (c) evaluating the experience. The findings further the understanding of clinician-researchers through the description of their experience and the empirically based theoretical formulation that explains it.
Beyond the Unobtrusive Observer: Reflections on Researcher–Informant Relationships in Urban Ethnography
Authors: Lawlor Mary C. , Mattingly Cheryl F. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Ethnographic research involves the creation and ongoing renegotiations of relationships between researchers and informants. Prolonged engagement contributes to the complexity as relationships deepen and shift over time and participants accumulate a substantial reservoir of shared experiences. Reflections about the relationships we have co-constructed with informants in several research projects have contributed to our identification of several critical aspects of building and maintaining researcher–informant relationships in cross-cultural research. Aspects of relationship work specifically related to conducting ethnography with children, within the communities in which researchers live, and within the practice of occupational therapy are discussed.
From Waiting to Relating: Parents’ Experiences in the Waiting Room of an Occupational Therapy Clinic
Authors: Cohn Ellen S. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of parents’ perceptions of outcomes of occupational therapy intervention using a sensory integration approach.
Method. Interviews with parents regarding their children’s participation in occupational therapy were analyzed using grounded theory.
Results. The parents’ experiences of sitting in the waiting room while their children received occupational therapy emerged as a powerful outcome theme. Through their interactions with other parents, this particular group of parents gave and received naturally occurring support for parenting children with sensory integrative dysfunction. Additionally, by virtue of repeated experiences of waiting, parents moved to positions of liminality, shared weekly rituals, engaged in downward social comparison, and reframed their views of their children.
Conclusion. Implications are proposed for expanding the definition of family-centered intervention; attending to the meaning of the cultural world of practice; and directing future research related to how a physical setting, such as a waiting room, might shape naturally occurring support and social interaction.
Increased Pain Tolerance as an Indicator of Return to Work in Low-Back Injuries After Work Hardening
Authors: Joy Jennifer M. , Lowy Jamie , Mansoor Jim K. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. This study examined retrospective data from a multidisciplinary work-hardening program that compared patients who did and did not return to work after low-back injury. The objective of this study was to identify differences between these groups to better guide work-hardening programs and return-to-work decisions.
Method. Retrospective data from patients with low-back injuries (n = 115) who participated in a northern California work-hardening program were analyzed. Using two-way analysis of variance, male and female patients who did and did not return to work were compared.
Results. No significant differences were found between men and women for any of the variables studied. Patients who did and did not return to work were not significantly different in age, length of injury, and subjective pain at the beginning or end of the work-hardening program or in activity tolerance (p = .08). Patients who returned to work perceived a significantly (p ≤ .05) greater improvement in pain tolerance by the end of the work-hardening program than those who did not return to work.
Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that rehabilitation emphasis should not be placed on the reduction of subjective pain but, rather, on strategies to cope with existing pain while improving functional ability.
A Literature Review of the Effect of Handedness on Isometric Grip Strength Differences of the Left and Right Hands
Authors: Clerke Anita , Clerke Jonathan 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
When estimating preinjury grip strength for compensation and rehabilitation purposes, two methods have been identified in the literature: (a) comparison with the unaffected hand and (b) reference to grip strength normative data. The literature is divided about whether a significant difference exists between the grip strengths of a person’s two healthy hands. Some researchers argue that handedness affects the grip strength ratio. According to these authors, there is considerable variation in the definition of handedness, its effect on grip strength ratios, and the methods of assessing handedness as it relates to grip strength. The complexity of defining and accurately evaluating handedness is discussed in this literature review. Inappropriateness of the current use of self-report questionnaires for determining handedness for grip strength purposes is highlighted. The impact of the effect of handedness on grip strength ratios cannot be clarified until a consistent definition and evaluation method for assessing handedness is developed. This handedness definition then needs to be applied to appropriately designed hand grip strength studies.
Occupation by Design: Dimensions, Therapeutic Power, and Creative Process
Authors: Pierce Doris 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Two forces are converging, creating conditions both challenging and potentially fruitful for occupational therapy. The profession’s knowledge base describing occupation is growing exponentially. At the same time, functional outcomes of intervention are being increasingly valued within the health care environment. Other professions imitate and claim our areas of expertise in the most flattering and dangerous ways. To benefit from the convergence of these forces, occupational therapy must expeditiously translate understanding of occupation into powerful occupation-based practice. Three bridges must be built: a generative discourse, demonstration sites, and effective education.
The occupational design approach offers important conceptual tools with which to rapidly build these bridges to powerful practice. Described here are subjective and contextual dimensions of occupational experience, elements of the occupational design process, and how these factors produce therapeutic power through the appeal, intactness, and accuracy of interventions.
Holism in Occupational Therapy: Elusive Fiction and Ambivalent Struggle
Authors: Finlay Linda 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The profession of occupational therapy is said to have underpinnings of holistic, humanistic, and client-centered values. How does this claim translate into practice? This article reports on a qualitative study in which the practice experiences of 12 occupational therapists in the United Kingdom were explored. Through phenomenological analysis of interviews and participant observation data, the findings revealed that although holism is indeed valued, considerable uncertainty exists about what it actually means. The therapists studied seemed to understand holism and enact it in different, sometimes contradictory, ways. Further, each therapist’s practice could be simultaneously reductionistic and holistic, depending on the perceived needs of the situation. Therapists struggled to negotiate the tensions between beliefs and practices and to cope with their uncomfortable feelings when they did not achieve their ideals. Although the occupational therapists in this study strove to be person-centered, the demands of their work context pushed them to be pragmatic and strategic.
Factors Affecting Older Adults’ Use of Adaptive Equipment: Review of the Literature
Authors: Kraskowsky Laura Hastings , Finlayson Marcia 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this review was to identify the major findings of published research on the factors influencing older adults’ use of adaptive equipment.
Method. Fourteen studies involving an older adult sample were selected from major electronic bibliographic databases searched with a series of key words related to aging and equipment use. Results of these studies were compared to determine the most common factors influencing the use of adaptive equipment among older adults.
Results. Although the reviewed studies varied in their sampling strategies and designs, many results were similar. Between 47% and 82% of prescribed equipment continues to be used by older adults, with use decreasing over time. Findings from published studies show that equipment suitability, adequate training, and pre-prescription home visits contribute to these rates of use. Lack of fit among the person, his or her environment, and the equipment was the primary reason identified for nonuse.
Conclusion. The results of the published research provide practicing occupational therapists with a range of factors to consider when prescribing adaptive equipment to older adults. Although the findings of this review demonstrate remarkable consistency across existing research findings, future research is needed to identify what constitutes optimal device use, what factors provide personal motivation for using assistive devices, and how home visits influence use.
The Effectiveness of Physical, Psychological, and Functional Interventions in Treating Clients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Baker Nancy A. , Tickle-Degnen Linda 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This article provides a meta-analysis of the current best evidence for the use of occupational therapy with clients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A review of the literature identified 23 articles that examined the effectiveness of occupational therapy–related treatments on clients with MS. Meta-analytic analysis suggests that occupational therapy–related treatments were effective in treating the deficits associated with MS (r = .52), particularly for outcomes in the capacity and ability (r = .52; e.g., muscle strength, range of motion, mood) and task and activity (r = .57; e.g., dressing, bathing, ambulation) levels. A review of the research designs used to study MS suggests that more rigorous research is necessary to fully understand treatment effectiveness. Further, more research must be done to establish the effectiveness of occupational therapy treatment at the life role level.
Occupational Performance and the Transition to Powered Mobility: A Pilot Study
Authors: Buning Mary Ellen , Angelo Jennifer A. , Schmeler Mark R. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. This quantitative study describes the transition from manual to powered mobility and its influence on occupational performance (organization of daily tasks, assumption of responsibility, roles, interests) and feelings of competence, adaptability, and self-esteem.
Method. The Occupational Performance History Interview (OPHI) was used with a convenience sample of 8 participants with both static and progressive conditions to measure retrospectively changes in occupational performance after the change from a manual wheelchair to a powered mobility device (PMD). The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS) was used to measure participants’ perceptions of the impact of the PMD on their competence, adaptability, and self-esteem.
Results. A comparison of the pretest and posttest means on the OPHI scores showed a significant improvement in occupational performance (p = .001) after the introduction of PMDs. The PIADS scores showed a positive impact of 2 or greater for 75% of the participants on 19 of 26 items. Scores were similar to scores in a PIADS database of persons with comparable conditions. No significant relationship between occupational performance and psychosocial impact was demonstrated.
Conclusion. Results suggest that the transition to a PMD enhances occupational performance, competence, adaptability, and self-esteem for persons with severe mobility impairments.
Toddlers’ Persistence in the Emerging Occupations of Functional Play and Self-Feeding
Authors: Bober Sally J. , Humphry Ruth , Carswell Heather West , Core Amanda J. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. This descriptive study explores motivation of toddlers who are typically developing to persist with challenging occupations.
Method. The persistence of 33 children, 12 to 19 months of age (M = 15.7 months), in functional play and self-feeding with a utensil was examined through videotape analysis of on-task behaviors.
Results. A modest correlation was demonstrated between the percentages of on-task time in the two conditions (r = .44, p &lt; .01). Although chronological age was not associated with persistence, participants’ age-equivalent fine motor scores were correlated with persistence with challenging toys (r = .39, p &lt; .03) but not with self-feeding with a utensil. Having an older sibling was associated with longer periods of functional play, t(32) = 3.02, p &lt; .005, but the amount the parent urged the child to eat with a utensil was not associated with persistence in self-feeding.
Conclusion. The modest association between on-task time for functional play and self-feeding with a utensil reveals that factors other than urge to meet perceptual motor challenges lead to children’s persistence. The results reinforce the importance of considering not only challenging activities, but also the experienced meaning that elicits optimal effort and, thus, learning.
Comparison of Sensory Profile Scores of Young Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Watling Renee L. , Deitz Jean , White Owen 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objectives. The purpose of this study was to describe the sensory-based behaviors of young children with autism as reported by their parents on the Sensory Profile. Factor scores of children with autism were compared with those of children without autism.
Method. The Sensory Profile questionnaire was completed by parents of 40 children with autism 3 through 6 years of age and parents of 40 children without autism 3 through 6 years of age.
Results. The performance of children with autism was significantly different from that of children without autism on 8 of 10 factors. Factors where differences were found included Sensory Seeking, Emotionally Reactive, Low Endurance/Tone, Oral Sensitivity, Inattention/Distractibility, Poor Registration, Fine Motor/Perceptual, and Other.
Conclusion. Findings from the study suggest that young children with autism have deficits in a variety of sensory processing abilities as measured by the Sensory Profile. Further research is needed to replicate these findings, to examine the possibility of subgroups on the basis of sensory processing, and to contrast the sensory processing abilities of children with other disabilities to those of children with autism.
Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perceptions of the Impact of Continuing Education Activities on Continuing Competency
Authors: Andersen Lori T. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate Florida-licensed occupational therapy practitioners’ perceptions of the impact of various continuing education activities on their continuing competency.
Method. A self-report mail survey was used to evaluate occupational therapy practitioners’ perceptions of various continuing education activities in three domains: (a) learning, (b) application, and (c) results. The respondents’ perceptions of the impact of specific continuing education activities were compared.
Results. As rated by the respondents, formal programs 1 or more days in length had a significantly greater impact than most informal continuing education activities. On-the-job training (in the domain of application) and being mentored had a significantly greater impact than formal educational programs less than 3 hr in length.
Conclusion. Informal continuing education activities, in some cases, are perceived to have as effective an impact on continuing competency of occupational therapy practitioners as formal continuing education activities.
Comparison of Three Wheelchair Cushions for Effectiveness of Pressure Relief
Authors: Yuen Hon Keung , Garrett Donna 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. Previous studies have suggested that no single wheelchair pressure-relieving cushion material was optimal for all persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the shortterm pressure-relieving ability of the three most commonly prescribed wheelchair cushions (Roho, Jay, Pindot) for a person with SCI.
Method. The number of pressure sensors registering at the buttock–cushion interface during wheelchair sitting was measured by the Xsensor Pressure Mapping System after 5 min of sitting. An alternating treatments research design, with an initial baseline and a final treatment phase ending with the most effective cushion for relieving pressure, was used for the clinical evaluation. Measurements were compared using visual inspection and a Wilcoxon signed ranks test.
Results. Data analyses indicated that the number of pressure sensors that registered potential harmful levels of pressure at the buttock–cushion interface for the Roho cushion was significantly less than those of the Jay and Pindot cushions.
Conclusion. The Roho cushion was more effective in relieving pressure at the seating surface than the Jay and Pindot cushions.
The New Stories/New Cultures After-School Enrichment Program: A Direct Cultural Intervention
Authors: Frank Gelya , Fishman Merle , Crowley Catherine , Blair Brent , Murphy Sheila T. , Montoya Jorge A. , Hickey Michael P. , Brancaccio Mary V. , Bensimon Estela Mara 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This article describes the organization, curriculum, and outcomes for New Stories/New Cultures, an activity-based program for after-school enrichment in five schools in the low-income neighborhood near a major American university. The program encourages students (70% Hispanic-American, 30% African-American) to experience themselves as producers of culture, not just as consumers. Its methods include (a) creative team use of video equipment and other expressive media and (b) lessons about media literacy (i.e., making critical choices about images and activities depicted in popular culture and commercials). Outcome measures with the cohort of fifth and sixth graders support the program’s occupation-based philosophy. They show that students are more likely to experience themselves as building skills when engaged in activities that are both challenging and enjoyable. The students reported greatest engagement and enjoyment in activities that were creative, team-based, and involving media production. These same activities were correlated with increased self-esteem. The term direct cultural intervention is used to describe the application of occupational principles and critical perspectives to provide a population with conceptual tools and skills for interpreting and successfully navigating the social world.
Occupational Adaptation Model Versus Biomechanical–Rehabilitation Model in the Treatment of Patients With Hip Fractures
Authors: Jackson John P. , Schkade Janette K. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective. This study compared the effectiveness of the Occupational Adaptation frame of reference with the bio mechanical–rehabilitation model in the treatment of two groups of 20 patients post–hip fracture.
Method. Using a quasi-experimental design, groups were compared on changes in scores on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM™), a satisfaction questionnaire developed for this study, and discharge environment.
Results. No group differences in FIM changes for the total stay were found. However, average FIM score change per day of hospitalization and overall patient satisfaction were higher in the Occupational Adaptation group. No significant differences in the discharge environment were present.
Conclusion. Both groups benefited from occupational therapy intervention. Occupational Adaptation was associated with a more efficient outcome and greater patient satisfaction.