bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine Motor and Functional Performance Outcomes in Preschool Children
Authors: Case-Smith Jane , Heaphy Terri , Marr Deborah , Galvin Barrie , Koch Vera , Ellis Marcie Good , Perez Irma 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. Studies of the effects of occupational therapy services on hand skill development in preschool children are limited. This study examined fine motor and related functional outcomes in preschool children who received regular occupational therapy services. Differential effects that were based on the number of intervention sessions and amount of consultation were also analyzed.
Method. A sample of 44 preschoolers who received occupational therapy services and 20 preschoolers who did not receive occupational therapy services was assessed on 11 fine motor and functional measures at the beginning and end of the academic year. The occupational therapy practitioners who provided the direct services recorded the format, goals, and activities for their intervention sessions.
Results. The preschoolers who received occupational therapy services demonstrated significant improvement in all but two measures and improved more than the children without fine motor delays on five of the measures. When the preschoolers who received services, categorized by number of intervention sessions, were compared, no differences in the amount of improvement were found (other than in visuomotor skills). The preschoolers who received the most consultation improved the most in two of the measures.
Conclusion. Preschoolers who received direct occupational therapy services made significant gains in fine motor skills and related functional performance. Their gains surpassed the gains made by the children who did not receive occupational therapy services, suggesting that fine motor performance improves with intervention.
Achievement of Self-Identified Goals by Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury: Phase I
Authors: Trombly Catherine A. , Radomski Mary Vining , Davis Elin Schold 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. This study sought to determine whether persons with traumatic brain injury who received outpatient occupational therapy services achieved self-identified goals related to tasks of daily life.
Method. Sixteen participants completed the study. Occupational therapists used their usual treatment procedures to restore independence in home and community occupational functioning. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure identified the five most important problems that interfered with independence in the roles the participant valued as well as the participant’s perception of performance ability and satisfaction with performance. Goal Attainment Scaling documented achievement of the five self-identified goals. The Independent Living Skills Evaluation (ILSE) and the Reintegration to Normal Living Scale(RNL) measured changes in overall instrumental activities of daily living and community reintegration.
Results. The participants significantly achieved (p &lt; .001) their goals from admission to discharge, rated themselves as performing significantly better (p &lt; .001), and were significantly more satisfied (p = .001) with performance after treatment than before. Additionally, they improved significantly on the ILSE (p &lt; .001) and the RNL (p &lt; .001) from admission to discharge. There were no significant changes in performance from discharge to followup on any of the scales.
Conclusion. Although causality cannot be inferred, it can be concluded that participants attending outpatient occupational therapy significantly improved, and improvements were sustained after discharge, but no further improvement occurred spontaneously.
Application of Structural Equation Modeling in Occupational Therapy Research
Authors: Mulligan Shelley 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a relatively new research method for analyzing multivariate data. This article provides an introduction and overview of what SEM is and identifies some potential uses of this technique for occupational therapy researchers. The application of SEM in the areas of test construction and treatment effectiveness is highlighted, some cautionary measures related to this technique are presented, and resources that provide more detailed and advanced reading on the subject are included.
Perceptual-Motor Coupling in the Development of Grasp
Authors: Case-Smith Jane , Bigsby Rosemarie , Clutter Jill 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of haptic attributes of objects on infants’ grasping patterns and evaluate whether this effect is influenced by the infant’s age (i.e., phase of motor development).
Method. Grasping patterns of 180 infants who were typically developing were measured by the Posture and Fine Motor Assessment of Infants (PFMAI); the PFMAI-I was administered to infants 2 months to 6 months of age (n =60), and the PFMAI-II was administered to infants 6 months to 12 months of age (n = 120). Grasping patterns were compared for ages by month and for three objects, each with differing haptic features. The interaction between age and object was analyzed.
Results. Grasping patterns were significantly different when scores by age in months were compared. In addition, grasping patterns differed depending on the object and its haptic features and were influenced by the interaction between object held and age. Certain haptic features were associated with primitive grasp at younger ages and precision grasp at older ages. More mature skiffs were observed when the objects’ haptic features appeared to match an infant’s perceptual-motor skill.
Conclusion. The haptic features of objects influence an infant’s grasping patterns, and this influence changes with the infant’s age. These results suggest that therapists attempt to match the haptic features of objects to the infant’s perceptual-motor skiff in intervention in order to enhance grasping patterns.
Student Level II Fieldwork Failure: Strategies for Intervention
Authors: Gutman Sharon A. , McCreedy Paula , Heisler Prudence 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. This report describes how common student communicative and behavioral characteristics that appear to predict the existence of potential problems during Level II fieldwork were identified in order to develop and implement preventative interventions during the academic curriculum at New York University (NYU).
Record review. A record review of NYU professional Level occupational therapy students from 1986 to 1995 was completed to identify common factors among students who performed well academically but failed clinical fieldwork. Eight communicative and behavioral characteristics were identified: (a) rigidity of thinking, (b) discomfort with the ambiguity that accompanies clinical reasoning, (c) Lack of psychological insight, (d) difficulty interpreting feedback, (e) externalization of responsibility, (f) difficulty Learning from mistakes, (g) discomfort with the physical handling of patients, and (h) dependence on external measures for self-esteem.
Intervention. On the basis of the identified characteristics, five intervention strategies were adopted: (a) academic seminars that address professional behavior and interpersonal skills, (b) faculty feedback to students regarding problematic behaviors, (c) clinician and senior student counseling with identified students, (d) student remediation programs consisting of community service, and (e) student Learning contracts based on specific behavioral objectives. These strategies were administered before Level 11fieldwork to 10 students in the 1996 class who exhibited the characteristics indicative of potential fieldwork failure.
Outcome. Of the 10 students in the 1996 class, 7 passed fieldwork without further difficulty, two failed fieldwork midterm assessments but went on to achieve passing final evaluations, and one failed the final fieldwork assessment but passed an additional third fieldwork experience. The class of 1996, which was the first to receive formal intervention designed to decrease fieldwork failure, demonstrated Lower fieldwork failure rates than did all other classes in the past 10 years.
The Unpackaging of Routine in Older Women
Authors: Menks Ludwig Ferol 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. A qualitative research design using grounded theory procedures and techniques was used to explore how routine changed in later adulthood for seven Caucasian, college-educated, middle-class women who were not employed and who were free of major functional impairments.
Method. In-depth interviews, observations, an autobiography, and researcher-generated memos provided data. Data analysis involved concept formation, concept development, and conceptual modification and integration. Data collection and analysis were concurrent, iterative, reflective, and reflexive.
Results. Although the participants used routines to facilitate their well-being, they reported doing so to a lesser extent than when they had children living at home or when they worked. These participants unpackaged routines and molded them into increasingly flexible time-use strategies in response to age-related changes in their ecocultural niche, philosophy of life, and physical status.
Conclusion. That the participants sought less obligation and more freedom as they aged may influence the way they respond to a health care practitioner's advocating for an increase in routine. Interventions with older women must be compatible with existing routines and family themes and directly linked to well-being.
Effects of Task Goal on Movement Kinematics and Line Bisection Performance in Adults Without Disabilities
Authors: Lin Keh-chung , Wu Ching-yi , Trombly Catherine A. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. This study investigated (a) whether the kinematic profile of a reaching-for-an-object movement would differ depending on the goal of the reaching task and (b) the effect of task goal on attentional carryover.
Method. Twenty-four adults without disabilities performed a horizontal line bisection task under three conditions: (a) a natural condition (pressing the ringing lever of a desk bell), (b) an impoverished condition (touching the ringing lever of a desk bell), and (c) a control condition (bisecting a line only). Only the natural and impoverished conditions used the reaching task (i.e., pressing or touching the ringing lever of the desk bell). The kinematic profile of reaching for the bell was established with the OPTOTRAK system, a quantitative kinematic analysis measure. The line bisection task was performed immediately after the reaching task, which was located adjacent to the left of the line to be bisected.
Results. The natural condition elicited better quality of reaching movement than did the impoverished condition. It produced significantly shorter movement time and higher peak velocity. A less impressive effect was found for percentage of reach where peak velocity occurs. Bisection performance under the two experimental conditions was leftward biased relative to the control condition, and the magnitude of leftward bias in the natural condition was greater than that for the impoverished condition.
Conclusion. Results supported one core assumption of occupational therapy: goal-directed and functional tasks can be used to enhance human performance. If the results hold for clinical populations, manipulations of functional goals may enhance movement performance of persons with disabilities and remediate left neglect often seen in clients who have had a stroke.
The End of Occupational Therapy
Authors: Crabtree Jeffrey L. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
In this article, I propose that the unique end, or goal, of occupational therapy is to help persons with performance deficits of any kind make and express meaning through organized human performance, which I call occupation. To support this thesis, I show that, too often, philosophers, psychologists, and others who have studied meaning do not see human performance as a crucial way of making and expressing meaning. This article challenges the assumption that meaning making is only a cognitive process in which Language is its primary expression and shows that the nature of humans is to make meaning through occupation. Furthermore, this article reveals why occupational therapy should emphasize human performance and its role in meaning making. Finally, I propose that occupation is properly defined as intentional human performance organized in number and kind to meet the demands of self maintenance and identity in the family and community. I justify this definition and discuss the likely therapeutic nature of occupation and examples of the end, or goal, of occupational therapy.
How Occupational Therapists Teach Older Patients To Use Bathing and Dressing Devices in Rehabilitation
Authors: Schemm Ruth L. , Gitlin Laura N. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. This article describes the methods occupational therapists use to teach bathing and dressing device use to older patients in rehabilitation programs. The relationship of three patient characteristics to five aspects of assistive device instruction was examined.
Method. The study sample included 86 patients and 19 occupational therapists who provided the assistive device training. Patients were 55 years of age or older and in rehabilitation for an orthopedic deficit, cerebrovascular accident, or Lower limb amputation. Therapists recorded information on teaching methods, perceptions of patient knowledge, and expectations for future device use after each treatment session.
Results. Patients received an average of three dressing and two bathing devices for home use. Therapists devoted an average of two and a half sessions (10 min average duration) to teach dressing device use and an average of one session (9 min average duration) to teach bathing device use. Teaching occurred mostly in the clinic setting through oral instruction and demonstration. At discharge, patients who evaluated devices positively and were evaluated as having a positive affect were perceived by the therapists as “having greater knowledge of device use. ” More time was spent teaching those patients with Lower Functional Independence Measure scores, less positive evaluations of devices, and lower affect scores. Family caregivers were involved in one or more dressing sessions for 26% of patients and one or more bathing sessions for 36% of patients.
Conclusion. Assistive device training in rehabilitation centers consists largely of simulated sessions in the occupational therapy clinic, and patients in the study described the instruction they received as “satisfactory. ” More research is needed to study the long-term effectiveness of assistive device training after patients return home.
The Sensory Profile: A Discriminant Analysis of Children With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Ermer Julie , Dunn Winnie 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine which factors on the Sensory Profile, a measure of children’s responses to commonly occurring sensory experiences, best discriminate among children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and children without disabilities.
Method. Data for three groups of children 3 to 15 years of age were used: 38 children with autism or PDD, 61 with ADHD, and 1,075 without disabilities. The researchers conducted a discriminate analysis on the three groups, using group membership as the dependent variable and the nine factors of the Sensory Profile as independent variables.
Results. The analysis yielded two discriminant functions: one that differentiated children with disabilities from children without disabilities and another that differentiated the two groups of children with disabilities from each other. Nearly 90% of the cases were correctly classified with these two functions.
Conclusion. The Sensory Profile is useful for discriminating certain groups of children with disabilities. Children with disabilities are accurately classified into disability categories with the factors described by previous authors. This suggests that patterns of behavior associated with certain developmental disorders are reflected in populations of children without disabilities. It may be the frequency or intensity of certain behaviors that differentiate the groups.
Occupation in Lifestyle Redesign: The Well Elderly Study Occupational Therapy Program
Authors: Jackson Jeanne , Carlson Mike , Mandel Deborah , Zemke Ruth , Clark Florence 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This article describes an innovative preventive occupation-al therapy intervention for well older adults, the Well Elderly Treatment Program. In a previously reported large-scale randomized effectiveness study, this intervention was found to be highly successful in enhancing the physical and mental health, occupational functioning, and life satisfaction of multicultural, community-dwelling elders. In this article, the philosophical background, manner of development, topical content, methods of program delivery, and mechanisms underlying the program’s positive effects are discussed, along with implications for occupational therapy practice. The treatment was based on application of occupational science theory and research and emphasized the therapeutic process of lifestyle redesign in enabling the participants to actively and strategically select an individualized pattern of personally satisfying and health-promoting occupations. The wide-ranging effectiveness of the program supports the occupational therapy profession’s emphasis on occupation in affecting health and positions practitioners to extend their services to the realm of preventive interventions.
Including the Family Perspective in Sensory Integration Outcomes Research
Authors: Cohn Ellen S. , Cermak Sharon A. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Occupational therapy, along with other health and rehabilitation professions, is experiencing an increased emphasis on measurement of intervention outcomes. The results of outcomes research are being used to develop practice guidelines, set standards for reimbursement, and justify health care policy. The outcome assessments used by therapists reflect our belief systems and the assumptions about behaviors we expect to influence. Using a sensory integration perspective to illustrate key points, we present a conceptual framework that is based on the disablement framework and Coster’s occupational functioning for children model. We highlight the need to examine each of the multiple levels at which intervention may influence child and family function and the links among levels. Sensory integration theory and efficacy studies are reviewed to identify assumptions relative to how sensory integration affects the everyday occupations of children in the context of their families. Potential research methods and assessments are suggested to include the family perspective in outcome studies.
“My Secret Life”: The Emergence of One Gay Man’s Authentic Identity
Authors: Walsh Amy L. , Crepeau Elizabeth Blesedell 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This qualitative study explores the Life history of Bruce, a gay man, from the perspective of homophobia. Homophobia is the fear and hatred expressed toward gay men, Lesbians, and bisexual women or men as well as persons suspected of being gay, Lesbian, and bisexual. Homophobia may become internalized, creating a form of self-hatred derived from the negative stereotypes associated with homosexuality. Bruce’s Life was shaped by the homophobia of others and his own self-hatred, Leading to isolation and a Lack of a projected authentic identity. This article focuses on the affective meanings related to significant events in Bruce’s life history and how they contributed to transformation in his Life from victimic to agentic themes. It is important for occupational therapy practitioners to recognize the influence that homophobia and internalized homophobia have on therapeutic interventions.
Neoprene Splinting: Dermatological Issues
Authors: Stern Erica B. , Callinan Nancy , Hank Mark , Lewis Eric J. , Schousboe John T. , Ytterberg Steven R. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Occupational therapists are expanding their use of custom and commercial soft splints fabricated from neoprene (poly-chloroprene), but little has been written regarding dermatological issues associated with this material. Skin contact with neoprene poses two dermatological risks: allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and miliaria rubra (i.e., prickly heat). Allergic reaction to neoprene is generally ascribed to the accelerants used to manufacture the man-made rubber, specifically thiourea compounds and mercaptobenzothiazole (MET). Symptoms of neoprene-related ACD include itching, skin eruptions, swelling, and hemorrhages into the skin. Miliaria rubra creates small, red, elevated, inflammatory papules and a tingling, burning sensation.
Although neoprene hypersensitivity is rare, its incidence may grow as neoprene becomes a more commonly used material. It is recommended that therapists screen patients for a history of dermatological reactions to neoprene or other materials containing thiourea compounds or MBT and educate patients to discontinue splint use if dermatological symptoms develop. Therapists are also encouraged to notify splint manufacturers regarding all ACD reactions.
Elements of the Art of Practice in Mental Health
Authors: Weinstein Emily 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective. This qualitative study explored elements of artful practice of therapists practicing in mental health treatment settings.
Method. In-depth interviews were conducted with three occupational therapists practicing in mental health who were considered exemplars of artful practice. Themes pertaining to their perspectives and approaches to practice were synthesized from interview data.
Results. The prevailing themes—therapeutic work as a vehicle for healing, collaborative guidance, and the Zen of therapy—are seen as elements forged by the therapist’s compassion and unique personal style into a dynamic therapist-client interplay that creates a space for growth and healing to occur. Results affirmed the view of the art of practice in mental health as an intricate interplay of personal traits, interpersonal skills, and skilled use of meaningful activities within the context of a client’s environment.
Conclusion. The art of practice is a fluid experiential process that takes place on a developmental continuum. The therapist’s inner awareness of the subtlety of a multi-layered healing process is an important basis of artful practice. One’s practice art can be informed by knowledge of specific elements that contribute to artful practice and can be developed through education, self-reflection, personal growth, and the maturation process.