bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Sound-Based Intervention on Children With Sensory Processing Disorders and Visual–Motor Delays
Authors: Hall Leah , Case-Smith Jane 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a sensory diet and therapeutic listening intervention program, directed by an occupational therapist and implemented by parents, on children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) and visual–motor delays. A convenience sample was used of 10 participants, ages 5 to 11 years, with SPD and visual–motor delays. In the first phase, each participant completed a 4-week sensory diet program, then an 8 week therapeutic-listening and sensory diet program. The Sensory Profile was completed by the participants’ parents before and after both study phases. The Draw-A-Person test, Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI), and Evaluation Tool of Children’s Handwriting (ETCH) were administered before and after each phase. Over 12 weeks, the participants exhibited significant improvement on the Sensory Profile, increasing a mean of 71 points. Parents reported improvements in their children’s behaviors related to sensory processing. Scores on the VMI visual and ETCH legibility scales also improved more during the therapeutic listening phase. Therapeutic listening combined with a sensory diet appears effective in improving behaviors related to sensory processing in children with SPD and visual–motor impairments.
Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integrative Approach: A Case Study of Effectiveness
Authors: Schaaf Roseann C. , Nightlinger Kathleen McKeon 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This article presents a case report of a child with poor sensory processing and describes the disorder’s impact on the child’s occupational behavior and the changes in occupational performance during 10 months of occupational therapy using a sensory integrative approach (OT-SI).
METHOD. Retrospective chart review of assessment data and analysis of parent interview data are reviewed. Progress toward goals and objectives is measured using goal attainment scaling. Themes from parent interview regarding past and present occupational challenges are presented.
RESULTS. Notable improvements in occupational performance are noted on goal attainment scales, and these are consistent with improvements in behavior. Parent interview data indicate noteworthy progress in the child’s ability to participate in home, school, and family activities.
CONCLUSION. This case report demonstrates a model for OT-SI. The findings support the theoretical underpinnings of sensory integration theory: that improvement in the ability to process and integrate sensory input will influence adaptive behavior and occupational performance. Although these findings cannot be generalized, they provide preliminary evidence supporting the theory and the effectiveness of this approach.
Chronic Pain and Occupation: An Exploration of the Lived Experience
Authors: Fisher Grace S. , Emerson Linda , Firpo Camille , Ptak Jan , Wonn Jennifer , Bartolacci Gwen 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. There is limited research on the relationship between chronic pain and occupation. This phenomenological research study explored the lived occupational experiences of people who have chronic pain.
METHOD. Via demographic questionnaires, semistructured interviews, and field notes, data were collected on 13 participants with various types of pain.
RESULTS. Thematic analysis yielded one main theme: “Chronic Pain Is Life Changing.” The following subthemes also emerged: “Chronic Pain Triggers Emotional Distress”; “Chronic Pain Reveals the Strength of Relationships”; “Chronic Pain and Occupation Are Reciprocally Related Forces”; and “Chronic Pain Elicits Innovative Adaptive Responses.” Study participants reported experiencing myriad troubling emotions; however, they resourcefully modified their routines and tasks and found enhanced meaning in favored occupations.
CONCLUSIONS. This study illuminates the importance of therapeutic listening, the innovativeness of people who have chronic pain, and the possible therapeutic potential of occupation.
The Lived Experience of Recapturing Self-Care
Authors: Guidetti Susanne , Asaba Eric , Tham Kerstin 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This study sought to identify the characteristics of the lived experience of recapturing self-care after a stroke or a spinal cord injury (SCI). Five people who had had a stroke and six with SCI who were in the midst of recapturing self-care (1–3 months after onset) were interviewed. All interviews were analyzed using the Empirical, Phenomenological, and Psychological method. Four main characteristics were present among all of the participants’ lived experiences: (a) becoming familiar with the new body, (b) recapturing self-care through trying, (c) reclaiming control, and (d) feeling uncertainty in the continued recapturing process.
The findings indicate that a prerequisite for recapturing self-care was to get experience from doing to become familiar with the new body, which makes explicit the importance of enabling self-care in the rehabilitation process after stroke or SCI. The findings can be used in clinical practice to improve the understanding of how to better plan individualized self-care intervention.
Recovery After Hip Fracture: What Can We Learn From the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure?
Authors: Edwards Mary , Baptiste Sue , Stratford Paul W. , Law Mary 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This study sought to determine the extent to which the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) assessed performance in elderly people after hip fracture. Correlations were found between the COPM and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Although functional improvement was noted, participants did not attain the functional status they had before hip fracture. The greatest recovery occurred within the first 130 days after surgery. These findings suggest some central implications for occupational therapy practice, although further research is required to determine the optimal time for intervention to begin. Because the COPM is sensitive to change in function in patients recovering from hip fracture, COPM use with this population is desirable and advisable.
Evaluation of Computer-Access Solutions for Students With Quadriplegic Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Man David W. K. , Wong Mei-Sheung Louisa 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
People with multiple physical impairments are not capable of using proper pointer devices, thus diminishing their opportunities to communicate and learn through computers. This research design used a replicated single-case experimental approach to compare the individual performance of two students with speech impairments and quadriplegic athetoid cerebral palsy in using four different computer-access solutions (the CameraMouse, the ASL Head Array mouse emulator, the CrossScanner, and the Quick Glance Eye Tracking System). The results demonstrate statistical significance in the correlation of movement time and accuracy to the level of comfort and satisfaction, which was used to guide the selection of computer-access solutions for clinical interventions. The WinFitts and Assessment of Comfort tests used in this study can be replicated for further clinical research into computer-access systems.
Bottle-Feeding Behaviors in Preterm Infants With and Without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Howe Tsu-Hsin , Sheu Ching-Fan , Holzman Ian R. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study compared bottle-feeding behaviors in preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) during the initial hospitalization.
METHOD. Individual sucking characteristics and feeding transitional rates were compared in 41 preterm infants (22 boys, 19 girls) with BPD and 99 infants (44 boys, 55 girls) without BPD. Observations of the first bottle feeding and observations of the last feeding before discharge were obtained from medical records of all infants retrospectively.
RESULTS. On discharge, infants with BPD, unlike those without BPD, continued to have an immature sucking pattern and required longer hospital stays to attain full oral feeding (p &lt; .001). No differences were found between the BPD and non-BPD groups in time needed for feeding and use of oral support.
CONCLUSION. These results suggest that feeding transitional rate, rather than sucking pattern, may be a better discharge indicator for infants with BPD.
Reducing Tube Feeds and Tongue Thrust: Combining an Oral–Motor and Behavioral Approach to Feeding
Authors: Gibbons Bridget G. , Williams Keith E. , Riegel Katherine E. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. A treatment package combining oral–motor and behavioral interventions was implemented for a 6-year-old girl with Down syndrome referred to an intensive day treatment feeding program for gastrostomy tube dependence and food refusal. The participant exhibited a tongue thrust, resulting in the expulsion of all foods presented.
METHOD. An oral–motor procedure was used to reduce the tongue thrust and allow the food to be swallowed. This procedure was paired with positive reinforcement and escape prevention to increase oral consumption of liquids and solids. A multiple-probe design was used to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
RESULTS. By the end of treatment, tube feedings were eliminated and tongue thrust was significantly reduced.
CONCLUSION. This intervention demonstrated the successful combination of oral–motor and behavioral components in the treatment of a severe feeding problem. It could serve as a model for the development of future interventions.
Analysis of Proximal and Distal Muscle Activity During Handwriting Tasks
Authors: Naider-Steinhart Shoshana , Katz-Leurer Michal 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. In this study we sought to describe upper-extremity proximal and distal muscle activity in typically developing children during a handwriting task and to explore the relationship between muscle activity and speed and quality of writing.
METHOD. We evaluated 35 third- and fourth-grade Israeli children using the Alef–Alef Ktav Yad Hebrew Handwriting Test. Simultaneously, we recorded the participants’ upper trapezius and thumb muscle activity by surface electromyography. Using the coefficient of variation (standard deviation divided by mean amplitude) as a measure of variability within each muscle, we analyzed differences in muscle activity variability within and between muscles.
RESULTS. The proximal muscle displayed significantly less variability than the distal muscles. Decreased variability in proximal muscle activity was associated with decreased variability in distal muscle activity, and decreased variability in the distal muscles was significantly associated with faster speed of writing.
CONCLUSION. The lower amount of variability exhibited in the proximal muscle compared with the distal muscles seems to indicate that the proximal muscle functions as a stabilizer during a handwriting task. In addition, decreased variability in both proximal and distal muscle activity appears to be more economical and is related to faster writing speed. Knowledge of the type of proximal and distal muscle activity used during handwriting can help occupational therapists plan treatment for children with handwriting disabilities.
A Short-Term Graphomotor Program for Improving Writing Readiness Skills of First-Grade Students
Authors: Ratzon Navah Z. , Efraim Daniela , Bart Orit 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. Children with fine-motor problems and handwriting difficulties often are referred for occupational therapy. The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of a short-term treatment on the fine-motor and graphomotor skills of first-grade students.
METHOD. We recruited 52 first-grade students who had scored below the 21st percentile on the Visual–Motor Integration test from schools in a city with a low socioeconomic, mixed (Arab and Jewish) population. The children were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. Before and after the intervention, we administered two tests to both groups.
RESULTS. Students in the intervention group made significant gains both in the total score on the graphomotor test (Developmental Test of Visual Perception) and on the fine-motor test (Bruininks–Oseretsky Motor Development Scale).
CONCLUSION. This study provided preliminary evidence of the efficacy of a short-term graphomotor intervention. The results increased the feasibility of implementing occupational therapy intervention in the Israeli school system, allowing treatment of more children using the same resources.
Using Salivary Cortisol to Measure the Effects of a Wilbarger Protocol–Based Procedure on Sympathetic Arousal: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kimball Judith G. , Lynch Keara M. , Stewart Kelli C. , Williams Nicole E. , Thomas Meghan A. , Atwood Kam D. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study investigated changes in salivary cortisol, the stress hormone, after administration of a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol to children diagnosed with sensory defensiveness (SD), a type of sensory modulation dysfunction.
METHOD. Using a single-subject design across participants, we studied 4 boys with SD ages 3 to 5 years. Each participant completed four sessions consisting of the collection of a saliva sample, administration of a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol, 15 min of quiet neutral activities to allow time for any changes in cortisol level to manifest in the saliva, and the second collection of saliva. Saliva samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
RESULTS. Salivary cortisol levels in all participants changed after each of four applications of a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol. The cortisol levels of 2 children whose levels were relatively higher on pretest decreased at each posttest. The levels of 1 child whose cortisol was higher on pretest three times decreased those three times and increased the one time the pretest cortisol was lower. The levels of 1 child who had the lowest cortisol levels of any of the children increased each time. Therefore, in all participants, cortisol moved in the direction of modulation.
CONCLUSION. In these 4 boys, a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol modulated cortisol levels toward a middle range. This pilot study indicates that there is an association between sympathetic nervous system response and the Wilbarger protocol–based procedure, as indicated by salivary cortisol levels.
Disposition Toward Critical Thinking Among Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Lederer Jeffrey M. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The ability to think critically is an important outcome of education. The disposition, or internal motivation, to think critically strongly influences the development of critical thought. Students (N = 79) at three levels of education in one program were administered the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI). Results indicated no differences in the disposition to think critically related to length of time spent in the program. Differences in the dispositions of open-mindedness and maturity of judgment were found between undergraduate and graduate students. A difference also was found in the disposition to think critically between the two groups. The findings suggest that students, particularly undergraduates, can benefit from instruction designed to develop the disposition to think critically. The CCTDI appears to be a useful instrument for assessing the ability and disposition for critical thinking and could serve as a reliable baseline or outcome measure for use in programs.
Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in a Young Child With Minimal Active Arm Movement
Authors: Dickerson Anne E. , Brown LeeAnn Eagle 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This study describes a single-subject design (ABA with follow-up evaluation) that demonstrated the possible effective use of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in producing gains in movement and function for a 24-month-old child with chronic hemiparesis. The noninvolved upper extremity was placed in a removable splint for 21 consecutive days. The child was involved in intensive occupational therapy in the home environment. Daily measurements were completed on the use and quality of motion of the involved upper extremity for eight specific fine and gross motor activities. Change in performance and quality of movement were measured and significant at the p &lt; .05 level with the calculation of the C statistic for the motor activities with gains maintained after completion of the treatment and postsplinting phases. The results of the study contribute to the body of evidence finding CIMT to be effective for increasing movement and function in children with hemiparesis.
Immediate Effect of Ayres’s Sensory Integration–Based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Watling Renee L. , Dietz Jean 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study examined the effects of Ayres’s sensory integration intervention on the behavior and task engagement of young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Clinical observations and caregiver reports of behavior and engagement also were explored to help guide future investigations.
METHOD. This single-subject study used an ABAB design to compare the immediate effect of Ayres’s sensory integration and a play scenario on the undesired behavior and task engagement of 4 children with ASD.
RESULTS. No clear patterns of change in undesired behavior or task management emerged through objective measurement. Subjective data suggested that each child exhibited positive changes during and after intervention.
CONCLUSION. When effects are measured immediately after intervention, short-term Ayres’s sensory integration does not have a substantially different effect than a play scenario on undesired behavior or engagement of young children with ASD. However, subjective data suggest that Ayres’s sensory integration may produce an effect that is evident during treatment sessions and in home environments.
Extreme Sensory Modulation Behaviors in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ben-Sasson Ayelet , Cermak Sharon A. , Orsmond Gael I. , Tager-Flusberg Helen , Carter Alice S. , Kadlec Mary Beth , Dunn Winnie 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This study examined the incidence of extreme sensory modulation behaviors in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and investigated the consistency of sensory information across measures. Parent report of sensory behaviors in 101 toddlers with ASD was compared with 100 toddlers who were typically developing matched on chronological age and 99 additional infants or toddlers matched on mental age. Measures included the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile, Infant–Toddler Social Emotional Assessment, Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Generic. Toddlers with ASD were most distinct from typically developing groups in their high frequency of underresponsiveness and avoiding behaviors and their low frequency of seeking. Within the toddlers with ASD, there were significant associations across sensory parent report measures, but parent report was not correlated with clinical observation. Findings point to the early onset of an extreme sensory profile in ASD. Occupational therapists need to assess multiple domains of sensory behaviors to accurately identify the needs of toddlers with ASD.
Becoming Innovators in an Era of Hyperchange
Authors: Hinojosa Jim 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We live in a time of hyperchange—rapid, dramatic, complex, and unpredictable change occurring in today’s society, which creates unprecedented challenges. High-speed advances in technology and knowledge and changes in society require that we shift our paradigms. We must become innovators of change. This lecture examines how occupational therapy is reacting to hyperchange as a profession. How is hyperchange influencing the roles and responsibilities of practitioners? How is hyperchange affecting education? And, in accepting hyperchange, what can we do as occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and scholars to shape our own future?
Effect of an Ergonomics Intervention on Workstations of Microscope Workers
Authors: Darragh Amy R. , Harrison Heather , Kenny Sabrina 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the effect of an occupational therapy ergonomics intervention on the workstation design and body positioning of microscope workers at a fiber optics facility.
METHOD. The study was quasi-experimental. Fifty-one microscope workers were assigned to one of three groups: control, education only, and education training. Their workstation design and body positioning were assessed before and after intervention.
RESULTS. Workers who participated in a client-centered, participatory, and onsite ergonomics program demonstrated improved workstation design and improved body positioning compared with both a control group (p = .000) and an education-only group (p = .001). These results were supported through analysis of covariance and effect size calculations. Workers who received only educational handouts also demonstrated improved body positioning and workstation design when compared with the control group (p = .001).
CONCLUSION. Researchers concluded that participation, client-centered training, context, and feedback represented critical components of ergonomics training.
Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Problem Behaviors and Sensory Processing
Authors: Franklin Laureen , Deitz Jean , Jirikowic Tracy , Astley Susan 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study describes the sensory-processing and behavior profiles of a clinic-referred sample of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and examines the relationship between sensory processing and behavior.
METHODS. Outcomes on the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for 44 children, ages 5 to 10 years, were assessed and compared using retrospective data analysis.
RESULTS. A high proportion of the children demonstrated deficits in sensory processing and problem behaviors as measured by the SSP and the CBCL. Moreover, the correlation between the SSP and CBCL total scores (r = −.72) was significant.
CONCLUSION. Results provide evidence that children with FASD demonstrate problem behaviors and sensory-processing impairments as reported by parents and that sensory-processing deficits co-occur with problem behaviors at a high rate in this population. This finding suggests that deficits in sensory processing may affect the ability of children with FASD to respond adaptively to their environments.
Effectiveness of Disc ‘O’ Sit Cushions on Attention to Task in Second-Grade Students With Attention Difficulties
Authors: Pfeiffer Beth , Henry Amy , Miller Stephanie , Witherell Suzie 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of a type of dynamic seating system, the Disc ‘O’ Sit cushion (Gymnic, Osoppo, Italy), for improving attention to task among second-grade students with attention difficulties. Sixty-three second-grade students participated in the study. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 31 students were assigned to a treatment group, and 32 were assigned to a control group. Treatment group participants used Disc ‘O’ Sit cushions throughout the school day for a 2-week period. The teachers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 1996) for each participant before and after the intervention. An analysis of variance identified a statistically significant difference in the attention to task before and after the intervention for the treatment group. The results of the study provide preliminary evidence for the use of the Disc ‘O’ Sit cushion as an occupational therapy intervention to improve attention in the school setting.