Articles tagged with Occupational Therapy
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A new randomized clinical trial found that training the less-impaired arm significantly improved movement coordination, speed and control in chronic stroke survivors. The study showed that motor skills in the less-affected arm can be improved even years after a stroke occurs.
A new treatment combining cognitive and occupational therapy is being tested to improve stroke recovery, especially for rural patients. The 'cognition-first' approach tackles cognitive difficulties before physical rehabilitation, addressing a significant gap in existing treatments.
The new program combines limb preservation, amputation care, and reconstructive solutions like osseointegration to improve identity, functional outcome, and quality of life for patients. Patients will receive coordinated, personalized, and expert care that supports their recovery and promotes sustained overall health.
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
A new remote group intervention, CRAFT-G, combining cognitive training and occupational-therapy-based strategies, showed high satisfaction and clinically meaningful improvements in daily functioning among cancer survivors. The program proved to be accessible and effective in helping survivors manage 'chemobrain' and reclaim everyday life.
The study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in occupational health, emphasizing the importance of addressing both concentration and within-occupation disparities. The findings suggest that targeted interventions can reduce health inequities among workers.
Chronic back pain is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, depression, and other conditions. A study found that people with back pain are more likely to report severe activity limitations due to comorbidities.
A new study from UTS highlights the emotional and mental toll on teachers managing student pain in classrooms, finding educators often feel helpless, emotionally drained, and unsupported. The research identifies three key areas where pain science education can create meaningful change for both teachers and students.
Laurie Manjikian has been promoted to lead home- and community-based services with deep expertise. She successfully expanded the rehabilitation department and implemented management systems to achieve industry standards in productivity and clinical outcomes.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
A new 15-minute screening tool can identify visual perception problems in stroke survivors, affecting their quality of life and independence. The Oxford Visual Perception Screen (OxVPS) assesses object and face recognition, reading, eye-hand coordination, and neglect, providing an easy-to-interpret guide for healthcare professionals.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a special protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve the condition of PTSD sufferers, reducing typical symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and irritability. The study showed improvements in brain connectivity and clinical symptoms, offering new hope for millions of PTSD suff...
Dr. Yael Goverover joins an elite group of professionals at Kessler Foundation who have earned the Fellow of ACRM designation for their nationally significant contributions to cognitive rehabilitation research for individuals with multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injury. Her work has led to innovative assessments and interventions...
A new study highlights the challenges faced by women in relationships with partners diagnosed with ADHD, finding a link between their symptoms and higher rates of depression. Engaging in health-promoting activities can reduce depressive symptoms and improve well-being for these women.
A Rutgers study finds that many autistic adults are aware of their feelings and can label them in vivid detail. Participants reported difficulty with 'affective contact' between autistic and nonautistic individuals due to misinterpretation. New therapy strategies focus on improving mutual understanding and embracing autistic perspectives.
A special section of WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation highlights the varying physical elements and requirements for different occupations. PES frameworks are being developed for a range of physically active occupations to support personnel undertaking physically demanding tasks.
A special issue of WORK Journal explores the importance of designing healthy workplaces that address musculoskeletal conditions, burnout, and chronic pain. The issue highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach integrating medical, psychological, and occupational therapies to prevent work-related illness and injury.
A pilot study found that remote cognitive rehabilitation using TELE-Self-GEN improved memory performance and daily life functionality in individuals with MS. The virtual intervention demonstrated high levels of participant satisfaction and effectiveness.
A pilot study found that methylphenidate enhances oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, improving visual processing speed. The treatment also showed promise for mitigating cognitive symptoms associated with MS.
A clinical trial found that home modifications, such as grab bars and shower seats, reduce the risk of death within a year after hospital discharge. The program also provides self-management training to enable stroke survivors to remain independent in their own homes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are designing more inclusive healthcare environments for autistic children with unique sensory needs. Their study proposes creating sensory adaptive environments and increasing training of medical professionals on sensory differences to improve healthcare experiences.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that knitting supports improved health by enabling people to unwind, offering a low-stakes social context, and providing structure. Knitting is found to improve both short-term and long-term mental health outcomes, with many participants noticing a decrease in anxiety and stress.
A new study suggests that caregivers can establish a safe and workable mealtime routine for people with dementia living at home by reducing distractions, clearing away clutter, and leveraging community-based nutrition programs. The strategies aim to address the complex factors surrounding mealtime in the home, including cognitive impai...
A new study highlights the importance of leadership in addressing the NHS retention crisis, citing poor working conditions, burnout, and lack of support as major issues. The research suggests that better leadership training and ongoing support for leaders are crucial to improving wellbeing at work.
Researchers found that whole-word errors are influenced by egocentric position, while unilateral paralexias are not. A failure of selective attention also contributes to whole-word intrusion errors. The findings suggest different rehabilitative approaches are needed for each type of error.
A new study found that racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain, with Hispanic adults being less likely to use these services. The study also found that policy changes are needed to address these gaps in access, particularly in underserved communities.
A special section of WORK journal provides insights into the overlap and differences between ME/CFS and Long COVID, highlighting the importance of early recognition of post-exertional malaise (PEM) for symptom management. Researchers emphasize the need for specialized care and pacing as a therapeutic strategy to improve quality of life.
A new study finds that in-school occupational therapy can create positive learning environments for children with autism by supporting parent-teacher relationships and understanding their unique needs. The therapy helps teachers get to know the child's needs better and facilitate effective communication between parents and schools.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that working in a shared space while performing craft activities boosts parasympathetic activity, leading to relaxation. The parallel group condition showed higher parasympathetic activity compared to the individual alone condition.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent worsening health in people with chronic coronary disease. Clinicians should coordinate care between cardiovascular and primary care professionals, emphasizing team-based approach and social determinants of health.
Repetitive manual dexterity training for 12 weeks improves executive function and boosts cognitive load patterns in older adults. Daily training has a positive correlation with active blood hemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex.
A study by WVU researchers highlights the need for improved mental health programs for first responders, citing increased stress and stigma. The study recommends linking responders with culturally competent clinicians, establishing centralized organizations, and expanding research efforts to address these issues.
Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced fatigue and improved concentration in patients with persistent post-COVID symptoms. After six months, the benefits persisted, indicating a safe and effective treatment option.
A Cochrane review found that eliminating hazards around the home, such as clutter and poor lighting, can reduce the risk of falls for older people by around a quarter. Decluttering and reducing hazards had the most benefit for those at high risk of falls.
The five-year project aims to enroll 500 working-age adults with brain or spinal cord injuries and explore the effectiveness of vocational resource facilitation services. Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and other partners will provide targeted counseling and support to help individuals return to work after disabling neurotrauma.
A new UCLA-led study found that many patients do not receive sufficient rehabilitation therapy after a stroke, which can lead to long-term disability. Hispanic patients were particularly affected, receiving lower amounts of physical and occupational therapy.
A new policy brief has been launched by Staffordshire University to guide the creation of national telehealth patient consultation guidelines and training. The framework, developed in partnership with Allied Health Professions (AHPs), aims to improve the delivery of remote patient consultations across various healthcare professions.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University shows adding sensory integration assessments can help guide therapeutic activities for individuals with autism. The assessments provide new information on deficits in multiple and varied categories of sensory integration, which are not recognized by current diagnostic tests.
Researchers at UNH will develop and test social assistive robots to aid in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in their own homes. The robots will be equipped with smart home devices, artificial intelligence, and wearables to track patients' activity levels and health management.
A MU researcher has earned a federal grant from the United States Fulbright Program to conduct community engagement research in South Africa. He aims to assist disengaged, vulnerable youth in rural areas through community development initiatives.
A pilot long Covid rehabilitation programme in Ireland has shown significant improvements in fatigue, quality of life, and wellbeing concerns. The four-week occupational therapy programme equipped participants with practical techniques to manage everyday fatigue and brain-fog.
Researchers developed a video game-based therapy, Recovery Rapids, to aid stroke patients in improving their motor skills from home. The game helped patients adhere to exercises and showed similar outcomes to traditional constraint-induced therapy.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas has analyzed the cost of two commonly used interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder. The results showed that implementing emerging or ineffective interventions can consume valuable resources without promising positive outcomes. The study's goal was to p...
The Tennessee AgrAbility Project has received new funding from the USDA, bolstering its impact and success into 2022. The program, a collaboration between the University of Tennessee Extension and NIFA, assists farmers and farm workers with disabilities by providing support, resources, and equipment to enhance their quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are using a $2 million grant to install in-home sensors that monitor older adults' daily activities. The sensors can detect falls, track vital signs, and alert care teams to abnormalities, enabling timely interventions.
Researchers at MUSC Health found that wearing a wireless wristband with vibrations during occupational therapy improves patients' hand function after stroke. The extra stimulus increases brain activity, leading to better motor output and more effective recovery.
A community-based fall-prevention program helped reduce in-home falls among older adults by nearly 40%, resulting in cost savings of $1,613 per person. The program provided personalized plans to address fall risks and made simple home modifications such as grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces.
A University of Vaasa study compares the growth stories of Finnish leaders to those in Väinö Linna's novels, revealing culturally established modes of discourse that shape leadership narratives. The research highlights the importance of considering cultural heritage in leader development and education.
The H-Man robot is a compact, affordable solution for post-stroke patients to practice intensive exercises at home or in community-based settings. Clinical trials show significant improvement in upper-limb mobility and long-term retention of learning.
A virtual reality clinic created by researchers at North Carolina State University makes it easier for stroke survivors to attend physical and occupational therapy sessions. The system, called VERGE, encourages participants to work on therapy exercises with loved ones remotely, leading to increased attendance and engagement.
A new intelligent depth sensor system will track and assess daily activities of patients recovering from stroke in their own homes. The system provides personalized therapy plans tailored to individual patient goals and abilities.
A study by Brown University researchers found that stroke patients who receive more physical therapy have lower readmission rates, with those receiving 75 minutes or more of PT being 14% less likely to be readmitted. However, the amount of occupational therapy had minimal impact on readmission risks.
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that spending 20 minutes in an urban park can boost happiness and reduce mental fatigue. The study suggests that time spent in a park is more important than physical activity for emotional well-being.
A new study found that stroke survivors struggle to discuss their sexuality and intimacy with healthcare professionals, who rarely address the topic during rehabilitation. The review highlights the importance of proper support from health and rehabilitation professionals to address these issues.
A University of Southern California-led research study demonstrates occupational therapy's value in improving blood glucose levels, diabetes-related quality of life, and habits among young adults with diabetes. The REAL Diabetes program, a manual-guided intervention, showed significant improvements after six months.
A new study examining occupational licensing contradicts decades of research, finding that licensure may rigidify reward structures and enhance entry for historically disadvantaged groups. The study reveals that licenses do not limit competition or increase wages, but rather stagnate quality and widen wage inequality.
A new study by Midwestern University found that physical and occupational therapists are at increased risk of contracting CMV due to lack of knowledge on prevention methods. The study highlights the need for educational initiatives to address the knowledge gap among these healthcare professionals.
Intento's device enables stroke patients to self-administer electrical stimulation, improving mobility and performing basic tasks. 70% of patients showed significant improvement in motor functions compared to conventional therapy.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that in-home occupational therapy significantly reduces the severity of depression in patients with central vision loss. The therapy, which includes training on daily activities like cooking and reading, is more effective than supportive therapy in improving mental health outcomes.
A randomized trial involving 180 Alzheimer's patients found that occupational therapy did not slow the loss of physical function, despite tailored to individual patient needs. The results underscore the burden on caregivers and highlight the need for additional support strategies, such as home modifications and assistive devices.