Adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) require high levels of assistance to participate in occupations. Otherwise, they experience low occupational engagement. This study aimed to explore how parents describe participation in occupations for their adult children with PIMD. Semi-structured interviews ( = 9) were conducted to understand how parents described their adult children's participation in occupations. Data were analyzed using the theory of co-occupation to identify themes and triangulate findings with the literature. Parents described participation as co-occupation in "essential" versus "non-essential" occupations. Participation in essential co-occupations emphasized shared physicality, while non-essential co-occupations focused on joint meaning (shared intentionality) and emotional responses (shared emotionality). Findings illustrate a way to conceptualize participation in essential versus non-essential co-occupations for adults with PIMD, highlight the importance of recognizing and illuminating subjective experiences of adults with PIMD, and provide a foundation for occupational therapists to increase occupational engagement within this population.

The concept of functional cognition has been variously defined, but at its core relates to how cognitive and performance abilities are integrated and used in everyday life. Functional cognition is a fundamental element of occupational performance, and functional cognitive assessment and intervention are central to how occupational therapy can improve client outcomes. Attendees at a conference convened by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation identified areas where the construct of functional cognition required further clarification. This paper briefly reviews these issues setting the stage for further conceptual analysis. The paper also examines the practical challenges that must be addressed before functional cognitive assessment and intervention can be fully integrated into occupational therapy practitioners' professional practice. Potential routes to address these challenges are identified.

Caregivers and children continue to use pediatric rehabilitation telehealth services (PRTS) post-pandemic. Understanding how caregivers support children during PRTS can help us fully integrate caregivers for positive outcomes. This scoping review describes the roles caregivers take on during PRTS.

A limited understanding of trends in occupational therapy (OT) research publications exists. This study aimed to evaluate trends in OT research publications, in PubMed (2001-2020), compared to physiotherapy and rehabilitation. A method of secondary analysis of publication trends in the PubMed database was used. Medical subject headings for OT, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation were combined with search filters (e.g., population age, study design, and OT practice area). Linear regressions were computed to analyze changes in yearly growth. OT research publications increased by 5.86 per year and comprised less than 2.5% of rehabilitation research publications yearly. Knowledge synthesis was the predominant OT study design (2.94% yearly increase; < .001). Intellectual/cognitive conditions and emergent practice areas in OT research publications increased over time (both = .007). OT research publications were relatively evenly distributed across population age. OT research publications are increasing over time but lag relative to physiotherapy and rehabilitation broadly. Our findings may inform future OT research priorities.

Although physical activity has been shown to influence physical, social, and emotional well-being, individuals experiencing quadriparesis often lack knowledge of and access to adaptive sporting programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions about wheelchair rugby's impact on community participation and well-being for individuals with quadriparesis and to identify functional barriers to participation. Qualitative semistructured interviews were used to explore the perception of participation in wheelchair rugby on community participation and well-being for adults with quadriparesis. Participants perceived that their participation in sports had positive benefits on community participation and well-being. In addition, participants identified barriers to participation for individuals with quadriparesis. Practitioners working with individuals with quadriparesis should consider sports participation when designing interventions and education.

: The increasing elderly population highlights the importance of comprehending healthy aging by examining the interactions among cognition, daily activities, and lifestyle. This study aims to address this by investigating these relationships within the World Health Organization's Healthy Aging Model. : A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 older adults from southern Iran, representing various cognitive levels. Participants underwent assessments to measure cognitive functions, lifestyle preferences, and independence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire for the Iranian Elderly, and the Lawton IADL Scale. : The relationships between the studied variables were identified. Lower cognitive function was found to be associated with decreased engagement in IADL and less-favorable lifestyle choices. : Integrating cognition, IADL, and lifestyle into assessments and interventions align with both the domain and process of occupational therapy, thereby enhancing well-being and promoting healthy aging in older adults.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) in enhancing motor-based occupational performance challenges in five children with specific learning disorders (SLDs). Five children with SLD aged 9 to 12 years, participated in a multiple-baseline single-subject experimental design. Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Edition 2 (BOT-2). The CO-OP Approach comprised 12 sessions, conducted twice weekly. Based on the BOT-2 results, the intervention resulted in better motor performance scores in all five participants. Clinically significant improvement was found in both performance and satisfaction rating using the COPM after intervention as assessed by both parents and children. This study demonstrates the potential of the CO-OP Approach to enhance motor skills and achieve selected goals in five children with SLD.

Adequate sleep tailored to children's age is important for their well-being. This study aimed to examine the association between adequate sleep and children's participation in occupational areas. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of secondary data obtained from the 2020 National Survey of Children's Health in the United States. This study included 6,818 children aged 6 to 11 years. The mean age was 8.48 years (standard deviation = 1.72). Multivariate regression models revealed that adequate sleep was significantly associated with increased participation in occupational areas (17% more in leisure, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.23; 15% more in play, 95% CI: 1.07-1.22; 11% more in education, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22) in school-age children, but not with participation in work and social participation. Adequate sleep is associated with increased participation of school-age children in occupational areas.

As the literature states, interoception is important in health and wellness. Disruption of this system can negatively impact occupational performance. We completed a descriptive study to understand how occupational therapy practitioners working with adults address interoceptive awareness. A researcher-developed survey gathered data on knowledge acquisition of interoception and perceived practice patterns related to assessment, intervention, and outcomes. Participants ( = 44) reported acquiring knowledge of interoception through professional websites, browsing databases, and continuing education as the most common information sources. Client self-report (56.8%) and clinical observation (54.5%) were the most commonly reported assessments. Rehabilitation practitioners ( = 8) reported no use of formal assessments. Most participants (63.89%) reported interoceptive awareness interventions to be effective. Further research is needed on best practices for interoception assessment and intervention related to occupational performance.

Engagement in leisure activities is a significant contributor to health. Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) report not returning to pre-injury levels of leisure participation. Self-regulation (SR) is a possible factor of limited re-engagement. This study aimed to examine leisure re-engagement patterns and the impact of SR on these patterns. Fifty-five adults with TBI were included in a cross-sectional study. Participants completed a leisure activity survey, rating engagement before and after injury. Participants and an informant completed the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) to assess SR. Leisure was significantly lower after injury than before injury, (54) = 3.83, < .001. The FrSBe apathy score was significantly associated with lower re-engagement (eta = 0.42) and may predict engagement after injury (Δ = .09, < .05). Apathy may contribute to difficulty re-engaging in leisure activities. Re-engagement in leisure activities should be a focus of occupational therapy intervention after TBI.

Occupation-centered lifestyle interventions improve health and delay age-related declines in older adults; however, little is known about the impact of a brief telehealth lifestyle program delivered individually. This pilot investigated the Holistic Occupational Performance Empowerment (HOPE) program on occupational performance and health-related quality of life. Twelve community-dwelling older adults completed six weekly lifestyle sessions to enhance behavior change toward individualized health goals. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and the Short Form 20-Item Survey (SF-20) were administered preintervention and postintervention to measure program outcomes. Among 36 health-related goals, 69.4% achieved or exceeded the expected level of attainment. A paired samples -test revealed statistically higher posttest GAS scores compared with pretest scores, indicating significant improvements in occupational performance. SF-20 mental health scores increased postintervention, although not significantly. Preliminary findings suggest that HOPE could positively impact occupational performance in community-dwelling older adults warranting a future large-scale randomized controlled trial.

Occupational therapy graduate students report poor well-being during their educational experience.

Parkinson's disease (PD) negatively affects driver fitness. Few studies document the benefits of in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) and advanced-driver assistance systems (ADAS), the focus of this study, for drivers with PD. This study quantified the impact of IVIS and ADAS on the number of on-road driving errors. Drivers with PD ( = 107) drove a vehicle equipped with IVIS and ADAS in traffic. The activation of IVIS and ADAS resulted in fewer driver errors. Specifically, adaptive cruise control reduced the number of speeding errors on the highway. Bradykinesia correlated with driving errors with deactivated systems. Memory impairments correlated with the total number of driving errors with activated systems. Impairments in executive function and visuospatial ability were associated with more errors during system deactivation. IVIS and ADAS reduced the total number of driving errors for PD drivers; ameliorated effects of individual variations; but memory declines posed a challenge while using these technologies.

Initial evidence supports the reliability of the Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) in Brazil, but further exploration of its psychometric properties is needed for Brazilian stroke survivors. The aim of the study is to analyze the reliability, convergent validity, internal consistency, and accuracy of the PM-Scale Brazil. A methodological study involved three assessments over intervals of 7-14 days. Reliability was evaluated through the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient to evaluate the alignment of the PM-Scale Brazil with the SATIS-Stroke. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's α. Accuracy was estimated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The study involved 110 stroke survivors, revealing adequate intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. A significant weak correlation was observed between the PM-Scale and SATIS-Stroke. Internal consistency and accuracy were adequate. The PM-Scale Brazil demonstrates good reliability, internal consistency, and sensitivity. However, its weak correlation with SATIS-Stroke suggests limited convergent validity.

Scant evidence exists regarding occupational therapy in carceral settings. Exploring perspectives and experiences to understand current practices is needed. To explore how occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) navigate evaluation, interventions, and role delineation. Qualitative study using phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches Data gathered through semistructured interviews with seven OTPs with average experience of 16 months, representing six states and four practice settings. Themes were identified by two independent coders who analyzed the data with consensus by third researcher. Four themes emerged: managing contextual challenges, interpersonal professional relationships, evidence-informed services, and client-focused care. Practitioners applied various frames of reference, utilized self-report and observation evaluation methods, and implemented holistic direct and indirect interventions. Understanding and supporting the value of therapeutic relationships, activity/occupational performance analysis, and foci of occupational therapy (OT) domains and processes that emphasize indirect roles can further define and highlight the distinctive nature of OT within carceral settings.

Farmers experience high rates of mental health conditions and suicide. It is within occupational therapy's scope to address mental health conditions in patients as it pertains to their participation in meaningful occupations. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of training provided to occupational therapy practitioners and students on addressing farmer mental health. Participants were directly recruited from occupational therapy state associations and graduate programs in the American Midwest to attend a 1-hour presentation and complete pre- and post-training surveys. A total of 119 participants completed the pre- and post-training surveys. Both occupational therapy practitioners and students significantly increased their confidence in assessing and addressing mental health concerns and providing resources to farmers following the training. Occupational therapy-specific training can increase therapists' confidence in addressing farmer mental health. Further research should assess multi-faceted interventions related to farmers' mental health in occupational therapy practice.

Hand injuries account for up to one third of acute hospital presentations. Current guidelines and standards of care recommend patients with hand trauma are seen by hand therapists, typically occupational therapists. This study explored the feasibility of implementing an occupational therapy-led hand therapy service for adults presenting acutely with a hand condition, using the RE-AIM framework. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit adult participants ( = 13). Outcome measures assessing function, health-related quality of life, pain, and occupational value and competence were completed. Focus groups were completed with patients and health care professionals. Data analysis revealed improvements in outcome measures post intervention and at 6-month follow-up. Participants were receptive of therapy-led services, and barriers and facilitators to service integration were identified using the RE-AIM framework. Occupational therapy-led hand therapy clinics show potential in treating people with acute hand conditions at emergency department settings, based on RE-AIM evaluation.

Many children with sensory processing differences receive occupational therapy services using sensory integration therapy (SIT). Studies exist to demonstrate the effects of this intervention on the child receiving the service. However, children exist as part of a family unit. There is limited research to examine the effect of SIT on the family.

Participation strategies used by young people (YP) are understudied. This study aimed to identify strategies used by YP with and without physical disabilities to promote participation at home, school, community, and workplace. In this qualitative descriptive study, 106 participants ages 12 to 30 ( = 22.7) years, with ( = 52) and without ( = 54) physical disabilities, reported up to three strategies to facilitate their participation in four settings using the Youth, Young-Adult Participation and Environment Measure. A total of 1,235 strategies were analyzed using inductive content analysis. As a result, 11 categories emerged; seven were environment-focused and four were person-focused. Both groups used time management, built on intrinsic factors, and utilized social support across all settings. At school, those with disabilities uniquely benefited from accommodative institutional environments. They also reported more strategies involving advocacy, analyzing a situation, and seeking accommodative physical and social environments. The findings illustrate a range of participation strategies YP use that may inform ways to promote participation more effectively.

Social networking services (SNSs) are useful tools; however, problematic use leads to mental health problems. This study aimed to examine whether SNS addiction is associated with occupational dysfunction while considering the effects of depression. This cross-sectional study included 268 undergraduates who responded to the questionnaire on the frequency and time of SNS use, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), SNS-X scale, and the Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed effect of the SNS-X score for Instagram was significant (β = 0.174, = .001) adjusted by the CES-D total score. However, the effect of frequency and time of SNS use were not significant. This suggests that SNS addiction, and not SNS use, is a factor associated with occupational dysfunction that should be emphasized and depression.

Type 1 diabetes management for young children requires caregiver involvement to prevent serious health complications. Objectives: Explore the lived experience of rural caregivers' health management routines and perceptions of an occupation-based coaching (OBC) intervention.