The profound deficit in social reciprocity skills is the core underlying feature of the autism spectrum disorder. Inattention and impulsivity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children interferes with their ability to accurately identify, imitate, and model appropriate social behaviors. Social skill is any skill that facilitates interaction and communication with others, and evidence suggests that they can be acquired with specific training, opportunities, and practices. Literature suggests that in a developmental approach to social skills training, play is used as the primary medium for intervention, especially with younger children. Three children in the age group of 4–5 years were selected for the study. Socialization domain of the Vineland adaptive behavior scales-second edition was used to get the baseline scores. The children participated in the play-based occupational therapy intervention and each session was carried out for 60 min, twice a week. The children were reassessed after 6 months. The scores' data showed an upward trend and the socialization score of child 1, 2, and 3 improved by 11.6%, 14.8%, and 8.3%, respectively.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Handwriting is a complex perceptual-motor skill dependent on the maturation and integration of a number of cognitive, perceptual, and motor skills. Handwriting develops through instruction and is a complex process of managing written language by coordinating the eyes, arms, hands, pencil grip, letter formation, and body posture. Handwriting Without Tears Methodology™ (HWT) is an established handwriting curriculum created by Jan Olsen and is used by occupational therapy (OT) practitioners in traditional one-on-one service delivery. It is also designed for full classroom implementation and instruction and is used in thousands of Mainstream and Special Schools across the world. Objectives: The objective of the study is to analyze the impact of handwriting intervention with OT Kit (OTK) in treating children with dysgraphia (OTK included HWT products, other multisensory material, and fine-motor activities) and to establish the norms on OTK to enable it to be used by therapists for handwriting intervention in India. Study Design: Single-arm interventional study design was chosen for the research. Methods: In a pre- and post-single-arm interventional study design, 40 children diagnosed as dysgraphia (age group 6–11 years; male:female: 31:9) were recruited from a regular school and OT clinic. The handwriting performance was assessed using HWT Screener™ for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Grade from mainstream school and the Print tool^®. The intervention using OTK was based on HWT program™, multisensory activities, and fine-motor activities. Results: Boys had difficulty in lowercase formations more than girls, and 9-year olds were found to have maximum difficulties in sequencing and memory components of written production. Variables of memory, placement, letter, and word spacing have shown maximum improvement. Where the primary outcomes are P < 0.05; 95% confidential interval [CI]: −4.15 to −1.61 (memory), −14.58 to −4.91 (letter spacing). Analysis of HWT screener shows memory, placement, orientation, and sentence formation to have maximum improvement in students of Grade 1^st to 3^rd where P < 0.05; 95% CI: −18.56 to −10.18 (memory) and P < 0.05; 95% CI: −12.49 to − 5.88 (placement). In Grade 4^th variables, word and capital cursive have shown better improvement than lowercase cursive P < 0.05; 95% CI: −31.54 to − 11.49 (word cursive). Conclusions: OTK (HWT™ manipulatives, multisensory products, and fine-motor activities) was found to be beneficial in improving the handwriting skills in Indian children with dysgraphia. Significant benefits were seen in boys and younger children, when receiving HWT curriculum instructions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Hand splints are used to prevent muscular hyperactivity in adult poststroke patients. Reflex inhibitory splints may be used as an integrative treatment of poststroke upperlimb spasticity. Hand splints are used by occupational therapists as a method of reducing the increased muscle tone of the upper extremity following stroke. Muscle stretching is becoming a very common practice in the rehabilitative management of spasticity. It includes several types of muscle stretching such as passive stretching, active stretching and prolonged stretching, isotonic stretching, and isokinetic stretching. Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the difference between the effects of splinting and stretching in reducing spasticity and improving hand function in poststroke hemiplegia. Study Design: This was a two-arm comparative interventional study. Methods: A total of 30 poststroke hemiplegic patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria which mainly include patients having tone of the affected upper extremity at wrist and fingers ≥2, according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), having score ≥25 on Mini-Mental State Examination and having age between the age group of 35 and 65 years are enrolled for the study. Consecutive sampling was done by putting all odd number patients in the splinting group and all even number patients in the stretching group. Assessment tools and outcome measures were B and C subscales of Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Physical Performance for Upper Extremity and MMAS. The patients of the splinting group were given a resting hand splint to wear for 10–12 h continuously per day for 6 weeks. Stretching exercise using a prolonged slow stretch technique was carried out to patients of the stretching group. Results: The patients of splinting group showed more improvement in spasticity and hand function than stretching group with mean difference of 1, P= 0.695, and 95% confidence interval (CI) = −26.41–−22.39 for wrist flexor spasticity, for finger flexor spasticity mean difference was 4, P= 0.143, and 95% CI = −8.28–−5.42 and for hand function mean difference was 4, P= 0.13, and 95% CI = 14.62–20.47. Conclusion: There was the statistically nonsignificant difference between the efficacy of hand splinting and stretching exercises, in reducing spasticity and improving hand functions in poststroke hemiplegia. However, clinically, hand splinting is more beneficial than stretching exercises for the desired outcomes.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition in India. It can cause functional limitations and affect the quality of life (QoL). This case study describes the occupational therapy (OT) services implemented for a female patient diagnosed with bilateral knee OA. The patient described in this case study experienced pain and fatigue. Further, the suboptimal performance in instrumental activities of daily living tasks affected her subjective well-being. The patient was consulted for seven sessions in total, including the follow-up. The treatment techniques used were patient education, home modification, activity modification, and assistive device prescription and training. The patient verbalized improvement during the follow-up visit after 6 months. The improvement was also evident through improved fatigue and QoL scores. The implications of the case for OT practice in India were highlighted.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Stress can cause significant impact on social and occupational participation. This study aimed to investigate association between psychological factors (six factors of psychological well-being [PSW] and self-reported mindfulness) and perceived stress. Further, the study aimed to compare the relationship of psychological factors and stress between Erick Erickson's two adult developmental stages, i.e., intimacy versus isolation (19–40 years) and generativity versus stagnation (40–65 years). Objectives: To measure PSW (six factors), mindfulness, and perceived stress in people from the two developmental stages, to study the correlation between psychological factors (the six factors of PSW and mindfulness) and stress in each group, and to compare the relation between psychological factors and stress in these two developmental stages. Study Design: A cross-sectional study design was chosen for the research. Methods: Males and females belonging to intimacy versus isolation (19–40 years) and generativity versus stagnation (40–65 years) stages of Erick Erikson's classification of development were included in the study. Written informed consent was taken from all the participants. Paper-based version of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS), and Ryff's PSW scale were administered. The scores obtained on PSS, MAAS, and Ryff's PSW were compared. Results: Individuals belonging to the intimacy vs. isolation stage (19-40 years) and generativity vs. stagnation (40-65 years) stage of development showed a significant correlation between psychological factors and stress, with a significant correlation (P = 0.010, 95% CI: 187.600-169.080) in the intimacy vs. isolation stage and (P = 0.005, 95% CI: 165.004-155.136) in the generativity vs. stagnation stage. Conclusions: Individuals in the generativity versus stagnation (40–65 years) stage are more stressful than those in intimacy versus isolation stage (19–40 years) stage. Thus, practicing mindfulness and being mindful helps us to deal with stress better.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Empirical evidence relating motor-free visual-perception (VP) skills and handwriting (HW) legibility and speed is sparse, despite the theoretical belief that VP is necessary for letter recognition and is an essential component of HW. Therefore, the study was carried out to investigate the effect of VP training on scanning skills, motor-free VP skills, and HW legibility and speed. Objectives: The main objective is to study the effect of VP training on HW legibility and speed; motor-free VP skills and scanning skills. Study Design: This was a single-arm interventional study design was chosen for the research. Methods: Single arm of 10 children of either gender between 6 and 10 years of age, with HW difficulties meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, was recruited by convenience sampling. They were assessed pre- and post-training (6^th and 12^th week) using the letter cancellation test (LCT), Test of VP Skills-3^rd Edition (TVPS-3) and Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting (ETCH). The intervention included individualized VP training weekly twice along with home program. Results: The mean scores of LCT, TVPS-3, and Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting-Manuscript (ETCH-M) of n = 10 were analyzed. Post 12-week intervention, statistically significant improvement were found in mean scores of LCT (P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.411,0.699]) and on TVPS-3 subtests (P < 0.05, 95% CIs [13.14, 17.46], [11.60, 15.60], [11.46, 14.14], 11.73, 15.87], [11.33, 15.27], [11.66, 15.44] and [11.56, 15.44] sequentially) and on overall mean scores (P < 0.05, 95% CI [12.67, 16.13]). Statistically significant improvements were calculated on ETCH-M subtests- total letter, number, and word legibility scores (P < 0.05, 95% CIs [88.91, 95.69] [100,100] and [79.01, 93.19] respectively); and on near-point copying speed (P < 0.05, 95% CI [35.98, 55.42]) but non-significant improvement was seen on far-point copying speed (FPS) (P = 0.103, 95% CI [23.69, 36.31]). Conclusion: VP training, without HW practice, has an effect in improving scanning skills, motor-free VP skills, and HW legibility and speed (except FPS). Thus, VP training may influence HW legibility and speed.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: De Quervain's tenosynovitis, the most common overuse injury involving the wrist. There is no consensus in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis; both surgical and conservative medical management have adverse effects. Myofascial release (MFR) and myofascial taping (MFT) are newer techniques which have been proven effective for other inflammatory and noninflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. Hence, the study was planned to determine and compare the effectiveness of the both the above-mentioned adjunct method along with conventional occupational therapy in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Objective: The objective of this study is to compare and study the effectiveness of MFT and MFR as an adjunct to conventional occupational therapy treatment in patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Study Design: A prospective, comparative randomized controlled trial was conducted for 18 months. Methods: A total of 31 patients (both males and females aged 20-40 years) diagnosed with De Quervain's tenosynovitis, referred to outpatient department were randomized into two groups after screening by simple random allocation using computerized generated table, patients in MFT group (n = 16, 11 females and 5 males) received MFT along with conventional treatment and patients in MFR group (n = 15, 9 females and 6 males) received MFR along with conventional treatment. They followed up for treatment for 5 weeks, two times a week with each session lasting for 30-40 min. Pain level and functional improvement were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) score, respectively, before therapy and at the end of the 3^rd and 5^th week of the 5-week therapy program. Results: Both the groups showed significant improvement in pain scores on VAS at the 3^rd and 5^th weeks (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the values between the two groups at 3^rd week, but at the end of 5^th week, MFT Group showed significant improvement in pain than MFR Group. Both the groups showed significant improvement in functional scores on PSFS at the 3^rd and 5^th weeks at value ofP < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval. Conclusion: Although both MFT and MFR showed improvement in function and decrease in pain, when compared we could conclude that MFT along with conventional occupational therapy yield significantly better outcome measures in terms of decreasing pain and improving function.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Activities of daily living (ADLs) refer to the ongoing behaviors that occur on a daily basis. Such behaviors include eating, cooking, bathing, social interactions (such as leisure activities, attending school or work, or assisting with chores), and other activities that one might routinely expect an individual to perform or participate in. Some of the major ADL tasks include personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, and eating. Researchers have documented delayed self-care performance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents report their child to have difficulties with feeding and toileting in particular. Objective: This qualitative pilot study endeavored to understand the difficulties faced by the parents of children with ASD in conducting their children's ADL. Study Design: Qualitative descriptive study was chosen for the research. Methods: The qualitative descriptive study included participants (n = 20) whose children were primarily diagnosed as ASD. Convenient sampling method was used for study sample calculation. The study included parents of children of age group between 5 and 9 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 6.9 ± 1.57 months) with intelligence quotient of ≥80%. The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. The parents (fathers = 9 and mothers = 11) were given a semistructured questionnaire to understand difficulties faced by the parents of children with ASD (mean ± SD: 5.56 ± 33.6 months). Results: According to the study, it was observed that most of the parents have reported that their child had maximum difficulties in eating, followed by brushing and grooming and least for toileting. This study also found the priority list of difficulties in ADL. It was noted that early and proper training of the child gives good results in managing a child with ASD. Many parents reported that early training is beneficial. Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows the hierarchy of difficulties in ADL reported by the parents of children with ASD. This study also found that early ADL training gives good results in managing child with ASD.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Developmental disorders like autism are heterogeneous and lifelong disorder which will have mild-to-severe limitations for which they rely heavily on others for support in self-care, daily living, employment, relation, and overall independent living. Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the effect of visual scheduling for developing self-care in children with autism and to incorporate the visual scheduling as a therapeutic intervention in combination with sensory integration therapy (SIT). Study Design: This was pretest–posttest control group design. Methods: Convenient sample of 32 children with autism were screened with childhood autism rating scale (CARS) were allotted to experimental and control group. The pretest score was taken using Wee-FIM, after that, both groups underwent 12 weeks of intervention. Experimental group followed conventional therapy (SIT) along with visual schedule protocol of self-care and control group followed conventional therapy and the culture-based rearing techniques. The potential impact of the program on participation was assessed as post Wee-FIM score. Results: The present study aimed at knowing the effectiveness of the combined approach of visual schedule and SIT for increasing self-care in children with autism. Statistical analysis shows that there is a significant difference between both groups after posttest. Result shows the change in mean score 25.56–40.43. Moreover, the result is highly significant at the level of P = 0.00 (95% confidence interval). Conclusions: This study shows the combined effect of visual schedule and SIT is an effective intervention to improve self-care activities in children with autism.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Social development for a child is the child's ability to approach others, get along with other children and their ability to manage a relationship with other peers. Play as an occupation allows the child to express who they are as a player and to socially interact with others. Such a recognized play for a child to develop important skills is pretend play. Children who do not imitate or initiate play are likely to have difficulty in some area of childhood performance that limits their ability to respond. Objectives: To explore the pretend play behaviors and to improve social competence through pretend play for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Study Design: A prospective, comparative, interventional, quasi-experimental study design was chosen for this research. Methods: The study included 42 children, aged 3–7 years of both genders, diagnosed with ASD, verbalizing a word or two productively for interacting. All the children were assessed using Child-Initiated Pretend Play Assessment and Communication DEALL Developmental Checklist for social skills, who were then grouped into experimental group with Learn to Play program and into control group who were under general play-based social skill training for 80–100 sessions within 6 months of the study period. Results: Nineteen children out of 21 in the experimental group showed the presence of typical indicators of pretend play. There was a significant improvement (P < 0.005, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.000–0.069) in pretend play skills and social skills of the children in the experimental group after Learn to Play program. Further, an improvement on the elaborate play and imitative actions of pretend play and social skills of the control group (n = 21) was attained by general play-based social skill training. However, the effect of pretend play in the experimental group (P < 0.005, 95% CI: 0.000–0.133) was more than that in the control group. Conclusion: Learn to Play program to develop and improve pretend play of children with ASD is better than the general play-based social skill training. The study thus concludes that pretend play is an efficacious therapeutic modality to enhance social competence of children with ASD.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Feeding functions are generally affected in preterm infants. This has long-term impact on emotional development, social learning, and health. Occupational therapists use a variety of interventions such as premature infant oral motor intervention (PIOMI), Infant massage (IM) for improving oral motor control and neuro-behavioral status of preterm infant. PIOMI has positive effects on oral motor functions. IM is recognized as a developmentally supportive intervention aimed at decreasing infant stress and optimizing the infant's sensory experience on long-term development. The current study intends to observe the effect of PIOMI and combined effect of PIOMI with IM on social and emotional development of preterm infants. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effect of PIOMI and combined effect of PIOMI with IM on social-emotional development of preterm infants. Study Design: Prospective, experimental, design was chosen for this research. Methods: Preterm infants (32–36 weeks) who were hemodynamically stable and satisfying the inclusion criteria were allocated into Group A and Group B randomly divided into 30 subjects in each group. Group A received PIOMI of 10 min session, twice a day. Group B received PIOMI along with IM therapy (IM) of 10 min session twice a day, till they achieved full oral feeds. The infants were evaluated at 2 and 6 months of corrected age on Ages and Stages Questionnaire Social Emotional-2 (ASQ: SE-2) scale to evaluate the long-term effect of intervention on social-emotional development of preterm infants. Results: Thirty infants from Group A enrolled for study, 25 infants followed up at 2 months of corrected age. On social emotional-2 (ASQ: SE-2), they scored mean score of 30.4 ± standard deviation (SD) 7.4, 95% confidence interval CI: (27.66, 33.14), On follow-up at 6 months of corrected age, there was an increase in mean scores to 46.2 ± SD 11.2, 95% CI: (41.7, 50.7). Out of thirty infants, the twenty-eight infants from Group B followed up at 2 months of corrected age. On ASQ: SE-2 they scored as mean 18.4 ± SD 4.5, 95% CI: (16.66, 20.14).This group also showed increase of mean scores at 6 months of corrected age to 28.2 ± SD 8.14, 95% CI: (25.04, 30.36). Infants receiving PIOMI with IM showed better social-emotional development in preterm infants as compared to those received only PIOMI at 2 and 6 months. The marked improvement was seen in components such as social interaction, self-regulation, and communication. Conclusion: Preterm infants from both the groups showed good social emotional development, whereas preterm infants who received PIOMI along with IM therapy showed better self-regulation and interaction due to graded tactile stimulations received during therapy, which also enhanced interaction with caregivers.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Workforce data offer critical information to thrust a profession forward. The insights generated through workforce data provide foundations for benchmarking and advocacy initiatives pertaining to a given profession. Periodic salary surveys help professionals monitor trends and gauge the growth of their profession. Objectives: To determine the average compensation of occupational therapy practitioners in India and benchmark the profession's growth against 2015 workforce data. Study Design: The survey research design was used to conduct this study. Methods: The electronic survey used in 2015 salary survey study was modified and sent via e-mail and social media to Indian occupational therapy practitioners identified through convenience and snowball sampling. Data were collected from October 1, 2018, to October 27, 2018. Results: The number of responses received was 191. The average salary range of full-time OT practitioners in India was 35,001–45,000 Indian National Rupee/month. Gender, job title, level of OT education, practice area, years of experience, and geographical region influence the compensation received by OT practitioners in India. The profession has demonstrated a notable growth in multiple fronts. Conclusions: Occupational therapy in India is in growth trajectory. This workforce study points to the continuing demand for occupational therapists in India. Further, in-depth exploration is recommended.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the prominent causes of physical impairment. Traditional homemaking tasks require substantial and sustained physical repetitive movements. The presence of awkward work postures and patterns causes musculoskeletal pain. Objectives: The study aims on quantifying the risks associated for MSDs due to kitchen work in young- and middle-aged women and correlate the contribution of each task and kitchen platform type to the risk of MSDs. Study Design: An observational, cross-sectional study was chosen for the research. Methods: Based on the convenient sampling method and the inclusion criteria, 140 women from different areas of large metropolitan were selected. To assess women for pain using Nordic Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (Nordic MPQ) was used, for at least three of five meal preparation tasks (chopping, lifting, stirring, mopping the kitchen platform, and utensils washing) using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was the objective. Measurements of anthropometric characteristics (height of kitchen platform and participant and linear distance between the tip of the shoulder to the kitchen platform and waist to heel) was done using a standard measuring tape at their residence. To correlate the score of Nordic MPQ and REBA with kitchen platform height for finding the risk of MSDs. Results: Women were found to have increased incidence of shoulder pain (mopping task) (P < 0.01) and upper back pain (mopping and stirring task) (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a weak negative association was found between the kitchen platform height with the REBA Score of lifting with r = −0.227 and P = 0.01 (two-tailed). The height of the person was negatively correlated with the REBA Scores of stirring and mopping with r = −o. 228 and − 0.229, respectively and P = 0.01 and 0.03 (two-tailed). Conclusion: Kitchen platform tasks performed in an awkward repetitive posture, over an improper work surface height are associated with increased incidence of MSDs.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Toilet skill problems have been reported among children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) in recent literatures. Pollock concluded that children with dysfunctional elimination syndrome (53%) had SPD than was reported for the general population. Occupational therapists from India experience similar observations in their clinical practice. However, there is limited evidence within the Indian context. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to find the prevalence of problems in toilet skills in children with SPD and the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy (SIT) for the improvement of toilet skills in children with SPD. And also to compare the effectiveness of SIT with behavior modification for developing age-appropriate toileting habits in children with SPD. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey and quasi-experimental pre-posttest design were adopted for the study. Methods: The study consisted of 2 phases. In Phase 1, 96 children with SPD were screened to find out the prevalence of toilet skill problems among them. In Phase 2, the study effectiveness of SIT on toilet skill development was investigated on 22 children. The baseline and posttest measurement were done using sensory profile (SP), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and modified diet schedule. The control group underwent behavior modification therapy, and experimental group, in addition, underwent SIT for 4 months. Both groups also underwent conventional occupational therapy. Results: This study found out among 96 SPD children, 68.75% had toilet skill problems. There was the difference in sections, factors, and quadrants in SP for children with and without toilet skill problems. In Phase 2, the result shows a significant difference (P < 0.05) for experimental group and had improvement in both sensory problems and toilet skill problems in followed by the SIT when compared to control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is association between toilet skill problems and SPD. SI has benefits in toilet skills problems in addition to other known benefits cited in the literature.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Studies reports that children with learning disability were more dependent in shopping skills than typical children, and studies reports that shopping experience will promote cognitive and social development and understanding the sequences of events involved in shopping is clearly one of the most important aspects of transaction knowledge, there are many approaches to improve shopping skills. Hence, till date, the cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (COOP) approach is not done in learning disability to improve shopping skills. Objectives: The aim and objectives of this study are to find out the effectiveness of COOP to improve the shopping skills in children with learning disability. Study Design: Two group pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design. Methods: Totally 30 children diagnosed with learning disability based on inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study and children were divided into two groups 15 in experimental group and 15 in control group. Assessment tools such as Test of grocery shopping skills (TOGSS), Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM), and Performance quality rating scale (PQRS) were used as outcome measures. Experimental group underwent regular occupational therapy and COOP intervention and control group underwent regular occupational therapy and money handling skills training for 36 sessions within 12 weeks. Scores obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Statistical analysis using independent t-test of pre- and post-test scores of TOGSS where P = 0.001 (<0.05), COPM and PQRS where P = 0.001 (<0.05) shows significant improvement in shopping skills in learning disability children, Effect size of TOGSS, COPM, and PQRS were greater in the experimental group. Thus, finding of this study indicated that there was a significant improvement in experimental group when compared to control group. Conclusion: COOP approach showed significant improvement in shopping skills for learning disability children and children were satisfied with their performance. Thus, COOP approach is effective in improving shopping skills for learning disability children.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: In schools, bullying is a regular occurring behavior problem and the most common form of violence. As stated in studies, bullying peaks during middle school years and higher rates of being bullied are reported in children with special educational needs and disabilities. Social story, as a teaching intervention, helps in preparing the children to respond appropriately to a bullying situation and to develop adaptive coping responses. Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify the victims of bullying among childhood psychiatry conditions, to develop coping skills for them, and to determine the effectiveness of social stories. Study Design: A randomized controlled interventional study was chosen for the research. Methods: Children were screened using Illinois Bully Victim Scale, and 22 children, of both genders, aged 8–13 years diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, learning disability, and mild intellectual disability were randomly assigned to two study groups. Coping strategies were taught to the children in the experimental group with the help of social stories, for two target behaviors, and role play at end for 30 min, 3 days a week, for 13 sessions, whereas in the control group, children underwent conventional occupational therapy along with coping strategies and role play for 30 min for 13 sessions. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the Coping with Bullying Scale for Children were administered before and after intervention. Results: Both experimental (n = 12) and control (n = 10) groups equally improved with their respective intervention. However, children achieved clinically significant scores in their mean values (68.42 ± 61.50,P < 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00–0.12) in the level of performance, suggesting that they used more of adaptive responses in coping with bullying situation. Typically, children in both the groups showed some amount of maladaptive strategies even after their respective interventions (8.03 ± 6.2,P = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.00–0.13), referring that social story was found to have an impact only on adaptive coping responses. This warrants the importance of addressing the awareness of adverse consequences of maladaptive coping through social stories. Conclusion: Social stories were effective in improving coping skills as well as in enabling the strategies application of learned coping skills (performance) during bullying situation.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of providing activities which give internal and external perturbations on the static and dynamic trunk balancing abilities of children with cerebral palsy and generate some postural response in the trunk of these children with cerebral palsy. Objectives: To find out the effect of activities providing reactive postural adjustments and anticipatory postural adjustments, in improving sitting balance, in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Study Design: Pre- and posttest study design. Methods: Children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy who were fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by convenient sampling from the department of occupational therapy, with a sample size of 60. Written informed consent was obtained from the guardians. Ethical permission was taken from the institute. Pediatric balance scale and pediatric reach test were used as instruments for measuring improvement in sitting balance. A frame for reaching and a platform for external perturbation were designed for the study. Therapy for both groups was given for 1 h/session. Children in the experimental group were exposed to 15 min each of reactive postural adjustment and anticipatory postural adjustment along with 1 h of conventional occupational therapy, whereas children in the control group were exposed to 1 h of conventional occupational therapy. Results: The results of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test of pediatric reach test were significant for experimental and control groups (P = 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.34–10.67 and P = 0.014; 95% CI: 4.16–7.89, respectively). There was also significance of the results of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test of pediatric balance scale in the experimental and control groups (P = 0.025; 95% CI: 8.98–11.12 for experimental group and P = 0.005; 95% CI: 8.09–9.54 for control group), with the level of significance set at P ≤ 0.05. This shows that the results were significant for experimental group as well as control group. Furthermore, the results of the Mann–Whitney U-test showed that Z = −3.507 for pediatric balance scale is more, making it more sensitive to capture changes in balances in children than that for pediatric reach test with Z = −3.905 (P = 0.002; 95% CI: 4.14–9.00 for pediatric balance scale and P = 0.001; 95% CI: 7.56–9.70 for pediatric reach test), with the level of significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: It can be concluded that activities providing reactive postural adjustment and anticipatory postural adjustment can be used to enhance and improve sitting balance among children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, so that they can have the functional balance in sitting, to safely meet the demands of everyday life.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Mothers of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are believed to experience high levels of distress, which affects breastfeeding ability in nursing mothers. The Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model based on environmental behavior approach was used as a tool to enhance coping behavior in mothers of preterm infants. Mothers were assessed for their stress levels and breastfeeding abilities and for environmental barriers and coping skills. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of PEO model as a tool in the intervention of postpartum mothers of preterm infants and on parental stress levels and breastfeeding efficacy. Study Design: A randomized, intervention-controlled study design was chosen for the research. Methods: A total of 52 postpartum mothers of preterm infants of gestational age 28 weeks to 36 weeks from NICU were included using a convenient sampling method using a lottery method for random allocation into two groups. The control group was given counseling regarding breastfeeding, handling, and positioning of infants, and the experimental group received intervention considering their individual environmental barriers and then implementing appropriate solutions with client agreement. The baseline scores were obtained on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Parental Stress Scale: NICU (PSS:NICU), Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BFSES) and followup was taken after 15 day. Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in PSS score at 95% confidence interval [CI]: 143.86-158.57 to 95% CI: 124.88-144.95, whereas the control group showed a PSS score at 95% CI: 135.16-151.19 to 95% CI: 127.45-144.62, with P = 1.23. On EPDS, the experimental group showed a score at 95% CI: 15.99-20.22 to 95% CI: 13.16-16.19 and the control group showed a minimal reduction at 95% CI: 14.18-18.81 to 95% CI: 13.75-17.64, with P = 0.65. No infant was able to receive breastfeed preintervention; however, some of them had shown the ability to attach while feeding. This has given the confidence of breastfeeding ability to mothers. Postintervention, the experimental group showed a significant difference in breastfeeding efficacy, with P = 0.0003. Conclusions: PEO intervention model can be recommended for improving mothers' breastfeeding capabilities in preterm neonates.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Occupational therapists (OTs) practice on both a first contact and a referral basis. Medical practitioners are often the primary referral source for OTs. To make timely and appropriate referrals to OT, it is imperative that the referral sources demonstrate a broader level of understanding of the OT profession. Objectives: The objective was to determine the level of awareness about OT among medical practitioners in South India. Study Design: Survey research design was used to conduct this study. Methods: An electronic survey was developed for this study and sent via E-mail and social media to medical practitioners in South India who were identified through convenience and snowball sampling. Data were collected from June 15, to July 31, 2019. Results: The number of responses received was 116. Eighty-two percent of the respondents reported either being familiar with or having heard about OT. Respondents who are specialists, work in the private sector, and practice their profession in a foreign country were more familiar with the OT profession and referred patients to OT. Gender and years of medical practice did not influence the familiarity level. Conclusions: Although many respondents have heard about OT and recognize it as a profession aligned with the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, their responses indicate that they have a limited understanding of the profession's scope of practice, OTs' role in some practice areas, and practice settings in which OT services are delivered. The consequence of this could be missed referrals.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Stroke is one of the prevalent noncommunicable diseases in India. In stroke rehabilitation, valid and reliable outcome measurements help in evaluating treatment effectiveness, systematic program evaluation, and justifying reimbursement. Measuring outcomes is construed as a good practice in the field of rehabilitation. Objectives: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and review the outcome measures used in stroke rehabilitation in India to provide an up-to-date understanding of the nature of outcome measures used, their cultural relevance, linguistic relevance, and validity. Study Design: This is a descriptive scoping review. Methods: The scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley in 2005 was used in this review. Following the development of review questions, relevant studies were identified, suitable studies were selected and critically reviewed, and the data were charted, collated, and summarized to generate themes. Results: Thirty-three studies identified 46 outcome measures. Most of the outcome measures used in stroke rehabilitation research in India were ordinal scales and body structure/function assessments. Reliability and validity scores of the identified scales ranged from 0.37–1.00 to 0.65–0.96, respectively. Modified Rankin Scale and Barthel Index were the most used outcome measures. Only two of the identified measures were developed in India. Conclusion: There is a dearth of culturally sensitive stroke-related outcome measures in India in all domains. The authors suggest that researchers in India exert caution when selecting and using outcome measures developed in foreign countries as the review identified only two translated and validated cognitive scales and one performance measure specific to the Indian population.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The provision of assistive devices (ADs) to enable function is a well-established component of occupational therapy (OT) practice. However, multiple client and therapist factors prevent the utilization of ADs in practice. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the utilization of ADs in OT practice in Tamil Nadu (TN). Study Design: The survey research design was used to conduct this study. A ten-item electronic survey was developed based on the research question. Methods: The survey was E-mailed to 295 occupational therapists in TN identified through convenience sampling. The survey link was also shared on four WhatsApp Messenger groups (Tamil Nadu Branch of All India Occupational Therapists' Association Official Group, OTist Group, Clinic OT, and Santosh Alumni) with many occupational therapists belonging to TN (snowball sampling). Data were collected between August 29, 2019, and September 20, 2019. Results: Thirty-five occupational therapists responded to the survey. Writing and eating utensils were the commonly prescribed ADs in TN OT practice. Client factors, cultural factors, lack of availability, cost, and therapists' skill may contribute to the limited usage of ADs in Indian OT practice. Innovating low-cost culturally acceptable ADs, educating stakeholders, and training practitioners on how to prescribe/utilize ADs in practice may mitigate the barriers related to ADs use. Conclusion: The usage of ADs in TN OT practice is limited. Multiple factors affect the utilization of ADs in the Indian context of practice. A multipronged approach focusing on innovative device development, advocacy, and skill development is needed to promote the utilization of ADs in Indian OT practice.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Most jobs nowadays are sedentary in nature. Due to incorrect posture, strain on the spine, pelvis, muscles, tendons, joints, bones, and discs can lead to fatigue and deformation. Low back pain (LBP) is the most common one among all pains. It has a profound impact on the quality of life (QoL). Core training has emerged as a major trend in LBP management and prevention. In Dynamic Muscular Stabilization Training (DMST), adequate dynamic control of lumbar spine forces is achieved, which reduces the repetitive injury to the structures of the spinal segments and related tissues. Thus, the aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of DMST on LBP in office workers. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of DMST in mechanical LBP to improve the QoL in office workers. Study Design: Prospective, experimental, randomized controlled, comparative study design was chosen for the research. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four office workers (male and female, aged 30-50 years) were screened on Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ). Fifty office workers were selected after screening, those who met the inclusion criteria (mechanical LBP and CMDQ for lower back more than 1.5). Office workers were equally divided into two groups, namely study group which received DMST and control group which received conventional exercises. Follow-up assessments were conducted at the baseline, 4^th week, and 8^th week on Oswestry LBP disability questionnaire (OLBPDQ) and World Health Organization QoL-BREF. Results: Both the study (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups equally improved with their respective intervention. In the study group, LBP reduced more (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.636-14.764) postintervention. Whereas, a significant improvement in physical (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 86.099-91.301) and psychological (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 60.725-69.475) domains of QoL was found in the study group compared to the control group. The correlation between OLBPDQ score and QoL domains was significant. Conclusion: DMST improves QoL by a significant reduction in pain in office workers with mechanical LBP.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Perception regarding efficacy of any intervention may influence clinical reasoning and treatment choice. Despite the fact that the current evidence on the effectiveness of sensory integration (SI) interventions is equivocal, practitioners use them widely in practice. This could be due to the perceived effectiveness. Objectives: This study aimed to gain an understanding of Tamil Nadu (TN) occupational therapy (TNOT) practitioners' perception of the efficacy of SI interventions in pediatric practice. Study Design: The survey research design was used to conduct this study. A ten-item electronic survey was developed based on the research question. Methods: The survey was e-mailed to 295 occupational therapists in TN identified through convenience sampling. The survey link was also shared on three WhatsApp Messenger groups (TNAIOTA Official Group, OTist Group, and OT Friends Group) with a large number of TN occupational therapists (snowball sampling). Data were collected between March 30, 2018, and April 30, 2018. Results: Forty-nine occupational therapists responded to the survey. Many respondents believed that SI interventions are effective, citing positive therapeutic outcomes and the child-centric nature of the interventions as the reasons behind their beliefs. Respondents also believed that for SI interventions to be effective, therapists' knowledge and skill on SI are critical. Gender, years of experience, additional training on SI, and level of education did not have any influence on practitioners' perceptions regarding the efficacy of SI. Conclusion: Pediatric OT practitioners in TN have a favorable attitude toward SI interventions and use them in practice. Although practitioners report perceived positive therapeutic outcomes, they need validation through clinical research. TNOT practitioners must collaborate with researchers to add to the scientific evidence base of SI.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Digitalization has resulted in increased computer use. Computer use involves repetitive movements and relatively static posture of neck, limbs, and trunk, contributing in cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). Over a decade, ergonomic awareness has increased, but CTDs have prevailed. Objective: A comparison of 2009 versus 2019 surveys was done to understand CTD trends and to find the significance of the number of people affected due to hours per day computer use. Study Design: A comparison of two surveys was conducted to research trend in occurrences of CTDs. Methods: The sampling was done using the snowball method. Both surveys had identical research methodology and collected data of (n) 100 computer users of India with an age range of 20–50 years, i.e., total of N = 200 in combined surveys. Participants filled in the self-explanatory questionnaire on Google Forms that assessed areas of CTD pain, severity of pain, and functional performance during pain. Results: Data analysis showed a higher percentage of pain in the neck, eye strain, and back pain in computer users in both 2009 and 2019 surveys. There was an overall decrease in the percentage of computer users affected with CTDs from 86% to 70%, but anatomically, an increase in percentages of pain in the upper limb, headaches, and lower-back pain was reported in 2019. The relation between duration of computer use and number of computer users affected was found to be nonsignificant for both 2009 and 2019 surveys (χ^[2] = 3.5408; P = 1.7027 and χ^[2] = 1.3739; P = 0.5031, respectively, 95% confidence interval [CI] [4.605, 7.378]). Spearman's correlation showed no significant correlation between duration of computer use and severity of pain in both 2009 (r = 0.078; P = 0.443, 95% CI [−0.120, 0.270]) and 2019 (r = −0.085; P = 0.398, 95% CI [−0.277, 0.114]). Conclusion: The comparison of 2009 and 2019 surveys showed an overall decrease in the percentage of computer users affected with CTDs in the 2019 survey. An increase in upper-limb pain, headache, and lower-back ache percentages was noted, while upper-back pain, neck pain, and eye strain percentage showed a decreasing trend in the 2019 survey. The percentage of computer users affected with pain in the neck, pain in the back, and eye strain was higher than other CTD areas in both the surveys. The duration of computer use did not show a significant correlation to the presence of CTDs among computer users in both surveys.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]