Open-source 3D printed sensors for hand strength assessment: Validation of low-cost load cell and fabric sensor-based systems.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pinch and grip strength assessment is commonly performed in occupational therapy practice. However, the typically utilised methods are limited to pinch or grip dynamometers and do not readily translate to handling everyday objects. With the advent of consumer-grade 3D printing and low-cost sensor systems, the possibilities for creating customised assessment devices are expanding. As a first step in determining the validity of low-cost sensor systems, their data must be compared to a gold standard. Consequently, this study examined the criterion validity of two such systems for measuring pinch strength, specifically a small load cell and pressure-sensing fabric, with a mechanical pinch gauge. METHODS: A total of 33 participants performed strength tests using a mechanical pinch grip device, which had a plastic 3D printed cover with a pressure-sensing fabric overlaid on it to allow for simultaneous criterion validation, and a small load cell with a plastic 3D printed casing designed for comfortable pinch grip assessment. RESULTS: The simultaneously assessed fabric sensor and mechanical pinch grip device showed excellent absolute (ICC2,k  = 0.94) and relative (Pearson's R = 0.90) agreement. Both devices showed similar excellent relative (R > 0.75) agreement with the load cell despite non-simultaneous assessment. These findings indicate that 3D printed sensors incorporating a load cell and a pressure-sensing fabric can be used to replicate a pinch grip assessment performed with a mechanical pinch gauge. CONCLUSIONS: This study lays the foundation for these sensor systems to be modified for use as assessment tools during the performance of functional tasks using everyday objects. Additionally, because both systems generate real-time force data they could be used for biofeedback as part of rehabilitation and strengthening programs. To aid uptake and future research using these systems, the 3D print models, step-by-step hardware design and software programs used are provided in an open-source format at www.rehabtools.org/otsensors.html.

What do we know about technologies for dementia-related wandering? A scoping review: Examen de la portée : Que savons-nous à propos des technologies de gestion de l'errance liée à la démence?

BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists use technologies to manage wandering-related risks to promote safety and independence among individuals with dementia living in the community. PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was to examine types of technologies used to manage wandering behaviour. METHOD: Using a modification of Arksey and O'Malley's methodology, we systematically searched peer-reviewed and grey literature on technologies used in home or supportive care environments for persons with dementia at risk for wandering. Data from the studies were analyzed descriptively. FINDINGS: The literature described 83 technologies. Nineteen devices were clinically tested. Interventions ranged from alarm products to mobile locator devices. Benefits included reductions in risk and caregiver burden. IMPLICATIONS: Occupational therapy strategies include technologies to enhance function in persons with dementia. Technologies can also reduce risks of wandering and should be affordable. Ethical issues of the use of technology must be addressed. More research is needed to increase levels of evidence.

Use of Props During Mealtime for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Self-Regulation and Reinforcement.

Mealtime is an important family routine commonly affected for families with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Limited research is available regarding strategies families incorporate to support mealtime engagement. The purpose of this study was to explore the frequency and characterize the purpose of Props used during mealtimes with children with ASD. A total of 12 families with a child(ren), N = 14, aged 2 to 7 years, with ASD and mealtime challenges or eating difficulties participated in video-recorded mealtimes in their home. Independent coders analyzed mealtimes for the frequency and purpose of Props (items used to support child participation during mealtime). Props were used by 75% of families ( n = 9); common Props included toys, electronics, and books. Props were used primarily as a self-regulation tool for the child and occasionally as positive reinforcement for specific behaviors. Overall, Props were used to support child engagement in mealtime. Occupational therapists should consider using Props as individualized, accessible, and supportive mealtime interventions for families and children.

Does occupational therapy reduce the need for surgery in carpometacarpal osteoarthritis? Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of disease-modifying interventions for hand osteoarthritis (OA), occupational therapy (OT) comprising patient education, hand exercises, assistive devices and orthoses are considered as core treatments, whereas surgery are recommended for those with severe carpometacarpal (CMC1) OA. However, even though CMC1 surgery may reduce pain and improve function, the risk of adverse effects is high, and randomized controlled trials comparing surgery with non-surgical interventions are warranted. This multicentre randomized controlled trial aims to address the following questions: Does OT in the period before surgical consultation reduce the need for surgery in CMC1-OA? What are patients' motivation and reasons for wanting CMC1-surgery? Are there differences between departments of rheumatology concerning the degree of CMC1-OA, pain and functional limitations in patients who are referred for surgical consultation for CMC1 surgery? Is the Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand a reliable measure in patients with CMC1-OA? Do patients with CMC1-OA with and without affection of the distal and proximal interphalangeal finger joints differ with regard to symptoms and function? Do the degree of CMC1-OA, symptoms and functional limitations significantly predict improvement after 2 years following OT or CMC1-surgery? Is OT more cost-effective than surgery in the management of CMC1-OA? METHODS/DESIGN: All persons referred for surgical consultation due to their CMC1-OA at one of three Norwegian departments of rheumatology are invited to participate. Those who agree attend a clinical assessment and report their symptoms, function and motivation for surgery in validated outcome measures, before they are randomly selected to receive OT in the period before surgical consultation (estimated n = 180). The primary outcome will be the number of participants in each group who have received surgical treatment after 2 years. Secondary and tertiary outcomes are pain, function and satisfaction with care over the 2-year trial period. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, 4, 18 and 24 months. The main analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis, using logistic regression, comparing the number of participants in each group who have received surgical treatment after 2 years. DISCUSSION: The findings will improve the evidence-based management of HOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER: NCT01794754 . First registrated February 15th 2013.

The aesthetic appeal of assistive technology and the economic value baby boomers place on it: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This pilot study aimed to understand the importance of assistive technology (AT) aesthetics on the intention to purchase, using grab rails as the example. Furthermore, the study explored the economic value consumers placed on aesthetic appeal. METHOD: Structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants, nine female, mean age 59; where seven grab rails were presented and feedback obtained on the level of appeal and 'willingness to pay'. Responses to open-ended and fixed response questions were transcribed by the interviewer during the interview and a qualitative content analysis conducted. RESULTS: Positive and negative terms in relation to aesthetics were used to describe appealing and unappealing grab rails; however, all grab rails were felt to have negative aesthetic aspects by at least five participants. Physical design and finish emerged as the two main themes regarding the appeal of the grab rail designs. Participants' 'willingness-to-pay' for appealing options was mixed, with both over and under valuations. The most likely grab rails to be purchased were considered both appealing and cost effective by participants. CONCLUSION: Aesthetic appeal plays an important role in acceptance and uptake of AT. Designers and manufacturers should be encouraged to provide appealing options as the study has shown consumers prefer aesthetically appealing grab rails. However, the challenge is creating more appealing designs, without increasing cost as consumers seem to not want to pay more for them. Furthermore, clinicians need to acknowledge the importance of aesthetics when recommending interventions and be familiar with a range of options to provide clients with more choice.

Assessment of body-powered upper limb prostheses by able-bodied subjects, using the Box and Blocks Test and the Nine-Hole Peg Test.

BACKGROUND: The functional performance of currently available body-powered prostheses is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to objectively assess and compare the functional performance of three commonly used body-powered upper limb terminal devices. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental trial. METHODS: A total of 21 able-bodied subjects (n = 21, age = 22 ± 2) tested three different terminal devices: TRS voluntary closing Hook Grip 2S, Otto Bock voluntary opening hand and Hosmer Model 5XA hook, using a prosthesis simulator. All subjects used each terminal device nine times in two functional tests: the Nine-Hole Peg Test and the Box and Blocks Test. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the different terminal devices and their scores on the Nine-Hole Peg Test and the Box and Blocks Test. The Hosmer hook scored best in both tests. The TRS Hook Grip 2S scored second best. The Otto Bock hand showed the lowest scores. CONCLUSION: This study is a first step in the comparison of functional performances of body-powered prostheses. The data can be used as a reference value, to assess the performance of a terminal device or an amputee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The measured scores enable the comparison of the performance of a prosthesis user and his or her terminal device relative to standard scores.

Bimanual dexterity assessment: validation of a revised form of the turning subtest from the Minnesota Dexterity Test.

Bimanual coordination underlies many daily activities. It is tested by various versions of the old Minnesota Dexterity Test (dating back to 1931, 'turning' subtest). This, however, is ill standardized, may be time-consuming, and has poor normative data. A timed-revised form of the turning subtest (MTTrf) is presented. Age-related norms and test-retest reliability were computed. Sixty-four healthy individuals, 24-79 years, comprising 34 women, were required to pick up 60 small plastic disks from wells, rotate each disk, and transfer it to the other hand, which must replace it, as quickly as possible. Two trials were requested for each hand (ABBA sequence). The average time (seconds) across the 4 trials gave the test score. Participants were grouped (CART algorithm) into 3 statistically distinct (P<0.05) age×score strata, with cutoff 53+ and 73+ years, and tested at baseline and after 1 week. Test-retest reliability was measured both as consistency [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICCs) model 2.1] and as agreement (Bland-Altman plot). From the ICCs, the individual test-retest minimal real difference (in seconds) was computed. The whole MTTrf took less than 4 min to administer. Baseline scores ranged from 40 to 78 s. The ICCs ranged from 0.45 to 0.81 and the minimal real difference ranged from 6.68 to 13.40 s across the age groups. Fifty-nine out of 64 observations (92%) fell within the confidence limits of the Bland-Altman plot. The MTTrf is a reliable and practical test of bimanual coordination. It may be a useful addition to protocols of manual testing in occupational therapy.

Una escala para la valoración del desempeño en uso de transporte público en el adulto mayor: EVADUT-AM / A scale for the assessment of performance during use of public transportation in older persons: EVADUT-AM

El uso de transporte es una actividad de vital importancia para las personas mayores como elemento promotor de autonomía y participación social. El transporte urbano con frecuencia no es planificado contemplando las necesidades particulares que este grupo social puede presentar, lo que puede favorecer dificultades en el desempeño durante el uso de transporte. Para el logro de un desempeño adaptativo en la actividad interactúan elementos personales, como el estado de salud y el estado funcional, con elementos ambientales, como la accesibilidad física y las actitudes de los pasajeros. Este trabajo describe el marco conceptual y metodológico implicado en el desarrollo de un instrumento de valoración que permite conocer el desempeño de las personas mayores en el uso de transporte público (EVADUT-AM). Para su diseño, se consideró hallazgos cualitativos previamente desarrollados a partir de las experiencias en uso de transporte de personas mayores que viven en la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. El instrumento está compuesto por las dimensiones preparación, acceso, y uso del transporte público. Finalmente, el artículo presenta la escala de valoración y sus instrucciones de aplicación, con el propósito de aportar con un insumo para la práctica disciplinar gerontológica. De igual modo, plantea oportunidades para la continuidad del trabajo a partir de un abordaje cuantitativo que permita validar el instrumento y evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas...

The use of public transportation is an important activity for older persons as a promoter of autonomy and social participation. Frequently, transportation systems are not designed considering the particular needs of this social group. Limitations for an adaptive performance may emerge then. Previous research has underlined that adaptive performance when using transportation involves the interaction of personal factors such as health and functional status with environmental factors, such as physical access and passenger’s attitudes towards older users. This article describes the conceptual and methodological framework for the development of a scale for the assessment of older persons’ performance in the use of public transportation (EVADUT-AM, Escala de Valoración del Desempeño en Uso de Transporte público en el Adulto Mayor). Qualitative findings from previous research in community-dwelling older persons who live in Santiago de Chile were used to establish concepts and factors. This scale involves three dimensions, including preparation, access and use of public transportation, and it was designed considering the demands and the perceptions of older persons living in Santiago, Chile, of their performance in the use of public transportation. The article introduces the scale and instructions, aiming to collaborate to occupational therapy and gerontological practices. The manuscript also elicits future directions for quantitative approaches involving validation process and psychometric evaluation of the scale...

Participación de terapia ocupacional en contextos de conflicto armado y postconflicto / The role of occupational therapy in contexts of armed conflict and the post-conflict

Objetivos Identificar experiencias profesionales de terapia ocupacional en contextos nacional e internacional de conflicto armado y postconflicto. Métodos Revisión sistemática cualitativa de literatura 2005-2014, según cinco categorías analíticas: experiencias profesionales; problemáticas; poblaciones; referentes teóricos; y procedimientos. Resultados Se recuperaron 78 trabajos. Contexto nacional: los modelos más empleados son ocupación humana y desempeño ocupacional realizante; la problemática más tratada es desplazamiento forzado. Contexto internacional: 19 países documentan experiencias; los modelos canadiense y rehabilitación basada en comunidad se emplean en mayor número; las principales problemáticas tratadas son desplazamiento forzado, condición de refugiados y atención a integrantes de la fuerza pública. En ambos contextos se destacan procedimientos como las actividades artísticas e intervenciones en bienestar social e inclusión sociolaboral. Conclusiones Los trabajos de grado son la principal fuente de experiencias nacionales, aunque pocos están publicados; son escasos los trabajos con población victimaria (desmovilizados, desvinculados); cobra relevancia el sector rural como escenario típico del conflicto armado y contexto expulsor; se han introducido frecuentes categorías conceptuales y prácticas al quehacer, desde la perspectiva de la terapia ocupacional crítica, que afianzan el papel profesional en fenómenos de exclusión social y violencias, como agente de transformación que acude a la dimensión sociopolítica de la ocupación humana. Estos hallazgos plantean retos gremiales y académicos para publicar, abordar poblaciones no sólo en condición de víctimas, incursionar en la formación y ejercicio en contextos rurales y reconocer el papel profesional como agente que trasciende más allá de la dimensión salubrista de la ocupación humana.(AU)

Objective To identify professional experiences of Occupational Therapy in Colombian and international contexts of armed conflict and post-conflict. Methods A qualitative systematic review of the literature between 2005-2014 in five analytical categories: professional experiences, problem situations, populations, theoretical frameworks, and procedures. Results 78 papers were retrieved. Colombian context: the models most used are human occupation and occupational performance; the most frequent problem is forced displacement. International context: 19 countries documented experiences; the Canadian model and the community-based rehabilitation model are most used; the main problem situations are forced displacement, refugee status, and attention to members of the armed forces. Both contexts highlight procedures such as artistic activities and interventions related to social welfare and social-inclusion. Conclusions Graduate these are the main source of Colombian experiences, though few are published; there are a few studies about victim population (demobilized). The rural sector as a typical scenario of armed conflict and a context of displacement have been seen as relevant. Frequent conceptual categories and practices have been introduced from the critical perspective of Occupational Therapy which reinforce the role of the professional in phenomena of social exclusion and violence, as a transformational agent that addresses the socio-political dimension of human occupation. These findings posit challenges for professionals and academics to publish, to work with populations (victims or not), to approach training and practice in rural contexts, and to recognize the role of the professional as an agent that transcends the public health dimension of human occupation.(AU)

Application of the Human Activity Assistive Technology model for occupational therapy research.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Theoretical models provide a framework for describing practice and integrating evidence into systematic research. There are few models that relate specifically to the provision of assistive technology in occupational therapy practice. The Human Activity Assistive Technology model is an enduring example that has continued to develop by integrating a social model of disability, concepts from occupational therapy theory and principles of assistive technology adoption and abandonment. METHODS: This study first describes the core concepts of the Human Activity Assistive Technology model and reviews its development over three successive published versions. A review of the research literature reflects application of the model to clinical practice, study design, outcome measure selection and interpretation of results, particularly among occupational therapists. An evaluative framework is used to critique the adequacy of the Human Activity Assistive Technology model for practice and research, exploring attributes of clarity, simplicity, generality, accessibility and importance. Finally, recommendations are proposed for continued development of the model and research applications. RESULTS: Most of the existing research literature employs the Human Activity Assistive Technology model for background and study design; there is emerging evidence to support the core concepts as predictive factors. Although the concepts are generally simple, clear and applicable to occupational therapy practice and research, evolving terminology and outcomes become more complex with the conflation of integrated theories. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The development of the Human Activity Assistive Technology model offers enhanced access and application for occupational therapists, but poses challenges to clarity among concepts. Suggestions are made for further development and applications of the model.

Restraint of children with additional needs in motor vehicles: knowledge and challenges of paediatric occupational therapists in Victoria, Australia.

AIM: This research project aimed to understand the challenges faced by occupational therapists when making recommendations regarding the restraint of children with additional needs in motor vehicles in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used to explore current practice in relation to the prescription of motor vehicle restraints in Victoria, Australia. An electronic survey was sent to occupational therapists working with children aged from birth to 18 years in early intervention services, hospitals, schools, community services or private practice. RESULTS: Challenges faced by occupational therapists related to a lack of knowledge of relevant standards and legal requirements, issues seating children with behavioural difficulties, families' inability to purchase recommended equipment and constraints as a result of funding issues. CONCLUSION: Further work is required to develop appropriate resources which support occupational therapists to make car seating recommendations for children with additional needs which comply with Australian legal requirements and standards.

Development of a standardised Occupational Therapy--Driver Off-Road Assessment Battery to assess older and/or functionally impaired drivers.

INTRODUCTION: Research has been conducted over several years to develop a new off-road assessment battery referred to as the Occupational Therapy - Driver Off-Road Assessment Battery. This article documents the development of the Battery, and provides preliminary research evidence to support its content and predictive validity. METHODS: Literature reviews and a focus group with nine driver assessor occupational therapists were undertaken, as well as data collection using the Occupational Therapy - Driver Off-Road Assessment Battery with 246 clients. A Classification and Regression Tree model was constructed to ascertain the predictive validity of the Battery, with fitness-to-drive as the outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-one physical, 13 sensory and seven assessments of cognition/perception were identified as being reflective of the skills required for driving. Following rating of their psychometric properties, the best assessments were presented to focus group members. The driver assessors supported the inclusion of several assessments and encouraged the development of new assessments. A draft version of the Occupational Therapy - Driver Off-Road Assessment Battery was tested and found to have excellent predictive validity for client on-road performance of 82.6%. The Classification and Regression Tree model showed that client performance on tests included in the Battery should be used together, rather than in isolation, to support fitness-to-drive recommendations. CONCLUSION: This research identified the most suitable physical, sensory and cognitive assessments to include in the Occupational Therapy - Driver Off-Road Assessment Battery, and provided support for its validity. The development of this standardised battery assists driver assessors to accurately and consistently assess and report the off-road driving capacity of clients.

Componentes ocupacionales a evaluar en el proceso de tratamiento y rehabilitación del consumo problemático de drogas / Assessment of occupational components in the treatment and rehabilitation process of problematic drug abuse

La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo a través de la revisión de la literatura existente sobre el tema y una entrevista semiestructurada a siete Terapeutas Ocupacionales, con experiencia en el área de estudio. La entrevista se centró en los siguientes temas: Componentes Ocupacionales evaluados por terapeutasocupacionales durante el proceso de Tratamiento y Rehabilitación, modelos y evaluaciones utilizadas por terapeutas ocupacionales y Componentes Ocupacionales que muestran mayor déficit. Los resultados de esta investigación revelaron que la mayoría de los terapeutas ocupacionales evalúan los componentes ocupacionales de rutina/hábitos, roles, volición, tiempo libre e historia laboral en la etapa de ingreso a Centros de Tratamiento y Rehabilitación. Los resultados también revelaron una carencia de modelos y evaluaciones adecuadas y específicas desde la Terapia Ocupacional en el tema de estudio. Este estudio concluye en que existe una carencia de homogeneidad en el lenguaje, instrumentos de evaluación y los modelos utilizados entre Terapeutas Ocupacionales en los distintos Centros de Tratamiento y Rehabilitación.

This research topic is framed within the field of occupational therapy and problematic drug abuse. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore what occupational components occupational therapists assess in the process of treatment and rehabilitation of problematic drug abuse. The study also explores the models and assessments used during this process. The participants were selected out of the list of Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers, that provides Occupational Therapy intervention in an Intensive Outpatient Program. This list was obtained from thedatabase of the National Council for Narcotics Control (CONACE). Data was collected through literature review on the topic and semi-structured interviews with seven Occupational Therapists with experience in the field of Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation. Theinterviews focused on the following topics: occupational components that are assessed for occupational therapists during the process of Treatment and Rehabilitation, models or theoretical frameworks and assessments used during this process and occupational components most affected. The results revealed that the majority of occupational therapists evaluate the occupational components of routine / habits, roles, volition, leisure and work history at the stage of admission to Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers. In addition, the results reveal a lack of appropriate and specific models andassessments from the occupational therapy perspective within the field of drug abuse. This study concludes that there is a lack of homogeneity in language, assessment tools and models used between the Occupational Therapists working in the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.

Tradução e validação para português brasileiro da Escala de Autoavaliação do Funcionamento Ocupacional / Traducción y validación al portugués brasileño de la Escala de Autoevaluación del Funcionamiento Ocupacional / Tanslation and validation to brazilian portuguese of Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning Scale

O artigo apresenta a tradução para a língua portuguesa, a adaptação transcultural e a validação do instrumento SAOF – Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning, uma escala de autoavaliação do funcionamento ocupacional, para uso na população brasileira. Foram realizadas as etapas de equivalência semântica e conceitual tanto na etapa da tradução como na etapa da adaptação transcultural. A adaptação do SAOF disponibiliza para uso um instrumento de utilização prática para terapeutas ocupacionais e a reprodutibilidade para os 23 componentes e para as 7 áreas foi considerada significante e altamente satisfatória sugerindo a indicação da utilização desta versão adaptada. Palavras-chave: Terapia Ocupacional. Língua portuguesa brasileira - adaptação transcultural. Escala de Autoavaliação do Funcionamento Ocupacional (AU)

The article presents the translation to the Portuguese language, the transcultural adaptation and the validation of Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning Scale for using with the Brazilian population. We did the stages of semantic and conceptual equivalence both in translation and in transcultural adaptation procedures. The adapted scale is a practical instrument for occupational therapists with reproductibility for the 23 (twenty three) component and the 7 (seven) areas. The scale was considered significant and highly satisfactory, suggesting the indication of the use of this suitable version. Keywords: Occupational Therapy. Brazilian portuguese language - transcultural adaptation. Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning Scale (AU)

El artículo presenta la traducción a la lengua portuguesa, la adaptación transcultural y la validación de la escala de autoevaluación del funcionamiento y ocupacional para uso con la población brasileña. Hicimos las etapas de la equivalencia semántica y conceptual en la traducción y en los procedimientos transculturales de la adaptación. La escala adaptada es un instrumento práctico para los terapeutas ocupacionales con reproducibilidad para los 23 (veintitrés) componentes y las 7 (siete) áreas. La escala fue considerada significativa y extremadamente satisfactoria, sugiriendo la indicación del uso de esta versión conveniente. Palabras-llave: Terapia Ocupacional. Lengua portuguesa brasileña - adaptación transcultural. Escala de Autoevaluación del Funcionamiento Ocupacional (AU)

Tradução e validação para português brasileiro da Escala de Autoavaliação do Funcionamento Ocupacional: [revisão] / Traducción y validación al portugués brasileño de la Escala de Autoevaluación del Funcionamiento Ocupacional: [revisión] / Tanslation and validation to brazilian portuguese of Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning Scale: [review]

O artigo apresenta a tradução para a língua portuguesa, a adaptação transcultural e a validação do instrumento SAOF – Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning, uma escala de autoavaliação do funcionamento ocupacional, para uso na população brasileira. Foram realizadas as etapas de equivalência semântica e conceitual tanto na etapa da tradução como na etapa da adaptação transcultural. A adaptação do SAOF disponibiliza para uso um instrumento de utilização prática para terapeutas ocupacionais e a reprodutibilidade para os 23 componentes e para as 7 áreas foi considerada significante e altamente satisfatória sugerindo a indicação da utilização desta versão adaptada.

The article presents the translation to the Portuguese language, the transcultural adaptation and the validation of Self Assessment of Occupational Functioning Scale for using with the Brazilian population. We did the stages of semantic and conceptual equivalence both in translation and in transcultural adaptation procedures. The adapted scale is a practical instrument for occupational therapists with reproductibility for the 23 (twenty three) component and the 7 (seven) areas. The scale was considered significant and highly satisfactory, suggesting the indication of the use of this suitable version.

El artículo presenta la traducción a la lengua portuguesa, la adaptación transcultural y la validación de la escala de autoevaluación del funcionamiento y ocupacional para uso con la población brasileña. Hicimos las etapas de la equivalencia semántica y conceptual en la traducción y en los procedimientos transculturales de la adaptación. La escala adaptada es un instrumento práctico para los terapeutas ocupacionales con reproducibilidad para los 23 (veintitrés) componentes y las 7 (siete) áreas. La escala fue considerada significativa y extremadamente satisfactoria, sugiriendo la indicación del uso de esta versión conveniente.

Establishing criterion validity of the Useful Field of View assessment and Stroke Drivers' Screening Assessment: comparison to the result of on-road assessment.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the criterion validity of the Useful Field of View (UFOV) assessment and Stroke Drivers' Screening Assessment (SDSA) through comparison to the results of on-road assessment. METHOD: This was a prospective study with people with stroke. Outcome measures used were UFOV, SDSA, and the results of on-road assessment. RESULTS: Both the results on UFOV (Divided Attention subtest, p<.01; Selective Attention subtest, p<.05) and SDSA (p<.05) were significantly related to the recommendation from on-road assessment. The Divided Attention subtest of the UFOV had the highest sensitivity value (88.9%). CONCLUSIONS: UFOV and SDSA are valid assessments of driving ability for stroke. The Divided Attention subtest of the UFOV can guide decision making of occupational therapists in stroke driver rehabilitation and in determining those who require further assessment on road because they pose a safety risk. Screening assists people with stroke to decide whether they are ready to have an on-road assessment.

Evaluation of cognitive technologies in geriatric rehabilitation: a case study pilot project.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate low-cost technology for cognitive rehabilitation in older individuals with dementia and document changes stemming from a clinical case study using these tools. An activity board, a calendar, a routine organizer and a software program were used and evaluated by specialists (n = 7). A pre-post-case study with an elderly male with dementia was undertaken for four months. All rehabilitation resources were classified as appropriate by the specialists. Post-intervention scores demonstrated improvement in cognitive functioning and daily activities at home. There is a need for further research to assess the therapeutic effects in patients with dementia applying equipment and software to improve cognitive function.

A technology-assisted learning setup as assessment supplement for three persons with a diagnosis of post-coma vegetative state and pervasive motor impairment.

Post-coma persons in an apparent condition of vegetative state and pervasive motor impairment pose serious problems in terms of assessment and intervention options. A technology-based learning assessment procedure might serve for them as a diagnostic supplement with possible implications for rehabilitation intervention. The learning assessment procedure adopted in this study relied on hand-closure and eye-blinking responses and on microswitch technology to detect such responses and to present stimuli. Three participants were involved in the study. The technology consisted of a touch/pressure sensor fixed on the hand or an optic sensor mounted on an eyeglasses' frame, which were combined with a control system linked to stimulus sources. The study adopted an ABABCB sequence, in which A represented baseline periods, B intervention periods with stimuli contingent on the responses, and C a control condition with stimuli presented non-contingently. Data showed that the level of responding during the B phases was significantly higher than the levels observed during the A phases as well as the C phase for two of the three participants (i.e., indicating clear signs of learning by them). Learning might be deemed to represent basic levels of knowledge/consciousness. Thus, detecting signs of learning might help one revise a previous diagnosis of vegetative state with wide implications for rehabilitation perspectives.

Avaliação da função visual em crianças com paralisia cerebral tipo tetraparesia e diparesia espástica: apresentação de um instrumento em terapia ocupacional / Developmental vision assessment in children with spastic diplegic and tetraplegic cerebral palsy: an instrument for intervention in occupational therapy

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade e a eficiência da Erhardt Developmental Vision Assessment (Short) - EDVA-S na análise do comportamento visual de crianças com paralisia cerebral atendidas no setor de Terapia Ocupacional Infantil da Associação de Assistência a Criança Deficiente - AACD. Foi utilizada a segunda seção dessa avaliação, composta por quatro componentes: localização, fixação, seguimento e troca da posição do olhar, que foi aplicada por terapeutas ocupacionais, relacionando os achados e as avaliações clínicas realizadas por oftalmologistas e ortoptistas. Realizou-se estudo observacional prospectivo em amostra de 14 crianças entre 12 e 42 meses de idade, com diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral tipo tetraparesia e diparesia espástica. O estudo mostrou que 85,72% das crianças apresentaram alterações nas funções visuais. As crianças com diparesia obtiveram maior pontuação e homogeneidade nas respostas, principalmente em relação aos componentes fixação e localização. As crianças com tetraparesia apresentaram desempenho heterogêneo em todos os componentes avaliados. Foi observado maior déficit no componente troca da posição do olhar em ambos os grupos. A análise estatística mostrou correlação entre a EDVA-S e a presença de estrabismo e nistagmo. Apesar da amostra reduzida, este estudo indicou que a EDVA-S, associada as avaliações oftalmológica e ortóptica, pode ser um instrumento auxiliar ao programa de terapia ocupacional em pacientes com paralisia cerebral, pois avalia o desempenho oculomotor, detectando as déficits e as habilidades apresentadas pelas crianças, oferecendo aos profissionais informações essenciais para melhor planejamento terapêutico.

The aim of this study was to verificate the application and efficiency of the Erhardt Developmental Vision Assessment (Short) - EDVA-S in analyzing the visual behavior in children with cerebral palsy in treatment at the Occupational Therapy Service of the Association for Assistance of Incapacity Children - AACD. It was used the second section of the assessment with four components: localization, fixation, ocular pursuit and gaze shift, applied by occupational therapists, and the findings were related to clinical assessments by ophthalmologists and orthoptists. This is an observational prospective study involving 14 children (12 to 42 months of age) with spastic diplegic and tetraplegic cerebral palsy. The results showed that 85,72% of children had visual dysfunctions. The children with diplegic cerebral palsy had the highest score and homogeneous answers, mainly in the fixation and localization components. The tetraplegics showed heterogeneous answers in all the components. The worst performance in both groups was in the gaze shift component. Statistical analysis showed correlation between EDVA-S and the presence of strabismus and nystagmus. In spite of the reduced sample, this study indicated that EDVA-S, associated to ophthalmologics and orthoptics assessments, can be an adjuvant instrument to the occupational therapy program for patients with cerebral palsy, because it evaluates the eye-hand coordination performance, detecting deficits and abilities showed by the children, offering to the professional essential informations for best planning the treatment.