The Effect of Leisure Intervention on Occupational Performance and Occupational Balance in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder: A Pilot Study.

Methods: The sample for this quasiexperimental pretest-posttest with a two-month follow-up design comprised nine individuals aged between 18 and 55 years, selected using a convenience sampling method. The intervention consisted of a 2-month group leisure participation program, conducted twice a week, followed by a 2-month follow-up period. Primary outcome measures included occupational performance and occupational balance, and secondary outcome measures were leisure participation, quality of life, and drug craving. Outcome measures were assessed three times: preintervention, postintervention, and after the follow-up period. The outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 (OBQ11), Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire (NLQ), 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Desire to Drug Questionnaire (DDQ). Data analysis was performed using the Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test as a post hoc procedure, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: The findings showed significant improvements in participants' occupational performance in postintervention and follow-up assessments (p < 0.01, r = 0.59) and better occupational balance from pre- to postintervention (p < 0.01, r = 0.59) and after the follow-up period (p < 0.01, r = 0.60). Furthermore, significant enhancements were observed in leisure participation, quality of life, and a reduction in drug craving. Conclusion: The findings indicate that leisure intervention positively impacted both occupational performance and occupational balance, suggesting its potential as a beneficial therapeutic approach for individuals with substance use disorder. Additional research is warranted to delve deeper into and validate the effectiveness of leisure intervention within this specific population.

Exploring the barriers and facilitators to volunteering as an intervention for those with long-term neurological conditions: How make therapeutic volunteering possible?

BACKGROUND: Volunteering may have therapeutic benefits, but little is known about its requirements and potential for people with neurological conditions (pwNC). DESIGN: Two separate focus groups were conducted in Darmstadt, Germany: one group consisting of six pwNC and another group consisting of four health care professionals and three volunteering service providers. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and data were managed using NVivo12. The thematic analysis was applied. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (1) Impact of volunteering, (2) Individualisation, (3) Developmental space and (4) Funded supported volunteering. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, volunteering can be used as a strategy to enhance physical, mental and social well-being in disease management for people with long-term neurological conditions. PATIENTS OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Facilitators for accessibility of therapeutic volunteering; involvement of pwNC.

Comparing position sense and isokinetic strength of the muscles of elbow joint between aikidokas and non-athlete people.

BACKGROUND: Aikido is a martial art comprises of locking techniques and falls. During the locking techniques, the elbow joint is forced into extended position. Moreover, the elbow hits the ground during the falling techniques. These might compromise joint position sense (JPS). The objectives of this study were to compare JPS and strength of the muscles of elbow joint between Aikidokas and a non-athlete group and to evaluate the correlation between JPS and muscle strength among Aikidokas. METHODS: All male Jiyushinkai style Aikidokas and a healthy matched non-athlete group participated in this cross-sectional study. Passive JPS at a speed of 4°/s and the isokinetic strength of elbow flexors and extensors were assessed. RESULTS: Evaluating the isokinetic parameters revealed no significantly difference between the groups in either flexion or extension at speeds of 60 (P-value range: 0.2-0.99) and 120 °/s (P-value range: 0.05-0.96). Also, the groups had no significant difference regarding different types of reconstruction error including constant error (P-value range: 0.38-0.91), variable error (P-value range: 0.09-0.87), and total variability (P-value range: 0.30-0.80). Moreover, very weak to weak correlation was observed between isokinetic parameters and passive JPS (r-value range: 0.01-0.39). CONCLUSIONS: JPS was not impaired in Aikidokas in spite of the repetitive stress applied to the elbow joint during the performance of Aikido techniques. The lack of significant difference in isokinetic between Aikidokas and healthy non-athletes, and the absence of an acceptable correlation between IPS and muscle strength in Aikidokas, might be attributed to the soft nature of Aikido.

Does covid-19 pandemic tell us something about time and space to meet our being, belonging and becoming needs?

BACKGROUND: People's perceptions of events like a pandemic are shaped by individual experiences within their socio-cultural context. Attributing negative or positive meanings to an experience may influence the sense of Being, Belonging and Becoming. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of the isolation/social distancing measures on people's sense of Being, Belonging, Becoming and overall sense of Occupational Wholeness compared to the time before the Covid-19 Pandemic as it is perceived by an Iranian population. METHODS: The Model of Occupational Wholeness used to inform the theoretical basis of this study and development of the survey questions. An internet-based survey using a convenient and snowball sampling method was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was published using a software named Porsline. A sample of 1624 members of the general population in Iran (67% response rate) completed the questionnaire within the first four weeks of the isolation/social distancing period starting on 18 March 2020. The Data was analysed by the SPSS 22. RESULTS: The participants showed a more positive perceived level of Being and Belonging as well as an overall sense of Occupational Wholeness, and no difference in the perceived sense of Becoming during the isolation/social distancing period compared to the time before the Covid 19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that the isolation/social distancing measures were perceived by participants as an opportunity to meet some of their Being, and Belonging needs that contribute to an overall sense of OccupationalWholeness.This highlights the role that Occupational science and Occupational therapy may have in helping people in situations when they need to rethink and replan for what they Do and the way they attribute meaning to their experiences.

Correlation between craniovertebral angle in the sagittal plane and angles and indices measured in the frontal plane at the moment of inducing forward head posture.

BACKGROUND: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common malposition in the head and neck area. With the growing use of digital devices, the prevalence of FHP may be expected to increase dramatically. Thus far, FHP has been evaluated only in the sagittal plane. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure angles and indices from anatomical landmarks in the frontal plane and determine the possible correlations between these variables and craniovertebral angle (CVA) as an index of FHP in the sagittal plane. METHODS: Fifty eight healthy individuals (29 men, 29 women) between 18 and 40 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were evaluated with an 8-camera motion analysis system. After markers were placed on predetermined landmarks, the participants were asked to maintain their head and neck in the neutral position for 5 seconds. Then participants induced FHP by flexing and lowering their head. The correlation between CVA and a set of angles and indices was calculated at the moment of FHP induction. RESULTS: A moderate correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and the angle formed between the sternum and both tragi for the whole sample and separately in both sexes. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, and BMI in women. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, BMI, and hours on digital devices in men. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in CVA in the sagittal plane can be predicted from changes in the angle formed between the midpoint of the sternum and the left and right tragi in the frontal plane.

Exploring the contributing factors that influence the volition of adolescents with cerebral palsy: A directed content analysis.

BACKGROUND: Communication, behavioural disturbances and low motivation influence the functional potential and the effectiveness of interventions in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). While the model of human occupation (MOHO) is a conceptual model in occupational therapy, no research on the volition of adolescents with CP in daily activities has been undertaken. AIM: To explore the elements contributing to the volition of adolescents with CP based on their own experience. METHODS: A qualitative approach using directed content analysis with volition of MOHO as a framework was applied. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with five adolescents with CP and five parents of the same adolescents. RESULTS: In this study primary codes were categorized into eight categories: family and community-related values, individual values, individual perceptions of ability level, sense of control over conditions, enjoying performing activities, enjoying interpersonal relationships, physical context features and social context features. CONCLUSIONS: Personal causation in interaction with environmental features is strongly influenced by adolescents' motivation. SIGNIFICANCE: Occupational therapists could improve the motivation of adolescents with CP in interaction with the individual's volition with focussing on self-efficacy for promoting personal causation. Adapting to the physical environment and changing the attitudes of others to these adolescents is necessary.

Rasch analysis of the Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire in Norwegian occupational therapy students.

BACKGROUND: Research suggested combining modern test theory with classical test theory to achieve comprehensive evaluation of an assessment tool. However, the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire has not yet been examined by the modern test theory. AIMS/OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine psychometric properties of the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire by using Rasch analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eleven occupational therapy students from two universities in Norway completed the questionnaire across four time points. Rasch analysis was used to examine the appropriateness of the rating scales, unidimensionality, person response validity, item/person separation, and the Wright map. RESULTS: The ten-point rating scale did not fully maximise the measurement potentials. Unidimensionality was confirmed except for two items. Person response validity needs further investigation. Excellent person/item separation and Wright map were found. CONCLUSION: This study supports the psychometric properties of the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire in assessing self-efficacy in therapeutic encounters. Further research is needed to address the misfit items and the rating scale issue. SIGNIFICANCE: Rasch analysis showed that the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self questionnaire is promising to be used as a reliable and valid tool.

The Norwegian occupational wholeness questionnaire (N-OWQ): Scale development and psychometric properties.

Background: Occupational therapy has long emphasized the concepts doing, being, becoming and belonging, and a notion of balance between them. Measures of these concepts are in a developing stage.Aim: This study aimed to develop and examine the properties of the Norwegian version of the Occupational Wholeness Questionnaire (N-OWQ), which is proposed to measure being, becoming, and belonging, in addition to occupational wholeness as a higher-order concept.Methods: An anonymous sample of 248 persons over the age of 18 years completed the N-OWQ along with sociodemographic information. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was performed on the scale items when examining factor structure. Item reduction was based on considerations of communalities, factor loadings, scale consistency if item deleted, and conceptual issues. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α.Results: Following the PCA, the 'Being' and 'Becoming' scales merged into one five-item 'Self' scale (Cronbach's α 0.77). The 'Belonging' scale items were split into two scales comprised by three items each: 'Closeness' (Cronbach's α 0.70) and 'Relatedness' (Cronbach's α 0.73).Conclusions: The revised N-OWQ merged the 'Being' and 'Becoming' items into one factor, whereas the 'Belonging' items were split into two distinct factors. Internal consistency for all scales were satisfactory.

Foot hyperpronation alters lumbopelvic muscle function during the stance phase of gait.

BACKGROUND: Although altered muscular control of the lumbopelvic region is one of the main risk factors for the development of low back pain and dysfunction, the influence of abnormal foot posture on lumbopelvic muscular function has not been investigated. RESEARCH QUESTION: To determine possible functional changes due to hyperpronation in the main muscles that control the lumbopelvic segment. METHODS: Kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 15 persons with hyperpronated feet and compared to a control group of 15 persons with normally aligned feet during the stance phase of gait. A generic OpenSim musculoskeletal model was scaled for each participant. A computed muscle control approach was used to produce a forward dynamic simulation of walking to determine muscle function. RESULTS: In the hyperpronation group significantly greater peak forces were observed in the erector spinae, iliopsoas and abdominals compared to controls. The former group showed peak latencies for abdominal muscles during early stance, and for erector spinae muscles during both early and late stance. No significant between-group differences were found in gluteus maximus muscle activation in the stance phase of gait. SIGNIFICANCE: Abnormal foot pronation can change the timing and intensity of lumbopelvic muscle activation. These changes may predispose people to develop secondary dysfunctions.

Participation in Peer-Play Activities Among Children With Specific Learning Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Children with a specific learning disability (SLD) have deficits in social and academic competence and executive function (EF). In this study, we used the Model of Human Occupation to investigate the effect of peer-play activities on occupational values and competence as well as EF skills (i.e., behavior regulation and metacognition) in children with SLD. METHOD: Forty-nine children ages 7-11 yr with SLD were randomly assigned to the peer-play and control groups. Outcome measures were the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the Child Occupational Self-Assessment (COSA). RESULTS: Data analysis showed that the effects of the intervention on EF skills were medium to large. The occupational values and competence did not change according to the COSA. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy practitioners can use peer-play activities to enhance EF in children with SLD; however, perceived occupational values and competence may not show any changes with the peer-play intervention using a self-assessment instrument.

Construct validity of the Persian version of the Child Occupational Self-Assessment in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the construct validity of the Child Occupational Self-Assessment, translated to Persian that could provide occupational therapists with a tool to evaluate occupational competence and values of children in Iran. METHODS: A total of 250 children (87 girls and 163 boys) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder aged 7.5-11 years referred from two specialised children's hospitals were included. The researchers read the questions to the children and they identified their own answers. The data were analysed based on the Rasch Rating Scale Model. RESULTS: Four of the items showed misfit and as a result of deleting these items the Persian version of the questionnaire has 21 items with an appropriate validity. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of Child Occupational Self-Assessment can be used with new items format. It could be also useful to replace the missing question to develop the tool further.

The influence of foot hyperpronation on pelvic biomechanics during stance phase of the gait: A biomechanical simulation study.

Despite the theoretical link between foot hyperpronation and biomechanical dysfunction of the pelvis, the literature lacks evidence that confirms this assumption in truly hyperpronated feet subjects during gait. Changes in the kinematic pattern of the pelvic segment were assessed in 15 persons with hyperpronated feet and compared to a control group of 15 persons with normally aligned feet during the stance phase of gait based on biomechanical musculoskeletal simulation. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected while participants walked at a comfortable self-selected speed. A generic OpenSim musculoskeletal model with 23 degrees of freedom and 92 muscles was scaled for each participant. OpenSim inverse kinematic analysis was applied to calculate segment angles in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal planes. Principal component analysis was employed as a data reduction technique, as well as a computational tool to obtain principal component scores. Independent-sample t-test was used to detect group differences. The difference between groups in scores for the first principal component in the sagittal plane was statistically significant (p = 0.01; effect size = 1.06), but differences between principal component scores in the frontal and horizontal planes were not significant. The hyperpronation group had greater anterior pelvic tilt during 20%-80% of the stance phase. In conclusion, in persons with hyperpronation we studied the role of the pelvic segment was mainly to maintain postural balance in the sagittal plane by increasing anterior pelvic inclination. Since anterior pelvic tilt may be associated with low back symptoms, the evaluation of foot posture should be considered in assessing the patients with low back and pelvic dysfunction.

The Course of Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self in Norwegian Occupational Therapy Students: A 10-Month Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational therapy students need to develop self-efficacy for managing the therapeutic relationship in practice. This study examined the 10-month trajectories of Norwegian students' self-efficacy for use of self. METHODS: Eighty-nine students completed self-efficacy questionnaires related to the use of self after a workshop and at 3- and 10-month follow-up. Changes on the three outcome measures (self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use, for recognizing clients' interpersonal characteristics, and for managing interpersonal events) were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Across the follow-up period, the students improved their self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use (partial η2 = 0.44, p < 0.001), for recognizing clients' interpersonal characteristics (partial η2 = 0.81, p < 0.001), and for managing interpersonal events (partial η2 = 0.32, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The increased self-efficacy for use of self that was found at 3-month follow-up was maintained at 10-month follow-up. The results indicate that students may experience a boost in self-efficacy for therapeutic use of self after a brief workshop and that these changes can be sustained over time.

Occupational therapists' perception of the concept of occupational balance.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational balance is one of the concepts used by occupational therapists with no consensus on its definition. Literature demonstrates different perspectives when this concept is applied in practice and in its link to other concepts such as health and well-being. This study aims to explore how the concept of occupational balance is perceived and practised by occupational therapy practitioners. METHOD: A qualitative methodology was employed. Fourteen occupational therapists volunteered for the study. Nine occupational therapy practitioners were interviewed individually and five attended a focus group. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. RESULTS: Six themes were identified as follows: (1) occupational balance: what it is; (2) how occupational balance is formed; (3) occupational balance and well-being (4); subjective and objective representations of occupational balance (5); what disrupts/affects occupational balance; and (6) occupational balance/imbalance and occupational therapy practice. CONCLUSIONS: Both objective and subjective experiences of occupational balance need to be considered in order to make an informed decision in practice. The right occupational balance for each individual should be based on his/her values but with consideration of the principal of no harm to others.

Further Validation of the Norwegian Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Mode Use.

BACKGROUND: The Intentional Relationship Model (IRM) proposes six therapeutic modes as ways of relating to clients. The Norwegian self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use (N-SETMU) was found to have a one-component structure. However, its items reflect abstract concepts rather than concrete behaviors. AIM: To validate further the N-SETMU by linking its items to the Norwegian client assessment of modes (N-CAM), with 30 items constituting six scales (linked to each mode), possessing concrete, behavioral content. METHODS: Occupational therapy students (n = 111) completed the N-SETMU and the N-CAM derived items, along with sociodemographic information. Component structure was analyzed with Principal Components Analysis (PCA), internal consistency of scales with Cronbach's α, and associations between scale scores with Pearson's r. RESULTS: All items on all N-CAM derived scales loaded on one latent component, except one item related to problem-solving. After removing this item, the scale functioned appropriately. Cronbach's α for all N-CAM derived scales ranged 0.88-0.94, and the associations between the N-CAM derived scales and the corresponding N-SETMU items ranged between 0.60 (advocating) and 0.79 (encouraging). CONCLUSIONS: In view of the strong associations between the concrete, N-CAM derived scales and the abstract N-SETMU items, this study supports the concurrent validity of the N-SETMU.

Effectiveness of cognitive orientation to (daily) occupational performance (CO-OP) on children with cerebral palsy: A mixed design.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disabilities during childhood. Therapeutic interventions mainly focus on impairment reduction to address motor-based difficulties. In contrast, Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is a cognitive approach, providing intervention at the level of activity and participation. AIMS: This study aims to determine whether the CO-OP approach improves motor skills and achievement in motor-based occupational performance goals in children with CP. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: In this mixed design research (i.e., a multiple baseline single case experimental design and a one-group pretest-posttest design), five children with CP participated in 12 CO-OP intervention sessions. Repeated measures of motor skills for the multiple baseline single case experimental design were taken using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP); pre- and post-measures of parent/child perception of performance and satisfaction were identified using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM); level of achievement was identified using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: According to the BOTMP results, all children were able to engage in the CO-OP intervention to improve motor performance. Significant differences after treatment were found in both performance and performance satisfaction ratings using the COPM as rated by parents and children. The GAS results showed progress in achievement levels for all children; all goals were achieved or exceeded. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: CO-OP intervention can be helpful in improving motor skills and achieving self-identified, motor-based goals in children with CP.

Therapeutic mode preferences and associated factors among Norwegian undergraduate occupational therapy students: A cross-sectional exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: The Intentional Relationship Model is specifically focused on the relational aspect of therapy. The model describes six therapeutic modes; these represent different types of interaction for the therapist. However, preferences for therapeutic mode use are under researched. AIMS: This study aims to describe preferences for therapeutic modes in undergraduate occupational therapy students, as well as to explore factors associated to each of the therapeutic modes. METHODS: A sample of 96 occupational therapy students, based at two different Norwegian universities, participated in the study. They completed the Norwegian Self-Assessment of Modes Questionnaire along with sociodemographic information. Descriptive analysis, bivariate correlation and linear regression analysis were employed. RESULTS: The problem-solving mode was most frequently endorsed. There were generally weak associations between the variables, but female sex and being a student in the education program in Trondheim were associated with higher preference for collaboration. CONCLUSION: There is diversity in students' preferences for the modes, but the problem-solving mode was the most preferred. Students need to be aware of the mode they feel more comfortable with and make sure they use modes that fit with the specific client. SIGNIFICANCE: The occupational therapy education programs need to incorporate raising awareness about therapeutic modes.

Grafting of allylimidazole and n-vinylcaprolactam as a thermosensitive polymer onto magnetic nano-particles for the extraction and determination of celecoxib in biological samples.

In this research, a novel method is reported for the surface grafting of n-vinylcaprolactam as a thermosensitive agent and allylimidazole with affinity toward celecoxib onto magnetic nano-particles. The grafted nano-particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The surface morphology was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The resulting grafted nano-particles were used for the determination of trace celecoxib in biological human fluids and pharmaceutical samples. The profile of celecoxib uptake by the modified magnetic nano-particles indicated good accessibility of the active sites in the grafted copolymer. It was found that the adsorption behavior could be fitted by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Solid phase extraction for biological fluids such as urine and serum were investigated. In this study, urine extraction recovery of more than 95% was obtained.

Leisure time activities of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Leisure time is one of the most important aspects of life, especially for people with chronic diseases. The concept and types of leisure have frequently been evaluated in different socio-cultural populations. The aim of this study was to identify the nature of leisure activities among a sample of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and classify the identified types of activities in the context of Iranian culture. METHODS: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interview was applied to gather data from 34 MS patients that were selected through purposive sampling. The interviews were continued up to the point of saturation. Content analysis was used to explore experiences of the interviewees regarding their leisure activities. RESULTS: Six categories of leisure activities were extracted for the studied patients with MS i.e.physical, social, individual, art/cultural, educational and spiritual/religious. CONCLUSION: The results represented the range and heterogeneity of leisure activities amongst the MS patients. Considering participation in spiritual/religious and social activities as leisure time undertaking might reflect cultural diversity in the perception and use of time for recreation. For mental health promotion purposes, paying special attention to the types of activities that people of different socio-cultural background choose for their refreshment could help health care providers in giving tailored advice for patients with MS and other chronic debilitating disease.

Occupational balance: A study of the sociocultural perspective of Iranian occupational therapists.

BACKGROUND: The concept of occupational balance has always been important to occupational therapists and occupational scientists, but it is often interpreted differently by professionals, particularly in relation to practice. PURPOSE: This study focused on the understanding of occupational balance of a group of experienced occupational therapists who held positions at the time in Iran. METHOD: A preliminary qualitative study from within an interpretive paradigm was employed. A focus group was used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using thematic networks analysis in relation to occupational science concepts. FINDINGS: Four organizing themes were uncovered: integrity in being, equilibrium in doing, contentedness in becoming, and harmony in belonging. The global theme of "fluidity" describes the dynamic nature of occupational balance. IMPLICATIONS: The concept of occupational balance needs to be further explored in different communities. Identifying similarities and differences in its meaning and application will inform culturally relevant client-centred education and practice.