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The opening editorial for the May issue is by Karin Orman , titled ‘ Ensuring rehabilitation is a vehicle for change ’. This piece looks at the need for change in how the occupational therapy community addresses rehabilitation , particularly in a post-Covid world .
Following on from this , our first research article from Kreider et al ‘( Dis ) ability-informed mentors support occupational performance for college students with learning disabilities and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorders through problemsolving and a focus on strengths ’, looks at college students with learning disabilities and the support provided by mentors in meeting the challenges of academic and social college life .
‘ A hybrid model of modified constraint induced movement therapy to improve upper extremity performance in children with unilateral upper extremity paresis : retrospective case series ’ by Lee et al assessed the impact of an intensive camp-based intervention using a hybrid model of modified constraint induced movement therapy with bimanual therapy in children with upper extremity impairment , finding that scores improved during the intervention phase and improvement was maintained after one year .
‘ The feasibility and effects of eye movement training for visual field loss after stroke : a mixed methods study ’ by Hazelton et al is a mixed methods study aiming to explore the feasibility and effects of four eye movement training interventions for stroke survivors with visual field loss , with qualitative analysis showing effect .
‘ Effectiveness of anxiety reduction interventions on test anxiety : a comparison of four techniques incorporating sensory modulation ’ by Keptner et al compared four interventions for state anxiety ( deep breathing , progressive muscle relaxation , an adapted dive reflex , and use of a weighted lap object ) in a cohort of professional occupational therapy students , finding that all four interventions significantly reduced state anxiety .
‘ Understanding people ’ s experiences of using the SaeboFlex ® following a stroke ’ by Millard et al sought to understand the experiences of five people using the SaeboFlex ® within an outpatient setting , following a stroke . They conclude that the SaeboFlex ® is a tool that is promoted for upper limb rehabilitation , but which has limited evidence of effectiveness and mixed client experiences , and that further research is required .
‘ Occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder : an online qualitative vignette survey ’ by O ’ Dea et al used a cross-sectional , online qualitative vignette survey methodology to describe current occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder .
This study suggests that current occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder is collaborative , occupation-focused , and multi-component . Findings highlight a gap between the complexity of practice and the nature of interventions evaluated in research to date .
Finally , ‘ Effectiveness of high-frequency individual reminiscence interventions using life story books on persons with dementia ’ by Asana et al aimed to determine the effects of life story books among participants with dementia of different severities .
Participants ’ cognitive functioning was mostly maintained at follow-up in the experimental group , but significantly declined in the control group , and the caregivers ’ burden decreased significantly from before to after the intervention .
These results demonstrate that life story book interventions are an effective tool in improving the relationship between caregivers and people with dementia , and could help people with dementia maintain cognitive function , even those with severe dementia .
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Would you like to shape the future direction of your member magazine ?
Would you like help advise and inform the editorial context and continuous development of OTnews ? In an exciting new opportunity , we are looking to co-opt five volunteer members to our new Editorial Advisory Group . The main function of the group will be to advise and inform the context and continuous development of the magazine , ensuring that it is in line with all of the organisation ’ s priorities , and that it remains relevant to all members , reflecting their scope of practice and diversity at all times .
Full details and how to apply can be found on page 37 , or by going to : www . RCOT . co . uk / OTnewsESG . If you would like to have an informal talk with the editor about the opportunity , please email : tracey . samuels @ rcot . co . uk .
58 OTnews May 2021