Date of Defense
10-2023
Date of Graduation
4-2024
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Kimberly Ganzevoort
Second Advisor
Nancy Hock
Third Advisor
Holly Grieves
Abstract
Occupational therapy is a field of study that can have the potential to greatly impact various conditions within the neurological field. The ones discussed in this paper include spinal cord injuries (SCI), strokes, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Within this, research was completed to see various assessments and interventions that can be used with these conditions within occupational therapy. This includes assessments such as the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) or Assessment of Motor and Process skills (AMPS). Then when it comes to specific interventions that can be used this can range from strengthening exercises, working on activities of daily living (ADLs), cognitive training, etc. However, within research, even though assessments and interventions can be found, it is difficult to find specific studies or research where occupational therapy itself is isolated within the neurological rehabilitation of patients. Oftentimes, occupational therapy is on a collaborative team, and is not isolated to itself. Although working on a team does occur, and is important, it is equally as important for both professionals and people seeking care to understand the impact that occupational therapy can have on these various conditions. Occupational therapy is a field that is not always well known or talked about, and there needs to be greater research and evidence conducted to provide to people who would benefit from the interventions occupational therapy offers. So, although the research began as one set out to find what occupational therapy’s direct impact was for these conditions, it became even larger, realizing the greater need for studies and research such as these to be completed. Occupational therapy can aid in the rehabilitation of these neurological conditions, however this is information that needs to be known and shared in the professional field and within the public. Although there is no way for occupational therapy to have all of the needed answers, it is another avenue that can aid in the recovery of someone, and give them back pieces of their life and independence back, and that is something worth knowing about.
Recommended Citation
Price, Emma, "Neurology within Occupational Therapy." (2023). Honors Theses. 3871.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3871
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access