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Background/Aims Children with leukaemia are less able to perform activities of daily living and participate in leisure activities compared to typically developing children, which can affect their occupational competency. The aim of this study was to compare occupational competency and values between typically developing children and children with leukaemia. Methods In this pilot cross-sectional study, 102 children (52 typically developing children and 50 children with leukaemia) aged 7 to 13 years were assessed using the Child Occupational Self-Assessment tool, which includes occupational competency and occupational value scales for each item. Results The independent t-test analysis demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the two groups on the competency scale (P=0.02). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the value scale (P=0.07). Conclusions Children with leukaemia feel less competent in carrying out everyday activities than typically developing children. Occupational competency interventions should be prioritised in occupational therapy services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy have limitations in activities requiring reach and manipulation of objects with their affected upper extremity. Transcranial direct current stimulation and the cognitive orientation to occupational performance approach are relatively new interventions that may lead to promising results for these children. This article describes the method of a randomised clinical trial that will compare the effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with transcranial direct current stimulation and neurodevelopmental treatment. Methods: A four-armed clinical trial with a sample size of 36 participants will be performed in Tehran. Participants will be randomly divided into four groups. Group A will receive neuro-developmental treatment with sham transcranial direct current stimulation, group B will receive neurodevelopmental treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation, group C will receive cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with sham transcranial direct current stimulation, and group D will receive cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with transcranial direct current stimulation. The examiner will be blind to the study and assessments will be done at baseline, after the end of the intervention and 1 month after the completion of the intervention (as follow up). Data analysis will be as repeated measure analysis of variance and intention to treat. Conclusions: This article describes the protocol of a clinical trial that compares the effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance with the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation and neurodevelopmental treatment on upper extremity goals and functions of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that can significantly impact the psychosocial aspects of primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study explored the process of social isolation among primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis in Kerman, Iran. Methods: A grounded theory approach was employed to explore the various aspects of social isolation. Data were collected through unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 15 primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis, 13 individuals with multiple sclerosis and five health care providers who were selected based on purposeful and theoretical sampling. The data were analysed via constant comparative analysis. Results: The core variable identified from the interviews was social isolation. Other concepts that were connected with this were: insufficient knowledge and awareness, escaping stigma, occupational difficulties, marital challenges and management of restrictions. Conclusions: Social isolation can affect the wellbeing of primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Recognition and awareness of the process of social isolation and factors influencing it can be beneficial in designing theory-driven evaluation and intervention methods. It is recommended that rehabilitation specialists pay close attention to the common needs and interests of both individuals with multiple sclerosis and their primary caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Occupational performance coaching is a family-centred approach that helps mothers who have children with occupational performance challenges. This study sought to identify the barriers and facilitators to goal achievement and engagement with occupational performance coaching based on the experiences of mothers of children with cerebral palsy who were receiving occupational performance coaching. Methods: This qualitative study was embedded within a randomised control trial. Twelve mothers of children with cerebral palsy who had received occupational performance coaching were interviewed using a semi-structured interview technique. Their responses were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: The most important barriers to goal achievement and engagement with coaching were societal, family-related and mother-related factors. The facilitators were new resources, family cohesion, mother-related factors and child-related factors. Conclusions: Different factors can affect the outcomes of occupational performance coaching based on the viewpoint of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. Occupational therapists should consider societal, family and individual factors when using this intervention with clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Background: Rehabilitation of spinal cord injury focuses on resilience in all aspects of daily living. In order to improve functional outcomes, obstacles to achieving resilience must be recognised. This study explored the process of non-resilience in a spinal cord injury population in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study was part of a grounded theory study. The experiences of 24 participants, including 16 people with spinal cord injury, and 8 people with spinal care experience (3 caregivers, 2 occupational therapists, 1 physiotherapist, 1 social worker and 1 nurse), were explored through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative analysis. Findings: Seven main concepts emerged from analysis of the interviews: lack of essential knowledge, dependence, psychosexual preoccupation, confusion, lack of accommodation, inappropriate feedback, and inability to adapt. Social deprivation was found to be the participants' main concern. Conclusion: Resilience requires adaptation in all areas of daily living. Detecting barriers to resilience is important in planning rehabilitation programmes in people with a spinal cord injury. Improving social support for people with a spinal cord injury can promote their mobility within the community and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a 2018 study on strategies to improve the quality of life of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) that is manifested by body pains and feelings of weakness. Topics discussed include compensatory, pain reduction, and pain prevention strategies, which are respectively implemented by using alternative ways to perform activities, by taking sedatives, and by expediting the activity to be done. Also noted is the adaptive strategy of changing an activity's procedures.

The article provides information on a study which examined the reasons for low resilience in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Iran. Topics discussed include other complications accompanying SCI, four levels of resilience that are identified in people with SCI, and factors leading to low resilience which includes social rejection, lack of accommodation and dependent mobility.

The article provides information on a study which described the extent and nature of telehealth services in occupational therapy. Topics discussed include benefits provided by the use of telerehabilitation in comparison with other way of delivering interventions, research questions that were asked which include which kind of telehealth technologies is more attractive for researchers in occupational therapy, and findings of the study.

The article presents a case report on an Iranian mother of a girl with cerebral palsy who sought occupational therapy services. Occupational performance and self-efficacy coaching intervention was conducted. Results showed that the mother was able to find solutions for her child's independence in school assignments and putting on clothes, and her worry-free grocery shopping. The article notes that coaching had provided emotional support, information exchange, and structured problem solving.