Multicontextual occupational therapy intervention: a case study of traumatic brain injury

An acquired brain injury in children disrupts brain development and neural pathways, which may have serious implications on occupational role performance. Assessment and management of children with neurological disorders is complex and treatment requires the engagement of a multidisciplinary team. Increasing evidence indicates that both occupational therapists and music therapists work effectively towards similar goals with children with acquired brain injury. This evaluation investigated the effectiveness of a joint music therapy and occupational therapy group in promoting the development of self-regulation skills in children with an acquired brain injury or neurological condition, as part of a pilot project at a regional paediatric hospital in Australia. Six participants, aged five and half to ten years, were recruited through the acquired brain injury and neurology outpatient service at a regional paediatric hospital. Children underwent occupational therapy assessment and were identified to have sensory processing difficulties that negatively impacted on the child’s occupational roles of "friend" and "student." The intervention group, In the Groove, received seven, weekly, one-hour sessions, held for one hour on a weekly basis. Each session involved a variety of joint music therapy and occupational therapy activities, specifically planned to achieve intervention goals. A range of standardised occupational therapy and music therapy outcome measures were used, as well as non-standardised measures. All children received positive outcomes following intervention for at least one outcome measure. The findings indicate that joint music therapy and occupational therapy intervention may provide children with acquired brain injury and neurological impairment opportunities to develop self-regulation skills.

Download Full-text

Case Study: Using a Novel Virtual Reality Computer Game for Occupational Therapy Intervention

Presence Teleoperators & Virtual Environments ◽

10.1162/pres_a_00118 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 359-371 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Sarit Tresser

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Computer Game ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Developmental Needs ◽

Therapy Regimen ◽

Therapeutic Setting ◽

Occupational Therapy Intervention ◽

Therapy Intervention

The past decade has seen the emergence of rehabilitation treatments using virtual reality environments. One of the main advantages of using this technology is that it creates positive motivation. Currently, most virtual-reality-based games for children are not suitable for use in a therapeutic setting. This case study reports on the use of Growing with Timocco, a specially devised virtual reality computer game, as part of an occupational therapy regimen that addressed the developmental needs of a five-year-old patient diagnosed with dyspraxia, impaired postural structure, weak shoulder, and insufficient bilateral integration, bilateral coordination, and proprioception regulation. Developed specifically for use by occupational therapists and caregivers working with children, Growing with Timocco is equipped to provide exercises for both cognitive and motor skills, but most importantly, it provides a positive setting for this practice, by harnessing the advantages of VR to promote play, pleasure, and motivation.

Download Full-text