Effective assessments to identify overuse injuries in unaffected limbs of persons with unilateral upper limb amputations.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Overuse injuries (OI) present major health problems and oftentimes, permanent disability. Persons with unilateral upper limb diagnoses, such as amputation, are at-risk for developing OI in their unaffected limbs.

Effective interventions for cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity in computer users: practice models based on systematic review.

Objective: A systematic review of over 4600 abstracts was performed to address the effectiveness of the current cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) interventions focused on the upper extremities of computer users.

Participants: The researchers were the study participants. They included one Professor of Occupational Therapy and five Masters of Occupational Therapy Students from a Midwestern University.

Integrating occupational therapy services in a kindergarten curriculum: a look at the outcomes.

Purpose: We measured fine motor and emergent literacy outcomes in kindergarteners enrolled in two integrated kindergarten classrooms. The students received fully integrated occupational therapy services. Most occupational therapy services focused on planning and teacher consultation versus direct intervention.

Effectiveness of computer ergonomics interventions for an engineering company: a program evaluation.

Objective: Ergonomic principles at the computer workstation may reduce the occurrence of work related injuries commonly associated with intensive computer use. A program implemented in 2001 by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist utilized these preventative measures with education about ergonomics, individualized evaluations of computer workstations, and recommendations for ergonomic and environmental changes.

Method: This study examined program outcomes and perceived effectiveness based on review of documents, interviews, and surveys of the employees and the plant manager.

Evaluation of an occupational rehabilitation program.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the findings of a program evaluation for an occupational rehabilitation program in the Midwest.

Method: An ex-post facto chart review was performed on 50 charts using demographic data, results from tests of performance and pain measures, and data from patient satisfaction questionnaires to find evidence of excellence in the program, and to identify areas for improvement.

Results: Over 97% of the participants actually completed the program and 76% returned to work within 3 months after program completion.

The effectiveness of a comprehensive work hardening program as measured by lifting capacity, pain scales, and depression scores.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of a four-week work rehabilitation program.

Method: Investigators conducted a retrospective chart review of 312 clients participating in the Work Evaluation and Rehabilitation Clinic (WERC) Program from 1994-2000. Only 196 charts were sufficiently complete to be included in the study.

Adoption of assistive technology for computer access among college students with disabilities.

Purpose: Fourteen college students with disabilities identified factors that influenced them to adopt or reject Assistive Technology (AT) for the personal computer in order to assess the effectiveness of a college course on adapted computer use.

Method: Forty-eight items were developed for a Q sort to represent both positive and negative statements in each of the three areas of Scherer's' model (milieu, person and technology). The model was modified to include specific statements about the training experience.