College Students' Adaptations of Activities and Experiences During the Pandemic Occupational Disruption.

During life disruptions, people adapt their activities responding to environmental stressors, resulting in new routines that support well-being. To explore college students' daily life experiences during the pandemic. Thirty students completed three time-use diaries, and responded to a survey on activity change during Coronavirus Disease 2019, satisfaction with social/leisure occupations, and well-being. Survey questions, duration of activities, and levels of were analyzed across 3 days. Exercise, school, socializing, and work were the most changed, often eliminating the activity, or modifying the activity, social context, or location. Time-use data indicated participants engaged in similar types of activities compared with nonpandemic times, but experienced different levels of pleasure and productivity related to some activities. Participants adjusted their activities/experiences to support their well-being. Examination of students' occupations and experiences uncovered the dynamic interaction between all levels of context-the macro (pandemic) and the micro (place to study).

How College Students Day-to-Day Activities Changed During COVID-19Time use and survey date were gathered from 30 college students over 3 days during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most changed activities reported were exercise, school, socializing, and work. While participants reported they engaged in similar activities as in nonpandemic times, they reported different levels of experiences in some. For example, on average students did not report feeling as restored by their sleep but experienced more enjoyment taking care of self. Participants adapted all of their activities in one way or another; changing when, where, and how activities were performed. These adaptations may have allowed participants to continue engagement in their meaningful activities that help define who they are, during what was a stressful and disruptive time. Overall participants adjusted their activities to support their overall well-being.

Validity and reliability of the Occupational Experience Profile.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new tool, the Occupational Experience Profile (OEP). The OEP was designed to be used to evaluate people's levels of experiences of pleasure, productivity, restoration, and social connection during their occupational performances. AIM: To evaluate aspects of validity and reliability of the OEP Pleasure, Productivity, Restoration and Social connection scales. METHODS: Fifty-eight occupational therapy students each completed three OEPs. Many-faceted Rasch analyses were then used to examine rating scale structure, dimensionality, and reliability of each OEP scale. Pearson product moment correlations were used to evaluate the strength of the relationships among the four scales. RESULTS: Each of the four OEP rating scales demonstrated effective rating scale functioning. The OEP items on each scale demonstrated acceptable levels of item goodness of fit and worked together to define a unidimensional scale of occupational experiences. The four scales appear to measure different but interrelated constructs. CONCLUSION: The results provide preliminary evidence to support the validity and reliability of the OEP scales, but further research on larger and more diverse samples is recommended. SIGNIFICANCE: The OEP has the potential to be used in occupational therapy practice and research to evaluate how people experience their occupational performances.

An Exploration of Yoga in Occupational Therapy Practice for Multiple Sclerosis.

The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to provide insight on the use of yoga in occupational therapy (OT) for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This study aimed to answer how and why OT practitioners (OTPs) integrate yoga into clinical practice for PwMS. Eight OTPs, half of whom have also completed yoga teacher training, participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, inductively open-coded, and analyzed using thematic data analysis. Themes that emerged were: (a) OT and yoga are a natural fit; (b) improved performance and participation; (c) leveraging personal ties to yoga; and (d) influenced by client factors and clinical environment. The qualitative data provide valuable information about OTPs' justification for, and unique application of, yoga in clinical practice for PwMS. Future researchers should further explore the use of yoga for OT-related outcomes and the experience of PwMS.

Merging Yoga and self-management Skills (MY-Skills) to influence self-efficacy among individuals with persistent pain: A pilot study.

CONTEXT: Individuals with persistent pain-related disability have lower self-efficacy, which impacts daily function and health. AIM: To explore self-efficacy among individuals with persistent pain who were part of a dyad (caregiver and care-recipient) who completed the Merging Yoga and self-management Skills intervention (MY-Skills). METHODS: Participants completed MY-Skills, an 8-week group, dyadic-based self-management and yoga program. Self-efficacy outcomes were collected using the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale; PROMIS® Self-Efficacy for Managing Daily Activities; and PROMIS® Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms. RESULTS: Eight participants completed the study (50.23 ± 14.77 years old, 77% female, (69%) with pain >10 years). Self-efficacy improved across all measures and domains, with significant improvement for physical function self-efficacy (38.97 ± 19.45 vs. 59.10 ± 18.60, p = .004). CONCLUSIONS: MY-Skills improved self-efficacy to varying degrees, which may contribute to participants' confidence in performing activities. Further research is needed to examine dyadic outcomes among caregivers and care-recipients.

Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: A Feasibility and Pilot Program.

The purpose of this study was to assess feasibility and changes in outcome measures following the Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson's Disease (MY-OT for PD) program: a 14-session program which combined community-based yoga for PD, and fall-risk focused group occupational therapy sessions. Seventeen participants completed an 8-week control period consisting of their normal participation, and an 8-week intervention period (14 MY-OT for PD sessions). There were fewer self-reported falls in the intervention (6) vs. control periods (10). One fall risk factor management scale (the Fall Prevention and Management Questionnaire, p=.02), and balance (p<.01) showed significant improvement between the control and intervention. The MY-OT for PD program is an encouraging occupational therapist-led program, which may improve balance and reduce self-reported falls.

Health-related quality of life changes after the merging yoga and occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease program: A mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: To understand changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after the Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson's Disease (MY-OT for PD) program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a mixed-methods convergent design and administered the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-8 (PDQ-8), a measure of HRQoL, with 17 participants. We considered scores 8 weeks before MY-OT for PD, just before, and upon completion. Additionally, we completed two focus groups following the program with 16 participants to assess qualitative changes in HRQoL. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in PDQ-8 scores between time points, F(2,32) = 1.60, p = 0.22, partial η2 = 0.09. Participants did discuss improvements in all 8 HRQoL domains, frequently regarding mobility and activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: Results diverged, with quantitative results showing no significant improvement in HRQoL and qualitative results indicating participant perceived improvements in all domains of the PDQ-8. The program should be explored further, and longitudinal follow-up completed.

Understanding fall risk for older adults with cancer: An evaluation of experts' perceptions.

OBJECTIVE: Older adults with cancer have elevated risk of falling. However, cancer-specific fall risk factors are not well understood. METHODS: A pragmatic, qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews to investigate expert's perceptions of fall risk for older adults with cancer. Interview questions were guided by the International Classification of Functioning and Disability (ICF) constructs and the Cancer Aging Research Group's model of fall risk factors. Themes were identified deductively from interview transcriptions. Transcripts were coded using Nvivo software. RESULTS: Ten multidisciplinary experts participated (n = 5 clinical, n = 5 research). Two themes in fall risk factors emerged from interview data: 1) cancer-specific factors aligned with each ICF construct: body function and structures (BF&S), activity and participation (A&P), personal and environmental factors; and 2) a cycle among factors. Experts described that treatment-related limitations in A&P produced or exacerbated impairments in BF&S (physical and mental), leading to falls and further limitations in A&P. Personal and environmental factors influencing this cycle included: cancer-related distress, social support, and perceptions of aging and treatment. CONCLUSION: Experts identified a cycle among cancer-specific fall risk factors for older adults and emphasized the importance of a "holistic" view of the patient to evaluate fall risk. Cancer-related distress, social support and expectations of aging and treatment may influence the cycle between risk factors, with potential negative or protective effects. Future prospective, longitudinal implementation of geriatric assessments and analysis of data may inform risk factors and relationships among factors. Patient interviews could further inform the understanding of fall risk for older adults with cancer.

The Relationship between Quality of Life, Activity and Participation among People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between quality of life, activity, and participation in 93 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a primary care center. Moderately strong correlations were found between quality of life and leisure/work, outdoor and social activities, but not with domestic activities. Leisure/work, outdoor, and social activities accounted for 18% of the variance in the quality of life variables. In a follow-up model, age, depression, and falls efficacy accounted for another 51% of the variance in total quality of life. Findings provide support for the expansion of occupational therapy's role in diabetes self-management, to incorporate leisure, social, and community activities and fall risk management interventions.

Relating Activity and Participation Levels to Glycemic Control, Emergency Department Use, and Hospitalizations in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes.

IN BRIEF Participation in domestic, leisure, work, and community-based activities may relate to glycemic control, emergency department use, and hospitalizations in individuals with type 2 diabetes and low socioeconomic status. This study sought to determine how such role-related activity levels relate to A1C, emergency department use, and hospitalizations.

Yoga improves quality of life and fall risk-factors in a sample of people with chronic pain and Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Assess pre to-post outcomes for people with chronic pain and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) randomized to an 8-week yoga intervention or usual care. METHODS: Participants were included if they self-reported: chronic pain; T2DM; >18 years old; no exercise restrictions or consistent yoga; and consented to the study. RESULTS: After yoga, there were significant improvements in: Brief Pain Inventory pain interference (49 ±â€¯15.00 vs. 41.25 ±â€¯19.46, p = .034); Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (14.2 ±â€¯14.1 vs. 20.4 ±â€¯13.5, p = .03); upper extremity strength (7.7 ±â€¯6.3 vs.10.8 ±â€¯6.5, p = .02); lower extremity strength (4.1 ±â€¯3.8 vs. 6.7 ±â€¯4.8, p = .02); and RAND 36-item Health Survey quality of life scores (81.1 ±â€¯7.7 vs. 91.9 ±â€¯8.9, p = .04). Balance scores became significantly worse during the 8 weeks for people randomized to the control (27.1 ±â€¯9.9 vs. 21.7 ±â€¯13.4, = p.01). CONCLUSION: Data from this small RCT indicates yoga may be therapeutic and may improve multiple outcomes in this seemingly at-risk population. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT03010878.

College students' experiences of hedonia and eudaimonia in their everyday activities: Degrés d'hédonisme et d'eudémonisme éprouvés par des étudiants du niveau universitaire au fil de leurs activités quotidiennes.

BACKGROUND: Experiences of hedonia (i.e., seeking pleasure) and eudaimonia (i.e., actualizing human potential in pursuit of meaningful goals) are central to the study of human well-being. PURPOSE: This study sought to examine levels of hedonia (pleasure) and eudaimonia (productivity) in a convenience sample of college (university) students' ( n = 264) daily activities, controlling for levels of perceived stress. METHOD: Data were gathered using a 24-hr time-use recall diary designed to assess objective and subjective information about everyday activities. Descriptions of self-reported everyday activities were coded into 20 activity types. FINDINGS: Activities reported high in pleasure were eating, listening to music/watching movies, and exercise. Activities reported as high in productivity were studying and working. Activities reported as high in both pleasure and productivity were reported less frequently and often had a recognizable outcome or provided social connection. IMPLICATIONS: Developing a greater understanding of how college students experience their daily activities could strengthen programs designed to enable students to manage stress and sustain their well-being.

Self-Management and Yoga for Older Adults with Chronic Stroke: A Mixed-Methods Study of Physical Fitness and Physical Activity.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated changes in physical fitness and physical activity among older patients with chronic stroke (stroke ≥ 6 months previous) after participation in a yoga infused self-management intervention. METHODS: A mixed-methods secondary data analysis examined quantitative measures of endurance, strength, and gait speed and qualitative perspectives of intervention participants. RESULTS: Based on Wilcoxon analysis, physical fitness outcome measures including endurance and lower and upper body strength significantly (p < .02) improved. Based on qualitative results of 2 focus groups and 14 individual interviews, participants expressed positive changes in endurance, strength, gait speed, flexibility, and balance. They also reported improvements in walking ability and duration, and expressed a desire to continue yoga and increase levels of exercise. CONCLUSIONS: With the objective of improving physical fitness and exercise for older adults with chronic stroke, it is important for self-management interventions to provide specific safe and feasible physical activity components, such as yoga. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals may improve offered chronic stroke self-management interventions by incorporating yoga.

The Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile: A case study: Étude de cas sur l'utilité du Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile.

BACKGROUND: Occupational therapy enables clients to self-manage their health through the use of occupation; however, additional occupation-focused assessments are needed to capture people's subjective experiences associated with everyday activities as awareness of one's experiences can help promote change. PURPOSE: This qualitative case study explored the utility of one such assessment, the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile (PPR Profile). METHOD: Five spousal caregivers completed and discussed the PPR Profile with an occupational therapist. Interviews with the caregivers and therapist occurred during and following use. Content analysis revealed several themes. FINDINGS: Both caregivers and the occupational therapist reported that use of the PPR Profile provided benefits but not without challenges. IMPLICATIONS: The findings support preliminary utility of the PPR Profile; however, additional research is needed and occupational therapists need to be aware of the challenges when deciding to use the tool.

"Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy (MY-OT): A feasibility and pilot study".

OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility and benefits of the Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy (MY-OT) intervention. DESIGN: This is the primary analysis of a non-controlled pretest-posttest pilot study to understand the feasibility and impact of MY-OT on balance, balance self-efficacy, and fall risk factor management in people with chronic stroke. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: People with chronic stroke were included in the study if they: had sustained a fall or had fear of falling, were able to stand, and hand impaired balance and were at risk for falls (≤46 on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS)). INTERVENTIONS: Individuals completed an 8 week intervention that included 16 sessions of both yoga and group occupational therapy (OT). Yoga included physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. OT focused on post-stroke fall risk factor management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The BBS was used to assess balance, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) was used to measure balance self-efficacy. Five fall risk factor management scales were used. RESULTS: Overall, the intervention was considered feasible, as individuals were able to safely complete the intervention with little attrition and high attendance. Balance improved by 30% (p=0.002). Balance self-efficacy improved by 15% (p=0.034). Each of the five fall risk factor management scales improved, but only two significantly improved (Fall Prevention and Management Questionnaire, 29%, p=0.004 and Fall Prevention Strategy Survey, 42%, p=0.032). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that MY-OT is a potential intervention to improve multiple fall related outcomes for people with stroke. Therapists may consider these interventions for people with stroke, but additional research is warranted.

User-perceived utility of the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile.

BACKGROUND: Awareness of the relationship between everyday occupations and subjective experience could help clients make changes that promote health. PURPOSE: This study evaluated user-perceived utility of the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile (PPR Profile), a time-use survey designed to uncover users' experiences of pleasure, productivity, and restoration and to promote awareness of how these experiences are related to daily occupations. METHOD: Eighteen participants completed the PPR Profile on 2 days within I week and were subsequently interviewed. Content analysis was used to uncover themes. FINDINGS: Analysis revealed that completion of the PPR Profile requires time and energy, completion more than once is useful, and the PPR Profile contributes to awareness. Four subthemes of awareness were identified: awareness of the here and now, insights into one's occupations, context matters, and what is and what might be. IMPLICATIONS: Results support the utility of the PPR Profile to promote users' awareness of their occupations and related subjective experiences. This awareness may encourage positive change. Further research is recommended to continue to evaluate the PPR Profile's clinical utility.