[Objective] The objective of this study is to clarify the current state and effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions using ICT devices for community-dwelling older adults through a scoping review.

[Methods] Literature was searched from 10 databases for studies published by September 2023, with five studies selected for analysis. [Results] The studies focused on healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. Interventions using ICT devices contributed to improvements in daily living functions and increased social connections. However, challenges such as the need for individualized support and the evaluation of long-term effects were identified. [Conclusion] While ICT devices are effective in supporting the independence of older adults, further research is needed to validate long-term effects and address the necessity for personalized interventions.

Child maltreatment has been shown to negatively impact children's health and well-being and increase the risk of long-term physical and mental health problems. Therefore, early detection of maltreatment, family support, and multidisciplinary collaboration are important. In this study, a scoping review was conducted to systematically organize previous studies on child maltreatment in Occupational Therapy and prioritize issues for future research. 305 articles were screened, and 19 articles were analyzed, with the majority being descriptive studies, which were hypothesis testing studies related to specific intervention methods and effective collaboration between multiple professions. The results revealed that descriptive studies were predominant, while hypothesis-testing studies, intervention studies, and applied studies on specific intervention methods and effective collaboration among multiple professions were lacking. Further research is needed to verify the effectiveness of interventions in clinical settings and to establish specific intervention models.

Studies focusing on the Modified Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (M-MASA) as a predictor of return to home are scarce in convalescent rehabilitation wards. In this study, we examined the association between the M-MASA assessment of swallowing and return to home in 111 patients with cerebrovascular disease. Logistic regression analysis, in which the objective variable was home or not, revealed that M-MASA at admission was significantly associated with home return (odds ratio for 1 point increase in M-MASA 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.13), even after adjustment for basic characteristics, and physical, cognitive and nutritional status at admission.

This study aimed to gain insight into the involvement of occupational therapists working in rehabilitation units with stroke survivors who desire functional goals and the process of cooperative involvement of occupational therapists in the occupation-focused goal setting. A qualitative research method was selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten occupational therapists who had experience with occupation-focused goal setting, and the data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. The involvement of the occupational therapist in the process of setting occupation-focused goals with stroke survivors who desired functional goals began with the introduction of “Sharing the position as an occupational therapist” and “Gathering information on occupation,” followed by efforts to “Build a trusting relationship to discuss occupation” that prioritized “Cooperation as a human relationship” and then to “Create opportunities to become aware of target occupation” while providing “Guidance to target occupation” and “Continuous appropriateness of target occupation.” In addition, the involvement of the occupational therapist was divided into four processes: preparation for introduction, building trusting relationships, seeking opportunities, and goal adjustment. Thus, during the process of occupation-focused goal setting with stroke survivors who desired functional goals, the occupational therapist prioritized careful relationship building with the client and suggested the importance of the involvement as an occupational therapist in guiding and referring clients to occupational decisions from a professional perspective.

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of interventions based on reablement in the Service C model business. The intervention was conducted over a 12-week period, once a week, targeting 18 participants, including service recipients and individuals requiring support. The intervention outcomes were measured using grip strength, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the five-times sit-to-stand test, the 5-meter walk test, the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence, the Self-completed Occupational Performance Index (SOPI), and the EQ-5D-5L. To detect effects even with a small sample size, a generalized linear mixed model with Bayesian estimation was employed. Additionally, the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) was used to assess the relationship with the outcomes that showed significant intervention effects. As a result, significant improvements were observed in the five-times sit-to-stand test, TUG, and SOPI, and these improvements were also confirmed to be clinically meaningful based on MCID.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether anxiety affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients admitted to recovery rehabilitation wards. Using a binary logistic regression analysis on a sample of 60 subjects, the dependent variable QOL was measured using the MOS Short-Form 36-Item Health (SF-36) subscales, and the independent variable anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)(state anxiety: temporary anxiety; trait anxiety; and tendency to be anxious). Both state anxiety and trait anxiety were identified as factors influencing the overall health perception and mental health of the SF-36 before discharge. This study reveals that state anxiety and trait anxiety impact the mental health of QOL, suggesting that it is crucial to consider state and trait anxiety perspectives from the initial stage of hospitalization and to comprehensively evaluate anxiety.

The purpose of this study was to examine the structural validity, concurrent validity, and internal consistency of our prototype for psychological barrier-free assessments, and to clarify its scale properties. The survey was conducted on university students throughout Japan using a web-based survey company. The prototype version was supported by its structural validity with a three-factor structure, and its concurrent validity was supported by its relatively strong positive correlation with scales of external criteria. Regarding internal consistency, the first factor did not meet the acceptable criterion, but the entire scale and the second and third factors did.

This study interviewed a welfare worker who experienced social withdrawal and explored support options based on the process of recovery from social withdrawal, with an emphasis on subjective experiences. Interview transcripts were analyzed using the Steps for Coding and Theorization method. The subject missed opportunities to choose a career which triggered prolonged social withdrawal as the interviewee dedicated himself to computer games. The interviewee became fearful of death after an earthquake and then decided to change his behavior. At that time, anxiety was triggered, and the goal of becoming a welfare worker simultaneously emerged, leading to the interviewee’s recovery. The presence of a supporter as a guide and companion over several years is essential for the recovery process and for raising hopes for the future.

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is used to treat hemiplegia in children. However, its application in Japan is rarely documented. This report analyzes the treatment of 3 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy using CIMT combined with bilateral practice (modified CIMT). The therapy was tailored to make the use of the paralyzed upper limb enjoyable by adjusting the difficulty level of play activities. Additionally, a transfer package was designed for family members, and information was shared across external partner organizations. As a result, each child achieved or partially achieved their individual goals using the paralyzed upper limb. Improvements were noted in the function, frequency of use in daily life, and quality of movement of the paralyzed upper limbs. These effects were maintained and improved after one year. Modified CIMT may lead to positive changes in the behavioral use of the paralyzed upper limb in children with cerebral palsy.

This report presents the effectiveness of using the work-treatment balance system by occupational therapists working in medical institutions to support the return-to-work process for people with higher brain dysfunction. We conducted a qualitative content analysis of the actual implementation of the work-treatment balance system, targeting seven cases of return-to-work support that introduced this system. The analysis showed that workplaces required employees to possess “basic skills necessary to perform their job duties” and “specific job performance skills” upon their return. In addition, occupational therapists and other professionals provided guidance on “identifying employment-related problems caused by higher brain dysfunction and addressing them,” “assessing the feasibility of returning to work,” and “establishing a return-to-work follow-up system.” The work-treatment balance system is particularly useful for occupational therapists who face challenges in providing outreach support, as it clarifies critical points of employment guidance and incorporates the occupational therapist’s perspective.

We planned high-frequency shoulder joint exercises using Single-Joint Hybrid Assistive Limb^® (HAL) to improve the condition of patients with upper limb paralysis. This study aims to examine the improvement in the condition of a stroke patient with upper limb paralysis by HAL training to the left shoulder joint (shoulder HAL training). We practiced shoulder HAL training of 50 to 100 repetitions per set for a patient who developed a right pontine infarction from acute to convalescent phase. As a result, upper limb paralysis and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity improved. Therefore, shoulder HAL training may be able to provide the amount of practice that promotes improvement of upper limb paralysis for patients with moderate upper limb paralysis.

This case study examines the implementation and effectiveness of a caregiving prevention program utilizing ICT devices (tablets) for an elderly woman living alone. Initially, the participant expressed anxiety about operating the tablet; however, through the program, she acquired basic operational skills and explored practical applications in her daily life. She set goals such as searching for cooking recipes and communicating with family via email. The final evaluation showed improvements in task performance and satisfaction with these activities. Additionally, the synergistic effects of both tablet use and group activities led to enhanced functional abilities and quality of life (QOL). These findings suggest that interventions incorporating ICT devices may positively impact psychological well-being and social participation among elderly individuals.