Cross-Generational Occupation-Based Interventions for Upper Extremity Injuries

Decreased adherence to therapy protocols after upper extremity injury has been correlated with increased risk of re-injury and decreased general therapy outcomes. Occupation-based therapy has been shown to increase adherence to therapy protocol. To date, there have been several occupation-based protocols in upper-extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but never one that addresses occupation across the lifespan and attempts to develop a tool to assist therapist in developing occupation based protocols specific to the developmental group. The main theoretical background for the development of the clinical tool was the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and Erickson\u27s Developmental Stages Model. An extensive literature review was completed to discover the needs of the population. Once the literature was completed we began compiling the final product. The final product defines each development group in Erickson\u27s theory group using terminology from MOHO. Using this description, we organized activities into each developmental group. Each activity was analyzed and organized by the motions required to perform each activity. The final product is a book of sections covering all upper extremity movements. Each movement is described in terms of starting position, ending position, and normal range of motion. Each page has a section with example activities that incorporate the motion, with activities being organized by developmental group. The appendix of the book contains copies of the pages with streamlined explanations to be utilized as patient handouts. This product incorporates a more client-centered approach with a variety of occupation-based activities in order to address upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries across a person\u27s lifespan. Our hope is that the clinical aid will be utilized to usher in a paradigm shift in upper extremity therapy that is less protocol based and more client-centered and occupation-based. The finished product is to be utilized by an occupational therapist and the client to benefit the recovery process of musculoskeletal injuries and incorporate occupation-based interventions into the recovery process. Further research must be completed to assess the efficacy of the clinical aid and to make adjustments based on results to maximize the effectiveness and increase patient outcomes