The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of male occupational therapists so that better strategies for recruiting men into the profession can be developed and the problem of retaining men in the field can be addressed. Male occupational therapists were surveyed at 3-year intervals, in 1978, 1982, and 1985. Our survey results were compared with results of the 1969 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Member Data Survey reported by Jantzen (1973), the 1982 AOTA Member Data Survey, and an unpublished study by Watson (1983). The number of professional occupational therapists almost tripled from 1970 to 1985, whereas the increase in the proportion of men was only from 3.9% to 5%. The study showed that as a group, male occupational therapists today are younger, more likely to have advanced degrees, and less likely to be married than their 1969 counterparts. Additional data included employment data, educational data, and demographic information such as family position, education and occupation of parents, extracurricular activities in high school and college, factors influencing career choice, and goals for the future.
Two treatment approaches used by two hand clinics were compared for patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release surgery. One of the clinics used an exercise program consisting of progressive resistive exercise; the other clinic used limited activity and no specific exercise program. Measurements of grip strength and active and passive wrist flexion and extension were taken 3 weeks and 6 weeks after surgery and then analyzed to determine if significant differences existed between the two treatment approaches. A significant difference was found only in active wrist extension, which increased after 3 weeks of a progressive resistive exercise program. Grip strength was also greater after 3 weeks of exercise; however, the increase was not statistically significant. The study raises a question about the efficacy of postoperative treatment for patients who have had carpal tunnel release surgery.
Educational experiences and didactic materials on health promotion are necessary for occupational therapists to remain current in the profession. This paper reviews health promotion learning experiences to determine the "state of the art" in this important area. It was found that few papers or workshops have been given at recent AOTA Annual Conferences; five universities received Allied Health Grants, which included occupational therapists, to develop health promotion learning materials; and occupational therapy educational curricula for the most part do include something on health promotion. The AOTA Special Interest Sections have shown interest in health promotion.
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