This study examined the efficacy of an exercise and relaxation program fOl c adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The program integrates principles of occupational therapy and rai-Chi Ch 'uan and was expected to be more effective than traditional exercise and rest regimens because of its expressive and pleasurable elements. There were Significant differences between 17 experimental and 16 control subjects on two categories of dependent variables after the former group's participation in the experimental program. These dependent variables were range of motion measures and subject self-reports offrequency, enjoyment, and benefits of home exercise and rest routines. Pretest, posttest, and 4-month follow-up data were analyzed. Program participants showed signz/icantly greater upper extremity range of motion 4 months after completing the program although the reported frequency of exercise and rest was greater in the control group. Postprogram reports of enjoyment were Significantly higher for experimental than for control subjects. If these initial results are confirmed in further studies, the efficacy of the use ofpurposeful activity for exercise and rest will be supported. This study also supports the integration of Eastern and Western frames of reference in the treatment of patients with chronic illness.

The importance of research in the rehabilitation fields, including occupational therapy, has been widely recognized in the past decade. The production of credible research literature has received high priority as occupational therapy strives to achieve professional status within the hierarchy of rehabilitation service providers. To accomplish this goal, research that establishes a scientific basis for therapy must be produced, and this research must be integrated with clinical practice. Occupational therapy appears to be making progress in producing research literature related to clinical practice; however, the issue of research utilization has remained largely unexplored. This paper discusses methods of applying research findings and procedures in practice environments and explores some issues related to research utilization. Research utilization is viewed as a complex process involving multiple components related to individual decision making, theory development, and the documentation of clinical practice.

The development and validation of theoretical basesfor interuention have been identified as crucial goals for the profession ofoccupational therapy. An earlier study showed that recent graduates at the baccalaureate level tended to place less value on theory development than theory application, whereas graduates of professional master's degree or certificate programs in occupational therapy placed a significantly higher value on theory development. Thisfinding led to speculation that theory valuing may be related to professional experience and maturity. This study sought to determine if attitudes of occupational therapists toward theory development are related to their level ofeducation or to their length ofprofessional experience. Using a survey injulia Van Deusen, PhD, OTR,is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boxj-164,j. Hillis Miller Health Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Thisstudy examined the priorities for theory application and for theory development of 149 students from four different undergraduate occupational therapy curricula. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis ofvariance by ranks and again using the F test followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Results ofthe two analyses were consistent: Compared to registered occupational therapists, undergraduate students bold higher prioritiesfor theory application and lower priorities for theory development. The data support a developmental sequencefor theory valuing: valuefor theory application -value for research -value for theory development.The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (1982, 1983) has made clear that a primary aim of occupational therapy should be research and the development of theory. Unless therapists place value on theory development, such an aim cannot be supported. As Teske and Spelbring Julia Van Deusen, PhD, OTR, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, BoxJ-164,J. Hillis Miller Health Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.

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