Use of the Occupational Therapy Task-Oriented Approach to Optimize the Motor Performance of a Client With Cognitive Limitations

Abstract

This case report describes the use of the Occupational Therapy Task-Oriented Approach with a client with occupational performance limitations after a cerebral vascular accident. The Occupational Therapy Task-Oriented Approach is often suggested as a preferred neurorehabilitation intervention to improve occupational performance by optimizing motor behavior. One common critique of this approach, however, is that it may seem inappropriate or have limited application for clients with cognitive deficits. This case report demonstrates how an occupational therapist working in an inpatient rehabilitation setting used the occupational therapy task-oriented evaluation framework and treatment principles described by Mathiowetz (2004) with a person with significant cognitive limitations. This approach was effective in assisting the client in meeting her long-term goals, maximizing her participation in meaningful occupations, and successfully transitioning to home with her daughter.

Effects of task-oriented training on upper extremity function and performance of daily activities in chronic stroke patients with impaired cognition

“…These results, which are not in agreement with the existing negative opinions of the effects of task-oriented training in patients with impaired cognition 5 , 6 ) , propose positive therapeutic effects of task-oriented training in chronic stroke patients with impaired cognition. Additionally, these results support a recently published experimental result by Preissner, which reports the possibility of positive effects of task-oriented training in patients with impaired cognitive functions 9 ) . The clinical importance of this study lies in the confirmation of the therapeutic effects of task-oriented training targeting chronic stroke patients with impaired cognition.…”

Mapping of practices and approaches of occupational therapists in Parkinson’s disease: a scoping review

“…This does not rule out the possibility of them still being worked with the Client-centered approach (Preissner, 2010). This approach also seems to complement the Task-oriented Practice, and as identified here, this category highlights the training of motor skills as an option to solve functional problems (Hakim et al, 2017;Preissner, 2010).…”

“…This classification was based on a recent study that highlights these productions as interventions focused on Performance Component impairments that seek to reduce disabilities, gain skills, and foster independence in occupations (Pontes & Polatajko, 2016). This does not rule out the possibility of them still being worked with the Client-centered approach (Preissner, 2010). This approach also seems to complement the Task-oriented Practice, and as identified here, this category highlights the training of motor skills as an option to solve functional problems (Hakim et al, 2017;Preissner, 2010).…”

Effects of home-based mirror therapy and cognitive therapeutic exercise on the improvement of the upper extremity functions in patients with severe hemiparesis after a stroke: a protocol for a pilot randomised clinical trial

“…41 The paretic hemibody is trained under suitable conditions using specific, repetitive and intensive tasks, which are crucial for the patient. [41][42][43][44] By actively participating in the rehabilitation process and intervening in the search and discovery of strategies, personal functional independence is improved, and the adaptation of the patient to the environment is assisted. 41 This rehabilitation method uses five strategies to teach and motivate the patient, who must adapt to the requirements of each task: verbal instructions, visual demonstrations, manual guide, reinforcement and positive feedback, and its repetitive practice in different contexts.…”