Date Presented 03/22/24
Study evaluated symptomatology in post-concussive syndrome and how symptoms affect occupational performance. A more in-depth understanding of occupational performance difficulties in this population can guide assessment and intervention selection.
Primary Author and Speaker: Sepideh Zenoozi
Contributing Authors: Sepideh Zenoozi, Whitney Henderson, Anna Boone
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of post-concussive symptoms (PCS) on occupational performance in adults.
DESIGN: Researchers used a subset of data from a larger study to understand the functional consequences of PCS. We recruited participants via word of mouth and e-mail advertisements. Inclusion criteria: 1) concussion diagnosis, 2) persistent concussive symptoms ≥4 weeks that have negative impact on daily life performance, 3) aged 18-60 years. Participants were excluded if experiencing any other neurological/psychiatric diagnosis or got a score >21in Patient Health Questionnaire, and cannot read, write, and speak English.
METHOD: We measured sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), vision (College of Optometrist in Vision Quality of Life), cognition (NIH Toolbox), executive function (Dysexecutive Questionnaire), general concussion symptoms (Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory), and occupational performance (Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement). Descriptive statistics were calculated and analyzed by comparing the mean and standard deviation of each assessment with available normative data. In addition, two researchers categorized each occupational performance difficulty that participants mentioned in their COPM into occupational categories and subcategories according to OTPF-4.
RESULTS: We recruited 14 participants who identified 74 occupational performance difficulties according to the COPM. The top three reported occupational challenges were in the domains of education, social participation, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living performance. The NSI, DEX, and NIH Toolbox results revealed participants experienced severe cognitive and emotional regulation difficulties. COVD-QOL and PSQI results indicated participants experienced severe vision and sleep problems.
CONCLUSION: PCS can have negative impacts on occupation performance. Our findings support the necessity of using more occupation-based assessments and goals during the therapeutic process.
References
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