Date of Award
2014
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Jan Stube
Keywords
Athletic Injuries -- rehabilitation; Brain Injuries -- rehabilitation; Occupational Therapy -- methods; Young Adult
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop the occupational therapy (OT) role and a practice guide for OTs to use with their young adult client who has sustained a sports-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
Methods: An extensive literature review was completed on mTBI to examine risks when engaging in sports, common symptoms occurring due to mTBI, OT and rehabilitation assessments and interventions used following an mTBI. Further literature reviewed included current guidelines used in OT and other disciplines, integration of individuals affected by mTBI back into daily occupations, effects of intervention, and identifying when retirement from the sport is necessary.
Results: The OT role and a practice guide were created based on the Person-Environment-Occupation Model of Occupational Performance for OT practitioners. The product, An Occupational Therapy Practice Guide for Sports-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries in Young Adults, provides the OT with education materials, assessment recommendations, secondary/tertiary prevention materials, a case study, and example goals and interventions.
Conclusions: Following the acute stages of sustaining an mTBI, the literature has shown that individuals continue to have persisting complaints and difficulties returning to their daily occupations. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals know of the risks, symptoms, guidelines, assessments, interventions, integration to daily life and when it is time for an athlete to disengage in sports following mTBI. Limitations regarding the product include that it is specific to sports-related mTBI and young adults and the guide has not currently been implemented into OT clinical practice.
Recommended Citation
Lindstrom, Kelsey and Simmons, Molly, "A Guide for Occupational Therapists on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury" (2014). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 126.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/126