definitions

What is Spasticity? Currently Accepted Definition for Occupational Therapy Practice vs Older Definitions

A common complication after a stroke is spasticity. Spasticity has been defined differently over the years. One of the most popular definitions for spasticity reads something like this: ‘a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one component of … Read more

Brain Injury and Self-Awareness: Denial and Metacognition in Occupational Therapy

Introduction Brain injury may cause cognitive disabilities that affect one’s self-awareness. One model, the Expanded Awareness Model (Toglia & Kirk, 2000), provides a framework of awareness to guide occupational therapy practice. “In this model, assessment of awareness includes comparing client’s self-rating with rating by a relative/clinician, or by the performance on the neuropsychological tests. The … Read more

Occupation vs Activity – Occupational Therapy Definitions Explained

“Words are time bound.” What are the definitions of occupation and activity? What about purposeful activity? What are the similarities and differences between them? Can these words be used interchangeably? Why should we even bother with understanding the history, definitions, purpose, and usage trends of each word? After reading this post, you will have a … Read more