The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Supervised Usage of Adaptive Devices on Functional Outcomes and...

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effect of an occupational therapy protocol of teaching the usage of adaptive devices to older individuals in Iran who have had a total hip replacement as compared with conventional occupational therapy on functional outcomes and independence. Forty individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis and a total hip replacement aged >60 years were randomly allocated to either control group (n = 20) or experimental (n = 20) group. Pain, disability, independence and hip muscle strength were assessed with visual analogue scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis and Barthel Index and dynamometer, 2 days before and 6 weeks after the hip operation. Both groups received conventional occupational therapy, but the experimental group was additionally supervised on the use of adaptive devices. Correct use of the devices was instructed during the training session. Both groups significantly improved on all variables post-operatively. However, the experimental group showed significantly more improvement in all dependent variables post-operatively. No data were available on the use of the devices by the control group patients. Supervision of the utilization of the adaptive devices during regular home visits by the occupational therapist is recommended. Further research is needed to clarify which aspects of this supervision were most beneficial for the patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.