Biomechanical Implications and Issues within Occupational Therapy

The biomechanical model is reflected in daily occupational therapy practice.  Assistive technologies, particularly the ‘low-tech’ variety are commonly dispensed by occupational therapists.  Many of these low-tech devices are based on the biomechanical principles that ease, or reduce the required range of motion, strength, and dexterity, however, their documented validation in the literature has been dearth.  This line of research investigates the influence that low-tech devices have upon the desired biomechanical outcome.

Investigators at TWU

• Martin S Rice, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Outside Collaborators 

• Leonard, C.
• Carter, M.
• King, S
• Thomas, J. J.
• Sevey, K. L.
• Rahman, N
• Werkamp, R. A.

Publications 

• Rice, M. S., Leonard, C., & Carter, M. (1998).  Grip strengths and required forces in accessing everyday containers in a normal population.  American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 52, 621-626.
• King, S., Thomas, J.J., & Rice, M.S. (2003). A kinematic analysis of wrist extensor orthoses: Effects on quality and range of movement. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 57 517-524.
• Sevey, K. L., & Rice, M. S. (2002). Long handled sponges: To bend or not to bend. Assistive Technology, 14.2, 91-97. 
• Rahman, N., Thomas, J. J., & Rice, M. S. (2002). The relationship between hand strength and the forces used to access containers in well elderly. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 78-85.
• Wehrkamp, R. A., & Rice, M. S. (2010). Long-handled shoehorn length, body mass index, and hip range of motion in healthy female adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, 915–922. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2010.09097

Project Alignment

• Habilitation and Rehabilitation

Page last updated 7:12 AM, May 31, 2023