Citation

Golisz K. Am. J. Occup. Ther. 2014; 68(6): 662-669.

Affiliation

Kathleen Golisz, OTD, OTR, is Professor and Associate Dean, School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522; kgolisz@mercy.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Occupational Therapy Association)

DOI

10.5014/ajot.2014.011247

PMID

25397761

Abstract

This systematic review synthesizes the research on interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners to address cognitive and visual function, motor function, driving skills, self-regulation and self-awareness, and the role of passengers and family involvement in the driving ability, performance, and safety of older adults. After a comprehensive search of the research literature, 29 studies were reviewed and synthesized into five themes: (1) educational interventions including family education, (2) cognitive-perceptual training, (3) interventions addressing physical fitness, (4) simulator training, and (5) behind-the-wheel training. Outcome measures used in the studies included changes in knowledge through speed of processing, physical and cognitive skills predicted to reduce crash risk, simulated driving, and real-world driving. The studies demonstrated low to moderate positive effects for interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners to improve older driver performance.

Language: en