Citation

Yoshida I, Hirao K, Nonaka T. Am. J. Occup. Ther. 2018; 72(1): 7201205030p1-7201205030p8.

Affiliation

Tetsushi Nonaka, PhD, is Associate Professor, Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Occupational Therapy Association)

DOI

10.5014/ajot.2018.020982

PMID

29280723

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether occupational therapy that includes adjusting the challenge-skill balance improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for older adults in comparison with standard occupational therapy.

METHOD: In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 56 older adults were assigned to two groups that received 10 sessions of occupational therapy with and without adjustment of challenge-skill balance. The primary outcome was change in HRQOL after 10 sessions of occupational therapy.

RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in HRQOL using the EuroQol-5 Dimension score (p =.022, d = 0.76) and the eight-item Short-Form Health Survey scores for general health (p =.001, d = 0.99) and in flow experience using the Flow State Scale for Occupational Tasks (p =.008, d = 0.82).

CONCLUSION: Assessment and adjustment of the challenge-skill balance of activities may effectively improve older adults' HRQOL.

Language: en