PHYSICAL DETERMINANTS

The Physical Determinants of Occupation

Open this drawer when the determinants for occupational performance involve assistive devices, biomechanics, endurance, energy conservation, fatigue, hand function, joint protection, mobility, musculoskeletal, orthotics, pain, physical modalities, function, range of motion, rehabilitation, strength.

Physical: About

TOOLS FOR THINKING

BASIC CONCEPTUAL MODELS

Understanding humans from a physical perspective (knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology)

BASIC MODELS OF PRACTICE

Use of physical modalities to improve physical functioning (remediating strength, endurance, and ROM)

OCCUPATIONAL CONCEPTUAL MODELS

Problems in self-care, productivity, and leisure would be explained in terms of inadequate physical capacities to fulfill occupation.

OCCUPATIONAL MODELS OF PRACTICE

Include assessment and intervention approaches that use physical modalities (e.g., activity analysis and adapted self-care or assistive devices)

Physical: CV

The Physical Determinants of Occupation include physical factors that affect occupation such as endurance, range of motion, and muscle strength. They arise from the musculoskeletal system and may refer to the motor, sensory, proprioceptive and kinesthetic capacities of an individual. Any impairment in the physical capacities of an individual may affect an occupation and therefore, if we believe that occupational performance problems originate from physical problems, then we:

Analyze and assess physical capacities
Treat those problems using physical modalities
Examples: Low back pain, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Physical: Text

TOOLS FOR ACTING

Physical: Text

BIOMECHANICAL APPROACH

Remediation or prevention of limitations in ROM, strength, and endurance prepares individuals to fully engage in purposeful and occupation-based activities that promote health and participation in life aimed at ensuring occupational performance (biomechanics, kinesiology, anatomy). Impairments are prevented or decreased through occupation and meaning is created by the ultimate goal of establishing occupations. With this approach, the underlying pathology must be considered.

Assess: Strength, ROM, Endurance

Goals related to: maintain or prevent limitations in ROM, increase ROM, increase strength or prevent limitations in strength, increase endurance or prevent limitations in endurance

remediation will not restore function) OR goal is to optimize functional independence while restoring abilities

REHABILITATIVE APPROACH

Teaching the activity or task directly, using whatever the abilities or by providing any necessary adaptations to enable performance. This approach looks at overall client functioning and performance and considers an individual’s context (environment). Emphasis is on teaching individuals to compensate or adapt to optimize functioning when impairment cannot be remediated. It is a teaching and learning process involving collaboration with the client.

Assess: Occupation or Task