WWOAH 24:10

Allied health professionals, including physical therapists and nutritionists, are essential pillars in healthcare. Their extensive involvement in addressing multifaceted health aspects greatly bolsters healthcare efficacy and impact. These experts lead the charge in advancing patient outcomes with their diverse skill sets. Dive into our latest newsletter to keep pace with the constantly evolving landscape of allied health.

Access, Readiness, and Willingness to Engage in Allied Health Telerehabilitation Services for Adults: Does Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Make a Difference?

Telerehabilitation has become an increasingly attractive option for delivering allied health rehabilitation services to optimise recovery. Research indicates that it can be as effective as in-person services and may promote higher attendance rates while reducing patient costs. Despite these benefits, ensuring equitable engagement in telerehabilitation remains a challenge. Does patients' cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD) affect this engagement? This study suggests that factors such as age and lower educational status may significantly impact readiness to engage in telerehabilitation more than the cultural or linguistic background.

Enhancing Physical Activity Recommendations to Support Cognition in Homecare: A Quality Improvement Project

The increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults necessitates prevention strategies to alter the progression of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Physical activity, proven to slow dementia progression and prevent mild cognitive impairment from advancing, is a key recommendation. Occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) in home and community healthcare can effectively promote physical activity but need more training and awareness. A quality improvement project demonstrated that education and handouts significantly increased PTs' and OTs' patient education efforts regarding physical activity's benefits for cognitive health, broadening the scope and individualisation of their recommendations.

Effects of Alpha Music Rhythm on Inflammation and Physical Function in Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomised Control Trial

?A study investigated the effectiveness of combining alpha music rhythm with traditional physiotherapy for individuals with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Results showed significant improvements in inflammation reduction and physical function among participants who received alpha music therapy alongside conventional treatment. The findings suggest that incorporating alpha music rhythm into therapy regimens can be beneficial for managing chronic OA. Thus, an 8-week program integrating alpha music rhythm, electrical modalities, and physical exercises is recommended for individuals with chronic knee OA for better outcomes compared to physiotherapy alone.

A Home Activity Support Tool (HAST) for Ischemic Stroke Patients

The U.S. witnesses around 795,000 stroke cases yearly, with 70% of survivors returning home post-discharge. However, stroke survivors encounter challenges transitioning home, including a high 30-day readmission rate of up to 19.2%. Additionally, they face limited community resources, a complex new diagnosis, and an increased risk of post-stroke depression. The Home Activity Support Tool (HAST) aims to address these challenges by providing educational resources and links to assistive devices for stroke survivors, facilitating independence and safety in daily activities.

Combining Soft Robotics and Telerehabilitation for Improving Motor Function After Stroke

A study introduced a novel system combining a soft robotic glove, cloud-connected software, and telerehabilitation therapy for stroke survivors to use at home independently. Ten participants with moderate-to-severe impairment engaged in intensive therapy sessions over four weeks, monitored remotely by occupational therapists. Significant improvements in hand functionality and range of motion were observed post-intervention, with sustained gains at follow-up. These findings suggest the potential for further exploration of such combined systems for autonomous stroke rehabilitation at home.

?Enhancing Awareness of Aquatic-Based Occupational Therapy Services Across the Lifespan

Occupational Therapists (OTs) have expertise in addressing various conditions, including in aquatic settings. Aquatic Therapy in OT utilises water's properties to enhance balance, strength, and coordination without land impact. However, despite its effectiveness, aquatic interventions for adults are underused in OT practice, possibly due to OTs' limited exposure to aquatic therapy. This project aimed to increase awareness of aquatic-based OT services through educational resources, workshops, and program assessments.

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Till the Next One!

Allied health remains dynamic, marked by constant innovation and ongoing progress. Lifeweavers, a leader in home therapy services, spearheads this evolution by providing innovative alternatives to conventional treatments. Our dedication to flexibility and the incorporation of state-of-the-art methodologies sets us apart, guaranteeing that we excel in delivering inventive and impactful healthcare solutions.

We welcome direct referrals to our therapy services and are delighted to engage in discussions about your cases.