This study evaluated a shallow-water intervention to reduce pain among women age 61 to 81 with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. The study used a randomized-replicated single-case two-condition crossover design to determine which condition was more effective at relieving pain. One condition was functional movements without the use of a stationary pole; the other condition, identical movements with the pole. Data were collected through repeated pain measures, pre-test-post-test measures, and retrospective pre-test post-test measures. Pain data analysis with Microsoft Excel® ExPRT 2.0 AB program generated pre- and post-crossover charts. Visual analysis findings were substantiated with sensitivity analyses of retrospective pre-test and post-test data, showing no significance between the two conditions (p ≤ 0.05). Results indicated use of a pole might not be more effective than the movement program itself. For the individual and recreation therapist, this finding might translate to cost effective recreation therapy interventions addressing clinical outcomes as a result from engagement with an aquatic RT movement program.

Sexual health takes on an entirely new meaning for women after sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI). The majority of sexual health information provided during the rehabilitation process is often geared toward men with limited to no resources available to women. Furthermore, this information is typically not provided by recreational therapists in structured sexual health groups. This study employed semistructured interviews with eight SCI women living independently in the community to examine sexuality and intimacy while living with a SCI and how sexual health is currently being addressed during the rehabilitation process, including the recreational therapy process. A phenomenological data analysis was employed with reduction of data into themes. Findings indicate that sexual health education information was sometimes provided in rehabilitation hospitals, however, such materials were perceived to be focused on male patients, untimely, and attention to sexuality issues was usually absent from post-rehabilitation care. There was no mention of recreational therapists providing any form of sexual health education. Additionally, participants identified a need for educational materials for partners of individuals with SCI, as well as themselves regarding sexuality and relationship with particular attention on (a) intrapersonal constraints to intimacy/sexuality, (b) interpersonal partner communication, and (c) physiological constraints to intimacy/sexuality. The results demonstrate the impact living with a SCI has on intimacy and sexuality for women and the need for better sexual health education within the context of recreational therapy.

Lack of companionship, loneliness, and social isolation are often experienced by older adults diagnosed with clinical depression living independently within the community. Socially assistive robots (SARs), a relatively new concept within recreational therapy, may be one treatment modality that can address each one of these concerns. This exploratory study consisted of interviews with community mental health professionals, including a recreational therapist, to determine if they perceived SARs as an appropriate interdisciplinary clinical intervention for older adults diagnosed with clinical depression. Results indicated that SARs, especially those which can provide companionship and social interaction similar to animal assisted therapy, are an appropriate interdisciplinary intervention for this population and may have an impact on improving overall quality of life by decreasing loneliness and social isolation associated with clinical depression.

Physical activity (PA) participation among older adults remains the lowest of any demographic, with even lower participation rates in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). While fall risk decreases when individuals engage in PA programs focused on fall prevention, enrollment in such programs remains low. The purpose of this feasibility study was to pilot questions for development of a participant survey used to explore the perceptions and motivations of older adults currently enrolled in a health promotion program called Bingocize®. The program combines fall prevention exercises with the familiar game of bingo. Study participants included a convenience sample of four older adults currently residing in a LTCF. A phenomenological qualitative research approach using video recorded interviews was chosen for the exploratory study. Results revealed that older adults viewed the overall program as enjoyable, identifying social aspects such as intergenerational connection with program facilitators as motivation for participation. Focusing attention on these factors may assist future implementation of the intervention and to promote higher levels of participation in fall prevention programs centered on PA.

The purpose of this article is to describe the impact collaboration between recreational therapy (RT) researchers and practitioners can have on clinical outcomes and evidence-based practice. Although collaboration is not a new concept, few individuals develop partnerships designed to measure the clinical outcomes associated with RT. The primary reason collaborations are not developed is due to misconceptions from both the researcher and the practitioner on how the collaborative research process impacts direct client care. Furthermore, budget cuts, lack of time, and limited resources can make it challenging for successful collaborations to develop. This article will define collaboration, identify how collaborative partnerships advance the development of clinical outcomes, describe common challenges associated with successful collaborations between practitioners and researchers, and provide the seven steps used to accomplish a successful collaboration.