Background One‐leg sit‐to‐stand (one‐leg STS) test is a new clinical test developed to measure the unilateral lower limb (LE) muscle strength among young adults. This study examined the test‐retest reliability and the criterion‐concurrent validity of the one‐leg STS. Methods Forty young adults (mean age ± SD, 28.07 ± 5.39 years) participated in the study. The one‐leg STS test was administered in two separate assessment sessions to examine test‐retest reliability. Two‐leg STS test was administered and the performance time was measured. The concentric peak strength of hip flexors/extensors, knee flexors/extensors and ankle dorsi‐flexors/plantar‐flexors were determined using an isokinetic dynamometer. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine the test‐retest reliability of one‐leg STS test. The criterion validity of the one‐leg STS test was evaluated against the performance of the two‐leg STS test using an independent sample t test. The concurrent validity of the one‐leg STS test was evaluated by investigating the relationships between STS performance time and LE muscle strength using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results  The reliability analysis showed that one‐leg STS performance time had excellent test‐retest reliability (ICC3,1 = 0.960, P < .001). Also, the one‐leg STS performance time was not different between the first and second sessions, t (39) = 0.672, P = .506. The performance time of the one‐leg STS test was significantly greater than the two‐leg STS test (t (39) = 20.63, P < .001). The performance time of the one‐leg STS test significantly correlated with the concentric peak strength of all LE muscles (P < .05). Conclusions The one‐leg STS test demonstrated excellent reliability and criterion‐concurrent validity against the two‐leg STS and the LE muscle strength. The one‐leg STS test was simple to administer and could be beneficial for the assessment of unilateral LE muscle strength of young adults in clinical settings.

Introduction Occupation-based practice is a core tenet of occupational therapy. This study explores perspectives and experiences with occupation-based practice among Thai occupational therapists. Method Using mixed methods, a focus group was conducted with eight occupational therapists, and the results were interpreted using thematic analysis. A questionnaire survey was also completed concerning practitioner perspectives ( n = 216). Findings Three major themes were identified: (a) perspectives on occupation-based practice were related to practice areas and felt to strengthen the identity of occupational therapy (52% strongly agree), leading to improved services and better outcomes for clients (44% strongly agree); (b) approaches focused on activities of daily living were appropriate for cross-practice areas; and (c) occupation-based practice is consistent with integrated medical sciences and occupations for clients (52% strongly agree). Conclusion Implementing occupation-based practice will be of value to clients, provide benefits as a compass to direct processes, and enhance clinical reasoning and outcomes.

Occupation-based practice (OBP) is central to the practice of occupational therapists where occupations or meaningful activities become the focus of the assessment, intervention, and outcomes measurement process. Although occupational therapists practising in Thailand claim that they engage in OBP, this claim warrants empirical investigation. This study aimed to investigate the experiences and perceptions of hospital-based occupational therapists of OBP within stroke rehabilitation. Utilizing a qualitative design, fourteen occupational therapists were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. Each interview was recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified (1) Perspective towards OBP, (2) OBP as professional value and cultural identity, (3) Implementing OBP for stroke rehabilitation in hospital settings, (4) Environmental factors of using OBP in stroke rehabilitation, and (5) OBP in the service management. Occupational therapists perceived that OBP is important for professional identity. Using OBP provides positive changes in stroke clients. This study provides evidence that will help implement OBP into occupational therapy in Thailand.

As Thailand becomes an aged society it is important to promote advancements in geriatric medicine to provide the best care for older individuals. The right assistive facilities and household mobility equipment are essential for everyday activities. The use of home adaptations and assistive products can maximize the quality of life for older individuals and make life more convenient for those with disabilities. This study aimed to investigate the experience of occupational therapists, using home adaptations and assistive products. An individual interview was conducted with eight occupational therapists who worked at regional hospitals and centers of excellence throughout Thailand using a qualitative study. The results were interpreted through thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged: (1) empowering independent living at home, (2) accident prevention and safety, (3) family financial constraints and barriers, (4) availability and accessibility of products, and (5) matching products with clients’ capabilities and needs. Based on an occupational therapy approach, this study examines Thailand's needs for home adaptations and assistive products, as well as barriers to accessing those products and services. Through a contribution to knowledge and information based on occupational therapists' experience, the laws and regulations regarding home adaptations and assistive products for people with disabilities can be improved. Additionally, the interdisciplinary team and authorities involved in this issue should also collaborate to formulate guidelines for home adaptations and assistive products for older individuals and persons with disabilities in the future.

A gap in knowledge about current splinting practice exists between the educational program and clinical service. To bridge this gap, we investigated the perspectives and experiences of Thai occupational therapists regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use. A mixed-method study was designed. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. In the first quantitative phase, a survey questionnaire was mailed to occupational therapists. The questions were regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use at seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangkok and outskirt areas. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were completed to explore expert occupational therapists’ perspectives on practice in the same hospital settings. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that most conditions receiving splints were nerve injuries, orthopedics, and stroke, which represented the service frequency of splint types: functional resting (100%), cock-up (93.3%), and thumb spica splints (80%). Bone and joint deformity prevention ranked first with muscle contracture prevention being ranked second, and the third-ranked was maintaining range of motion. Three themes emerged from the interviews: starting with the patient condition; effective function and value; knowledge and experiential skills. Perspectives and experiences of occupational therapists in splinting practice contribute to education based on the reality of practice. Integrated numerical and textual data of professional skills and knowledge in actual splinting practice can be reflected through splints and orthoses program revisions to meet future learning outcomes.