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Journal Article Review

The article I chose to review was titled The Benefits of Group Occupational Therapy for Patients With Parkinson’s Disease. I found this article through AJOT, and chose it because I am very interested in Parkinson's Disease interventions. This study looked at how progressive physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease affect participation in activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to see whether a group rehab program using an OT approach specifically designed for IPD, in association with ideal medical management, could maintain the functional status of these patients. 

 A two group experimental design was used in this study. Individuals with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving group occupational therapy intervention, or a control group receiving only medicinal treatment. 

 Immediately after randomization, the experimental group received 10 sessions of group occupational therapy. Each group session followed the schedule of: arrival (welcome and socialization), general mobility activities, rest period and socialization, dexterity activities, functional activities, educational activities, and departure (informal exchange and socialization). During each session, four main components were addressed: general mobility, dexterity, ADL, and education. Activities and tasks were chosen to address specific problems of patients with Parkinson's disease.


 At the end of the study, a total of 59 patients with Parkinson's disease had been able to complete the 1- year follow-up: At pre- evaluation, there was no significant difference between the two groups. After 20 hours of group occupational therapy in addition to medicinal therapy, patients with Parkinson's disease maintained their functional status over 1 year; whereas, the control group participants showed a decrease of their independence with progression of the disease. A number of changes, both observed by the therapists and reported by the treated patients, have led to a better quality of life, socialization, and family interaction.

 The reason a group setting was chosen for this study is because this certain population is often prone to experiencing social isolation, sedentary habits, and depression. 

The group approach achieved more behavioral changes than a one-on-one session would have achieved. This study supports that the group therapy is well suited for patients with chronic degenerative diseases who are easily drawn into depression and social isolation by providing a supportive environment and facilitates interactions among peers. Being able to relate to others with similar diagnoses is crucial in limiting feelings of isolation and dejection.

 Though this is an older study, I enjoyed reading about the benefits of group therapy intervention. I look forward to implementing group occupational therapy sessions as a future practitioner and truly believe in the benefits of the social aspects of this type of setting. 
  
Louise Gauthier, Sandra Dalziel, Serge Gauthier; The Benefits of Group Occupational Therapy for Patients With Parkinson’s Disease. Am J Occup Ther 1987;41(6):360-365. doi: 10.5014/ajot.41.6.360.

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