Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Master's of Occupational Therapy
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
2nd Student Major
Master's of Occupational Therapy
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Kelly Taylor
Presentation Format
Event
Abstract/Description
Background: Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is a progressive inflammatory myopathy that affects muscle strength and function in the extremities, impacting participation in daily activities. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals maintain and engage in daily activities using adaptive strategies such as assistive technology (AT).
Purpose: To investigate the impact of individualized AT device(s) on function and occupational performance for an individual with IBM.
Methods: A single-participant case study was conducted with an individual with diagnosed IBM. Baseline data were collected using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and a researcher-developed survey to identify and prioritize challenging daily tasks. An individualized low-tech AT device was designed and implemented to target the participant’s prioritized tasks. The participant used the device for four weeks, during their daily routine, and weekly check-ins were conducted to monitor device use, make adjustments, and gather qualitative feedback related to usability and occupational performance. After the trial period, the COPM, researcher-developed survey, and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) were used to determine changes in performance, satisfaction, functional independence, and device usability.
Results: Comparing baseline and post-trial implementation data showed improvements in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs. Individualized AT device(s) provided significant improvements in both performance and satisfaction during tasks. Survey results showed an increase in functional independence during daily tasks when using the device, and the QUEST 2.0 indicated satisfaction with the usability and comfort of the device. Qualitative feedback indicated an increase in participation during meaningful tasks and a reduction in frustration. Conclusion: Implementing individualized AT device(s) can increase functional independence and improve occupational performance for individuals with IBM. The results of this case study demonstrate that occupational therapists play a crucial role in enabling individuals to participate in meaningful occupations when interventions are tailored to the client’s needs. Future research should explore individualized AT devices for other progressive musculoskeletal diseases, long-term impact, and include larger participant groups to generalize further the impact individualized AT devices have on the population.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Other (Please write in)
Other Scholars Week Event
General Poster Session
Trialing low-tech assistive technology to support occupational engagement in a client with inclusion body myositis: A case study
Background: Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is a progressive inflammatory myopathy that affects muscle strength and function in the extremities, impacting participation in daily activities. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals maintain and engage in daily activities using adaptive strategies such as assistive technology (AT).
Purpose: To investigate the impact of individualized AT device(s) on function and occupational performance for an individual with IBM.
Methods: A single-participant case study was conducted with an individual with diagnosed IBM. Baseline data were collected using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and a researcher-developed survey to identify and prioritize challenging daily tasks. An individualized low-tech AT device was designed and implemented to target the participant’s prioritized tasks. The participant used the device for four weeks, during their daily routine, and weekly check-ins were conducted to monitor device use, make adjustments, and gather qualitative feedback related to usability and occupational performance. After the trial period, the COPM, researcher-developed survey, and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) were used to determine changes in performance, satisfaction, functional independence, and device usability.
Results: Comparing baseline and post-trial implementation data showed improvements in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs. Individualized AT device(s) provided significant improvements in both performance and satisfaction during tasks. Survey results showed an increase in functional independence during daily tasks when using the device, and the QUEST 2.0 indicated satisfaction with the usability and comfort of the device. Qualitative feedback indicated an increase in participation during meaningful tasks and a reduction in frustration. Conclusion: Implementing individualized AT device(s) can increase functional independence and improve occupational performance for individuals with IBM. The results of this case study demonstrate that occupational therapists play a crucial role in enabling individuals to participate in meaningful occupations when interventions are tailored to the client’s needs. Future research should explore individualized AT devices for other progressive musculoskeletal diseases, long-term impact, and include larger participant groups to generalize further the impact individualized AT devices have on the population.