Visit the research spaces of the Department of Occupational Therapy:
The University of Pittsburgh has leading occupational therapy researchers looking for answers to guide occupational therapy practice. To achieve our goal to explore and test occupational therapy interventions, we have partnered with experts in many diverse fields: Bioengineering, Psychiatry, Cardiology, and Gerontology to name a few. Our nationally recognized research laboratories have received Federal, Foundation, and University funding.
If you are interested in learning more about research in occupational therapy, please contact us at otpitt@shrs.pitt.edu.
Here is a brief overview of our laboratories:
Occupational Therapy Cognitive Performance Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Elizabeth R. Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM, Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Rehabilitation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Laboratory Description: The Cognitive Performance Laboratory conducts clinical studies examining the associations among cognition, mood, and activities of daily living disability and interventions designed to ameliorate these influences, focusing on two areas. The primary line of research focuses on interventions designed to improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with changes in cognition and mood after acquired brain injury (stroke, traumatic brain injury). The secondary line of research focuses on characterizing current clinical and community rehabilitation practices for persons with acquired cognitive impairments and implementing evidence-based practices to optimize patient, provider, and health system outcomes.
Laboratory Projects:
Adapting Daily Activity Performance Through Strategy Training
Implementing Strategy Training in Inpatient Rehabilitation
Optimizing Strategy Training for People with Aphasia
Promoting Community Participation and Health After Stroke
Detection, Assessment, and Rehabilitation of Stroke-induced Visual Neglect
Community Participation Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Stakeholder-Driven Cancer Rehabilitation Intervention
Implementing Strategy Training in Outpatient Chronic Pain Clinics
Occupational Therapy Productive Aging Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Pamela Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA, Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Laboratory Description: The Productive Aging Laboratory conducts studies examining the implementation and effectiveness of evidence-based programs to reduce disability and promote aging-in-place for older adults. Primary research interests focus on use of behavioral strategies (e.g., goal attainment scaling, self-efficacy enhancing activities) in geriatric prevention programs and on client-centered interventions to reduce disability and prevent adverse events in older adults. Secondary research interests examine client-centered strategies for incorporating increased physical activity into the daily habits and routines of older adults. This laboratory is affiliated and in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Healthy Home Laboratory.
Laboratory Projects:
Incorporating Home Environment Exposures Into Assessment Tools for People Receiving In-Home Supportive Care (HUD, CO-I)
Examining the Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) Intervention: A Scale-Up Project with Family Caregivers and the Area Agency on Aging (NIDILRR, PI)
Modified Application of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Adults (MACRO) (NIA, CO-I)
Pediatric Health Promotion Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Angela R. Caldwell, PhD, OTR/L, CLT, Assistant Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Laboratory Description: The Pediatric Health Promotion Laboratory conducts clinical studies examining the relationships among early child health and development, family-centered interventions that promote child health, and novel approaches to intervention delivery in the community. Primarily, our research focuses on the development of pragmatic, family-based interventions to advance child performance and enhance development through exploration and play. Interventions are embedded within daily routines and feature innovative approaches to parent-coaching and behavior change. Secondarily, our research focuses on reducing health disparities observed during childhood and the prevention of secondary conditions for children with disabilities.
Laboratory Projects:
Development of an Obesity Prevention Intervention for Young Children with Down Syndrome
Facilitators and Barriers to Health among Young Children with Down Syndrome: FaB Health Ds
Prosper in Participation Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Juleen Rodakowski, OTD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh
Laboratory Description: The Prosper in Participation Laboratory conducts clinical studies examining factors that influence independent living for older adults that are at-risk for disability. Factors examined include changes in mood and cognition, as well as informal caregiver support. The primary line of research focuses on the examination of non-pharmacological interventions to support independence among older adults who are at-risk for dementia due to Mild Cognitive Impairment. The secondary line of research examines the needs and potential interventions to support caregivers for individuals at-risk for or with complex disabilities.
Laboratory Projects:
Click here to visit the Prosper in Participation laboratory website!
Rehabilitation Health Services Research Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Natalie E. Leland, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA,
Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Laboratory Description: The Rehabilitation Health Services Research Laboratory engages in research that examines healthcare access, quality of care, and outcomes across the care continuum (e.g., post-acute care, long-term care). The primary research focus is on health inequity and includes (a) quantifying current care delivery utilization, practices, and their relationship to desired patient and health system outcomes; (b) exploring the lived experiences of patients, family caregivers, providers, administration, health system leadership, and other key community partners; and (c) evaluating approaches for enhancing the dissemination and implementation of best practices into practice.
Click here to visit the Rehabilitation Health Services Research Laboratory website to learn more about our projects, collaborators, and opportunities to engage with the lab.
Vision and Perception Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Emily Grattan, PhD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Research Health Scientist, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare Center
Laboratory Description: The Vision and Perception Laboratory conducts clinical studies examining measurement and treatment of visual and perceptual impairments. The primary line of research focuses on measurement of unilateral neglect post stroke and examining interventions designed to reduce disability for individuals with unilateral neglect. The secondary line of research focuses on measurement of visual impairments and disability associated with low vision.
Laboratory Projects:
Improving measurement and treatment of post-stroke neglect (VA, PI)
Detection, Assessment, and Rehabilitation of Stroke-induced Visual Neglect (NSF, Co-PI)
Click here to visit the Vision and Perception laboratory website!