British Journal of Occupational Therapy

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Editorial
Restricted accessEditorialFirst published February, 2026pp. 67-69
Revisiting the core principles of physical rehabilitation after stroke: It’s not only what you do but how you do it that matters
Rachel C StockleyORCIDLouise ClarkKate Kelly
Research article
Open accessResearch articleFirst published February, 2026pp. 70-82
Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture 2024: The time is now,building a social movement to demonstrate the value of occupation
Katrina BanniganORCID
Abstract
There is a pervading feeling of dissonance within the occupational therapy profession: a sense that occupational therapy, and the work of occupational therapists, is not always recognised. Alongside this, there are examples of occupational therapists whose work is recognised at the highest levels and who are realising Elizabeth Casson’s legacy. The social age, which we now live in, provides the means to capitalise on examples such as these, to change this narrative, through social movements and social leadership. By committing to a social movement, a form of collective action that enables occupational therapists to tell their own stories through their own networks, and exercising social leadership, which is not dependent on hierarchy or position, occupational therapists can promote the centrality of occupation in the lives of people. Collective action is contingent on individuals making a commitment to act, even if this requires overcoming any barriers they may experience. Elizabeth Casson’s contribution to the profession and the collective wisdom of the Elizabeth Casson lectures provide inspiration for anyone unsure of where to begin.
Research article
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published February, 2026pp. 83-93
Service user perspectives on the value and effectiveness of occupational therapy following intervention for severe depression
Lynn ChristieORCIDDeborah DavysORCIDPenny A. CookORCID
Abstract
Introduction:
Depression is characterised by loss of interest in activities and difficulty carrying out everyday tasks. Occupational therapy supports people to participate in the activities they want or need to do; however, there is limited evidence on the perceived effectiveness of occupational therapy for people with depression.
Methods:
The study aims/objectives were to identify service user perspectives on (i) the effectiveness of individualised occupational therapy in enabling improvement in occupational functioning and participation, and (ii) the most effective components of occupational therapy. Semi-structured interviews with community-dwelling adults diagnosed with severe, and predominantly enduring, depression and an identified occupational need, who had received occupational therapy, were analysed thematically. Participants ( n = 7) were derived from a larger mixed-methods study.
Findings:
Three key themes were identified: Occupational therapy is about doing everyday activities which supports positive change; occupational therapy is client-centred which supports progress; the skills, attributes and characteristics of occupational therapists are important.
Conclusions:
Compelling narratives of how occupational therapy improves participation were evident, providing detailed information on the perceived effectiveness of occupational therapy. This research supports the evidence base for occupational therapy in mental health by mapping the perceived mechanisms of change, or aspects of occupational therapy participants found most helpful.
Research article
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published February, 2026pp. 94-101
Validity and reliability of the Lithuanian Occupational Balance Questionnaire
Laura ŽlibinaitėORCIDEvelina LamsodienėORCIDMilda Gintilienė
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Abstract
Introduction:
Occupational balance is an important concept in occupational therapy. However, no validated Occupational balance assessments currently exist in Lithuania. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire 11 (OBQ11-LT).
Method:
A total of 127 healthy adults completed the OBQ11-LT to evaluate construct validity. Of these, 53 participants were randomly assigned to complete the questionnaire again after 7–10 days to assess test-retest reliability. Construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for both total scores and individual items. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha.
Findings:
The model demonstrated acceptable fit (χ²(45) = 719.79, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.933; TLI = 0.909; RMSEA = 0.106). The ICC between test and retest OBQ11-LT total score was 0.924. Total scores showed a significant statistical relationship (p < 0.01), indicating good reliability. Cronbach’s alpha for the OBQ11-LT total score was 0.915, indicating acceptable internal consistency.
Conclusion:
OBQ11-LT demonstrates good reliability and validity for assessing occupational balance in general populations. Its psychometric properties are suitable for practice and research, making it a valuable tool for studying occupational balance in similar contexts and broadening the research areas for Lithuanian occupational therapists.
Research article
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published February, 2026pp. 102-115
Future trends and challenges in occupational therapy: Insights from a Delphi study
Gözde ÖnalORCIDTuran Emre ÖzdemirORCID
Abstract
Introduction:
Occupational therapy is evolving rapidly due to technological advances and demographic and sociocultural changes. Recognizing emerging trends is fundamental to developing responsive educational programs, evidence-based practices, and adaptive health policies. This study explores expert perspectives across five themes: (1) Future Technologies, (2) Neuroscience and Biotechnology Integration, (3) Technology-Based Therapy Approaches, (4) Sociocultural and Demographic Impacts, and (5) Innovative Educational Methods.
Method:
A three-round Delphi study was conducted with 36 occupational therapy professionals. The sample included 12 academicians (mean age (M) = 34.5, 67% female), 12 clinicians (M = 31.2, 75% female), and 12 final-year interns (M = 23.1, 92% female). The mean professional experience was 6.0 years for academicians and 5.8 years for clinicians. Thematic analysis and Kendall’s W were used to evaluate consensus.
Results:
Participants emphasized the importance of integrating virtual reality/augmented reality interventions, artificial intelligence-supported assessments, and telehealth into occupational therapy practice. Neuroplasticity-based interventions and simulation-based learning were highlighted for future competence. Ethical concerns regarding artificial intelligence, as well as cost and digital literacy barriers, were also noted.
Conclusion:
To meet future challenges, occupational therapists should enhance digital competencies, ensure accessibility, and develop inclusive, culturally responsive practices. Findings inform clinical, educational, and policy strategies in occupational therapy.
Research article
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published February, 2026pp. 116-128
The effects of occupation-based intervention combined with cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with cervical spinal cord injury
JinAh KimORCIDDeokJu Kim
Abstract
Introduction:
We investigated the effect of combined treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and occupation-based intervention on the mental health, upper extremity function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and occupation participation of patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods:
We included 40 patients with cervical SCI and randomized them between the experimental (n = 20) and the control (n = 20) group. Combined CBT and occupation-based intervention treatment was administered to the experimental group; combined progressive muscle relaxation and occupation-based intervention treatment was administered to the control group.
Results:
The experimental group showed significant changes in the outcomes of negative and automatic thoughts, depression, anxiety, upper extremity function, ADLs, and occupation participation after the intervention compared to the preintervention values (p < .001). The control group showed no significant postintervention changes in mental health outcomes. (p > .05), but significant changes were confirmed in upper extremity function, ADLs, and occupation participation (p < .001).
Conclusion:
Our results indicated that combined CBT and occupation-based intervention administered based on the goals set by the patients themselves may serve as an effective intervention strategy for achieving improvement in mental health, upper extremity function, ADLs, and occupation participation for patients with cervical SCI.
Research article
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published February, 2026pp. 129-138
Quality of life of children with disabilities in the Sáhara Refugee camps
Nuria Menéndez ÁlvarezORCIDEstíbaliz Jiménez ArberasORCIDEmiliano Díez
Abstract
Background:
The refugee situation in which the Sahrawi people live entails precarious policies, services, and care systems. People with disabilities suffer even more from this situation, seeing their quality of life diminished.
Purpose:
To evaluate the personal outcomes related to the quality of life of the students at the special education school in Auserd.
Method:
The KidsLife and KidsLife TEA questionnaires were administered to the 26 students from the special education center during March 2019.
Findings:
The results obtained from 100% of the participants display percentiles below the minimum values of the scale, with the most positive scores found in the Emotional Well-being domain and the least positive in the Social Inclusion domain.
Conclusions:
The quality of life of the students at the special education center in Auserd has deteriorated due to the social, environmental, and political factors they face. Furthermore, it is necessary to have tools adapted to the context.
Research article
Open accessResearch articleFirst published February, 2026pp. 139-147
Sedentary behaviour and activity patterns of older adults in an acute hospital setting: An exploratory study
Laura J BrownSamantha J WarneChun Ngai Liu
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Abstract
Introduction:
Hospitalisation is a period of low physical activity, particularly for older adults. Objective measurement of activity levels is essential to evaluate the impact of interventions to maintain or improve function.
Methods:
A prospective exploratory study examining patterns of sedentary behaviour and physical activity using an accelerometer-based activity monitor (activPAL™) in an acute hospital setting. A secondary objective was to review patient and staff acceptability of accelerometer use and views on the barriers and opportunities to maintaining function.
Results:
Forty-nine adults were recruited with a mean (SD) age of 83.0 (9.64) years (67% females). The mean (SD) time spent sitting or lying was 19.9 (5.03) hours with patients taking 657 (820) steps per day. There were no significant differences between steps per day for different genders (p = 0.78), age groups (p = 0.77) or diagnostic groups (p = 0.60). There was a moderate correlation between the daily number of steps and the Functional Independence Measure (r = 0.37, p < .05). Eighty-six per cent of patient’s found accelerometer use acceptable compared to 50% of staff.
Conclusion:
This study has provided rich characterisation of activity patterns in hospital, where low levels of activity were identified. These findings can support future occupational therapy functional maintenance initiatives.

Volume 89, Issue 2, February 2026