Resumen Introducción El incremento de la población dependiente en Chile ha generado una mayor demanda de cuidados, responsabilidad que recae principalmente en mujeres, fenómeno conocido como "crisis del cuidado". Este estudio busca visibilizar las experiencias situadas de las personas cuidadoras, identificando las prácticas sociales desde las cuales emergen decisiones ocupacionales que transforman su vida cotidiana al asumir el rol de cuidadora informal. Objetivo Analizar las experiencias situadas de las personas cuidadoras informales que emergen desde prácticas sociales y discursivas que producen su vida cotidiana, modelan su agencia y construyen su rol, transformando su cotidiano al asumir el cuidado. Método Se utilizó un diseño postcualitativo, desde una perspectiva ontoepistemológica posestructuralista feminista. La técnica de producción de conocimiento fue la entrevista abierta. El análisis del discurso fue la herramienta metodológica utilizada para la producción de conocimiento a partir de la materialidad textual que emergió de las entrevistas realizadas. Resultados Emergieron tres categorías: Cuerpo incansable de cuidado, Decisión ocupacional y Agencia de las cuidadoras y la transformación del cotidiano en el cuidado. Los hallazgos muestran cómo los discursos producen la experiencia del cuidado, especialmente en mujeres, naturalizando su rol y generando sobrecarga física, emocional y ocupacional. Se identifican formas de agencia y estrategias de resistencia ante las condiciones impuestas. Conclusión El rol de cuidadora informal se construye mediante discursos que naturalizan el cuidado como responsabilidad femenina. Aunque las decisiones ocupacionales están condicionadas por estructuras culturales, familiares y económicas, las cuidadoras ejercen agencia dentro de lo que su contexto les permite.
Abstract Introduction The increase in the dependent population in Chile has generated a greater demand for care, a responsibility that falls primarily on women, a phenomenon known as the “care crisis. This study, from a feminist poststructuralist perspective, seeks to make visible the situated experiences of informal caregivers by identifying the social practices from which occupational decisions emerge, transforming their everyday lives as they assume the role of informal caregiver. Objective To analyze the situated experiences of informal caregivers that emerge from social and discursive practices that produce their everyday lives, shape their agency, and construct their role, transforming their everyday lives as they assume caregiving. Method A postqualitative design was employed, grounded in a feminist poststructuralist onto-epistemological perspective. Open-ended interviews were used as the method for generating knowledge. Discourse analysis was employed as the methodological approach for generating knowledge from the textual material that emerged from the interviews conducted. Results Three categories emerged: The Tireless Caring Body; Occupational Decision-Making and Caregiver Agency; and The Transformation of Everyday Life in Caregiving. The findings show how discourses produce the experience of caregiving, particularly among women, by naturalizing their caregiving role and generating physical, emotional, and occupational burden. Forms of agency and strategies of resistance to the imposed conditions were also identified. Conclusion The role of the informal caregiver is constructed through discourses that naturalize caregiving as a feminine responsibility. Although occupational decisions are conditioned by cultural, family, and economic structures, caregivers exercise agency within the possibilities allowed by their context.
Resumo Introdução O transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) caracteriza-se por prejuízos persistentes na interação social, na comunicação e pela presença de padrões comportamentais restritos e repetitivos, com impacto no desenvolvimento infantil e nas relações sociais desde a infância. Essas dificuldades aumentam as demandas de cuidado e podem contribuir para a sobrecarga materna. Objetivos Analisar a sobrecarga materna e a responsividade social de crianças brasileiras com TEA, bem como identificar associações entre os prejuízos na responsividade social infantil e os níveis de sobrecarga materna. Método Estudo transversal, quantitativo, descritivo e correlacional, com 106 mães e seus filhos com TEA, com idades entre 03 e 11 anos. Foram utilizados um questionário sociodemográfico, a Escala de Responsividade Social-2 (ERS-2) e a Escala de Sobrecarga do Cuidador (ESC). Realizaram-se análises descritivas, correlação de Pearson e regressões lineares simples e múltiplas. Resultados A maioria das crianças apresentou comprometimento severo na responsividade social, principalmente nos domínios de comunicação e cognição social. Observou-se predominância de sobrecarga moderada a severa entre as mães. Houve correlação positiva moderada entre os escores da ERS-2 e da ESC. A percepção social foi o principal preditor da sobrecarga materna. Conclusão Maiores prejuízos na responsividade social de crianças com TEA associam-se a níveis mais elevados de sobrecarga materna, evidenciando a importância de intervenções integradas que contemplem o desenvolvimento social infantil e o apoio às mães-cuidadoras.
Resumen El sobrepeso y la obesidad representan un problema de salud pública creciente en poblaciones con alto nivel educativo expuestas a factores estresantes. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar las dimensiones del estilo de vida asociadas al estado nutricional en estudiantes de posgrado de una universidad pública de Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Se empleó un diseño descriptivo y transversal con una muestra no probabilística de 309 estudiantes, evaluados mediante la Escala Estilo de Vida (EEV), la cual es una versión modificada de 25 ítems basada en el Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) de Walker et al. (1987) y adaptada por Días et al. (2008). Los datos se procesaron mediante estadística descriptiva en IBM SPSS v.26. Los resultados indicaron una prevalencia de sobrepeso u obesidad del 69% (IMC promedio: 27.37 kg/m2). Según los puntos de corte originales del instrumento, el 77% de los participantes se clasificó con un estilo de vida no saludable. En el análisis por niveles, predominó un perfil “medio”, observándose que las dimensiones de alimentación (69% en nivel medio) y actividad física (46% en nivel bajo) presentaron los puntajes más bajos, en contraste con puntuaciones superiores en autorrealización y responsabilidad por la salud. Se concluye que existe una disparidad entre las conductas de autocuidado y la ejecución de hábitos de vida saludables, lo que requiere intervenciones institucionales integrales.
Abstract The study aimed to map and analyze the scientific production of occupational therapists and occupational scientists in Latin America regarding the relationship between culture and human occupation. The study followed the methodological recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), aligned with PRISMA-ScR, with a previously registered protocol. The search was conducted in national and international databases and in Latin American journals specific to the field. Of more than 3,000 records identified, after removing duplicates and applying the Population, Concept, and Context criteria, 57 studies were included. Only studies by Latin American occupational therapists or scientists that explicitly addressed the relationship between culture and occupational therapy were considered. The studies are concentrated primarily in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile and exhibit methodological diversity, with a predominance of experience reports, qualitative research, and theoretical-reflective essays. The references used and sources consulted encompass institutional documents, works from the humanities, and literature specific to occupational therapy and occupational science, highlighting critical perspectives and studies aligned with the Global South. The thematic analysis identified four main themes: culture as an interpretive lens; as an intervention strategy; as a field of practice; and as an ethical, aesthetic, and political commitment. The review highlights a growing field, with studies grounded in and committed to emancipatory practices, which underscores the importance of expanding research in other countries and of establishing culturally sensitive practices aimed at ensuring rights, participation, and diversity.
Abstract Introduction Celiac disease (CeD) necessitates lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet, which can affect daily occupations beyond dietary habits. These challenges extend to both occupational performance (task execution) and occupational participation (involvement in life situations), particularly in socially embedded contexts. Despite this, the occupational performance and participation experiences of university students with celiac disease are underrepresented in occupational therapy literature. Objectives To explore the occupational performance and participation challenges experienced by university students with CeD, with particular attention to the relationship between performance, satisfaction, and participation restrictions. Method Nine university students diagnosed with CeD and without other chronic nutrition-related conditions participated voluntarily. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to identify perceived difficulties in self-care, productivity, and leisure. Participants rated their performance and satisfaction with their most prioritized activities. Performance–satisfaction discrepancies were also calculated to better understand perceived occupational challenges. Results Findings revealed that occupational challenges were evident across all domains, with leisure being the most frequently affected in terms of participation restrictions, particularly in social activities such as dining out and attending gatherings. Productivity showed the largest discrepancy between performance and satisfaction, indicating unmet expectations in academic and daily role responsibilities. Self-care issues such as managing finances and transporting gluten-free food also emerged, though with relatively lower discrepancy levels. While individuals may maintain performance in certain tasks, participation is more substantially constrained by environmental and social factors. Conclusion Interventions should particularly target domains with higher performance–satisfaction discrepancies and support engagement in socially meaningful occupations. Supporting university students with CeD through tailored occupational therapy may enhance their daily functioning and participation.
Resumo O estudo teve por objetivo mapear e analisar a produção científica de terapeutas ocupacionais e cientistas ocupacionais na América Latina acerca das relações entre cultura e ocupação humana. O estudo seguiu as recomendações metodológicas do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), alinhadas ao PRISMA-ScR, com um protocolo previamente registrado. A busca foi realizada em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais e em revistas latino-americanas específicas da área. Dos mais de 3.000 registros identificados, após a remoção de duplicatas e a aplicação dos critérios de População, Conceito e Contexto, foram incluídos 57 estudos. Foram considerados apenas estudos de terapeutas ocupacionais ou cientistas ocupacionais latino-americanos que abordassem explicitamente a relação entre cultura e terapia ocupacional. Os estudos concentram-se principalmente no Brasil, na Colômbia e no Chile e apresentam diversidade metodológica, com predominância de relatos de experiência, pesquisas qualitativas e ensaios teórico-reflexivos. As referências utilizadas e as fontes consultadas abrangem documentos institucionais, obras das ciências humanas e literatura específica da terapia ocupacional e da ciência ocupacional, destacando perspectivas críticas e estudos alinhados ao Sul Global. A análise temática identificou quatro temas principais: a cultura como lente interpretativa; como estratégia de intervenção; como campo de prática; e como compromisso ético, estético e político. A revisão destaca um campo em expansão, com trabalhos fundamentados e comprometidos com práticas emancipatórias, o que ressalta a importância de ampliar a pesquisa em outros países e de estabelecer práticas culturalmente sensíveis, voltadas para garantir direitos, participação e diversidade.
Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing stressors in academia, particularly for college professors. In Colombia, professors often face additional demands — large class sizes, teaching at multiple institutions, and concurrent teaching, research and service obligations — that disrupt occupational balance and may elevate stress. Objective To investigate the relationship between working conditions and stress among Colombian college professors in the post-pandemic context. Methods A cross-sectional study with 221 university professors recruited through convenience sampling from multiple institutions across three Colombian regions and two teaching modalities. Participants were invited to answer questionnaires to explore associations between socio-demographic and working-condition predictors and stress levels. Rigorous model diagnostics, including multicollinearity checks and fit assessments, were performed to ensure the validity of the findings. Results 42.5% of the participants reported experiencing very high levels of stress. Significant gender differences emerged, with women reporting higher stress levels than men. Dissatisfaction with productivity and workday monotony were significant predictors of stress. Contrary to expectations, perceived monotony was associated with lower odds of being in the highest stress category, suggesting a possible return-to-routine effect in the post-pandemic occupational context, in which the re-establishment of predictable routines may operate as a temporary resource. Conclusions It is necessary interventions addressing gender-specific stressors and productivity-related dissatisfaction among university professors. The unexpected finding that monotony correlates with lower stress in the highest-stress category invites further investigation and suggests that, in certain contexts, predictable routines may provide psychological relief. The findings inform primary prevention strategies for occupational health in higher education, supporting institutional efforts to protect lecturers' mental wellbeing and meaningful occupational participation.
Abstract Introduction As most occupational therapy tools have been developed in the Western world, there is a paucity of tools that are contextually relevant for non-Western settings. Tensions arise when engaging Western tools in non-Western settings. We encountered such tensions as employees and partners of an Indian non-governmental organization engaged in program evaluation and development of a community-based early intervention service for children. Objectives In this article, we reflect on our experience of working to support local needs in the absence of contextually relevant tools through an examination of opportunities and challenges presented by use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in rural India. Method To employ critical reflexivity to examine experiential and literature evidence pertaining to the use of this Western tool in an Indian (non-Western) context. Results Numerous challenges were identified in the COPM’s fit to context. However, COPM use also facilitated beneficial team learning and achievement of program objectives. Conclusion Countering Western hegemony in practice can be complex. A balance between such an objective and meeting organizational needs may be necessary in the short term while working toward impactful long-term development of contextually relevant practices.
Abstract Introduction Sustainable development remains one of the most significant global challenges of the 21st century. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to reduce the impact of environmental change, social inequalities, and economic structures on human life, which are closely related to the concept of occupation. In this context, occupational therapists are expected to integrate sustainability principles into both their professional practice and educational processes. Objectives To examine occupational therapy students’ awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Method A total of 145 students (mean age: 20.91±3.43) studying at a state university completed the SDGs Awareness Scale and were compared based on sociodemographic variables using the Mann-Whitney U test (for two-group comparisons) and the Kruskal-Wallis H test (for multiple group comparisons). Results Students demonstrated high overall awareness (150.38±13.19), with the highest scores in social sustainability (4.61±0.55), followed by environmental (4.04±0.36) and economic sustainability (4.03±0.36). A significant difference was found in awareness scores by academic year (p=0.005), with second-, third-, and fourth-year students scoring higher than first-year students. Conclusion Occupational therapy students demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding sustainable development. However, integrating sustainable development topics—particularly economic and environmental sustainability—into occupational therapy curricula may better prepare future therapists for effective community-based practice.
Abstract Introduction A guiding principle for the occupational therapy profession is the use of best available evidence to ensure the provision of quality services. Many organisations collect quality indicator data to monitor and improve service performance. Objectives : To understand the perspectives of occupational therapists regarding the quality of services provided, investigate quality measurement practices, particularly with the Quality Evaluation Strategy Tool (QUEST), and explore how measurement data is used. Method The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) circulated an online survey in four languages to the global occupational therapy community in 2025. Data were analysed descriptively and stratified by country income, language, indicator use and familiarity with QUEST. Chi Square analysis was used to determine statistical significance of differences among subgroups. Results Complete survey responses were received from 518 participants representing 61 countries. Lowest mean quality scores related to waiting times (2.93/5) and the availability of occupational therapists (2.96/5). Indicators were used by 53.1% of respondents, with more indicator users among high income countries and English respondents (p<.001). Although only 16% of respondents were familiar with QUEST, QUEST users were more confident in utilising indicators (p<.001) and reported a greater use of indicators for evaluating service changes (p<.001) and use of best available evidence (p<.001). Conclusion Effective action to improve quality of service performance requires data to fully understand the nature of variations, identify evidence-based solutions and evaluate success of improvements. It is therefore imperative that the use of quality measures such as QUEST indicators becomes more widespread in occupational therapy.
Abstract Introduction Palestinian philosopher, Edward Said, claimed that the role of intellectuals is to interrogate the unquestioned assumptions on which their discipline’s practices depend, resist the uncritical acceptance of authoritative discourses, and stand in opposition to injustice and oppression. Said defined some professionals as “maintainers”, whose work contributes to preserving the status quo of power and practice. He differentiated these people from “intellectuals”: those academics, and practitioners (“organic intellectuals”) who challenge orthodoxy and provoke change. Objectives To highlight the importance of Said’s ideas to the work of those occupational therapists striving towards an anti-ableist, ethically-consistent, and socially-accountable profession. Method This paper explores aspects of Said’s work that have particular relevance for occupational therapists seeking to contest the injustices of the profession’s status quo and realign the profession’s professed values and Position Statements with its actions. Results Said exhorted intellectuals to contest the proclamations and platitudes of those wielding power within their discipline. Because he refuted professionals’ collusion with classificatory practices that reinforce colonialism’s hierarchical systems of injustice (for example, by assessing and documenting physical and functional differences from constructed “norms”), his work has clear relevance to an occupational therapy profession informed by, and promoting an ableist ideology. Conclusion Intellectual integrity obligates occupational therapists to expose hypocrisy within their profession’s discourses and practices, demand accountability, and engage in, and promote sceptical critical consciousness. Said’s work provides inspiration for those occupational therapists contesting the ableist status quo, and demanding that their profession enact its stated commitment to resisting injustice and supporting human rights.
Resumen Introducción Las Tecnologías de Asistencia (TA) destinadas a personas con discapacidad motriz enfrentan desafíos relacionados con su usabilidad y experiencia de usuario (UX). La evaluación adecuada de estos aspectos resulta esencial para garantizar su efectividad, aceptación y adopción en contextos reales. Objetivo Identificar y analizar las áreas de investigación más relevantes en la evaluación de la usabilidad y la UX de TA dirigidas a personas con discapacidad motriz, mediante un análisis cienciométrico de la producción científica en la última década. Método Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de 184 artículos indexados en Web of Science y PubMed (2014–2024), empleando el enfoque GQM (Goal-Question-Metric), criterios PICOC y análisis con algoritmos en MATLAB y visualización en Gephi. Resultados Se identificaron ocho áreas de investigación centradas en diversos temas como innovación robótica, personalización, diseño participativo, desarrollo de sistemas de interacción, entre otras. Las tendencias destacan la importancia de enfoques centrados en el usuario, personalización tecnológica y evaluación multidimensional. Conclusión Se reveló la necesidad de integrar dimensiones técnicas y subjetivas en el diseño de TA. Se recomienda fomentar metodologías participativas, evaluaciones longitudinales e integración de tecnologías emergentes para garantizar dispositivos funcionales y emocionalmente significativos.
Resumo Introdução Crianças com necessidades complexas de comunicação (NCC) frequentemente encontram barreiras para participar de atividades de leitura compartilhada. Livros acessíveis com recursos de Comunicação Aumentativa e Alternativa (CAA) podem favorecer seu engajamento e o desenvolvimento da linguagem. Objetivo Avaliar a percepção de profissionais especialistas em CAA sobre um protótipo de livro multiformato desenvolvido para crianças com NCC. Metodologia Estudo descritivo, exploratório e quali-quanti, com participação de 57 especialistas em fonoaudiologia, terapia ocupacional e educação. Os participantes responderam a um formulário eletrônico contendo questões avaliadas por meio de escala Likert unipolar de 5 pontos e perguntas abertas. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados por estatísticas descritivas, teste t de Student e correlação de Pearson. A análise qualitativa foi realizada com categorização temática dos comentários. Resultados O material foi amplamente aceito, com médias entre 4,71 e 4,92 nos itens avaliados, especialmente em clareza narrativa, funcionalidade das pranchas e correspondência símbolo-texto. A análise qualitativa identificou como temas centrais a clareza textual, o engajamento e a participação da criança. Aproximadamente metade dos especialistas sugeriu ajustes visuais e ampliação da diversidade nos personagens. A convergência entre achados quantitativos e qualitativos reforça o potencial do livro como recurso funcional e inclusivo, destacando o papel da terapia ocupacional e do conhecimento em tecnologia assistiva para a elaboração de narrativas acessíveis e contextualizadas ao cotidiano infantil. Conclusão O livro multiformato apresenta-se como recurso inovador e acessível, favorecendo participação, inclusão e ampliação da linguagem para crianças com NCC, e destaca-se pela articulação entre teoria e prática em CAA.
Abstract Introduction Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood and is associated with dysfunctions in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems, resulting in impulsivity, inattention, and disorganization, which impair children’s occupational performance. Objective To understand how occupational therapists have structured their practices in caring for children with ADHD. Method A scoping review was conducted through searches in PubMed, OTseeker, and the Virtual Health Library. Articles published in the last five years that described occupational therapy interventions with children with ADHD were included. The selection was performed by two independent researchers, and the extracted data were presented descriptively, with emphasis on therapeutic approaches, their objectives, and reported outcomes. Results Eleven studies were included, most of which focused on enhancing executive functions. Strategies and resources used encompassed cognitive training, parent training, digital games, white noise, transcranial stimulation, expressive groups, and table tennis. The studies reported improvements in working memory, processing speed, inhibitory control, sustained attention, handwriting, motor skills, and parental satisfaction. Conclusion Occupational therapy offers promising interventions for the care of children with ADHD, particularly in enhancing executive functions. Although the number of studies remains limited, the presence of randomized clinical trials strengthens the evidence base. Emerging approaches show potential to expand therapeutic practice but still require further investigation.
Introduction: The birth of a newborn requiring hospitalization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) generates feelings of uncertainty, insecurity, and helplessness in families, in addition to changes in their daily lives and routines. The occupational therapist provides support to the mother and family during the baby's hospitalization and can use writing as an intervention resource, which has been recommended to support coping with the hospitalization of newborns. Objective: To investigate the use of diary writing as a resource in the occupational therapy support of mothers of babies hospitalized in the NICU. Method: A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted in a philanthropic hospital specializing in women's and children's care in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Eleven mothers of newborns hospitalized in the NICU participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: The following empirical categories were identified: "Mother's motivations for diary writing"; "Mother's use of a diary as a means of expressing feelings and reflections" and "The maternal daily life expressed in diaries." Conclusion: Writing in a diary helped mothers cope with situations during their baby's hospitalization, allowing them to record memories and process feelings, as well as reorganize their new daily routine.
Resumen Introducción El proceso de vivir en calle no es un fenómeno fortuito, sino que se gesta antes de que ocurra. Se vincula a una serie de factores que abarcan desde vivencias en la infancia hasta circunstancias familiares, laborales y contextuales que, en conjunto, condicionan su desarrollo. Las personas que residen en calle, a través de diversos mecanismos culturales, sociales e institucionales experimentan exclusiones y procesos que se centran en la perspectiva de injusticia ocupacional. Objetivo Bajo esta mirada, nuestro objetivo es comprender las experiencias y desafíos que enfrentan las personas en situación de calle en el ejercicio de roles familiares y laborales significativos, desde una perspectiva de injusticia ocupacional interpretada. Método Bajo una perspectiva cualitativa con diseño fenomenológico, se entrevista a hombres en situación de calle en Concepción, Chile. Esta investigación cumple los criterios éticos de calidad y rigurosidad y ha sido aprobada por el comité de ética de (anónimo). Resultados Los hallazgos develan historias que comparten elementos comunes de injusticia ocupacional que se gestan desde la infancia (como violencias, abandonos, desconexión emocional, entre otras), junto con relatos que resaltan el rol familiar y laboral como eje de nostalgia y dolor al vivir en calle. No obstante, los hombres entrevistados reconocen aprendizajes y motivaciones para un posible cambio en sus proyectos vitales, respecto del ejercicio de roles familiares y laborales. Conclusión La injusticia ocupacional, debe ser intervenida desde un conocimiento histórico de las personas que la viven, y conocer los roles laborales y familiares es clave para comprender las historias vitales de las personas en situación de calle.
Resumo Introdução A Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) é essencial para ampliar a funcionalidade e a participação social das pessoas com deficiência (PCD), sendo reconhecida como direito na Lei Brasileira de Inclusão (LBI). No cenário internacional, a Agenda 2030 e os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) apontam a TA como elemento estratégico para reduzir desigualdades e garantir que ninguém seja deixado para trás. Objetivo Analisar criticamente os documentos normativos que regulam a oferta de TA no Brasil, com foco na LBI e nas políticas públicas dos campos da saúde e da educação, à luz dos ODS. Método Revisão sistemática de evidência textual, conduzida conforme a metodologia do Instituto Joanna Briggs. Além da LBI foram analisados documentos normativos e programáticos oficiais da saúde e educação. A síntese foi realizada por meio de meta-agregação, com categorização temática dos achados e avaliação do alinhamento com os ODS. Resultados Os documentos foram organizados em três eixos: (1) a LBI apresenta forte convergência com os ODS ao reconhecer a TA como direito fundamental vinculado à saúde, educação, trabalho e mobilidade; (2) no campo da saúde, a análise revelou articulação com os ODS, embora haja desigualdades regionais, baixa oferta de serviços especializados e foco biomédico na dispensação de recursos; e (3) na educação, embora haja avanços normativos, persistem entraves estruturais que comprometem a efetivação das metas de inclusão previstas na Agenda 2030. Conclusão Persistem barreiras à efetivação do direito à TA no Brasil. Recomenda-se investir em qualificação, ampliação do acesso e articulação intersetorial para alinhar as políticas públicas sobre TA aos ODS.
Abstract Introduction Assistive Technologies (AT) designed for individuals with motor disabilities face challenges related to their usability and user experience (UX). Proper evaluation of these aspects is essential to ensure their effectiveness, acceptance, and adoption in real-world contexts. Objective To identify and analyze the most relevant research areas in the assessment of usability and UX of AT aimed at individuals with motor disabilities, through a scientometric analysis of scientific production over the past decade. Method A literature review of 184 articles indexed in Web of Science and PubMed (2014–2024) was conducted, using the GQM (Goal-Question-Metric) approach, PICOC criteria, and algorithm-based analysis in MATLAB, with visualization in Gephi. Results Eight research areas were identified, focusing on topics such as robotic innovation, personalization, participatory design, and the development of interaction systems, among others. Trends highlight the importance of user-centered approaches, technological customization, and multidimensional evaluation. Conclusion The study revealed the need to integrate both technical and subjective dimensions in the design of AT. Participatory methodologies, longitudinal evaluations, and the integration of emerging technologies are recommended to ensure devices that are functional and emotionally meaningful.
Resumo Introdução Este estudo investiga a aplicação de Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) por terapeutas ocupacionais no atendimento a crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Reconhecida pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como elemento facilitador da funcionalidade e da independência, a TA constitui uma área de conhecimento aplicada a diferentes públicos e contextos, incluindo a infância. Objetivo Identificar as categorias de TA abordadas na prática de terapeutas ocupacionais com crianças com TEA e mapear as estratégias e os dispositivos mais indicados e/ou implementados com esse público, com ênfase nas ocupações infantis. Metodologia Pesquisa de levantamento, descritiva e transversal, com amostragem não probabilística por Bola de Neve Virtual e participação de 37 terapeutas ocupacionais brasileiros. Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário eletrônico elaborado para esta pesquisa. Resultados As categorias mais utilizadas foram “Auxílios para a Vida Diária e Vida Prática” (97,3%) e “Comunicação Aumentativa e Alternativa” (83,8%). Os principais recursos identificados foram pistas visuais e estratégias de autorregulação, no brincar adaptações de materiais e mobiliários específicos, na educação; e pistas visuais, mudanças nas estratégias de execução e mobiliários adaptados, nas Atividades de Vida Diária. Conclusões O estudo evidencia a relevância da TA para crianças com TEA e a variedade de estratégias e dispositivos assistivos indicados por terapeutas ocupacionais brasileiros para favorecer o engajamento em ocupações significativas da infância. Conclui-se que a TA deve ser apropriada por profissionais que buscam favorecer a independência e a autonomia dessas crianças. Novos estudos poderão detalhar melhor tais estratégias e dispositivos e ampliar a generalização dos resultados.
