Occupational therapy interventions to improve driving performance in older adults: a systematic review.
This systematic review synthesizes the research on interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners to address cognitive and visual function, motor function, driving skills, self-regulation and self-awareness, and the role of passengers and family involvement in the driving ability, performance, and safety of older adults. After a comprehensive search of the research literature, 29 studies were reviewed and synthesized into five themes: (1) educational interventions including family education, (2) cognitive-perceptual training, (3) interventions addressing physical fitness, (4) simulator training, and (5) behind-the-wheel training. Outcome measures used in the studies included changes in knowledge through speed of processing, physical and cognitive skills predicted to reduce crash risk, simulated driving, and real-world driving. The studies demonstrated low to moderate positive effects for interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners to improve older driver performance.
Kathleen Golisz, OTD, OTR, is Professor and Associate Dean, School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522; kgolisz@mercy.edu.
Kathleen
K
Golisz
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003071:Cognition; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D000068079:Motor Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D014186:Transportation / Q000379:methods; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation