The 7th Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practices event was held

The event titled "Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practices – VII" was organized by the Department of Occupational Therapy at Üsküdar University’s Graduate School of Health Sciences in collaboration with the Music Therapy Application and Research Center (MÜTEM). Led by Prof. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the Graduate School, the event emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches in the occupational therapy profession.

As part of the program, topics such as the role of occupational therapy in childhood, play-based interventions, and women’s health were discussed.

The online event featured participants including Prof. Sevda Asqarova, Occupational Therapist Emel Gençtürk, Büşra Efe, Güven Aslan, Begüm Öcal, Kübra Kaçar Çabak, Psychologist Seher Korkmaz, and Physiotherapist Ayseli Yaşar.

Prof. Sevda Asqarova: “The essential point is to bring together clinical evidence derived from scientific research…”

Prof. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Üsküdar University’s Graduate School of Health Sciences, delivered the opening speech of the event. She explained that the aim was to demonstrate the importance of bridging the gap between research findings and practical application.

She stated that “To provide the best possible service to the individual, it is essential to rely on verified sources, consider patient preferences, and consult expert clinical opinions. The essential point is to integrate clinical evidence obtained from scientific studies. This requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach through evidence-based practices within an interdisciplinary intervention model. This program, titled ‘Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practices,’ serves as a significant platform where occupational therapists present their unique research and special topics. The program will continue periodically.”

OT Emel Gençtürk: “We help individuals rebuild their lives”

Serving as the moderator of the event, Occupational Therapist Emel Gençtürk also gave a speech within the scope of the program. She stated that “I am very pleased to be here with you for the seventh session of the Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practices organized by the Graduate School of Health Sciences at Üsküdar University. We had originally planned this meaningful event to coincide with April 23rd, National Sovereignty and Children's Day, as it aligns with the core values of our profession. However, the program was postponed due to the earthquake, reminding us of life’s unpredictability. Yet, as occupational therapists, it is precisely in such uncertainties that we assist individuals in rebuilding their lives. The evidence-based methods and field experiences shared by our colleagues today not only contribute to the scientific development of our profession but also highlight our impact on society.”

OT Büşra Efe: “The 0–3 age period is when the brain develops most rapidly”

Occupational Therapist Büşra Efe shared a presentation titled “The Power of Early Intervention: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Developmental Support for 0–3-Year-Olds.”

She explained that “The period from birth to age three is when the brain develops most rapidly. This is a critical phase in which synaptic connections are formed at high intensity. During this period, environmental interactions directly affect motor, language, cognitive, social-emotional, and self-care skills. Early intervention is crucial for children at risk of developmental delay, as it supports learning, communication, and social participation. The development of sensory systems also begins in this stage and is closely linked to daily living skills. Occupational therapists play an active role in early intervention by supporting areas of development, structuring sensory integration, motor-cognitive skills, and daily living activities. Increased family involvement and home-based applications enhance the effectiveness of interventions. Scientific studies show that occupational therapy services provided during this period reveal children’s potential and improve their quality of life in the long term.”

OT Güven Aslan: “Sustainable gains should be targeted through team support”

Occupational Therapist Güven Aslan presented on “The Contribution of Occupational Therapy to Functional Recovery in Hemiplegia Rehabilitation.” Aslan stated that “In post-hemiplegia rehabilitation, occupational therapy provides individualized approaches that support motor and cognitive functions with the goal of ensuring independent participation in daily living activities. Evidence-based methods such as CIMT (Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy), bimanual therapy, task-oriented training, virtual reality, sensory-motor interventions, robotic rehabilitation, and family involvement all support neuroplasticity. Multidisciplinary teamwork involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers enhances both functional and psychosocial recovery. Research indicates that individuals who begin occupational therapy in the early phase show significant improvements in quality of life, independence, and cognitive abilities. Therefore, occupational therapy should be implemented early, be individualized, and based on scientific principles, with a focus on achieving sustainable gains through collaborative support.”

OT Begüm Öcal: “For us, play is not just a tool…”

Occupational Therapist Begüm Öcal presented her talk titled “The Effect of Play-Based Interventions on Fine Motor Skills: An Evidence-Based Approach.” Öcal stated that “When we refer to fine motor skills, we are talking about abilities involving small muscle groups, such as hand-eye coordination, control of finger movements, manipulation, and the coordinated use of both hands. These skills play a critical role in children’s self-care abilities, academic success, and interaction with their environment. Play-based interventions provide lasting and functional gains that align with neuroplasticity and motor learning theories, as they are both meaningful and motivating for children. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials have shown that structured play interventions lead to significant improvements in fine motor domains, especially in areas such as object manipulation, balance, and coin-handling skills. Moreover, play-based approaches become even more effective when enriched with environmental adaptations, activity modifications, and assistive technologies. As occupational therapists, we view play not merely as a tool but as an occupation that is, a meaningful activity that supports a child’s development and lies at the center of their life. The more actively children participate in play, the more holistically their development is supported.”

OT Kübra Kaçar Çabak: “The postpartum period is a delicate phase”

Occupational Therapist Kübra Kaçar Çabak delivered a presentation titled “Occupational Therapy in Women’s Health: Postpartum Rehabilitation.” Çabak explained that “The postpartum period is a sensitive time in which women experience numerous changes physically, psychologically, and socially. Challenges faced during this period may include pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic fatigue, lower back and spinal pain, postpartum depression, anxiety, difficulties in self-care, challenges in transitioning to the maternal role, and social isolation. Occupational therapy is a holistic healthcare approach that addresses these multifaceted challenges by aiming to enhance individuals' participation in daily life activities and overall quality of life. In postpartum rehabilitation, occupational therapists implement various interventions to increase the mother’s independence, strengthen her bond with her baby, and ease her adaptation to her new lifestyle. Occupational therapists provide individualized counseling and recommend functional adaptations at home, in the community, and in healthcare settings to help women adjust to their new life conditions. In this process, occupational therapy supports both the body and the mind of the woman. A healthy motherhood experience is not only vital for the baby, but also for the future of the family and society as a whole. For this reason, occupational therapy should have a significant place within the healthcare system.”

Psychologist Seher Korkmaz: “CBT is a therapeutic approach based on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors”

Psychologist Seher Korkmaz shared her presentation titled “CBT & Occupational Therapy: An Evidence-Based Journey from Thought to Behavior.” Korkmaz stated that “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Due to this structure, CBT serves as a highly effective tool in occupational therapy for identifying and transforming dysfunctional thoughts that impact individuals’ participation in daily activities. CBT not only addresses individuals’ thought patterns but also helps to strengthen functional skills and participation in everyday life. In this way, it offers occupational therapists a powerful method to enhance both mental and functional well-being.”

PT Ayseli Yaşar: “Occupational therapy addresses the multidimensional needs of children diagnosed with SLD through a holistic approach”

Physiotherapist Ayseli Yaşar gave a presentation titled “The Role of Occupational Therapy in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).” She stated that “Specific Learning Disability (SLD) refers to a condition where children with average or above-average intelligence experience significant difficulties in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics compared to their peers. In children with SLD, occupational therapy supports not only academic skills but also attention, motor coordination, self-regulation, social communication, and self-confidence. In this process, occupational therapists work to enhance the child’s sense of self-efficacy by building on their strengths, creating environmental adaptations, proposing alternative learning pathways, and developing personalized strategies. Theoretical frameworks such as MOHO, PEO, CMOP-E, CBT-based occupational therapy, and Occupational Adaptation are utilized to design effective interventions that consider the interaction between the child's personal characteristics, environment, and everyday life roles. Furthermore, occupational therapists collaborate closely with teachers and families to support children’s academic, social, and emotional development through school-based interventions. In conclusion, occupational therapy addresses the multifaceted needs of children diagnosed with SLD through a comprehensive and holistic approach.”

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)