Publications

Abstract

• Effect of Progressive Gaze Stability Exercises on the Severity of Symptoms of Chronic Motion Sensitivity and Occupational Engagement Among Young Adults: A Qualitative Study Dragana Krpalek, PhD, OTR/L; Shilpa B. Gaikwad, PT, MPTh, PhD; Eric G. Johnson, PT, DSc, MS-HPEd, NCS; Todd C. Nelson, PT, DPT, MBA, NCS; Noha S. Daher, DrPH, MSPH OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of chronic motion sensitivity and progressive gaze stability exercises on engagement in meaningful occupations. METHODS: We used a qualitative study design. After participation in a 6-week progressive gaze stability or sham exercise program to address symptoms of mild to moderate motion sensitivity, 19 adults engaged in focus group discussions. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data: the effect of chronic motion sensitivity on engagement in meaningful occupations, associated emotional responses, self-management strategies, and program effectiveness. The results suggest that progressive gaze stability exercises were more effective than sham exercises in reducing symptoms of motion sensitivity and facilitating occupational engagement. CONCLUSION: This study was limited by a short time frame and a small sample size. Future studies are needed with long-term follow-up and a larger sample size. The findings suggest that progressive gaze stability exercises have a role within occupational and physical therapy practice to promote occupational engagement. (11/2020)