Occupational Therapy Overview

Movement pattern where the distal segment is fixed (like your feet on the ground) and the proximal segment moves (like bending your knees).

Movement pattern where the distal segment moves freely in space (like your arm when you reach for a cup).

Any push or pull that acts on an object. It can be either tensile (pulling) or compressive (pushing).

The force that is exerted by a muscle to overcome resistance.

Distance between the joint's axis of rotation and the point where the muscle force is applied. This determines the muscle's leverage.

A push or pull acting on a body structure, either tensile (pulling) or compressive (pushing).

The force that an object exerts against the body, resisting movement. This is often an external resistance.

The force generated by muscles to overcome resistance.

The turning effect of force around a fixed point (joint).

The ability of a muscle to rotate a joint.

The advantage of one muscle having more leverage over a joint due to its position relative to that joint.

The joint is in the middle, with effort and resistance on opposite sides.

The resistance is closer to the joint than is the effort.

Everyday activities that give meaning and purpose to life.

The act of completing meaningful activities, involving motor, process, and social interaction skills.

Goal-directed actions that contribute to occupational performance.

Actions that involve reaching, stabilizing, manipulating, and walking.

Actions that involve navigating, organizing, and social interaction skills.

Actions that support occupational performance in specific environmental contexts.

The underlying body structures that contribute to movements involved in daily function.

Moving from one position or place to another.

Movement with a specific purpose, emphasizing the meaning behind the motion.

Habits, routines, roles, and rituals that create the rhythms and expectations of daily life.

Analyzing how people complete tasks, identifying the skills and patterns that facilitate or inhibit occupational performance.

Focusing only on one aspect of occupational performance, neglecting its multifaceted nature.

A specific moment or event that holds personal meaning and significance.

Combining personal motivation with targeted interventions to achieve desired occupational outcomes.

The desired outcome for the client, often focused on improving occupational performance.

The front aspect of an anatomical region. For example, the palm of the hand is considered the volar aspect.

Relative positions relating to the trunk. Proximal is closer to the trunk, while distal is farther away.

The attachment of a muscle that moves the least during contraction.

The attachment of a muscle that moves the most during contraction.

The study of anatomy and motion mechanics in relation to human movement.

Divides the body into left and right sides. Movements like flexion and extension occur in this plane.

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. Abduction and adduction movements occur in this plane.

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions, usually involving rotary motion.

Straight lines around which joints rotate. They are perpendicular to the planes of motion.

The combination of visible bony landmarks and surface features.