Current Projects

This study’s objective is to investigate brain activation patterns when completing a dressing task (buttoning and unbuttoning a shirt) using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which is a portable and non-invasive brain imaging tool, to examine brain activity. This research would allow for an understanding on what brain activity looks like in individuals with or without neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury. The study also aims to gain insight on the experience of participants wearing and using the fNIRS equipment when completing an activity of daily living.

The primary objective of this scoping review is to identify the factors that influence quality of life (QOL) after moderate to severe TBI in relation to biological, psychological, and social domains as there is limited understanding of this from a biopsychosocial perspective. The data from this review will inform best practices of care and the development of novel rehabilitative interventions to improve outcomes for people after TBI.

The objective of this study is to characterize individuals with higher and lower posttraumatic growth based on their social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity. By integrating qualitative and quantitative data, this study will provide a more comprehensive understanding about the subsequent growth that may take place after a TBI, and can facilitate future experimental studies to explore the relationships between posttraumatic growth and social participation, self- awareness, and self-identity in individuals with TBI.

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the MyGuide website, an online customizable concussion self-management tool, and identify potential implementation barriers associated with the further development of the website. The study also investigates the costs associated with maintaining the website and ways to promote the website to other healthcare providers to help inform potential implementation barriers that are impeding the optimization of the website.

This study aims to test the feasibility of peer-support for people with TBI and its effect on resiliency (primary outcome), and mental health, community reintegration, and health-related quality of life (secondary outcomes). This is the first of a three-part project, which will also involve a qualitative portion (PAIR-UP) and an RCT. Findings from this research will provide critical knowledge to further implementing and testing peer-support programs for people with a TBI across Canada, thereby improving access to necessary services, health outcomes, and quality of life for people with TBI.

This study explores the experiences of creating a meaningful connection after peer support through qualitative analysis. Findings from this research will inform future peer-support workers and facilitators on important elements to integrate into peer-support programs, thereby improving the effectiveness of services, health outcomes, and quality of life for people with TBI.

This study aims to identify individual needs and priorities for QOL using a patient-partnered approach. We are bringing together key stakeholders using an integrated knowledge translation approach, to develop key priority areas for rehabilitation and research to improve quality of life after TBI. Results may inform community programs developed and facilitated by clinicians in private and public settings.

This study aims to identify the facilitators, barriers, and interventions associated with quality of life in individuals with TBI. By identifying the barriers, facilitators, and interventions relating to quality of life after TBI, occupational therapists can incorporate this information to develop a targeted rehabilitation plan for individuals with TBI.

The aim of this study is to map the current literature for the use of VR platforms that incorporate functional activities known as activities of daily living (ADLs) to improve functional outcomes post-acquired brain injury. The results to this study will further strengthen findings for or against the implementation of virtual reality in neurorehabilitation.