Psychological Factors Mediate the Relationship between Physical Activity and Goal Attainment for Occupational Therapy Practice: An Observational Study in Japan

Abstract

Occupational therapy can improve physical activity, anxiety, and goal achievement after high tibial osteotomy. However, the role of psychological factors in physical activity and goal attainment after high tibial osteotomy is unclear. We examined how psychological factors mediate the relationship between physical activity and goal achievement. Participants included 55 individuals post-high tibial osteotomy. Physical activity and performance and satisfaction in everyday tasks had a significant indirect effect on the anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression mediated the physical activity–goal attainment relationship. Thus, occupational therapy practices focusing on anxiety and depression may be important in post- high tibial osteotomy rehabilitation.

Keywords:

• High tibial osteotomy
• occupational therapy
• pain
• pain psychology

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all researchers who conducted the trials involved in this study. The authors would also like to thank Editage (www.editage.jp) for the English language editing.

Data availability

The dataset that supports the conclusions of this article is the property of Fukuoka Rehabilitation Hospital and will not be shared as the hospital restricts sharing of raw data to relevant parties only.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Yuki Hiraga

Yuki Hiraga is an assistant professor (MHA) in occupational therapy at Fukuoka International University of Health and Welfare. He is a musculoskeletal disorder researcher, who advocates for patient-centered occupational therapy for those who have acute and chronic pain.

Ryusei Hara

Ryusei Hara is an occupational therapist in the Department of Rehabilitation at Fukuoka Rehabilitation Hospital.

Yoshiyuki Hirakawa

Yoshiyuki Hirakawa is a physical therapist (PhD) in the Department of Rehabilitation at Fukuoka Rehabilitation Hospital.

Eiji Kitajima

Eiji Kitajima is a professor (PhD) in the Department of Occupational Therapy at International University of Health and Welfare.

Katsuko Hida

Katsuko Hida is a professor (PhD) in the Department of Occupational Therapy at International University of Health and Welfare.