Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Health Sciences Department of Occupational Therapy and the Music Therapy Application and Research Center (MÜTEM) organized the “Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practices – VII” event. At the event, held under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the Institute of Health Sciences, the importance of evidence-based approaches in the occupational therapy profession was emphasized. Within the scope 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 was attended by Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Health Sciences, Occupational Therapist Emel Gençtürk, Occupational Therapist Büşra Efe, Occupational Therapist Güven Aslan, Occupational Therapist Begüm Öcal, Occupational Therapist Kübra Kaçar Çabak, Psychologist Seher Korkmaz, and Physiotherapist Ayseli Yaşar.
Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova: “The essential thing is to bring together clinical evidence obtained from scientific research…”
Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Health Sciences, delivered the opening speech of the event. Prof. Dr. Asqarova stated that the aim here was to demonstrate the importance of research findings and their application. Asqarova said, “To provide the best service to individuals, proven sources, patient preferences, and expert opinions on clinical practice are crucial. The essential thing is to bring together clinical evidence obtained from scientific research. For this, a comprehensive and coordinated effort with evidence-based practices is needed as an interdisciplinary intervention model. The program, titled ‘Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practices,’ is an important platform where occupational therapists share their research and present rare and specific topics, and this program will continue periodically.”
Occupational Therapist Emel Gençtürk: “We help individuals rebuild their lives”
Occupational Therapist Emel Gençtürk, who moderated the event, delivered her speech within the program. Gençtürk said, “I am very happy to be with you at the seventh event of Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Practices organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Health Sciences. We had actually planned to hold this meaningful event on April 23, National Sovereignty and Children's Day. This special day dedicated to children was also valuable as it reflected the essence of our profession. The program, postponed due to the earthquake, reminded us of life's uncertainties. However, as occupational therapists, we help individuals rebuild their lives precisely amidst these uncertainties. Today, the evidence-based methods and field experiences we shared with our colleagues contributed to the scientific development of our profession while also revealing our aspect of touching society.”
Occupational Therapist Büşra Efe: “The 0-3 age period is when the brain develops fastest”
Occupational Therapist Büşra Efe shared her presentation titled “The Power of Early Intervention: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Developmental Support for Ages 0-3” with the participants. Efe stated, “The period between 0-3 years old is when the brain develops fastest. This period is a critical process where synaptic connections are intensively established. During this period, environmental interactions directly affect motor, language, cognitive, social-emotional, and self-care skills. Early intervention in children at risk of developmental delay is of great importance for supporting learning, communication, and social participation. At the same time, the development of sensory systems is foundational during this period and is directly related to daily living skills. Occupational therapists play an active role in the early intervention process to support the child's developmental areas, sensory integration, motor-cognitive skills, and structure daily living activities. The effectiveness of intervention is increased through family participation and home-based applications. Scientific studies show that occupational therapy services provided during this period unleash children's potential and improve their quality of life in the long term.”
Occupational Therapist Güven Aslan: “Lasting gains should be targeted with team support”
Occupational Therapist Güven Aslan presented his topic “The Contribution of Occupational Therapy to Functional Recovery in Hemiplegia Rehabilitation” to the participants. Aslan stated, “In post-hemiplegia rehabilitation, occupational therapy offers personalized approaches that support motor and cognitive functions to enable individuals' independent participation in daily living activities. Neuroplasticity is supported by evidence-based methods such as CIMT, bimanual therapy, task-based training, virtual reality, sensory-motor interventions, robotic rehabilitation, and family involvement. In this process, multidisciplinary teamwork involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers strengthens both functional and psychosocial recovery. Research shows significant improvements in quality of life, independence, and cognitive skills in individuals who start occupational therapy early. Therefore, occupational therapy should be applied early, individually tailored, and based on scientific foundations, targeting lasting gains with team support.”
Occupational Therapist Begüm Öcal: “For us, play is not just a tool…”
Occupational Therapist Begüm Öcal explained her presentation titled “The Effect of Play-Based Interventions on Fine Motor Skills: An Evidence-Based Approach.” Öcal stated, “When we refer to fine motor skills, we mean skills involving small muscle groups such as hand-eye coordination, control of finger movements, manipulation, and the use of both hands together. These skills play a critical role in children's self-care abilities, academic success, and interactions with their environment. Since play-based interventions are both meaningful and motivating for children, they provide lasting and functional gains in alignment with neuroplasticity and motor learning theories. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials show us that structured play interventions lead to significant improvements in fine motor areas, especially in object control, balance, and money manipulation. Furthermore, play-based approaches yield much more effective results when enriched with environmental modifications, activity adaptations, and assistive technologies. For us as occupational therapists, play is not just a tool but also an occupation, meaning an engagement that supports a child's development and is central to their life. The more children participate in play, the more holistically their development is supported.”
Occupational Therapist Kübra Kaçar Çabak: “The postpartum period is a sensitive process”
Occupational Therapist Kübra Kaçar Çabak delivered her speech titled “Occupational Therapy in Women's Health: Postpartum Rehabilitation.” Çabak stated, “The postpartum period is a sensitive process during which women encounter many physical, psychological, and social changes. Problems experienced during this period include pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic fatigue, back pain, postpartum depression, anxiety, difficulties in self-care, challenges in transitioning to the maternal role, and social isolation. Occupational therapy is a holistic health approach that addresses these multidimensional challenges, aiming to increase an individual's participation in daily living activities and improve their quality of life. In postpartum rehabilitation, occupational therapists implement various interventions to increase the mother's independence, strengthen her relationship with her baby, and facilitate her adaptation to the new life routine. Occupational therapists provide both individual counseling and suggest functionality-enhancing arrangements at home, in the community, and in health centers to help women adapt to new living conditions. During the postpartum rehabilitation process, occupational therapy supports both the woman's body and mind. A healthy motherhood process is a critical step not only for the baby but also for the future of the family and society. Therefore, occupational therapy support should hold an important place in the healthcare system.”
Psychologist Seher Korkmaz: “CBT is a therapy approach based on the relationship between thought, emotion, and behavior”
Psychologist Seher Korkmaz shared her presentation titled “CBT & Occupational Therapy: An Evidence-Based Journey from Thought to Behavior” with the participants. Korkmaz stated, “CBT is a therapy approach based on the relationship between thought, emotion, and behavior. Thanks to this structure, it emerges as a highly effective tool in occupational therapy for identifying and transforming dysfunctional thoughts that affect an individual's participation in daily activities. CBT helps strengthen not only an individual's thought world but also their functional skills and participation in daily life. In this respect, it offers a powerful way for occupational therapists to enhance both mental and functional well-being.”
Physiotherapist Ayseli Yaşar: “Occupational therapy responds to the multidimensional needs of children diagnosed with SLD with a holistic approach”
Physiotherapist Ayseli Yaşar delivered her presentation titled “The Role of Occupational Therapy in Specific Learning Disability.” Yaşar stated, “SLD is defined by children with normal or above-normal intelligence experiencing significant difficulties in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics compared to their peers. Occupational therapy supports not only academic skills in these children but also attention, motor coordination, self-regulation, social communication, and self-confidence. In this process, occupational therapists enhance the child's sense of self-efficacy by building on their strengths, and develop environmental modifications, alternative learning pathways, and individualized strategies. Theoretical approaches such as MOHO, PEO, CMOP-E, CBT-based occupational therapy, and Occupational Adaptation offer effective interventions by considering the relationship between the child's individual characteristics, their environment, and daily life roles. Furthermore, occupational therapists collaborate with teachers and families to support the child's academic, social, and emotional development through school-based applications. In conclusion, occupational therapy responds to the multidimensional needs of children diagnosed with SLD with a holistic approach.”