Research Faculty
Asnat Bar-Haim Erez
RATIONALE
Physical agent modality (PAM) is a general term used to describe various treatment tools used in the rehabilitation process which directly affect physiological systems. Some of these tools are simple, such as pads that warm or cool the skin and superficial muscles. Others are more sophisticated electronic tools, such as TENS that stimulate pain pathways, EMG biofeedback which retrains the muscular system or EEG neuro-feedback which reduces behaviors associated with ADHD and learning disability behavior.
These tools are important in enhancing the rehabilitation process of individuals with various physical disabilities. In North America, occupational therapists are trained to provide these services, but in Israel we lag behind in this field. The School of Occupational Therapy of Hadassah and the Hebrew University has initiated courses aimed at training occupational therapists in the use of PAM. However, a training and research laboratory is essential to ensure that the occupational therapy profession in Israel remains up to date with widespread international technological
developments.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
1. Teaching / treatment laboratory
Population: Students, clinicians and patients
Goal: This laboratory will provide occupational therapy bachelor and masters students with the principles and practice needed to master basic PAM equipment. It will also provide the professional community with a working laboratory to learn and practice the use of various PAM equipment, particularly biofeedback and TENS. In addition, this laboratory will be used for rehabilitation within a community-based clinic which provides PAM services.
2. PAM evidence-based project
Population: Individuals with acquired brain injury, individuals after surgery, individuals with chronic pain syndrome and children with ADHD
Goal: The effectiveness of biofeedback and TENS with the above-mentioned populations needs to be further explored in a controlled manner. We intend to implement a wide range of research projects to assess the effectiveness of treatment using PAM in various populations.
IMPLICATIONS FOR TARGET POPULATIONS
Physical agent modalities (PAM) is one of the therapeutic tools used in rehabilitation to assist individuals in neuromuscular recovery and to aid in overcoming injury and pain symptoms. Internationally, occupational therapists are being trained in this area as part of entry-level programs. Here in Israel, there is an urgent need to provide our students and clinicians with basic training in PAM. There is also a need to investigate the effectiveness of these tools within Israeli society in order to adapt their usage and to provide improved services to client populations from all walks of life.
Through the establishment of a laboratory with updated PAM equipment and an adapted environment, the School of Occupational Therapy of Hadassah and the Hebrew University will develop the research skills and experience to ensure that this fascinating field is fully taken advantage of in Israel.
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