The Occupational Therapy Unit

Occupational therapy is one of the health professions whose purpose is to help people experiencing cognitive, motor, sensory or emotional difficulties to live as independently as possible within their home, family and social environments.

The primary role of occupational therapists is to support patients and promote their ability to function independently, both in basic daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating, and in more complex activities such as managing finances, engaging in leisure activities and running a household.

The overarching goal of occupational therapy is to enable the patient to take an active part in daily life as a basis for health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Patients

At the Occupational Therapy Unit at Reuth TLV Rehabilitation Hospital, treatment is provided for people hospitalized in the various departments: rehabilitation (younger adults, middle age and geriatric), complex nursing care and ventilated patients; for those treated in the day hospitalization framework, as well as ambulatory patients and private referrals. All occupational therapy treatments are individually tailored to the patient’s world, the occupations that are important to them, their life context and their prior level of functioning.

Treatments

The treatments provided within the Occupational Therapy Unit include:

• Cognitive rehabilitation: The aim of the treatment is to improve the patient’s cognitive abilities in order to enable effective and meaningful participation in daily life.
• Neurological rehabilitation: The aim of the treatment is to achieve both motor improvement and maximal independence in basic activities of daily living (BADL), such as eating, dressing and bathing, and in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), such as managing finances and preparing a meal.
• Spinal cord injury rehabilitation: The treatment focuses on improving the functioning of patients following surgeries and various spinal injuries, in order to enable them to achieve maximal independence according to the level of injury.
• Orthopedic rehabilitation: The aim of the treatment is to improve range of motion and strength, reduce pain and enable use of the limbs in daily functioning.
• Geriatric rehabilitation: Promoting the functional ability of older adults and maintaining their quality of life after orthopedic or neurological injury, or following functional decline due to age-related illnesses. ​

• Hand and burns rehabilitation: As part of the treatments, static and dynamic splints are custom fitted to the patient according to their condition. When needed, pressure bandages and silicone sheets are used to provide optimal care.
• Treatment for children in complex nursing condition: Intended for children across a wide age range who are hospitalized long term in complex nursing conditions, as well as ventilated children. Treatments are tailored to each child and include individual therapy to achieve developmental milestones, group treatments, splint fitting, feeding groups and sensory stimulation. ​
• Treatment for Patients with Low Level of Consciousness: The therapeutic intervention focuses on comprehensive assessment and intervention. The aim of the assessment is to identify responses that will allow communication. These responses are any voluntary body movement that the patient can use to indicate a positive or negative answer. In addition, sensory stimulation (touch, smell) is provided to encourage responses. Various technologies are also adapted for patients to promote participation in leisure activities and to preserve cognitive abilities. ​
• Rehabilitation of patients in complex nursing care and ventilated patients: Intended for nursing patients who are coping with severe motor and/or cognitive limitations. During treatment, each patient is individually provided with a variety of cognitive, motor and leisure activities, in individual or group settings, aimed at improving quality of life and functional abilities.

Chronic pain rehabilitation: Reuth TLV Rehabilitation Hospital is a national center for the treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and pain syndromes. Treatment is provided within a multidisciplinary framework (CRPS), following a comprehensive assessment designed to identify factors that promote function and participation and factors that hinder performance, such as limitations in range of motion and strength, sensitivity to touch, fear of movement and more. The treatment methods are diverse, but they all share one primary goal: to encourage participation in daily life and to provide tools for coping with pain.

Advanced technologies

RehaCom
A multilingual cognitive rehabilitation software that provides assessment and primarily treatment of cognitive impairments in attention, concentration, memory, visuospatial perception, unilateral neglect and executive functions. The software is used by patients after stroke, acquired brain injury, brain surgery and by patients with mild dementia. ​

Driving simulator

The new driving simulator in the Occupational Therapy Unit represents a significant breakthrough in the field of driving fitness assessment and driver rehabilitation in Israel. The simulator, unique of its kind in Israel, offers a virtual driving environment specifically adapted to Israeli road conditions, including a Hebrew interface that makes its use accessible for patients.
The system enables a comprehensive assessment of driving abilities in a variety of important domains, including attention and concentration, reaction time, spatial vision and the ability to cope with complex driving situations – all within a safe and controlled environment. Moreover, the simulator serves as a vital tool for evaluating the suitability of various driving aids, such as devices for one-handed driving or adapted braking systems, thereby supporting informed decision-making regarding the required vehicle adaptations. Its importance is reflected in the decision-making processes of the Medical Institute for Road Safety (MARBAD) and the Ministry of Transport, as it provides objective and accurate data on the patient’s driving abilities. In this way, the simulator serves as a crucial bridge between the need to maintain road safety and the aspiration to enable maximal independence for patients who require special driving adaptations. ​

PABLO

The Pablo system is a computerized platform for upper limb strengthening and coordination training. Pablo enables measurement of range of motion and strength using sensors (that can be placed on different parts of the body). The system includes a wide variety of games and allows monitoring of progress. The games are suitable for different ages and cognitive levels. Target populations include patients after CVA (stroke), patients with neurological injuries of the upper limbs and patients after orthopedic injuries.

Wii Fit
A game system with a large screen for practicing a variety of movements of the upper limbs and balance in standing. The system is suitable for practicing with one or both hands and includes a balance board for standing balance training in an enjoyable and challenging gaming environment. Target populations include patients with reduced endurance and balance difficulties in standing, as well as patients with chronic leg pain and CRPS.

Hand Tutor

Active training of wrist and finger movements. There are right and left gloves in different sizes according to hand size. The software enables accurate measurement of ranges of motion based on the patient’s active motor ability. Training is performed in front of a computer screen through games whose level of difficulty can be graded. Target populations include neurological and orthopedic patients. ​

3 Walls

The 3Walls system is a digital platform that virtually transports patients to distant places such as stores, banks, restaurants, universities and airports. Using advanced technologies, including augmented reality (AR), touchscreens that respond to movement and other interactive elements, the 3Walls system creates interactive experiences that allow patients to practice essential life skills while remaining in the safe and supportive environment of the hospital. The technology enables a smoother and faster transition to real-world functioning than is currently possible.

• In cognitive rehabilitation – through interactive games that can promote improvement in memory, attention, language, concentration and problem-solving abilities, as well as simulations of daily situations that can help improve day-to-day functioning.
• In physical and motor rehabilitation – through exercises displayed on the screen and movement-based games that can help improve coordination, strength and flexibility.
• In rehabilitation of patients with disorders of consciousness – through sensory stimulation (sound and vision).

MYRO

A large touch screen that enables practice in standing and with the upper limbs. The height and angle of the screen can be adjusted according to the patient’s abilities. It is suitable for practicing balance and endurance in standing and for strengthening the upper limbs.

Blazepods
A system of illuminated pods operated via an app, allowing the creation of a wide range of personalized exercises for each patient. The lights turn on in different colors and sequences, and the patient responds with movement and touch. This makes it possible to incorporate elements of play, challenge and dynamism into the therapeutic process. Training with BlazePod simultaneously strengthens physical and cognitive skills: improving reaction speed, movement accuracy, balance, hand-eye and foot coordination, as well as cognitive abilities such as attention, focus and concentration. It is an enjoyable experience that increases patients’ motivation to persist with training and to experience success. Another advantage is the ability to adjust the difficulty level and tasks to each patient’s unique needs, from basic exercises to more complex and demanding training. ​

Self Retraining Technology (SRT) – by Dessintey

The system enables guided or independent training with a rotating ball to improve motor abilities of one or both hands. The system is aesthetically designed, with simple and pleasant graphics that allow immediate training without prior knowledge. It offers cognitive and motor games to capture the patient’s attention, encourage longer practice times and support continued progress in rehabilitation.

Nintendo
The Nintendo console consists of enjoyable video games. Through movement-based and interactive games, patients practice balance, coordination, accuracy and mobility in an experiential and enjoyable atmosphere. At Reuth, the system is operated via a Kinect camera, a hands-free system that enables full-body training through games. An additional accessory, the “Ring” (ring-shaped device), is used for muscle strengthening exercises in standing or sitting with the Nintendo system. Combining gaming and physical activity increases motivation, creates a sense of achievement and encourages persistence in the rehabilitation process.

MULE (upper limb exerciser)

A device with various special handles designed to strengthen and increase the range of motion of the upper limbs. The different handles are adapted to different parts of the limb, from the shoulder to the fingertips. Training is carried out through a variety of games and can be planned for different levels of strength, range of motion and difficulty. Target populations include patients after CVA (stroke), patients with neurological injuries of the upper limbs, orthopedic injuries and post-hand surgery.

Playball
A rubber ball, available in three sizes, with an internal sensor. The ball is accompanied by an exercise program on a tablet. The patient performs upper limb exercises according to the different programs in the tablet application. The combination of the ball with the games enables and encourages additional practice for patients with orthopedic and neurological injuries of the hands.

Cognishine
An intelligent digital system designed for cognitive rehabilitation through interactive games and personalized exercises. Patients practice important skills such as memory, attention, executive functions, information processing and problem-solving – all in an engaging and motivating way. The system enables the therapist to monitor progress in real time, adjust the level of difficulty to changing needs and integrate training as an integral part of the rehabilitation process. Using Cognishine makes cognitive work accessible, interesting and enriching, and helps patients maintain and restore vital abilities for everyday life.

WizeCare
A digital system that enables patients to practice physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs at home, with personal professional guidance. The patient receives an individualized exercise program that includes videos and clear explanations, with instructions for correct performance of the exercises. The system enables therapist monitoring, including data on adherence, exercise quality and progress over time. It contributes to making high-quality rehabilitation accessible, including for patients in remote areas or those who have difficulty attending in-person sessions.

Vast
An interactive rehabilitation system, based on augmented reality, in which the patient stands in front of a screen and responds to visual stimuli through body movements. VAST is designed for practicing functions in standing and sitting through motor and cognitive tasks. Training combines improving balance, coordination, motor planning and reaction speed, while enhancing motivation using game-based content. The level of difficulty can be adapted to each patient’s needs and abilities, enabling gradual and controlled practice. It is suitable for a wide range of rehabilitation populations, including after neurological or orthopedic injuries.

Research and academic activities

The Occupational Therapy Unit is recognized as a training center for occupational therapy students from all universities and colleges in Israel. The department staff participate in numerous research projects within their clinical fields of expertise. ​

Therapeutic Occupation Department

Related articles

Ergonomy for those working with computers