State of the Journal, 2014

Sharon A. Gutman

doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.013607

At the end of 2014, the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) will change editors, and I will retire from this position after 6 years of serving the journal. In that time, the journal has changed considerably and made many advances. In this editorial, I outline those advances and make recommendations for the journal’s future editorship.

Sharon A. Gutman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

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In the past 5 years, the journal has consistently received more than 200 yearly submissions and published more than 86 articles per volume through 6 yearly issues (Table 1). Increasingly, many of its articles have been published in an online-only format to reduce publication costs and increase publication space.

Table 1.

AJOT Acceptance Rate and Total Publications, 2008–2014

Submissions	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008
Total submissions	217	201	234	204	239	192	NA
Accepted, n (%)	83 (38.24)	70 (34.83)	92 (39.32)	72 (35.29)	79 (33.05)	84 (43.75)	NA
Rejected, n (%)	134 (61.75)	131 (65.17)	142 (60.68)	132 (64.70)	160 (66.95)	108 (56.25)	NA
Total no. of published articles	87	87	90	86	92	70	61
No. of published research studies	77	71	80	75	82	62	58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; NA = not available.

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Table 1.

AJOT Acceptance Rate and Total Publications, 2008–2014

Submissions	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008
Total submissions	217	201	234	204	239	192	NA
Accepted, n (%)	83 (38.24)	70 (34.83)	92 (39.32)	72 (35.29)	79 (33.05)	84 (43.75)	NA
Rejected, n (%)	134 (61.75)	131 (65.17)	142 (60.68)	132 (64.70)	160 (66.95)	108 (56.25)	NA
Total no. of published articles	87	87	90	86	92	70	61
No. of published research studies	77	71	80	75	82	62	58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; NA = not available.

Practice Area

In the past 7 years of collected demographic data, (1) rehabilitation, disability, and participation and (2) children and youth continue to be the two primary practice areas addressed in studies published in AJOT (Table 2)—a finding mirroring practice trends of the profession’s membership (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2009). Although AOTA (2014) has made calls to increase productive aging research, the number of productive aging articles published in AJOT per year consistently falls well below that of rehabilitation and pediatric research. This finding is concerning because the U.S. population is aging, and many related professionals (e.g., driver rehabilitation specialists, neuropsychologists, physical therapists) are competing for reimbursement for age-related services traditionally provided by occupational therapy practitioners. Such professionals are also compiling a body of research evidence demonstrating support for the effectiveness of their services. Similarly of concern is the low number of mental health research articles published in AJOT per year over the past 6 years. Despite the need for occupational therapy mental health services in newly emerging (e.g., the school and foster home systems; military personnel, returning veterans, and their families; homeless shelters and supportive residences) and traditional practice settings, occupational therapy researchers have not compiled the needed research evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and cost- and time-efficiency of occupational therapy services with mental health populations.

Table 2.

Practice Area, Research Type, and Level of Evidence: AJOT Articles, 2008–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)		2008 (N = 58)
Category	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
Practice area
Rehabilitation, disability, and participation	28	36.36	16	22.54	25	31.25	20	26.67	31	37.80	25	40.32	13	22.41
Children and youth	29	37.66	28	39.44	33	41.25	22	29.33	26	31.70	18	29.03	22	37.93
Productive aging	11	14.28	14	19.72	16	20.00	12	16.00	19	23.17	4	6.45	9	15.52
Mental health	7	9.09	8	11.27	3	3.75	11	14.67	2	2.44	4	6.45	0	0
Work and industry	0	0	1	1.41	0	0	6	8.00	0	0	0	0	1	1.72
Health and wellness	0	0	0	0	1	1.25	2	2.67	1	1.22	6	9.68	1	1.72
No specific practice area	2	2.59	4	5.63	2	2.50	2	2.67	3	3.66	5	8.06	12	20.69
Research type
Effectiveness	26	33.76	26	36.62	32	40.00	36	48.00	25	30.49	14	22.58	19	32.76
Instrument development and testing	21	27.27	18	25.35	24	30.00	13	17.33	23	28.05	13	20.97	15	25.86
Basic	15	19.48	11	15.49	14	17.50	16	21.33	17	20.73	26	41.94	13	22.41
Efficiency	5	6.49	8	11.27	4	5.00	4	5.33	10	12.20	5	8.06	0	0
Topical or professional question	4	5.19	6	8.45	3	3.75	4	5.33	3	3.66	2	3.23	10	17.24
Occupation, participation, and health	3	3.89	1	1.41	0	0	1	1.33	4	4.88	2	3.23	1	1.72
Education	3	3.89	1	1.41	3	3.75	1	1.33	0	0	0	0	0	0
Level of evidence (effectiveness studies)
I	13	50.00	15	57.69	18	56.25	21	58.33	12	48.00	1	7.14	7	36.84
II	2	7.69	4	15.38	2	6.25	2	5.56	3	12.00	7	50.00	1	5.26
III	7	26.92	4	15.38	5	15.63	8	22.22	1	4.00	2	14.29	4	21.05
IV	3	11.53	0	0	4	12.50	4	11.11	5	20.00	2	14.29	1	5.26
V	1	3.84	3	11.54	3	9.38	1	2.78	4	16.00	2	14.29	6	31.58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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Table 2.

Practice Area, Research Type, and Level of Evidence: AJOT Articles, 2008–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)		2008 (N = 58)
Category	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
Practice area
Rehabilitation, disability, and participation	28	36.36	16	22.54	25	31.25	20	26.67	31	37.80	25	40.32	13	22.41
Children and youth	29	37.66	28	39.44	33	41.25	22	29.33	26	31.70	18	29.03	22	37.93
Productive aging	11	14.28	14	19.72	16	20.00	12	16.00	19	23.17	4	6.45	9	15.52
Mental health	7	9.09	8	11.27	3	3.75	11	14.67	2	2.44	4	6.45	0	0
Work and industry	0	0	1	1.41	0	0	6	8.00	0	0	0	0	1	1.72
Health and wellness	0	0	0	0	1	1.25	2	2.67	1	1.22	6	9.68	1	1.72
No specific practice area	2	2.59	4	5.63	2	2.50	2	2.67	3	3.66	5	8.06	12	20.69
Research type
Effectiveness	26	33.76	26	36.62	32	40.00	36	48.00	25	30.49	14	22.58	19	32.76
Instrument development and testing	21	27.27	18	25.35	24	30.00	13	17.33	23	28.05	13	20.97	15	25.86
Basic	15	19.48	11	15.49	14	17.50	16	21.33	17	20.73	26	41.94	13	22.41
Efficiency	5	6.49	8	11.27	4	5.00	4	5.33	10	12.20	5	8.06	0	0
Topical or professional question	4	5.19	6	8.45	3	3.75	4	5.33	3	3.66	2	3.23	10	17.24
Occupation, participation, and health	3	3.89	1	1.41	0	0	1	1.33	4	4.88	2	3.23	1	1.72
Education	3	3.89	1	1.41	3	3.75	1	1.33	0	0	0	0	0	0
Level of evidence (effectiveness studies)
I	13	50.00	15	57.69	18	56.25	21	58.33	12	48.00	1	7.14	7	36.84
II	2	7.69	4	15.38	2	6.25	2	5.56	3	12.00	7	50.00	1	5.26
III	7	26.92	4	15.38	5	15.63	8	22.22	1	4.00	2	14.29	4	21.05
IV	3	11.53	0	0	4	12.50	4	11.11	5	20.00	2	14.29	1	5.26
V	1	3.84	3	11.54	3	9.38	1	2.78	4	16.00	2	14.29	6	31.58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Research Type

This year, 2014, marked the 5th successive year in which intervention effectiveness studies outnumbered any other research article type published in AJOT. This finding is particularly promising and suggests that the profession has embraced the need to generate evidence supporting the effectiveness of occupational therapy services for insurers, consumers, legislators, and other health professionals (see Table 2). This is also the 5th successive year in which more Level I studies (i.e., systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials) were published than those at any other evidence level (evidence levels are based on the AOTA Evidence-Based Practice Project’s model; Lieberman & Scheer, 2002). Although this finding is positive, it must be examined cautiously. The majority of Level I studies published in AJOT in 2014 were systematic reviews based on research evidence compiled by competing health care professionals (Table 3). The profession must stop relying on related health professionals’ research to support occupational therapy intervention effectiveness as a rationale for service reimbursement. Insurers do not pay for services that are perceived as redundant. Occupational therapy researchers must begin to generate their own intervention effectiveness research and publish such studies in occupational therapy journals; otherwise, such research will often not be understood as involving occupational therapists and will only serve to lower our own professional journals’ impact factor (IF; the journal metric commonly viewed as the measure of a profession’s scholarly output).

Table 3.

Breakdown of AJOT 2014 Research Articles by Practice Area, Research Type, and Evidence Level

Author	Effectiveness Study/Level of Evidence	Efficiency Study	Basic Research	Instrument Development & Testing	Link Between Occupational Engagement & Health	Professional Issue	Education	Practice Area
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (b)	● I							Productive aging
Arbesman & Sheard	● I							Rehabilitation
Barco, Wallendorf, Snellgrove, Ott, & Carr				●				Productive aging
Blanche, Parham, Chang, & Mallinson				●				Mental health
Bottari, Wai Shun, Dorze, Gosselin, & Dawson			●					Rehabilitation
Cahill, McGuire, Krumdick, & Lee						●		Children & youth
Case-Smith, Weaver, & Holland	● II							Children & youth
Cermak & Bissell				●				Children & youth
Chen et al.	● III							Children & youth
Chen, Palmon, & Amini				●				Rehabilitation
Classen, Brumback, et al.			●					Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Auten, & Yarney	● I							Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Canonizado, & Winter	● IV							Rehabilitation
Cohn, Kramer, Schub, & May-Bensen			●					Children & youth
Crowe et al.	● IV							Rehabilitation
Darragh, Shiyko, Margulis, & Campo		●						Rehabilitation
Daunhauer, Fidler, & Will			●					Children & youth
Dickerson, Meuel, Ridenour, & Cooper				●				Productive aging
DiZazzo-Miller, Samuel, Barnas, & Welker	● III							Productive aging
Doig, Kuipers, Prescott, Cornwell, & Fleming		●						Rehabilitation
Doyle & Bennett						●		Rehabilitation
Dunn, Magalhães, & Mancini				●				Rehabilitation
Foster			●					Rehabilitation
Foster, Bedekar, & Tickle-Degnen	● I							Rehabilitation
Gat & Ratzon							●	No specific practice area
Gibbons, Mullen, Weaver, Reguly, & Bédard				●				Rehabilitation
Golisz	● I							Productive aging
Gustafsson, Walter, Bower, Slaughter, & Hoyle	● IV							Rehabilitation
Hagemann, Williams, McKee, Stefanovich, & Carnahan							●	Rehabilitation
Hahn et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Hilton et al.	● III							Children & youth
Huang et al.		●						Rehabilitation
Hwang et al.					●			Mental health
Ivey, Lane, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
James, Pizur-Barnekow, & Schefkind						●		Children & youth
Koester et al.			●					Children & youth
Lane, Ivey, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
Leibold, Holm, Raina, Reynolds, & Rogers			●					Productive aging
Lin, Lee, Chang, & Hong	● I							Children & youth
Little, Sideris, Ausderau, & Baranek			●					Children & youth
Liu & Fan	● III							Children & youth
Maeir et al.	● II							Children & youth
Mailloux et al.				●				Children & youth
Maitra et al.			●					Children & youth
May-Benson et al.				●				Children & youth
Nilsen & DiRusso	● V							Rehabilitation
Orban, Erlandsson, Edberg, Önnerfält, & Thorngren-Jerneck	● I							Children & youth
Park, Maitra, Achon, Loyola, & Rincón	● I							Children & youth
Pearl, Brennan, Journey, Antill, & McPherson						●		No specific practice area
Pergolotti, Cutchin, Weinberger, & Meyer		●						Rehabilitation
Pollock, Metz, & Barabash			●					Children & youth
Radia-George, Imms, & Taylor				●				Rehabilitation
Radomski, Finkelstein, Llanos, Scheiman, & Wagener				●				Rehabilitation
Rao, Chou, Bursley, Smulofsky, & Jezequel	● I							Rehabilitation
Rihtman & Parush				●				Children & youth
Roche, Vogtle, Warren, & O’Connor			●					Rehabilitation
Rogers, Mallinson, & Peppers	● III							Mental health
Schneider & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Schoen, Miller, & Sullivan				●				Children & youth
Shooman & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Smith et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Speicher, Walter, & Chard	● III							Mental health
Stav	● I							Productive aging
Stern & Maeir				●				Mental health
Su & Parham			●					Children & youth
Suarez, Atchison, & Lagerwey					●			Children & youth
Tal-Saban, Ornoy, & Parush			●					Children & youth
Tomar & Stoffel					●			Mental health
Tomita, Saharan, Rajendran, Nochajski, & Schweitzer				●				Productive aging
Waddell, Birkenmeier, Moore, Hornby, & Lang		●						Rehabilitation
Wang et al.			●					Mental health
Watts, Stagnitti, & Brown			●					Children & youth
Wilkes-Gillan, Bundy, Cordier, & Lincoln	● III							Children & youth
Winner, Yuen, Vogtle, & Warren							●	Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (b)	● I							Rehabilitation
n (%)	26 (33.76)	5 (6.49)	15 (19.48)	21 (27.27)	3 (3.89)	4 (5.19)	3 (3.89)

Note. N = 77. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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Table 3.

Breakdown of AJOT 2014 Research Articles by Practice Area, Research Type, and Evidence Level

Author	Effectiveness Study/Level of Evidence	Efficiency Study	Basic Research	Instrument Development & Testing	Link Between Occupational Engagement & Health	Professional Issue	Education	Practice Area
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (b)	● I							Productive aging
Arbesman & Sheard	● I							Rehabilitation
Barco, Wallendorf, Snellgrove, Ott, & Carr				●				Productive aging
Blanche, Parham, Chang, & Mallinson				●				Mental health
Bottari, Wai Shun, Dorze, Gosselin, & Dawson			●					Rehabilitation
Cahill, McGuire, Krumdick, & Lee						●		Children & youth
Case-Smith, Weaver, & Holland	● II							Children & youth
Cermak & Bissell				●				Children & youth
Chen et al.	● III							Children & youth
Chen, Palmon, & Amini				●				Rehabilitation
Classen, Brumback, et al.			●					Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Auten, & Yarney	● I							Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Canonizado, & Winter	● IV							Rehabilitation
Cohn, Kramer, Schub, & May-Bensen			●					Children & youth
Crowe et al.	● IV							Rehabilitation
Darragh, Shiyko, Margulis, & Campo		●						Rehabilitation
Daunhauer, Fidler, & Will			●					Children & youth
Dickerson, Meuel, Ridenour, & Cooper				●				Productive aging
DiZazzo-Miller, Samuel, Barnas, & Welker	● III							Productive aging
Doig, Kuipers, Prescott, Cornwell, & Fleming		●						Rehabilitation
Doyle & Bennett						●		Rehabilitation
Dunn, Magalhães, & Mancini				●				Rehabilitation
Foster			●					Rehabilitation
Foster, Bedekar, & Tickle-Degnen	● I							Rehabilitation
Gat & Ratzon							●	No specific practice area
Gibbons, Mullen, Weaver, Reguly, & Bédard				●				Rehabilitation
Golisz	● I							Productive aging
Gustafsson, Walter, Bower, Slaughter, & Hoyle	● IV							Rehabilitation
Hagemann, Williams, McKee, Stefanovich, & Carnahan							●	Rehabilitation
Hahn et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Hilton et al.	● III							Children & youth
Huang et al.		●						Rehabilitation
Hwang et al.					●			Mental health
Ivey, Lane, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
James, Pizur-Barnekow, & Schefkind						●		Children & youth
Koester et al.			●					Children & youth
Lane, Ivey, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
Leibold, Holm, Raina, Reynolds, & Rogers			●					Productive aging
Lin, Lee, Chang, & Hong	● I							Children & youth
Little, Sideris, Ausderau, & Baranek			●					Children & youth
Liu & Fan	● III							Children & youth
Maeir et al.	● II							Children & youth
Mailloux et al.				●				Children & youth
Maitra et al.			●					Children & youth
May-Benson et al.				●				Children & youth
Nilsen & DiRusso	● V							Rehabilitation
Orban, Erlandsson, Edberg, Önnerfält, & Thorngren-Jerneck	● I							Children & youth
Park, Maitra, Achon, Loyola, & Rincón	● I							Children & youth
Pearl, Brennan, Journey, Antill, & McPherson						●		No specific practice area
Pergolotti, Cutchin, Weinberger, & Meyer		●						Rehabilitation
Pollock, Metz, & Barabash			●					Children & youth
Radia-George, Imms, & Taylor				●				Rehabilitation
Radomski, Finkelstein, Llanos, Scheiman, & Wagener				●				Rehabilitation
Rao, Chou, Bursley, Smulofsky, & Jezequel	● I							Rehabilitation
Rihtman & Parush				●				Children & youth
Roche, Vogtle, Warren, & O’Connor			●					Rehabilitation
Rogers, Mallinson, & Peppers	● III							Mental health
Schneider & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Schoen, Miller, & Sullivan				●				Children & youth
Shooman & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Smith et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Speicher, Walter, & Chard	● III							Mental health
Stav	● I							Productive aging
Stern & Maeir				●				Mental health
Su & Parham			●					Children & youth
Suarez, Atchison, & Lagerwey					●			Children & youth
Tal-Saban, Ornoy, & Parush			●					Children & youth
Tomar & Stoffel					●			Mental health
Tomita, Saharan, Rajendran, Nochajski, & Schweitzer				●				Productive aging
Waddell, Birkenmeier, Moore, Hornby, & Lang		●						Rehabilitation
Wang et al.			●					Mental health
Watts, Stagnitti, & Brown			●					Children & youth
Wilkes-Gillan, Bundy, Cordier, & Lincoln	● III							Children & youth
Winner, Yuen, Vogtle, & Warren							●	Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (b)	● I							Rehabilitation
n (%)	26 (33.76)	5 (6.49)	15 (19.48)	21 (27.27)	3 (3.89)	4 (5.19)	3 (3.89)

Note. N = 77. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Research Funding

In the past 6 years of compiled demographics, AJOT authors have continued to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health, other U.S. federal funders, and U.S. foundation funding (Table 4). A large percentage of funding has also been received by international occupational therapy researchers publishing in AJOT. Between 42% and 51% of all studies published in AJOT in the past 6 years have received funding, a finding suggesting that occupational therapy researchers are implementing research that has the potential to have a positive impact on the welfare and health of society’s members across the lifespan. The profession is increasingly producing skilled, competent researchers able to compete for limited research funds. Funders are increasingly understanding that society’s members highly value the ability to participate in desired daily activities despite impairment.

Table 4.

Funding of AJOT Research Articles, 2009–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)
Funding Source	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
National Institutes of Health	13	39.39	6	18.75	12	29.27	11	33.33	6	16.21	5	16.67
Other federal agency	0	0	3	9.38	9	21.95	4	12.12	2	5.40	6	20.00
U.S. state agency	2	6.00	2	6.25	0	0	0	0	1	2.70	1	3.33
U.S. foundation	10	30.30	6	18.75	10	24.39	10	30.30	4	10.81	7	23.33
U.S. university funding	1	3.03	4	12.50	3	7.32	0	0	4	10.81	12	40.00
U.S. doctoral scholarship	1	3.03	2	6.25	0	0	2	6.06	0	0	2	6.67
International funding source	6	18.18	9	28.13	7	17.07	10	30.30	20	54.05	5	16.67
Total no. of funded articles	33	42.86	32	45.07	41	51.25	33	44.00	37	45.12	30	48.39

Note. Some studies received funding from multiple sources. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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Table 4.

Funding of AJOT Research Articles, 2009–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)
Funding Source	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
National Institutes of Health	13	39.39	6	18.75	12	29.27	11	33.33	6	16.21	5	16.67
Other federal agency	0	0	3	9.38	9	21.95	4	12.12	2	5.40	6	20.00
U.S. state agency	2	6.00	2	6.25	0	0	0	0	1	2.70	1	3.33
U.S. foundation	10	30.30	6	18.75	10	24.39	10	30.30	4	10.81	7	23.33
U.S. university funding	1	3.03	4	12.50	3	7.32	0	0	4	10.81	12	40.00
U.S. doctoral scholarship	1	3.03	2	6.25	0	0	2	6.06	0	0	2	6.67
International funding source	6	18.18	9	28.13	7	17.07	10	30.30	20	54.05	5	16.67
Total no. of funded articles	33	42.86	32	45.07	41	51.25	33	44.00	37	45.12	30	48.39

Note. Some studies received funding from multiple sources. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Impact Factor

The 2013 impact factor (IF) scores—the scores compiled by the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) that reflect the number of times a journal is cited in 2- and 5-year time periods (see Table 5)—suggests that the journal's IF has remained strong in the past 6 years and is comparable to competitor journals in the Rehabilitation Division of the JCR. AJOT is now ranked 19 out of 69 journals in the Rehabilitation subsection of the Social Science division of JCR. To maintain this competitive standing, the journal must become more rigorous in the level of published research studies. In future years, AJOT’s IF will also likely be influenced by the recent indexing of several other occupational therapy journals in JCR. When AJOT publications are cited by other occupational therapy journals indexed in JCR, AJOT’s IF increases. The recent addition of several major occupational therapy journals to JCR promotes the entire profession and provides acknowledgment of all occupational therapy research.

Table 5.

AJOT Impact Factor Scores, 1999–2013

Year	2-Yr IF	5-Yr IF
2013	1.552	1.831
2012	1.471	2.021
2011	1.697	2.009
2010	1.672	1.806
2009	1.419	1.408
2008	0.921	1.184
2007	0.673	0.971
2006	0.713	NA
2005	0.634	NA
2004	0.676	NA
2003	0.610	NA
2002	0.550	NA
2001	0.674	NA
2000	0.770	NA
1999	0.473	NA

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; IF = impact factor; NA = not available.

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Table 5.

AJOT Impact Factor Scores, 1999–2013

Year	2-Yr IF	5-Yr IF
2013	1.552	1.831
2012	1.471	2.021
2011	1.697	2.009
2010	1.672	1.806
2009	1.419	1.408
2008	0.921	1.184
2007	0.673	0.971
2006	0.713	NA
2005	0.634	NA
2004	0.676	NA
2003	0.610	NA
2002	0.550	NA
2001	0.674	NA
2000	0.770	NA
1999	0.473	NA

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; IF = impact factor; NA = not available.

AJOT Advancements in the Past 6 Years

AJOT has achieved considerable accomplishments in the past 6 years:

The journal is now ranked as the No. 1 occupational therapy journal in JCR and 19th (of 69) in the rehabilitation subsection. The 5-yr impact factor has steadily increased and has more than doubled since 2007.
Increases in the following per-volume metrics have been made: total number of research articles published, number of studies examining intervention effectiveness, number of studies examining instrument development and testing, and the number of studies at Level I or II evidence.
The number of published research studies with high levels of rigor continues to increase.
Reciprocal access agreements have been developed with the British Journal of Occupational Therapy and the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy.
AJOT has joined 25 other rehabilitation journals in the adoption of the EQUATOR Network Reporting Guidelines to increase transparent clinical research reporting that can be easily evaluated for methodological rigor and applicability to clinical populations.
AJOT has decreased the acceptance-to-publication length from 1.5 yr to 10 mo. In 2014, AJOT moved to an online platform that will allow articles to be published online approximately 3 mo after acceptance.

Recommendations for Future Advancement

As I hand over the journal to new editorship, I recommend the following to continue future advancement:

Maintain the emphasis on intervention effectiveness studies to build a solid foundation of evidence supporting occupational therapy services (for insurers, consumers, legislators, and other health professionals).
Maintain the emphasis on instrument development and testing studies that are needed to demonstrate reliability and validity of occupational therapy assessments so that occupational therapy services can be measured for effectiveness.
Encourage efficiency studies that provide information about patient satisfaction, cost- and time-efficiency, patient adherence, and intervention safety. Such studies are lacking in our research knowledge base and must be generated to provide further support for intervention reimbursement.
Continue efforts to monitor and increase the IF. Although this journal metric should not be viewed as the sole measurement of success, the scientific community uses the IF to judge the quality of a profession’s research. The IF of the profession’s flagship journal should reflect the highest quality research generated by the profession. When members of the profession consistently publish randomized controlled trials outside of its own professional journals, the IFs of those professional journals decrease and the profession’s scholarship is viewed by the external scholarly community as mediocre.

I greatly thank AJOT associate editors and reviewers for their contributions to the enhanced journal quality achieved over the past 6 years. I also thank AJOT authors and readers for the privilege of serving as the journal’s editor-in-chief between 2008 and 2014, and I wish continued success and good fortune to both the journal and my successor.

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2009). AOTA member participation survey overview report, May 2009. Retrieved from http://www.aota.org/Governance/ProceduralAdHoc/Historical/Survey.aspx?FT=.pdf

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (3rd ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(Suppl. 2), S1–S48. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.682006

Arbesman, M., Lieberman, D., & Berlanstein, D. R. (2014a). Method for the systematic reviews on occupational therapy and neurodegenerative diseases. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 15–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009308 [Article]

Arbesman, M., Lieberman, D., & Berlanstein, D. (2014b). Method for the systematic reviews on occupational therapy and driving and community mobility for older adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 657–661. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.013425

Arbesman, M., & Sheard, K. (2014). Systematic review of the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 20–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009308 [Article] [PubMed]

Barco, P. P., Wallendorf, M. J., Snellgrove, C. A., Ott, B. R., & Carr, D. B. (2014). Predicting road test performance in drivers with stroke. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 221–229. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008938 [Article] [PubMed]

Blanche, E. I., Parham, L., Chang, M., & Mallinson, T. (2014). Development of an Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 531–538. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012484 [Article] [PubMed]

Bottari, C., Wai Shun, P. L., Dorze, G. L., Gosselin, N., & Dawson, D. (2014). Self-generated strategic behavior in an ecological shopping task. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 67–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008987 [Article] [PubMed]

Cahill, S. M., McGuire, B., Krumdick, N., & Lee, M. M. (2014). National survey of occupational therapy practitioners’ involvement in response to intervention. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e234–e240. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010116

Case-Smith, J., Weaver, L., & Holland, T. (2014). Effects of a classroom-embedded occupational therapist–teacher handwriting program for first-grade students. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e55–e60. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008805 [Article] [PubMed]

Cermak, S. A., & Bissell, J. (2014). Content and construct validity of Here’s How I Write: A Child's Self-Assessment and Goal Setting Tool. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 296–306. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010637 [Article] [PubMed]

Chen, C. C., Palmon, O., & Amini, D. (2014). Responsiveness of the Manual Ability Measure—36 (MAM–36): Changes in hand function using self-reported and clinician-rated assessments. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 187–193. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009258 [Article] [PubMed]

Chen, C. L., Lin, K. C., Kang, L. J., Wu, C. Y., Chen, H. C., & Hsieh, Y. W. (2014). Potential predictors of functional outcomes after home-based constraint-induced therapy for children with cerebral palsy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 159–166. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009860 [Article] [PubMed]

Classen, S., Brumback, B., Monahan, M., Malaty, I. I., Rodriguez, R. L., Okun, M. S., & McFarland, N. R. (2014). Driving errors in Parkinson’s disease: Moving closer to predicting on-road outcomes. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 77–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008698 [Article] [PubMed]

Classen, S., Monahan, M. A., Auten, B., & Yarney, A. (2014). Evidence-based review of interventions for medically at-risk older drivers. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 28, 223–228. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010975

Classen, S., Monahan, M. A., Canonizado, M., & Winter, S. M. (2014). Utility of an occupational therapy driving intervention for a combat veteran. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 405–411. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010041 [Article] [PubMed]

Cohn, E. S., Kramer, J., Schub, J. A., & May-Bensen, T. (2014). Parents’ explanatory models and hopes for outcomes of occupational therapy using a sensory integration approach. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 454–462. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010843 [Article] [PubMed]

Crowe, T. K., Perea-Burns, S., Sedillo, J. S., Hendrix, I. C., Winkle, M., & Deitz, J. (2014). Effects of partnerships between people with mobility challenges and service dogs. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 194–202. http://dx.doi/org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009324 [Article] [PubMed]

Darragh, A., Shiyko, M., Margulis, H., & Campo, M. (2014). Effects of a safe patient handling and mobility program on patient self-care outcomes. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 589–596. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011205 [Article] [PubMed]

Daunhauer, L. A., Fidler, D. J., & Will, E. (2014). School function in students with Down syndrome. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 167–176. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009274 [Article] [PubMed]

Dickerson, A. E., Meuel, D. B., Ridenour, C., & Cooper, K. (2014). Assessment tools predicting fitness to drive in older adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 670–680. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011833

DiZazzo-Miller, R., Samuel, P. S., Barnas, J. M., & Welker, K. M. (2014). Addressing everyday challenges: Feasibility of a family caregiver training program for people with dementia. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 212–220. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009829 [Article] [PubMed]

Doig, E. J., Kuipers, P., Prescott, S., Cornwell, P., & Fleming, J. (2014). Development of self-awareness after severe traumatic brain injury through participation in occupation-based rehabilitation: Mixed-methods analysis of a case series. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 578–588. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010785 [Article] [PubMed]

Doyle, S. D., & Bennett, S. (2014). Feasibility and effect of a professional education workshop for occupational therapists’ management of upper-limb poststroke sensory impairment. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e74–e83. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009019 [Article] [PubMed]

Dunn, L., Magalhães, L. C., & Mancini, M. C. (2014). Internal structure of the Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and Supports (CHORES) measure. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 286–295. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010454 [Article] [PubMed]

Foster, E. R. (2014). Instrumental activities of daily living performance among people with Parkinson’s disease without dementia. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 353–362. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010330 [Article] [PubMed]

Foster, E. R., Bedekar, M., & Tickle-Degnen, L. (2014). Systematic review of the effectiveness of occupational therapy–related interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 39–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008706 [Article] [PubMed]

Gat, S., & Ratzon, N. (2014). Comparison of occupational therapy students’ perceived skills after traditional and nontraditional fieldwork. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e47–e54. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.007732 [Article] [PubMed]

Gibbons, C., Mullen, N., Weaver, B., Reguly, P., & Bédard, M. (2014). One- and three-screen driving simulator approaches to evaluate driving capacity: Evidence of congruence and participants’ endorsement. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 344–352. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010322 [Article] [PubMed]

Golisz, K. (2014). Occupational therapy interventions to improve driving performance in older adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 662–669. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014.ajot.2014.011247

Gustafsson, L., Walter, A., Bower, K., Slaughter, A., & Hoyle, M. (2014). Single-case design evaluation of compression therapy for edema of the stroke-affected hand. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 203–211. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009423 [Article] [PubMed]

Hagemann, E., Williams, C. K., McKee, P., Stefanovich, A., & Carnahan, H. (2014). Using model hands for learning orthotic fabrication. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 86–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009001 [Article] [PubMed]

Hahn, B., Baum, C., Ehrlich-Jones, L., Moore, J., Spoeri, S., Doherty, M., & Wolf, T. (2014). Development of additional tasks for the Executive Function Performance Test. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e241–e246. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008565

Hilton, C. L., Cumpata, K., Klohr, C., Gaetke, S., Artner, A., Johnson, H., & Dobbs, S. (2014). Effects of exergaming on executive function and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 57–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008664 [Article] [PubMed]

Huang, P. C., Hsieh, Y. W., Wang, C. M., Wu, C. Y., Huang, S. C., & Lin, K. C. (2014). Predictors of motor, daily function, and quality-of-life improvements after upper-extremity robot-assisted rehabilitation in stroke. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 325–333. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010546 [Article] [PubMed]

Hwang, E. J., Peyton, C. G., Kim, D. K., Nakama-Sato, K. K., & Noble, A. E. (2014). Postdeployment driving stress and related occupational limitations among veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 386–394. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011668 [Article] [PubMed]

Ivey, C. K., Lane, S. J., & May-Benson, T. A. (2014). Interrater reliability and developmental norms in preschoolers for the Motor Planning Maze Assessment (MPMA). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 539–545. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012468 [Article] [PubMed]

James, L. W., Pizur-Barnekow, K. A., & Schefkind, S. (2014). Online survey examining practitioners’ perceived preparedness in the early identification of autism. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e13–e20. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009027 [Article] [PubMed]

Koester, A. C., Mailloux, Z., Coleman, G. G., Mori, A. B., Paul, S., Blanche, E., Muhs, J. A., … Cermak, S. A. (2014). Sensory integration functions of children with cochlear implants. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 562–569. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012187 [Article] [PubMed]

Lane, S. J., Ivey, C. K., & May-Benson, T. A. (2014). Test of Ideational Praxis (TIP): Preliminary findings and interrater and test–retest reliability with preschoolers. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 555–561. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012542 [Article] [PubMed]

Leibold, M. L., Holm, M. B., Raina, K. D., Reynolds, C. F., & Rogers, J. C. (2014). Activities and adaptation in late-life depression: A qualitative study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 570–577. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.2014.011130 [Article] [PubMed]

Lieberman, D., & Scheer, J. (2002). AOTA’s Evidence-Based Literature Review Project: An overview. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 344–349. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.56.3.344 [Article] [PubMed]

Lin, H.-Y., Lee, P., Chang, W.-D., & Hong, F.-Y. (2014). Effects of weighted vests on attention, impulsive control, and on-task behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 149–158. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009365 [Article] [PubMed]

Little, L. M., Sideris, J., Ausderau, K., & Baranek, G. T. (2014). Activity participation among children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 177–185. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009894 [Article] [PubMed]

Liu, C.-H., & Fan, S.-C. (2014). Ergonomic design of a computer mouse for clients with wrist splints. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 317–324. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009928 [Article] [PubMed]

Maeir, A., Fisher, O., Traub Bar-Ilan, R., Boas, N., Berger, I., & Landau, Y. (2014). Effectiveness of Cognitive–Functional (Cog–Fun) Occupational Therapy Intervention for young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A controlled study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 260–267. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011700 [Article] [PubMed]

Mailloux, Z., Leao, M., Becerra, T., Mori, A. B., Soechting, E., Smith Roley, S., … Cermak, S. (2014). Modification of the Postrotary Nystagmus Test for evaluating young children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 514–521. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011031 [Article] [PubMed]

Maitra, K., Park, H. Y., Eggenberger, J., Matthiessen, A., Knight, E., & Ng, B. (2014). Difficulty in mental, neuromusculoskeletal, and movement-related school functions associated with low birthweight or preterm birth: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 140–148. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009985 [Article] [PubMed]

May-Benson, T. A., Roley, S. S., Mailloux, Z., Parham, L., Koomar, J. A., Schaaf, R. C., … Cohn, E. (2014). Interrater reliability and discriminative validity of the structural elements of the Ayres Sensory Integration^® Intervention Fidelity Measure^®. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 506–513. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010652 [Article] [PubMed]

Nilsen, D. M., & DiRusso, T. (2014). Using mirror therapy in the home environment: A case report. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e84–e89. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014.ajot.2014.010389 [Article] [PubMed]

Orban, K. L., Erlandsson, L., Edberg, A., Önnerfält, J., & Thorngren-Jerneck, K. (2014). Effect of an occupation-focused family intervention on change in parents' time use and children's body mass index. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e217–e226. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010405

Park, H. Y., Maitra, K., Achon, J., Loyola, E., & Rincón, M. (2014). Effects of early intervention on mental and neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions in children born low birthweight or preterm: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 268–276. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010371 [Article] [PubMed]

Pearl, A. W., Brennan, A. R., Journey, T. I., Antill, K. D., & McPherson, J. J. (2014). Content analysis of five occupational therapy journals, 2006–2010: Further review of characteristics of the quantitative literature. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e115–e123. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009704 [Article] [PubMed]

Pergolotti, M., Cutchin, M. P., Weinberger, M., & Meyer, A. (2014). Occupational therapy utilization by older adults with cancer. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 597–607. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011791 [Article] [PubMed]

Pollock, M. R., Metz, A. E., & Barabash, T. (2014). Association between dysfunctional elimination syndrome and sensory processing disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 472–477. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011411 [Article] [PubMed]

Radia-George, C., Imms, C., & Taylor, N. F. (2014). Interrater reliability and clinical utility of the Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool (PC–PART) in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 334–343. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009878 [Article] [PubMed]

Radomski, M. V., Finkelstein, M., Llanos, I., Scheiman, M., & Wagener, S. G. (2014). Composition of a vision screen for servicemembers with traumatic brain injury: Consensus using a modified nominal group technique. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 422–429. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011445 [Article] [PubMed]

Rao, A. K., Chou, A., Bursley, B., Smulofsky, J., & Jezequel, J. (2014). Systematic review of the effects of exercise on activities of daily living in people with Alzheimer’s disease. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 50–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009035 [Article] [PubMed]

Rihtman, T., & Parush, S. (2014). Suitability of the Miller Function and Participation Scales (M–FUN) for use with Israeli children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e1–e12. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008573 [Article] [PubMed]

Roche, S., Vogtle, L. K., Warren, M., & O’Connor, K. A. (2014). Assessment of the visual status of older adults on an orthopedic unit. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 465–471. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010231 [Article] [PubMed]

Rogers, C. M., Mallinson, T., & Peppers, D. (2014). High-intensity sports for posttraumatic stress disorder: Feasibility study of ocean therapy with veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 395–404. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011221 [Article] [PubMed]

Schneider, E., & Rosenblum, S. (2014). Development, reliability, and validity of the My Child’s Play (MCP) questionnaire. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 277–285. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.0099159 [Article] [PubMed]

Schoen, S. A., Miller, L. J., & Sullivan, J. (2014). Measurement in sensory modulation: The Sensory Processing Scale Assessment. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 522–530. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012377 [Article] [PubMed]

Shooman, L., & Rosenblum, S. (2014). Drawing Proficiency Screening Questionnaire (DPSQ): Development, reliability, and validity. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e227–e233. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011932

Smith, L. B., Radomski, M. V., Davidson, L. F., Finkelstein, M., Weightman, M. W., Scherer, M. R., & McCulloch, K. L. (2014). Development and preliminary reliability of a multitasking assessment after concussion. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 439–443. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012393 [Article] [PubMed]

Speicher, S. M., Walter, K. H., & Chard, K. M. (2014). Interdisciplinary residential treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury: Effects on symptom severity and occupational performance and satisfaction. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 412–421. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011304. [Article] [PubMed]

Stav, W. B. (2014). Updated systematic review on older adult community mobility and driver licensure policies. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 681–689. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011510

Stern, A., & Maeir, A. (2014). Validating the measurement of executive functions in occupational context for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 719–728. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012419

Su, C.-T., & Parham, L. D. (2014). Validity of sensory systems as distinct constructs. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 546–554. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012518 [Article] [PubMed]

Suarez, M. A., Atchison, B. J., & Lagerwey, M. (2014). Phenomenological examination of the mealtime experience for mothers of children with autism and food selectivity. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 102–107. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008748 [Article] [PubMed]

Tal-Saban, M., Ornoy, A., & Parush, S. (2014). Young adults with developmental coordination disorder: A longitudinal study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 307–316. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009563 [Article] [PubMed]

Tomar, N., & Stoffel, V. (2014). Examining the lived experience and factors influencing education of two student veterans using Photovoice methodology. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 430–438. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011163 [Article] [PubMed]

Tomita, M. R., Saharan, S., Rajendran, S., Nochajski, S. M., & Schweitzer, J. A. (2014). Psychometrics of the Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool to prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 711–718. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010801

Waddell, K. J., Birkenmeier, R. L., Moore, J. L., Hornby, T. G., & Lang, C. E. (2014). Feasibility of high-repetition, task-specific training for individuals with upper-extremity paresis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 444–453. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.011619 [Article] [PubMed]

Wang, S.-M., Kuo, L.-C., Ouyang, W.-C., Hsu, H.-M., Lin, K.-C., & Ma, H.-I. (2014). Effects of object size on unimanual and bimanual movements in patients with schizophrenia. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 230–238. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009811 [Article] [PubMed]

Watts, T., Stagnitti, K., & Brown, T. (2014). Relationship between play and sensory processing: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e37–e46. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009787 [Article] [PubMed]

Wilkes-Gillan, S., Bundy, A., Cordier, R., & Lincoln, M. (2014). Evaluation of a pilot parent-delivered play-based intervention for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 700–709. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012450

Winner, S., Yuen, H. K., Vogtle, L. K., & Warren, M. (2014). Factors associated with comfort level of occupational therapy practitioners in providing low vision services. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 96–101. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009142 [Article] [PubMed]

Yu, C.-H., & Mathiowetz, V. (2014a). Systematic review of occupational therapy–related interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: Part I. Activity and participation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 27–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008672 [Article]

Yu, C.-H., & Mathiowetz, V. (2014b). Systematic review of occupational therapy–related interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: Part 2. Impairment level. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 33–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.008680 [Article]

Table 1.

AJOT Acceptance Rate and Total Publications, 2008–2014

Submissions	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008
Total submissions	217	201	234	204	239	192	NA
Accepted, n (%)	83 (38.24)	70 (34.83)	92 (39.32)	72 (35.29)	79 (33.05)	84 (43.75)	NA
Rejected, n (%)	134 (61.75)	131 (65.17)	142 (60.68)	132 (64.70)	160 (66.95)	108 (56.25)	NA
Total no. of published articles	87	87	90	86	92	70	61
No. of published research studies	77	71	80	75	82	62	58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; NA = not available.

View Large

Table 1.

AJOT Acceptance Rate and Total Publications, 2008–2014

Submissions	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008
Total submissions	217	201	234	204	239	192	NA
Accepted, n (%)	83 (38.24)	70 (34.83)	92 (39.32)	72 (35.29)	79 (33.05)	84 (43.75)	NA
Rejected, n (%)	134 (61.75)	131 (65.17)	142 (60.68)	132 (64.70)	160 (66.95)	108 (56.25)	NA
Total no. of published articles	87	87	90	86	92	70	61
No. of published research studies	77	71	80	75	82	62	58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; NA = not available.

Table 2.

Practice Area, Research Type, and Level of Evidence: AJOT Articles, 2008–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)		2008 (N = 58)
Category	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
Practice area
Rehabilitation, disability, and participation	28	36.36	16	22.54	25	31.25	20	26.67	31	37.80	25	40.32	13	22.41
Children and youth	29	37.66	28	39.44	33	41.25	22	29.33	26	31.70	18	29.03	22	37.93
Productive aging	11	14.28	14	19.72	16	20.00	12	16.00	19	23.17	4	6.45	9	15.52
Mental health	7	9.09	8	11.27	3	3.75	11	14.67	2	2.44	4	6.45	0	0
Work and industry	0	0	1	1.41	0	0	6	8.00	0	0	0	0	1	1.72
Health and wellness	0	0	0	0	1	1.25	2	2.67	1	1.22	6	9.68	1	1.72
No specific practice area	2	2.59	4	5.63	2	2.50	2	2.67	3	3.66	5	8.06	12	20.69
Research type
Effectiveness	26	33.76	26	36.62	32	40.00	36	48.00	25	30.49	14	22.58	19	32.76
Instrument development and testing	21	27.27	18	25.35	24	30.00	13	17.33	23	28.05	13	20.97	15	25.86
Basic	15	19.48	11	15.49	14	17.50	16	21.33	17	20.73	26	41.94	13	22.41
Efficiency	5	6.49	8	11.27	4	5.00	4	5.33	10	12.20	5	8.06	0	0
Topical or professional question	4	5.19	6	8.45	3	3.75	4	5.33	3	3.66	2	3.23	10	17.24
Occupation, participation, and health	3	3.89	1	1.41	0	0	1	1.33	4	4.88	2	3.23	1	1.72
Education	3	3.89	1	1.41	3	3.75	1	1.33	0	0	0	0	0	0
Level of evidence (effectiveness studies)
I	13	50.00	15	57.69	18	56.25	21	58.33	12	48.00	1	7.14	7	36.84
II	2	7.69	4	15.38	2	6.25	2	5.56	3	12.00	7	50.00	1	5.26
III	7	26.92	4	15.38	5	15.63	8	22.22	1	4.00	2	14.29	4	21.05
IV	3	11.53	0	0	4	12.50	4	11.11	5	20.00	2	14.29	1	5.26
V	1	3.84	3	11.54	3	9.38	1	2.78	4	16.00	2	14.29	6	31.58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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Table 2.

Practice Area, Research Type, and Level of Evidence: AJOT Articles, 2008–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)		2008 (N = 58)
Category	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
Practice area
Rehabilitation, disability, and participation	28	36.36	16	22.54	25	31.25	20	26.67	31	37.80	25	40.32	13	22.41
Children and youth	29	37.66	28	39.44	33	41.25	22	29.33	26	31.70	18	29.03	22	37.93
Productive aging	11	14.28	14	19.72	16	20.00	12	16.00	19	23.17	4	6.45	9	15.52
Mental health	7	9.09	8	11.27	3	3.75	11	14.67	2	2.44	4	6.45	0	0
Work and industry	0	0	1	1.41	0	0	6	8.00	0	0	0	0	1	1.72
Health and wellness	0	0	0	0	1	1.25	2	2.67	1	1.22	6	9.68	1	1.72
No specific practice area	2	2.59	4	5.63	2	2.50	2	2.67	3	3.66	5	8.06	12	20.69
Research type
Effectiveness	26	33.76	26	36.62	32	40.00	36	48.00	25	30.49	14	22.58	19	32.76
Instrument development and testing	21	27.27	18	25.35	24	30.00	13	17.33	23	28.05	13	20.97	15	25.86
Basic	15	19.48	11	15.49	14	17.50	16	21.33	17	20.73	26	41.94	13	22.41
Efficiency	5	6.49	8	11.27	4	5.00	4	5.33	10	12.20	5	8.06	0	0
Topical or professional question	4	5.19	6	8.45	3	3.75	4	5.33	3	3.66	2	3.23	10	17.24
Occupation, participation, and health	3	3.89	1	1.41	0	0	1	1.33	4	4.88	2	3.23	1	1.72
Education	3	3.89	1	1.41	3	3.75	1	1.33	0	0	0	0	0	0
Level of evidence (effectiveness studies)
I	13	50.00	15	57.69	18	56.25	21	58.33	12	48.00	1	7.14	7	36.84
II	2	7.69	4	15.38	2	6.25	2	5.56	3	12.00	7	50.00	1	5.26
III	7	26.92	4	15.38	5	15.63	8	22.22	1	4.00	2	14.29	4	21.05
IV	3	11.53	0	0	4	12.50	4	11.11	5	20.00	2	14.29	1	5.26
V	1	3.84	3	11.54	3	9.38	1	2.78	4	16.00	2	14.29	6	31.58

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Table 3.

Breakdown of AJOT 2014 Research Articles by Practice Area, Research Type, and Evidence Level

Author	Effectiveness Study/Level of Evidence	Efficiency Study	Basic Research	Instrument Development & Testing	Link Between Occupational Engagement & Health	Professional Issue	Education	Practice Area
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (b)	● I							Productive aging
Arbesman & Sheard	● I							Rehabilitation
Barco, Wallendorf, Snellgrove, Ott, & Carr				●				Productive aging
Blanche, Parham, Chang, & Mallinson				●				Mental health
Bottari, Wai Shun, Dorze, Gosselin, & Dawson			●					Rehabilitation
Cahill, McGuire, Krumdick, & Lee						●		Children & youth
Case-Smith, Weaver, & Holland	● II							Children & youth
Cermak & Bissell				●				Children & youth
Chen et al.	● III							Children & youth
Chen, Palmon, & Amini				●				Rehabilitation
Classen, Brumback, et al.			●					Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Auten, & Yarney	● I							Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Canonizado, & Winter	● IV							Rehabilitation
Cohn, Kramer, Schub, & May-Bensen			●					Children & youth
Crowe et al.	● IV							Rehabilitation
Darragh, Shiyko, Margulis, & Campo		●						Rehabilitation
Daunhauer, Fidler, & Will			●					Children & youth
Dickerson, Meuel, Ridenour, & Cooper				●				Productive aging
DiZazzo-Miller, Samuel, Barnas, & Welker	● III							Productive aging
Doig, Kuipers, Prescott, Cornwell, & Fleming		●						Rehabilitation
Doyle & Bennett						●		Rehabilitation
Dunn, Magalhães, & Mancini				●				Rehabilitation
Foster			●					Rehabilitation
Foster, Bedekar, & Tickle-Degnen	● I							Rehabilitation
Gat & Ratzon							●	No specific practice area
Gibbons, Mullen, Weaver, Reguly, & Bédard				●				Rehabilitation
Golisz	● I							Productive aging
Gustafsson, Walter, Bower, Slaughter, & Hoyle	● IV							Rehabilitation
Hagemann, Williams, McKee, Stefanovich, & Carnahan							●	Rehabilitation
Hahn et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Hilton et al.	● III							Children & youth
Huang et al.		●						Rehabilitation
Hwang et al.					●			Mental health
Ivey, Lane, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
James, Pizur-Barnekow, & Schefkind						●		Children & youth
Koester et al.			●					Children & youth
Lane, Ivey, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
Leibold, Holm, Raina, Reynolds, & Rogers			●					Productive aging
Lin, Lee, Chang, & Hong	● I							Children & youth
Little, Sideris, Ausderau, & Baranek			●					Children & youth
Liu & Fan	● III							Children & youth
Maeir et al.	● II							Children & youth
Mailloux et al.				●				Children & youth
Maitra et al.			●					Children & youth
May-Benson et al.				●				Children & youth
Nilsen & DiRusso	● V							Rehabilitation
Orban, Erlandsson, Edberg, Önnerfält, & Thorngren-Jerneck	● I							Children & youth
Park, Maitra, Achon, Loyola, & Rincón	● I							Children & youth
Pearl, Brennan, Journey, Antill, & McPherson						●		No specific practice area
Pergolotti, Cutchin, Weinberger, & Meyer		●						Rehabilitation
Pollock, Metz, & Barabash			●					Children & youth
Radia-George, Imms, & Taylor				●				Rehabilitation
Radomski, Finkelstein, Llanos, Scheiman, & Wagener				●				Rehabilitation
Rao, Chou, Bursley, Smulofsky, & Jezequel	● I							Rehabilitation
Rihtman & Parush				●				Children & youth
Roche, Vogtle, Warren, & O’Connor			●					Rehabilitation
Rogers, Mallinson, & Peppers	● III							Mental health
Schneider & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Schoen, Miller, & Sullivan				●				Children & youth
Shooman & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Smith et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Speicher, Walter, & Chard	● III							Mental health
Stav	● I							Productive aging
Stern & Maeir				●				Mental health
Su & Parham			●					Children & youth
Suarez, Atchison, & Lagerwey					●			Children & youth
Tal-Saban, Ornoy, & Parush			●					Children & youth
Tomar & Stoffel					●			Mental health
Tomita, Saharan, Rajendran, Nochajski, & Schweitzer				●				Productive aging
Waddell, Birkenmeier, Moore, Hornby, & Lang		●						Rehabilitation
Wang et al.			●					Mental health
Watts, Stagnitti, & Brown			●					Children & youth
Wilkes-Gillan, Bundy, Cordier, & Lincoln	● III							Children & youth
Winner, Yuen, Vogtle, & Warren							●	Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (b)	● I							Rehabilitation
n (%)	26 (33.76)	5 (6.49)	15 (19.48)	21 (27.27)	3 (3.89)	4 (5.19)	3 (3.89)

Note. N = 77. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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Table 3.

Breakdown of AJOT 2014 Research Articles by Practice Area, Research Type, and Evidence Level

Author	Effectiveness Study/Level of Evidence	Efficiency Study	Basic Research	Instrument Development & Testing	Link Between Occupational Engagement & Health	Professional Issue	Education	Practice Area
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Arbesman, Lieberman, & Berlanstein (b)	● I							Productive aging
Arbesman & Sheard	● I							Rehabilitation
Barco, Wallendorf, Snellgrove, Ott, & Carr				●				Productive aging
Blanche, Parham, Chang, & Mallinson				●				Mental health
Bottari, Wai Shun, Dorze, Gosselin, & Dawson			●					Rehabilitation
Cahill, McGuire, Krumdick, & Lee						●		Children & youth
Case-Smith, Weaver, & Holland	● II							Children & youth
Cermak & Bissell				●				Children & youth
Chen et al.	● III							Children & youth
Chen, Palmon, & Amini				●				Rehabilitation
Classen, Brumback, et al.			●					Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Auten, & Yarney	● I							Productive aging
Classen, Monahan, Canonizado, & Winter	● IV							Rehabilitation
Cohn, Kramer, Schub, & May-Bensen			●					Children & youth
Crowe et al.	● IV							Rehabilitation
Darragh, Shiyko, Margulis, & Campo		●						Rehabilitation
Daunhauer, Fidler, & Will			●					Children & youth
Dickerson, Meuel, Ridenour, & Cooper				●				Productive aging
DiZazzo-Miller, Samuel, Barnas, & Welker	● III							Productive aging
Doig, Kuipers, Prescott, Cornwell, & Fleming		●						Rehabilitation
Doyle & Bennett						●		Rehabilitation
Dunn, Magalhães, & Mancini				●				Rehabilitation
Foster			●					Rehabilitation
Foster, Bedekar, & Tickle-Degnen	● I							Rehabilitation
Gat & Ratzon							●	No specific practice area
Gibbons, Mullen, Weaver, Reguly, & Bédard				●				Rehabilitation
Golisz	● I							Productive aging
Gustafsson, Walter, Bower, Slaughter, & Hoyle	● IV							Rehabilitation
Hagemann, Williams, McKee, Stefanovich, & Carnahan							●	Rehabilitation
Hahn et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Hilton et al.	● III							Children & youth
Huang et al.		●						Rehabilitation
Hwang et al.					●			Mental health
Ivey, Lane, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
James, Pizur-Barnekow, & Schefkind						●		Children & youth
Koester et al.			●					Children & youth
Lane, Ivey, & May-Benson				●				Children & youth
Leibold, Holm, Raina, Reynolds, & Rogers			●					Productive aging
Lin, Lee, Chang, & Hong	● I							Children & youth
Little, Sideris, Ausderau, & Baranek			●					Children & youth
Liu & Fan	● III							Children & youth
Maeir et al.	● II							Children & youth
Mailloux et al.				●				Children & youth
Maitra et al.			●					Children & youth
May-Benson et al.				●				Children & youth
Nilsen & DiRusso	● V							Rehabilitation
Orban, Erlandsson, Edberg, Önnerfält, & Thorngren-Jerneck	● I							Children & youth
Park, Maitra, Achon, Loyola, & Rincón	● I							Children & youth
Pearl, Brennan, Journey, Antill, & McPherson						●		No specific practice area
Pergolotti, Cutchin, Weinberger, & Meyer		●						Rehabilitation
Pollock, Metz, & Barabash			●					Children & youth
Radia-George, Imms, & Taylor				●				Rehabilitation
Radomski, Finkelstein, Llanos, Scheiman, & Wagener				●				Rehabilitation
Rao, Chou, Bursley, Smulofsky, & Jezequel	● I							Rehabilitation
Rihtman & Parush				●				Children & youth
Roche, Vogtle, Warren, & O’Connor			●					Rehabilitation
Rogers, Mallinson, & Peppers	● III							Mental health
Schneider & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Schoen, Miller, & Sullivan				●				Children & youth
Shooman & Rosenblum				●				Children & youth
Smith et al.				●				Rehabilitation
Speicher, Walter, & Chard	● III							Mental health
Stav	● I							Productive aging
Stern & Maeir				●				Mental health
Su & Parham			●					Children & youth
Suarez, Atchison, & Lagerwey					●			Children & youth
Tal-Saban, Ornoy, & Parush			●					Children & youth
Tomar & Stoffel					●			Mental health
Tomita, Saharan, Rajendran, Nochajski, & Schweitzer				●				Productive aging
Waddell, Birkenmeier, Moore, Hornby, & Lang		●						Rehabilitation
Wang et al.			●					Mental health
Watts, Stagnitti, & Brown			●					Children & youth
Wilkes-Gillan, Bundy, Cordier, & Lincoln	● III							Children & youth
Winner, Yuen, Vogtle, & Warren							●	Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (a)	● I							Rehabilitation
Yu & Mathiowetz (b)	● I							Rehabilitation
n (%)	26 (33.76)	5 (6.49)	15 (19.48)	21 (27.27)	3 (3.89)	4 (5.19)	3 (3.89)

Note. N = 77. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Table 4.

Funding of AJOT Research Articles, 2009–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)
Funding Source	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
National Institutes of Health	13	39.39	6	18.75	12	29.27	11	33.33	6	16.21	5	16.67
Other federal agency	0	0	3	9.38	9	21.95	4	12.12	2	5.40	6	20.00
U.S. state agency	2	6.00	2	6.25	0	0	0	0	1	2.70	1	3.33
U.S. foundation	10	30.30	6	18.75	10	24.39	10	30.30	4	10.81	7	23.33
U.S. university funding	1	3.03	4	12.50	3	7.32	0	0	4	10.81	12	40.00
U.S. doctoral scholarship	1	3.03	2	6.25	0	0	2	6.06	0	0	2	6.67
International funding source	6	18.18	9	28.13	7	17.07	10	30.30	20	54.05	5	16.67
Total no. of funded articles	33	42.86	32	45.07	41	51.25	33	44.00	37	45.12	30	48.39

Note. Some studies received funding from multiple sources. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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Table 4.

Funding of AJOT Research Articles, 2009–2014

	2014 (N = 77)		2013 (N = 71)		2012 (N = 80)		2011 (N = 75)		2010 (N = 82)		2009 (N = 62)
Funding Source	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
National Institutes of Health	13	39.39	6	18.75	12	29.27	11	33.33	6	16.21	5	16.67
Other federal agency	0	0	3	9.38	9	21.95	4	12.12	2	5.40	6	20.00
U.S. state agency	2	6.00	2	6.25	0	0	0	0	1	2.70	1	3.33
U.S. foundation	10	30.30	6	18.75	10	24.39	10	30.30	4	10.81	7	23.33
U.S. university funding	1	3.03	4	12.50	3	7.32	0	0	4	10.81	12	40.00
U.S. doctoral scholarship	1	3.03	2	6.25	0	0	2	6.06	0	0	2	6.67
International funding source	6	18.18	9	28.13	7	17.07	10	30.30	20	54.05	5	16.67
Total no. of funded articles	33	42.86	32	45.07	41	51.25	33	44.00	37	45.12	30	48.39

Note. Some studies received funding from multiple sources. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Table 5.

AJOT Impact Factor Scores, 1999–2013

Year	2-Yr IF	5-Yr IF
2013	1.552	1.831
2012	1.471	2.021
2011	1.697	2.009
2010	1.672	1.806
2009	1.419	1.408
2008	0.921	1.184
2007	0.673	0.971
2006	0.713	NA
2005	0.634	NA
2004	0.676	NA
2003	0.610	NA
2002	0.550	NA
2001	0.674	NA
2000	0.770	NA
1999	0.473	NA

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; IF = impact factor; NA = not available.

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Table 5.

AJOT Impact Factor Scores, 1999–2013

Year	2-Yr IF	5-Yr IF
2013	1.552	1.831
2012	1.471	2.021
2011	1.697	2.009
2010	1.672	1.806
2009	1.419	1.408
2008	0.921	1.184
2007	0.673	0.971
2006	0.713	NA
2005	0.634	NA
2004	0.676	NA
2003	0.610	NA
2002	0.550	NA
2001	0.674	NA
2000	0.770	NA
1999	0.473	NA

Note. AJOT = American Journal of Occupational Therapy; IF = impact factor; NA = not available.