Matthew Yau - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Matthew Yau

Research paper thumbnail of Functional Tasks Exercise - Beneficial Challenge for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

13th International Congress of the Asian Society Against Dementia & 6th Singapore International Neuro-Cognitive Symposium, Aug 1, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving ability and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment—a randomised controlled trial

Age and Ageing, 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving abilit... more ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving ability and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment compared to single exercise or cognitive training and no treatment control.DesignA single-blind, four-arm randomised controlled trial.SettingOut-patient clinic and community centre.ParticipantsOlder adults with mild cognitive impairment aged ≥60 living in community.MethodsParticipants (N = 145) were randomised to 8-week functional task exercise (N = 34), cognitive training (N = 38), exercise training (N = 37), or wait-list control (N = 36) group. Outcomes measures: Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination, Category Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test, Problems in Everyday Living Test, Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale; Chair stand test, Berg Balance Scale, and Short Form-12 Health Survey were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and 5-months follow-up.Re...

Research paper thumbnail of Trialing Virtual Intercultural Learning With Australian and Hong Kong Allied Health Students to Improve Cultural Competency

Journal of Studies in International Education, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Can functional task exercise improve executive function and contribute to functional balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment? A pilot study

British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2018

Introduction Individuals with cognitive impairment are more susceptible to falls associated with ... more Introduction Individuals with cognitive impairment are more susceptible to falls associated with decreased executive function and balance. This pilot study investigated whether functional task exercise could improve executive function, which might further affect the functional balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Method This was a single-group pre-test/post-test pilot. A total of 43 participants completed a 10-week structured functional task exercise programme, performing simulated functional tasks. Paired-samples t-test was performed to evaluate intervention effects. Associations between variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the contribution of cognitive variables to functional balance. Results Significant improvements were shown in general cognitive functions, executive function, functional balance and functional status. All executive function outcomes were significantly associa...

Research paper thumbnail of Enabling Love & Intimacy for People with Spinal Injuries

Research paper thumbnail of People with Intellectual Disabilities Struggle to have a Sexual Encounter: A Chinese Cultural Context Investigation

Sexuality and Disability, Apr 5, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in the delivery of sex education for people with intellectual disabilities: A Chinese cultural‐contextual analysis

Mental Handicap Research, Aug 2, 2022

BackgroundStaff members' views can have a significant impact on sexuality issues of people with i... more BackgroundStaff members' views can have a significant impact on sexuality issues of people with intellectual disabilities. Research on the impact of sociocultural factors in this area in the Chinese context is sparse.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven professionals (social worker, nurse, life skills trainer and manager) to explore their experiences of and attitudes towards the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities by applying interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe study identified two major themes, each with two sub‐themes: 1. Professional handling of the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities (sex education and intervention); 2. Barriers (incompatible approaches and parental resistance). Participants also experienced feelings of resignation facing the barriers they encountered. Collectivism and cultural view about sex are potentially the influencing factors.ConclusionThis study highlights the need to adopt an evidence‐based sex education programme whose content and delivery should take account of cultural factors.

Research paper thumbnail of Female sexual dysfunction due to diabetes mellitus: study among Muslim women in Malaysia

The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Jun 1, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of People with Intellectual Disabilities Struggle to have a Sexual Encounter: A Chinese Cultural Context Investigation

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental factors that affect participation in tourism by people with disabilities

World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Congress, 2002

2001-2002 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference pape

Research paper thumbnail of Tourism, disability and the environmental/travel context

NICAN National Conference, 2004

2004-2005 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference pape

Research paper thumbnail of Voices from parents on the sexuality of their child with intellectual disabilities: A socioemotional perspective in a Chinese context

British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Systematic Review

Measures of everyday competence in older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic review

Research paper thumbnail of Systematic Reviews

Measures of everyday competence in older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic review

Research paper thumbnail of Potential occupational therapy scope of practice in the work‐to‐retirement transition in Australia

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2022

IntroductionRetirement, being a major life event and a focus of healthy ageing in society, create... more IntroductionRetirement, being a major life event and a focus of healthy ageing in society, creates the opportunity for occupational therapists to support people transitioning from work to retirement. Little is known about the scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work‐to‐retirement transition. The aim of this study was to, in Australia, (1) explore the potential scope of practice and factors influencing the potential scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work‐to‐retirement transition and (2) map findings to occupational therapy theoretical frameworks to assist in articulating scope of practice.MethodsA qualitative study (thematic analysis as an independent approach within a qualitative descriptive methodology) was undertaken using semi‐structured interviews with Australian occupational therapists.FindingsAustralian occupational therapists (n = 14) were interviewed. Four themes were identified which related to the potential scope of occupational therapy practice...

Research paper thumbnail of The contribution of occupational therapy to the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia: a review of the literature

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2015

Introduction: Retirement from work is a significant life event in Australia. With the baby boomer... more Introduction: Retirement from work is a significant life event in Australia. With the baby boomer population entering retirement, an ageing population and the diversity in the work-to-retirement process, there is a need to better understand this occupational transition. Enabling active ageing within the retirement process will become increasingly important, as choices need to be made to facilitate changes in lifestyle post work. Aim: This review aimed to identify occupational therapy's contribution to the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia. Methods: A literature review was undertaken through database searches in August 2014. Inclusion criteria included peer reviewed studies on the contribution of occupational therapy to the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia published in the past 20 years. Thematic analysis was conducted to determine the relationship of study findings to an occupational perspective and the role of occupational therapists in clinic...

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational transitions: How do work-related factors influence the work-to-retirement transition process?

Background: The work-to-retirement transition process results in changes to life structure and id... more Background: The work-to-retirement transition process results in changes to life structure and identity making retirement from work a major occupational transition. This paper will explore the influence of work-related factors on the work-to-retirement transition. Findings will be discussed in terms of opportunities for occupational therapy in this occupational transition. Method: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with participants aged 50 years and over who had voluntarily retired within the past five years. Recruitment occurred via a range of mechanisms including through local services and organisations and the research teams' networks. Thematic analysis was conducted for each of the work-to-retirement transition stages (preparation, transition, and retired). Discussion/Outcomes: To date, eleven interviews (5 females, 6 males) have been conducted with people from a variety of pre-retirement occupations. Preliminary findings include themes around: time to mov...

Research paper thumbnail of Current occupational therapy scope of practice in the work-to-retirement transition process: An Australian study

Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2020

Background: Occupational therapists have skills to work with people considering or experiencing t... more Background: Occupational therapists have skills to work with people considering or experiencing the transition from paid work to retirement. Aim: The aims were to explore: (1) occupational therapists' experiences and perceptions in working with people transitioning to retirement; (2) current scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition; and (3) factors influencing current scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with Australian occupational therapists were thematically analysed. Results: Fourteen Australian occupational therapists were interviewed. Three overarching themes (12 sub themes) emerged: (1) occupational therapists' application of a contemporary occupational paradigm; (2) current approaches adopted by occupational therapists are add on, stylistic and talk based; and (3) contextual challenges and opportunities encountered by occupational therapists. Conclusion/significance: Occupational therapists use enablement skills (e.g. coach; collaborate) and consider various professional reasons (e.g. engagement in meaningful occupation; health responsibility) when addressing the transition from work to retirement. Overcoming barriers to service provision (e.g. funding; lack of role clarity) will facilitate a more comprehensive service provision to enable health and well-being of older adults.

Research paper thumbnail of People with disabilities and tourism : an investigation of travel strategies

2001-2002 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference pape

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions of older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, 2019

Background Dementia has been presenting an imminent public health challenge worldwide. Studies ha... more Background Dementia has been presenting an imminent public health challenge worldwide. Studies have shown a combination of cognitive and physical trainings may have synergistic value for improving cognitive functions. Daily functional tasks are innately cognitive demanding and involve components found in common exercise. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment may demonstrate difficulties with complex activities of daily living. Functional tasks could possibly be used as a means of combined cognitive and exercise training for improving cognitive functions. This pilot aims to validate the effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods A four-arm, rater-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants (N = 59) were randomized to either a functional task exercise group, a cognitive training group, an exercise training group, or a waitlist control group for 8 weeks. All outcome measures were u...

Research paper thumbnail of Functional Tasks Exercise - Beneficial Challenge for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

13th International Congress of the Asian Society Against Dementia & 6th Singapore International Neuro-Cognitive Symposium, Aug 1, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving ability and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment—a randomised controlled trial

Age and Ageing, 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving abilit... more ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of functional task exercise on everyday problem-solving ability and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment compared to single exercise or cognitive training and no treatment control.DesignA single-blind, four-arm randomised controlled trial.SettingOut-patient clinic and community centre.ParticipantsOlder adults with mild cognitive impairment aged ≥60 living in community.MethodsParticipants (N = 145) were randomised to 8-week functional task exercise (N = 34), cognitive training (N = 38), exercise training (N = 37), or wait-list control (N = 36) group. Outcomes measures: Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination, Category Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test, Problems in Everyday Living Test, Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale; Chair stand test, Berg Balance Scale, and Short Form-12 Health Survey were conducted at baseline, post-intervention and 5-months follow-up.Re...

Research paper thumbnail of Trialing Virtual Intercultural Learning With Australian and Hong Kong Allied Health Students to Improve Cultural Competency

Journal of Studies in International Education, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Can functional task exercise improve executive function and contribute to functional balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment? A pilot study

British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2018

Introduction Individuals with cognitive impairment are more susceptible to falls associated with ... more Introduction Individuals with cognitive impairment are more susceptible to falls associated with decreased executive function and balance. This pilot study investigated whether functional task exercise could improve executive function, which might further affect the functional balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Method This was a single-group pre-test/post-test pilot. A total of 43 participants completed a 10-week structured functional task exercise programme, performing simulated functional tasks. Paired-samples t-test was performed to evaluate intervention effects. Associations between variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the contribution of cognitive variables to functional balance. Results Significant improvements were shown in general cognitive functions, executive function, functional balance and functional status. All executive function outcomes were significantly associa...

Research paper thumbnail of Enabling Love & Intimacy for People with Spinal Injuries

Research paper thumbnail of People with Intellectual Disabilities Struggle to have a Sexual Encounter: A Chinese Cultural Context Investigation

Sexuality and Disability, Apr 5, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in the delivery of sex education for people with intellectual disabilities: A Chinese cultural‐contextual analysis

Mental Handicap Research, Aug 2, 2022

BackgroundStaff members' views can have a significant impact on sexuality issues of people with i... more BackgroundStaff members' views can have a significant impact on sexuality issues of people with intellectual disabilities. Research on the impact of sociocultural factors in this area in the Chinese context is sparse.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven professionals (social worker, nurse, life skills trainer and manager) to explore their experiences of and attitudes towards the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities by applying interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe study identified two major themes, each with two sub‐themes: 1. Professional handling of the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities (sex education and intervention); 2. Barriers (incompatible approaches and parental resistance). Participants also experienced feelings of resignation facing the barriers they encountered. Collectivism and cultural view about sex are potentially the influencing factors.ConclusionThis study highlights the need to adopt an evidence‐based sex education programme whose content and delivery should take account of cultural factors.

Research paper thumbnail of Female sexual dysfunction due to diabetes mellitus: study among Muslim women in Malaysia

The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Jun 1, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of People with Intellectual Disabilities Struggle to have a Sexual Encounter: A Chinese Cultural Context Investigation

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental factors that affect participation in tourism by people with disabilities

World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Congress, 2002

2001-2002 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference pape

Research paper thumbnail of Tourism, disability and the environmental/travel context

NICAN National Conference, 2004

2004-2005 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference pape

Research paper thumbnail of Voices from parents on the sexuality of their child with intellectual disabilities: A socioemotional perspective in a Chinese context

British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Systematic Review

Measures of everyday competence in older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic review

Research paper thumbnail of Systematic Reviews

Measures of everyday competence in older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic review

Research paper thumbnail of Potential occupational therapy scope of practice in the work‐to‐retirement transition in Australia

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2022

IntroductionRetirement, being a major life event and a focus of healthy ageing in society, create... more IntroductionRetirement, being a major life event and a focus of healthy ageing in society, creates the opportunity for occupational therapists to support people transitioning from work to retirement. Little is known about the scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work‐to‐retirement transition. The aim of this study was to, in Australia, (1) explore the potential scope of practice and factors influencing the potential scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work‐to‐retirement transition and (2) map findings to occupational therapy theoretical frameworks to assist in articulating scope of practice.MethodsA qualitative study (thematic analysis as an independent approach within a qualitative descriptive methodology) was undertaken using semi‐structured interviews with Australian occupational therapists.FindingsAustralian occupational therapists (n = 14) were interviewed. Four themes were identified which related to the potential scope of occupational therapy practice...

Research paper thumbnail of The contribution of occupational therapy to the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia: a review of the literature

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2015

Introduction: Retirement from work is a significant life event in Australia. With the baby boomer... more Introduction: Retirement from work is a significant life event in Australia. With the baby boomer population entering retirement, an ageing population and the diversity in the work-to-retirement process, there is a need to better understand this occupational transition. Enabling active ageing within the retirement process will become increasingly important, as choices need to be made to facilitate changes in lifestyle post work. Aim: This review aimed to identify occupational therapy's contribution to the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia. Methods: A literature review was undertaken through database searches in August 2014. Inclusion criteria included peer reviewed studies on the contribution of occupational therapy to the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia published in the past 20 years. Thematic analysis was conducted to determine the relationship of study findings to an occupational perspective and the role of occupational therapists in clinic...

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational transitions: How do work-related factors influence the work-to-retirement transition process?

Background: The work-to-retirement transition process results in changes to life structure and id... more Background: The work-to-retirement transition process results in changes to life structure and identity making retirement from work a major occupational transition. This paper will explore the influence of work-related factors on the work-to-retirement transition. Findings will be discussed in terms of opportunities for occupational therapy in this occupational transition. Method: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with participants aged 50 years and over who had voluntarily retired within the past five years. Recruitment occurred via a range of mechanisms including through local services and organisations and the research teams' networks. Thematic analysis was conducted for each of the work-to-retirement transition stages (preparation, transition, and retired). Discussion/Outcomes: To date, eleven interviews (5 females, 6 males) have been conducted with people from a variety of pre-retirement occupations. Preliminary findings include themes around: time to mov...

Research paper thumbnail of Current occupational therapy scope of practice in the work-to-retirement transition process: An Australian study

Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2020

Background: Occupational therapists have skills to work with people considering or experiencing t... more Background: Occupational therapists have skills to work with people considering or experiencing the transition from paid work to retirement. Aim: The aims were to explore: (1) occupational therapists' experiences and perceptions in working with people transitioning to retirement; (2) current scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition; and (3) factors influencing current scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with Australian occupational therapists were thematically analysed. Results: Fourteen Australian occupational therapists were interviewed. Three overarching themes (12 sub themes) emerged: (1) occupational therapists' application of a contemporary occupational paradigm; (2) current approaches adopted by occupational therapists are add on, stylistic and talk based; and (3) contextual challenges and opportunities encountered by occupational therapists. Conclusion/significance: Occupational therapists use enablement skills (e.g. coach; collaborate) and consider various professional reasons (e.g. engagement in meaningful occupation; health responsibility) when addressing the transition from work to retirement. Overcoming barriers to service provision (e.g. funding; lack of role clarity) will facilitate a more comprehensive service provision to enable health and well-being of older adults.

Research paper thumbnail of People with disabilities and tourism : an investigation of travel strategies

2001-2002 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference pape

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions of older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, 2019

Background Dementia has been presenting an imminent public health challenge worldwide. Studies ha... more Background Dementia has been presenting an imminent public health challenge worldwide. Studies have shown a combination of cognitive and physical trainings may have synergistic value for improving cognitive functions. Daily functional tasks are innately cognitive demanding and involve components found in common exercise. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment may demonstrate difficulties with complex activities of daily living. Functional tasks could possibly be used as a means of combined cognitive and exercise training for improving cognitive functions. This pilot aims to validate the effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods A four-arm, rater-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants (N = 59) were randomized to either a functional task exercise group, a cognitive training group, an exercise training group, or a waitlist control group for 8 weeks. All outcome measures were u...