Digital Commons Network^™

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Student Volunteer Activities During Covid-19 And Beliefs About Practitioner Roles In Crisis Management, Olivia Biller, Frances Calingo, Tina M. Deangelis, Maclain Capron Ba

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Due to the global novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many students in entry-level occupational therapy programs faced changes to their daily roles, habits, and routines. To understand beliefs about OT practitioner roles in a public health crisis, a cross-sectional study was designed to understand occupational therapy students (OTS) and occupational therapy assistant students (OTAS) volunteer activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A survey was developed and distributed in April 2020, and closed after five weeks. Quantitative data was analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version 27) and open response data was categorized in Microsoft Excel.

Results: Respondents …

Practicing Dentistry: The Most Dangerous Profession?, Stephanie Botts Rdh, Bsdh, Ceas

Articulator Magazine

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are highly prevalent among dental clinicians due to repetitive movements, awkward postures, and static positions. This article highlights the importance of ergonomics - designing work environments for the worker - in preventing career-threatening MSDs. Key principles discussed include proper operator positioning establishing neutral spinal alignment, adjusting patient positioning to minimize harmful movements, and adopting an "ergonomic mindset" prioritizing clinicians' musculoskeletal health. The article discusses how through comprehensive ergonomic interventions, dental professionals can reduce injury risks and enjoy long, pain-free careers.

Management Of Dysphagia In Tracheostomized Patients: A Narrative Review, Chih-En Liu, Shu-Mei Yang, Ming-Yen Hsiao

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Swallowing disorders are prevalent in tracheostomized patients and are associated with a high incidence of aspiration. This narrative review discusses the primary causes and subsequent management strategies for dysphagia in this population. Factors such as reduced laryngeal elevation, compromised hypopharyngeal and laryngeal sensations, impaired vocal cord function, loss of glottic airflow and subglottic pressure, weakened cough reflex, increased respiratory secretions, and disuse muscle atrophy have been identified as major contributors. These challenges can lead to severe complications, including aspiration pneumonia and respiratory failure. Comprehensive evaluations that combine clinical assessments with a thorough review of a patient’s medical history are crucial. …

Application Of Intravenous Laser Irradiation Of Blood (Ilib) In Physical Medicine: A Narrative Review, Ya-Chi Chuang, Yuan-Yang Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) involves a type of intravascular treatment which applies a helium-neon laser possessing a wavelength of 632.8nm. Since its first use in 1981 by Russian scientists, it is now widely applied in the treatment of various diseases, including chronic musculoskeletal pain, wound healing, spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and acute kidney injury. The underlying mechanism for ILIB may be associated with its anti-oxidative (through regulating the reactive oxygen species systems) and anti-inflammatory effects (by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines). Moreover, positive effects on …

Early Intervention In A Child With Aymé-Gripp Syndrome: A Case Report, Liang-Jun Ou-Yang, Pei-Hsuan Huang, Hsiang-Ning Chang, Chih-Chi Chen, Chia-Ling Chen, Chia-Ying Chung

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Aymé-Gripp syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disease. The de novo pathogenic variant of the MAF gene, located at 16q23.2, is considered the primary common cause of this disease. The pathogenic variant causes interference with lens and eye development and embryonic development. Patients with Aymé-Gripp syndrome typically present with bilateral cataracts, bilateral congenital sensorineural hearing loss, and Down syndrome-like facial features. Dual sensory impairment is observed in these patients. Delayed developmental milestones in the aspect of gross motor, fine motor, speech, and language, cognitive function, and social interaction can be detected early in life. Here we presented a 4-year-old male …

Effectiveness Of Specialized Oral Care For Post-Acute Stroke Patients, Hui-Chuan Chen, Hsiao-Han Wei, Yi-Hsuan Yang, Hsial-Lun To, Hsiao-Fan Wang, Ying-Han Hong

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

(1) Background: Poor oral health is a common problem in stroke patients. In Taiwan, there are professional oral care processes for patients with special needs such as stroke patients, which are guided by dental hygienists. This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of specialized oral care for hospitalized stroke patients; (2) Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Rehabilitation ward at the Taipei City Hospital. Sixty-six patients were randomly divided into two groups. The specialized oral care group (n=34) was guided by dental hygienists. The control group (n=32) received only routine oral care. The oral health outcome measure was …

The Effects Of Implementing An Early Childhood Education Health And Wellness Program In Underserved Elementary Schools In Las Vegas On Student Mentors And Elementary Staff: Anatomy Academy, Alexa Blazek, Amber Berumen Baker, Kevin Chan Shum, Alexander Young

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Academy (AA) is a seven/eight-week program implemented by select University of Nevada, Las Vegas Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to promote health and wellness at a Title I elementary school and help bridge the health education gap that underserved youth populations may be facing. We aimed to assess and improve the overall satisfaction of both the faculty members at the elementary school and the physical therapy students who participated in the program, while enhancing the health education of 5th grade students. Our aim was centered on stakeholders (elementary school administrators) and student mentors (DPT students) having the desire to …

The Impact Of Anatomy Academy In Underserved Las Vegas Elementary Schools, Jean Angeles, Edgar Armengual, Katrina Myers, Perceval Vollmer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Anatomy Academy is an interactive, service-learning experience that allows doctoral physical therapy students to pose as educators for elementary-aged adolescents. Through instructional and activity-based learning, mentors formulated the program to encase anatomical, physiological, nutritional, and general health and wellness topics that translate into overall healthy behaviors. The experiment enveloped 7 major sectors of anatomy, including the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, oral cavity/nutrition, gastrointestinal system, sensory system, and central nervous system. Throughout the length of the program, the doctoral candidates reviewed the quality of the content delivered, the engagement of the students and staff, and the effects this had …

Effects Of Exercise On Level Of Support, Mobility, And Quality Of Life In Adults With Down Syndrome, Jorge Lorza-Lopez, Jolena Sagaya, Simone Schroder, Paige Melvin Zink

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Down syndrome (Ds) is a genetic disorder characterized by the autosomal abnormality of a third copy of chromosome 21. Due to the physical and intellectual disabilities that many people with Ds experience, they often need support with (instrumental) activities of daily living. Since adults with Ds are living longer, it is important to determine how exercise can affect mobility and quality of life in the Ds community. The impact on more functional outcomes, such as level of support and quality of life has not been systematically investigated. Therefore, the aim was to investigate whether twelve weeks of a remote, structured …

Unlocking The Power Of Experiential Learning: Student Reported Changes Following Combined Nicu Instruction, Megan M. Black, Natalie A. Perkins, Valerie F. Mcdaniel

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of in-person observation, in conjunction with didactic lectures, on students' perceived knowledge of speech-language pathology's (SLP) role and the roles of other healthcare professionals within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Method: Data for this study were initially collected for educational purposes and were later retrospectively analyzed with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Ten participants who met the inclusion criteria underwent a didactic lecture on SLPs in the NICU followed by observing an SLP in action at a local NICU. Participants completed multiple surveys, allowing for a comparison of their perceived knowledge …

The Relationship Between Holistic Admissions Criteria And Program Ranking Among Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Programs, Kristian Taylor, Cat-Tien Nguyen, Jenny Grant, Mary B. Brewster, Mary A. Barrett, Teal Benevides, Sharon M. Cosper

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Holistic admissions criteria are one strategy to be more inclusive of students with a variety of experiences, cultures, and beliefs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between holistic admissions criteria and occupational therapy program ranking. We used a retrospective cross-sectional cohort descriptive study design of occupational therapy programs in the United States to understand whether top performing programs employ holistic admissions criteria. Secondary descriptive analysis from the top and bottom 50 ranked occupational therapy programs in 2020 U.S. News & World Report (Morse et al., 2020) was completed. We used a nominal scale to classify programs …

Program Development For Group Interventions Targeting Loneliness In Older Adults, Antoinette Cave

Capstone Projects

The topic of loneliness is complex and subjective in nature, and treatment of the condition requires the client-centered approach that occupational therapy encompasses within its scope of practice. Using an occupation-based, mental health approach to develop the program, weekly focus groups were created based on participant-preferred activities to decrease loneliness among older adults at PACE InnovAge’s outpatient and assisted living locations in Thornton, Colorado. Education was provided to participants and staff throughout the 14-week experience. Further training and sustainability efforts were created and distributed among participants and staff at the end of the experience through an occupation-based handout with external …

Occupational Therapy Health & Wellness Promotion For Adults Living With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Sydni Rodriguez

Capstone Projects

Based on educational principles and program development, this occupational therapy doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was centered on addressing the health and wellness needs of adults living with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) at Self-Help Alternative Living Opportunities Michigan (SHALOM), a Christian non-profit organization. Research has shown that adults living with I/DD have an increased chance of having health complications related to health disparities when compared to the general population of adults. Occupational therapists have a profound role in health and wellness as it relates to access and engagement in daily occupations. This DCE was accomplished through development of a recurrent monthly walking …

Barriers And Facilitators For Dental Practitioners In Implementing Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: A Scoping Review Protocol, Heuiwon Han, Mina Jawadi

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) addresses various dental issues and has evolved significantly since its emergence in the early 20^th century. Despite its uses and effectiveness, the adoption of OMT among dental practitioners varies with a lack of comprehensive understanding in the field. This scoping review will aim to map the current evidence on OMT in dentistry, with a focus on the perspectives and attitudes of dental practitioners, as well as the barriers to and facilitators of its implementation in clinical practice.

Method: The planned scoping review adheres to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews guide, with data sourced …

Osces’ Impact On Occupational Therapy Student Learning: Insights From Second- And Third-Year Focus Groups, Craig R. St. Jean, Karin Werther, Mary R. Roberts

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are widely used in health programs to assess clinical skills. We present results of a qualitative study investigating occupational therapy students’ perceptions of OSCEs’ impact on their learning and readiness for clinical practice.

Method: Six second and six third year students in the University of Alberta’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program were interviewed in separate focus groups. Independent reviewers applied thematic analysis to the focus group transcripts to identify, analyze, and report themes in the data.

Results: Five themes were constructed from the data: from learning to action, transition …

How Traits Of Emotional Intelligence Affect Perceived Stress In Entry-Level Doctor Of Occupational Therapy Students, Heidi A. Carpenter, Chelsey Edwards, Scott Richardson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Students in an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs are subject to high levels of stress and emotional burnout. Effective management of stress impacts life satisfaction and academic performance. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been shown to relate to lower stress levels in allied health students. Despite this, little has been done to investigate the emotional demands of an occupational therapy education. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 51 entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students recruited from the Southwest and Midwest cohorts of an OTD program. The participants were surveyed approximately 30 days after beginning their semester curriculum. …

Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students’ Experience With Microaggressions In The Clinic: A Call To Action, Jocelin T. Friedman, Todd E. Davenport

Pacific Journal of Health

As Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students fulfill off-campus clinical experience requirements at healthcare institutions, they are mentored by clinical instructors who are employees of said healthcare institutions. Clinical instructors, patients, or other staff members there may commit microaggressions against physical therapy students with varying subject matters, intentions, and effects on the students. Microaggressions are brief verbal humiliations which may or may not be intentional, but nonetheless convey derogatory slights or insults towards a target group. This article explores DPT students’ real-life experiences with microaggressions within the clinical education realm and the challenges a Director of Clinical Education faced in …

Proceedings Of The 2023 Iaom Convention, International Association Of Orofacial Myology

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) held its 2023 Convention in Chandler, Arizona from October 13 - 15. The Proceedings of the Convention contain abstracts and summaries of podium and poster presentations.

Flexibility For Intensity Dosing In Lingual Resistance Exercises: A Large Randomized Clinical Trial In Typically Aging Adults As Proof Of Principle, Sarah Szynkiewicz, Teresa Drulia, Lindsay Griffin, Rachel Mulheren, Kelsey Murray, Theresa Lee, Erin Kamarunas

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders - Faculty Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of intensity dosing during tongue exercise on tongue pressure generation, adherence, and perceived effort.

Design: This was a five-site, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Outcome measures were obtained across multiple baselines, biweekly during exercise, and 4-weeks post-intervention.

Setting: The general community at each study site. Participants: Typically aging adults between 55–82 years of age with no history of neurological or swallowing disorders. Eighty-four volunteers completed the study.

Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to one of four exercise groups: (a) maximum intensity/no biofeedback, (b) progressive intensity/no bio- feedback, (c) maximum intensity/biofeedback, …

Establishing Initial Content Validity, Interrater Reliability, And Intra-Rater Reliability Of The Revised Visual Activity Sort For At-Risk Adolescents And Young Adults, Sharon Gutman, Katie O'Day, Ashley Choi, Alexis Kearney, Sandra Rogers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to establish the content validity and inter- and intra-rater reliability of the revised Visual Activity Sort, which is a card sorting assessment designed specifically for at-risk adolescents and young adults.

Method: Six content experts were selected and asked to rate the relevancy of each of the 121 Visual Activity Sort cards. Two trained raters participated in the establishment of inter- and intra-rater reliability with 30 high school students attending a charter school for at-risk adolescents and young adults in a socioeconomically disadvantaged urban area.

Results: Based on the content experts’ …

Occupational Therapist Perspectives On Oral Hygiene Interventions Among Children And Youth With Autism, Kimberly Duetsch, Megan Chamberlin, Jordyn Hamilton, Anna Mostoller, Giannalise Pepoli, Emma Sanchez

Occupational Therapy Student Scholarship

What are the perceptions and experiences of OT professionals regarding the implementation and efficacy of interventions addressing oral hygiene among children with ASD?

The current study suggests that a wide variety ofOH interventions are being implemented in practice and are perceived to be efficacious by OT/OTAs. Implementation of these interventions is not without barriers, the most reported being carryover in the home. Findings suggest the potential for positive outcomes of the collaboration between dental professionals and OTs/OTAs. Future research is needed to explore how to navigate this collaboration given the time and setting constraints within each discipline.

Occurrence Of Temporomandibular Disorder In Subjects With Low Back Pain And Spinal Postural Deformities: An Observational Study, Vijay Kage, Aarti Welling, Richa Desai

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Back pain and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are two predominant illnesses that affect the human motor system. Literature has stated significant associations between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and TMD. Global postural deviations cause body adaptation and realignment, which may interfere with the function of TMJ. However, the possibility of TMD in subjects with CLBP associated with spinal postural deformities has yet to be completely explored. Method: This was an observational study carried out among 65 people having CLBP with co-presence of any spinal deformities. Forward head posture (FHP) was assessed using the On-Protractor application and thoracic kyphosis and lumbar …

Trends In Length Of Stay: Experience From A Tertiary Care Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit In Saudi Arabia., Sami Ullah, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Waqas Sami, Amara Ilyas, Sherif Samir Abdelmaksoud Tantawy, Sarah Samir Abdulakarim Alqatari, Hasan Shacfe, Colleen Ann Wunderlich

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pediatric rehabilitation units offer unique challenges due to complex rehabilitation needs of children based on their age group and diagnosis. Length of stay (LOS) is an indirect measure of hospital cost and efficiency of a clinical service and it is important to determine the factors affecting LOS in hospitalized children undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: Record of 350 children (males: 222, female: 128) who underwent inpatient pediatric rehabilitation program at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Saudi Arabia during 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. Diagnoses were categorized into cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic brain injury and others. …

Successful Closed Reduction And Tooth-To-Tooth Wire-Fixation Of A Mandibular Singular Parasymphysis Fracture In A Male Collegiate Lacrosse Player, Steven Ross Murray, Coryann L. Leadford, Nathaniel Snyder, Robert W. Pettitt, Jeremy R. Hawkins

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

A 19-year-old male collegiate lacrosse player suffered an acute singular parasymphysis fracture of the mandible when he was struck in the facemask of his helmet by a lacrosse ball during practice. The fracture was confirmed via panoramic radiography and treated with a closed reduction under local anesthetic by looping a 26-gauge wire around the two right incisors and the right cuspid. This approach to managing the fracture was taken instead of an open reduction and plate application to be less invasive with the hope of a faster recovery and fewer complications. The fracture healed and aligned properly, and after six …

(2014) Supporting Mandated Child Abuse And Neglect Reporters, Krystal Vaughn, Allison B. Boothe

Louisiana Journal of Counseling

No abstract provided.

(2014) Entire Issue, Meredith Nelson, Peter Emerson

Louisiana Journal of Counseling

No abstract provided.

Examining The Latent Structure And Correlates Of Sensory Reactivity In Autism: A Multi-Site Integrative Data Analysis By The Autism Sensory Research Consortium, Zachary J. Williams, Roseann Schaaf, Karla K. Ausderau, Grace T. Baranek, D. Jonah Barrett, Carissa J. Cascio, Rachel L. Dumont, Ekomobong E. Eyoh, Michelle D. Failla, Jacob I. Feldman, Jennifer H. Foss-Feig, Heather L. Green, Shulamite A. Green, Jason L. He, Elizabeth A. Kaplan-Kahn, Bahar Keçeli-Kaysılı, Keren Maclennan, Zoe Mailloux, Elysa J. Marco, Lisa E. Mash, Elizabeth P. Mckernan, Sophie Molholm, Stewart H. Mostofsky, Nicolaas A.J. Puts, Caroline E. Robertson, Natalie Russo, Nicole Shea, John Sideris, James S. Sutcliffe, Teresa Tavassoli, Mark T. Wallace, Ericka L. Wodka, Tiffany G. Woynaroski

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population.

METHODS: Leveraging a combined sample of 3868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to …

Assessing Blood Oxygen Level–Dependent Signal Variability As A Biomarker Of Brain Injury In Sport-Related Concussion, Evan D. Anderson, Tanveer Talukdar, Grace Goodwin, Valentina Di Pietro, Kamal M. Yakoub, Christopher E. Zwilling, David Davies, Antonio Belli, Aron K. Barbey

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty and Staff Publications

Mild traumatic brain injury is a complex neurological disorder of significant concern among athletes who play contact sports. Athletes who sustain sport-related concussion typically undergo physical examination and neurocognitive evaluation to determine injury severity and return-to-play status. However, traumatic disruption to neurometabolic processes can occur with minimal detectable anatomic pathology or neurocognitive alteration, increasing the risk that athletes may be cleared for return-to-play during a vulnerable period and receive a repetitive injury. This underscores the need for sensitive functional neuroimaging methods to detect altered cerebral physiology in concussed athletes. The present study compared the efficacy of Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and …

Electric Field Navigated 1-Hz Rtms For Poststroke Motor Recovery: The E-Fit Randomized Controlled Trial, Dylan J. Edwards, Charle Y. Liu, Kari Dunning, Felipe Fregni, Jarmo Laine, Benjamin E. Leiby, Lynn M. Rogers, Richard L. Harvey

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

BACKGROUND: To determine if low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting the primary motor cortex contralateral (M1_CL) to the affected corticospinal tract in patients with hemiparetic stroke augments intensive training–related clinical improvement; an extension of the NICHE trial (Navigated Inhibitory rTMS to Contralesional Hemisphere Trial) using an alternative sham coil.

METHODS: The present E-FIT trial (Electric Field Navigated 1Hz rTMS for Post-stroke Motor Recovery Trial) included 5 of 12 NICHE trial outpatient US rehabilitation centers. The stimulation protocol remained identical (1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, M1_CL, preceding 60-minute therapy, 18 sessions/6 wks; parallel arm randomized clinical …

Evaluating Non-Pharmacological Approaches To Nursing Home Dementia Care: A Protocol, Natalie E Leland, Victoria Shier, Catherine V. Piersol, Cara Lekovitch, Jenny Martínez, Yuna H Bae-Shaaw, Neeraj Sood, Claire Day, Paul Cass, Dominique Como, Carin Wong, Felicia Chew

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the daily challenges nursing home (NH) staff face caring for the residents living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (

METHODS: This clustered randomized trial will compare

CONCLUSION: This trial will be the first-ever evaluation of team- and problem-based approaches to ADRD care across multiple NHs and geographic regions. Results can provide health system leaders and policymakers with evidence on how to optimize ADRD training for staff in an effort to enhance ADRD care delivery.