Digital Commons Network^™

The Influence Of The Spoon Feeding Chair On The Caregiver-Child Dyad, Natalie Bruno

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

Background: Feeding disorders are defined by the World Health Organization as a dysfunction in oral intake which often co-occurs with feeding skills, nutritional health, and psychosocial well-being. Feeding disorders affect children with disabilities (CWD) living in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC) disproportionately more than CWD living in high income countries. Due to a lack of access to appropriate assistive technology, issues of malnutrition, caregiver stress, and delays in development can occur as a result. Limited research is available on feeding disorders and the impact of seating assistive technology in one LMIC.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used in this study. …

The Child Response To The Spoon Chair And Its Impact On Feeding, Marissa Smith

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This thesis examined how caregivers and their child with a disability living in Uganda responded to a low-cost feeding chair created by the SPOON foundation as part of a larger pilot study investigating the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of the chair. Utilizing a mixed methods design, 20 child-caregiver pairs participated in a one-hour session to test the SPOON chair during feeding. Caregivers also participated in a focus group discussion to give feedback about the chair. Results indicated the chair increased recommended anatomical and postural alignment needed for safe feeding, eating, and swallowing. Children also tolerated sitting in the chair with …

Living With Focal Task-Specific Dystonia: The Musician’S Perspective, Jill H. Olson Moser

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

Background: Focal task-specific dystonia, known as musician’s dystonia, is a motor disorder that affects approximately 1% of professional musicians. Symptoms of musician’s dystonia include the loss of fine motor control and dexterity of repetitive, highly trained movements, which for a professional musician can be career ending. There is limited research on the unique experiences and perspectives of professional musicians with focal task-specific dystonia.

Methods: A qualitative approach was chosen to explore the lived experiences of professional musicians with focal task-specific dystonia, specifically a phenomenological research tradition. Eleven musicians fitting the targeted criteria were recruited and interviewed. Four interviews were selected …

Providing Oral Health Education To Underserved Children And Families Within An Interdisciplinary Team, Kiersten Anderson, Taylor Anderson, Emily Bendelsmith, Brittanee Despres, Colin Howe, Jenny Leaser, Ellen Minor, Delorianne Sander, Stephanie L. De Sam Lazaro

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This paper outlines the background literature, needs assessment process, and project activities of a master’s project focused on oral health outcomes through use of an interprofessional team. The project activities were based on recommendations from current literatures, including interprofessional education and teaming, as well as family-centered education to promote positive oral health outcomes for young children and their families. Recommendations for future collaborations and the occupational therapy role within interprofessional oral health care teams are shared.

The Perceived Benefits Of Participation In Community Drum Circles, Sean Cudd

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of adults who participate in community drum circles. The act of striking a vibrating membrane or drum surface to produce a sound with a group of people comprises a drum circle. Drumming has been utilized for many different reasons for a large portion of human history. A phenomenological study was conducted to examine perceived benefits of participation in a drum circle. Six participants from two different drum circles were interviewed and data was coded inductively and deductively. Interview questions gathered data related to participants’ perception of the benefits and meaning …

Employee Benefits Managers’ Understanding Of Occupational Therapy And Their Influence On Employees’ Knowledge, Andrew D. Noble

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This study investigated what employee benefits managers know about occupational therapy and the influence they have on employees’ knowledge of, and access to, occupational therapy services. This qualitative research focused on what employee benefits managers know about occupational therapy, how they learned what they know, how they prefer to learn about healthcare services in general, and the reasons they would or would not recommend occupational therapy services to their employees. The study included ten semi-structured interviews with ten employee benefits managers who were employed at nine different organizations. The interviews were coded and analyzed to develop categories and themes in …

The Lived Experience Of Parents Who Homeschool A Child With Disabilities In Accessing And Utilizing Occupational Therapy Services, Ruth Chase

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

Over the past 20 years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of families choosing to homeschool their children, and a significant number of these families are homeschooling children with disabilities (Redford, Battle, & Bielick, 2017). Occupational therapists work with children who have disabilities in a variety of practice settings, including home-based, clinic-based, and school-based practice areas. However, there has been no research regarding the unique considerations of the lived experiences of homeschool families and occupational therapy services. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the challenges and supports related to accessibility and utilization of occupational …

Understanding The Experiences Of Stigma And Discrimination Of Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities In Zambia: A Photovoice Study, Hayley Christine Manley

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This study examined the lived experience of caregivers of children with disabilities in a sub district of Lusaka, Zambia, providing an in-depth description of some of their daily struggles and strengths. This study aimed to explore experiences of stigma and discrimination from the caregiver perspective that impacted their occupation of caregiving. This research was conducted using the photovoice methodology. Five participants photographs were used in conjunction with photo-elicitation interviews to develop themes. These caregivers identified the need for equality for children with disabilities, challenges from caregiving, caregiver qualities that support caregiving, and areas of need for advocacy and change within …

The Influence Of Smart Technology On An Older Adult’S Communication With Family, Skye Galegher Thompson

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate an older adult’s perspective on the influences of smart technology on her communication with a family member. The participant in this single case study was included in a larger, phenomenological qualitative research study that investigated the impact of smart technology on senior care. She lived alone in a senior living facility apartment. The participant received smart home sensor technology, which tracked activity patterns and alerted a designated family member if deviations from typical activity patterns were detected. The participant also received Amazon Alexa® (2018) as part of the technology package. In-depth qualitative …

Educating Parent English Language Learners On Healthy Routines For Children, Angela Burla

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this project is to examine whether the linking of school music routines focused on literacy skills to home activities and programming is a viable and sustainable learning option for immigrant and refugee families, as well as to examine the sustainability of this program for non-musician staff at Learning in Style (LIS). (LIS, located in Minneapolis, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, St. Paul Province.) The project serves the adult English language learning students who attend LIS and their children who attend the childcare program. It will also serve the staff who …

Transition From Foster Care To Independent Living In Minnesota: A Profile Of Occupations, Person Factors And Environment Factors, Katie M. Norgard

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

In 2013 the average number of children in foster care on any given day was 6,200 in the state of Minnesota (Minnesota DHS, 2016). While the majority will eventually be reunited with their families or find permanent housing with a relative or caregiver roughly 9% will leave foster care without the benefit of any permanency (Minnesota DHS, 2016). There are numerous programs in place to help these youth transition from foster care to independent living. The National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) was created to track the outcomes of foster youth who participated in these programs (Administration for Children & …

The Perceived Impact Of The See Me As A Person Curriculum From The Facilitators’ Perspectives, Alexandra L. Hein

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the See Me as a Person (SMAAP) curriculum from the facilitators’ perspectives. Therapeutic use of self (TUS) and client-centered practice have long been a part of many healthcare professions, including occupational therapy (OT). The SMAAP curriculum was developed based on the Relationship-Based Care model (RBC) to help foster a relationship-based care culture in organizations. This phenomenological qualitative study was designed using interviews and inductive and deductive analysis. The main research question and additional sub-questions aimed to explore the various impacts of the curriculum. A sample of five facilitators of …

Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Interventions For Children With Autism: Current Practices And Continuing Education In Minnesota, Bryden G. Giving

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the use of non-evidence-based practices that are often used with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by occupational therapy practitioners, as well as continuing education necessary to better pediatric occupational therapy practice with children with ASD in Minnesota. This mixed-methods project utilized a website content analysis, survey, and focus group data to address the research questions. The study aimed to address: (1) How do pediatric occupational therapy practitioners in Minnesota understand evidence-based practice and apply evidence-based practice principles in their work with children with ASD? (2) How are the twelve specified interventions …

Fall Risk Factors For Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Hayley Manley, Megan Miller, Hayley Neid, Margaret Porter, Darek Reader, Kyla Roman, Natalie Schwartz, Katee Spaeth, Elle Stienessen

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

What are the descriptive or predictive characteristics of community-dwelling older adults who are most at risk for falls?

Perspectives And Experiences Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Falling: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Laura Rand Berger, Kara Nelson, Hannah Okerstrom, Michelle Sullivan, Caitlin Swertfeger, Jessica Tadesse, Megan Thoemke, Skye Thompson, Jordan Yira, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This project sought to answer the following Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) question: What are the perspectives and experiences of community-dwelling older adults with falling?

Interdisciplinary Fall Risk Screening And Assessment: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Laura Neubert, Ariel Kocher, Andrew Noble, Alissa Hynes, Cindy Nguyen, Jackie Nguyen, Nicole Kroontje, Hannah Kiefer, Kate Lindblom, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This project sought to answer the following Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) question: What occupational therapy and interdisciplinary assessments have the best psychometric characteristics and are most effective for screening or evaluating person and environment fall risk factors and measuring the outcomes of fall prevention programs?

Interventions For Fall Prevention: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Allyson Daines, Emily Delaney, Siri Dusek, Kristin Garland, Christina Gillard, Megan Gustafson, Megan Hana, Emily Hohenshell, Megan Holmgren, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This project considered the following Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) question: What occupational therapy and multidisciplinary/interprofessional interventions are most effective for preventing falls, decreasing fear of falling, improving safety in performing ADLs, and increasing quality of life in community-dwelling older adults?

The Importance Of Home Modification For Occupational Participation And Safety For Low-Income Older Adult Homeowners, Melody Oaks

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this collaborative study between Rebuilding Together Twin Cities (RTTC) and the OT department of St. Catherine University was to evaluate the impact of home modifications on the occupational participation and safety of low-income, older adult homeowners. This study utilized a mixed methods design to answer the following three research questions: 1) How do daily life routines and activity participation change for the homeowner as a result of the modifications? 2) What is the impact on the homeowner’s awareness and feelings of safety? and 3) What is the homeowners’ experience of home modification? A total of four quantitative …

Auditory Integration Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Jen Garness, Bryden Giving, Taylor Heidebrink, Alexandra Hein, Rebecca Humbert, Erika Janorschke, Rachel Kramer, Lauren Koelker, Aimee Lindstrom, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

After extensive review of select auditory integration interventions including Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT), The Listening Program (TLP), and Therapeutic Listening (TL), we can conclude that many of these interventions have not been examined for use with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although some the research we found showed slight improvements in our investigated outcomes, many of them did not analyze the primary long-term outcomes of interest for occupational therapy including performance, participation, and engagement. Specialized training is required for therapists to facilitate AIT, TLP, and TL with their clients. Courses are costly ranging from $365-$2400, which further …

Reflex Based Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Hannah Barrett, Audrey Benson, Alexandra Boucher, Sophia Grace Burch, Amanda J. Cash, Angel Creger, Lauren Dusek, Maureen Feyen, Kyle Garcia, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This research will focus on reflex based interventions, specifically The Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method (MNRI Method). Background learning was completed by searching multiple search engines with combinations of keywords. The background information consisted of who the founder of MNRI is, what MNRI is, how it is done, and why the creator believes it works. MNRI was created by Dr. Svetlana Masgutova. Dr. Masgutova has her Doctorate in Developmental Educational Psychology (Dr. Svetlana Masgutova n.d.). Her doctoral work was geared toward the history of reflexes (Dr. Svetlana Masgutova n.d.; Rentschler, 2008). The background information she used came from the work …

Sensory/Manipulation Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Catie Madison, Victoria Marquardt, Brianna Miller, Adelaide Mueller, Stephen Pearce, Chloe Philion, Kate Ruschmeyer, Morgan Sanken, Ashley Stainbrook, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

We did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that any of our three interventions impacted occupational performance, which is the basis of occupational therapy. Multiple were designed for diagnoses other than Autism Spectrum Disorder and were not designed with occupational engagement as a goal. In addition, two of the interventions, the Wilbarger Protocol and Therasuit, were not reviewed by any of the expert review groups. In order for conclusions to be made about the effectiveness and efficacy of these interventions, thorough, high-quality research is needed. We do not recommend the use of the Wilbarger Protocol, Therasuit, or CranioSaccral Therapy as …

Movement Interventions For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Alanna Thelen, Emily M. Tiedt, Sara C. Vang, Patricia L. Wagle, Laura K. Weber, Jordan T. Wood, Lauren K. Yares, Rebecca A. Zahr, Beth M. Zimmerli, Julie D. Bass

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This review explored the following question: Are the comprehensive treatment models Makoto Therapy, Brain Gym, and Interactive Metronome effective interventions for improving occupational performance including improving executive function, academic performance, and physical coordination in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Because current research on Interactive Metronome, Brain Gym®, and Makoto Therapy fails to address children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, presents multiple flaws in research design, and does not measure occupational outcomes such as occupational performance, we recommend that these interventions should not be used as comprehensive treatment models in occupational therapy. We recommend that more occupational-based, …

Physical Health Gaps And Disparities Faced By Refugees And Immigrants, Anna Ma

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This Master’s project aimed to address the health disparity in physical activity for the refugee and immigrant community through an educational and occupational therapy approach at MORE in St. Paul, MN. The purpose of the Master’s project will address the Healthy Leading Indicator of physical activity with the students at MORE in St. Paul, MN (Healthy People, 2014). The organization is dedicated to empowering refugees and immigrants within the community to meet their basic needs including services in education, advocacy, and mental health of their clients (MORE, n.d.). The mission is to provide resources and overall support to help members …

The Importance Of A Creative Arts Program For Senior Housing Residents, Therese A. Wengler

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The goal of this interdisciplinary quasi-experimental mixed methods study with older adults living in congregate senior housing was to describe participants’ experience of a creative arts program and evaluate its impact on quality of life. Fourteen older adults completed this study. The program was offered weekly for 2 hours over a 12-week period. The quantitative outcome measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Short Form-36 (SF-36) quality of life measure, and the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults (ATTA), a test of creativity. None of the quantitative outcome measures showed significant improvements after the intervention …

The Healing Properties Of Writing For Persons With Mental Health Issues, Adrienne M. Ero-Phillips

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine therapeutic writing through the experiences of persons with mental health diagnoses from the perspectives of occupational science and occupational therapy. Personal writing is the use of the writing process to cultivate and express fulfillment and contentment. This qualitative study was the third phase of a larger research endeavor on the healing properties of writing by the principal investigator. A phenomenologically-based study was designed utilizing interviews as well as inductive and deductive analysis by two previous student researchers in 2010, with additional sub-questions on how writing affects societal issues by the current student …

The Importance Of A Creative Dance And Story-Telling Program For Senior Housing Residents, Courtney Holmes

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this study, conducted in collaboration with Kairos Alive! was to explore the importance of a creative arts dance and story-telling program for older adults living in senior congregate living facilities. This mixed-method study used a baseline-controlled semi-experimental design over a period of three months. The research questions were: (a) What is the experience of reminiscence and new memories in the arts-based program? and (b) What is the impact of the program on perceived overall quality of life? Quantitative tools included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the SF-36 (physical and mental). Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured …

Therapeutic Use Of Self: The Impact On The Health And Wellness Of Older Adults Involved In A Creative Dance Program, Anna K. W. Bruesewitz

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

This study was part of a larger mixed methods design exploring the effects of a dance program on elders. The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of a creative arts- based program on the health, wellness, and overall quality of life of older adults. Another aspect of the study involved determining how the staff’s “therapeutic use of self” contributed to the positive outcomes of the creative music and dance program called “The Dancing Heart TM ”. The research questions were, “What is the importance of a creative dance program for long term care residents?” and “What is …

Ada Compliance Of Fitness Facilities In The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, Hannah Stoelzle

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

Within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III mandates accessibility of all public facilities, including fitness facilities. The purpose of the study was to examine the ADA compliance of fitness facilities located in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.

Twenty fitness facilities were randomly sampled within the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. Each facility was evaluated for ADA compliance using the Accessibility Instruments Measuring Fitness and Recreation Environments (AIMFREE) Professional Version assessment (The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, 2010). The assessment encompasses twelve domains that evaluate physical, educational, and informational aspects within a fitness facility. None of the 20 …

Importance Of A Creative Dance Program For The Quality Of Life Of Long Term Care Residents, Kelsey Kristine Schafer

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

The purpose of this thesis was to study the impact of a creative arts-based program on nursing home residents. This research study examined staff and caregiver descriptions of elder participant’s experience of a creative music and dance program called “Dancing Heart ^TM ” in two long term care facilities. The research questions of this study were (a) what is the meaning and experience of music and dance for the participants? (b) what is the perceived impact of the dance program on quality of life of the participants? and (c) what is the perceived impact of the dance program on the …

Importance Of A Dance Program For Long-Term Care Residents, Siri Rydholm

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.