Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study Of Mikey, Gabrielle Lober

Honors Theses

This paper describes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including diagnostic criteria, suspected causes, prevalence, comorbidities, and influences on client factors. A hypothetical case study is presented to give readers an illustration of what someone with ASD might look like. Possible treatment based on evidence and selected frame of references will be given for the hypothetical client. This paper is not all inclusive of the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, but gives an illustrative example.

Supporting Sensory Development: The Efficacy Of Sensory Integrative Approaches To School-Based Occupational Therapy, Rebecca Heilbrun

Psychology and Child Development

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Applied Grip Force, Frequency And Duration On Ratings Of Perceived Exertion, Jessica Lynne Gall

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the interactions of various combinations of frequency and duration that result in the same duty cycle at a given applied grip force (measured in % maximum voluntary contraction (MVC)) to determine their relative effect on perceived exertion. Eight female subjects (median age 20.5 years) performed 27 randomized trials containing combinations of dynamic grips, performing each combination twice. Each session contained three 25 minute trials, with a minimum of 12 minutes of rest between trials. The design used a 3x3x3 factorial protocol: i) 3 grip forces (10%, 25%, 40%) ii) 3 duty cycles (25%, 50%, 75%) iii) 3 …

Upper Extremity Kinematic And Kinetic Comparison Of Anterior Versus Posterior Walkers During Functional Activities In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Chris Burckardt

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Investigating the differences in upper extremity (UE) joint biomechanics between anterior and posterior walkers has been explored in limited contexts, even though research has shown that prolonged use of walking aids can lead to UE joint weakening or musculoskeletal injuries. Recent studies have investigated some of these differences in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) during gait; however, no research has been conducted that compare these UE joint biomechanical differences during functional activities or activities of daily living (ADLs). The aim of this study is to use motion analysis to compare kinematic and kinetic differences between anterior and …

Determining Accessibility For Ios Applications: Piloting A Checklist For Practitioners, Katelyn White

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Mobile technologies have infiltrated every part of daily life, including the school system. While these technologies are highly customizable, there are 6.4 million children with disabilities who may not be able to utilize these devices because of their lack of accessibility. The iOS Application Accessibility Checklist (iA2C) is a “first of its kind” tool, used to determine if an iOS app is accessible for users with a variety of disabilities.

Hypothesis: When using the iA2C, novice users with little experience in accessible design will determine apps to have a statistically similar number of accessibility features as experts, assessing the …

Community-Based Rehabilitation Supports For Social Inclusion And Work Participation Of Young Adults With Visual Impairment In Kenya: A Case Study, Philomena Jepkemboi Tanui

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Young adults with a visual impairment (VI) experience less interaction with the community that impacts the way they relate to the world as they transition to the larger society where they face significant barriers of adjustment, exclusion, and work participation. Young adults with VI contend with cultural stigma, inequality, poor self-esteem caused by marginalization, a low quality of life (QOL), and lack of Social support systems that exist beyond the home. The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions of young adults with VI in Elgeyo-Marakwet and Kisumu Counties of Kenya concerning the barriers to community inclusion and …

Improving Mental Health Literacy: A Single-Subject Design Experiment Examining The Effects Of Text Messaging On Adolescent Mental Health Literacy, Emma Coffman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to determine the feasibility of delivering a text-based mental health literacy intervention for adolescent children who have family members with mental illness. The effectiveness of the text message intervention was measured using a single subject, multiple baseline study design. Each participant received three text messages per week for a total of 6 weeks, containing information regarding mental illness, managing crisis, resources, stigma, and assertiveness. The subjects were evaluated using qualitative and quantitative measures at multiple periods throughout the study. Assessments utilized include: Schizophrenia Vignette quiz developed by Jorm et. al. (1997), Perceived Stress Scale-14(PSS-14) …

A Needs Assessment Of Occupation Based Services In A West Michigan Homeless Shelter From A Staff Perspective, Stephanie A. Ballard, Katie M. Deveneau, April D. Hemlock

Community Based

In this qualitative study, student researchers conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews of individuals employed by a homeless shelter in West Michigan, posing questions related to the perceived need of occupation-based services for shelter recipients, and the efficacy of current services. Narratives were interpreted using thematic analysis, yielding themes related to the barriers faced by the shelter population, life skills of the shelter population, and services in place to provide for the needs of the shelter recipients. Authors concluded that shelter staff perceived a need for occupation-based services to engage the shelter population in meaningful occupations, particularly relating to leisure, education and …

Content Analysis Of Qualitative Research 2011-2014 On Clients Affected By Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Kathryn Gedrimas

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Objectives Using a content analysis, this study explored relevant qualitative research conducted on individuals with autism and their families and determined its contribution to occupational therapy intervention and evidence based practice. In addition, this study will seek to update and enrich data collected by Tomlin, Swinth, and Luthman (2011).

Method Sixty-two articles, of 70 gathered, published between 2011 and 2014 in a variety of scientific disciplines were collected and reviewed using a content analysis methodology to extract and summarize themes relevant to occupational therapy practice. Articles included either the perspective of the individual with autism or of their family members. …

Ergonomic Modification To Pipetting To Reduce Discomfort And Muscle Strain, Megan Unyi, Kelsey Asato

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Objective: This study examined the effects of two ergonomic arm supports on bilateral muscle activity of the upper trapezius during pipette work on laboratory workers and university faculty and students as well as participants’ perception of productivity and discomfort.

Method: A repeated measures design was conducted at each individual’s workplace. Participants (N = 7) did an 8 minute predetermined pipette task using a static ergonomic arm support, a zero gravity dynamic arm support, and no arm support, sequenced at random. Electromyography (EMG) readings of bilateral upper trapezius, as well as perceptions of discomfort and productivity were collected for each trial …

A Manual For Occupational Therapy Student-Run Wellness Program Targeting Persons With Chronic Stroke, Jennifer Hoeniges, Julie Fry

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

It is not uncommon for stroke survivors to encounter a number of mental and physical barriers that impede on their ability to engage in everyday occupations. In order for these individuals to successfully live a meaningful lifestyle, it is necessary that they be educated on how to use their resources and re-integrate themselves back into the community. Participation in group interventions aimed at increasing self-management skills has been effective for persons with other chronic diseases and show potential to increase overall wellness and participation for those living with chronic stroke. A manual was created to educate occupational therapy students on …

Non-Verbal Resource Kit For Center Asays In Morocco, Heidi Vladyka, Christina Reyer

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common neurological disorder caused by injury during brain development. The impairments commonly associated with CP include motor and sensory deficits that can significantly impact all areas of occupation, especially ADL. In countries such as Morocco where the number of healthcare facilities is limited and languages vary, the burden on families to access appropriate care and education can be challenging. Center Asays in Morocco serves children with CP and requested a DVD for caregivers to provide education on proper positioning for both the child and caregiver during ADL. This project created a DVD that includes instruction …

The Use Of Everyday Technology In Occupational Therapy Practice For Clients With Acquired Brain Injury, Julia Ladner, Allison Davis

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate how occupational therapists use everyday technology (ET) in their evaluation and treatment of adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). Questions included (1) the type of client therapists believed most likely to benefit from using technology, (2) current patterns of technology use with clients, including type of technology and frequency of use (3) the extent to which therapists think ET was effective, and (4) the supports for and barriers against using ET in practice. A survey was completed by 40 occupational therapists who were members of the Physical Disabilities, Technology, or Home …

Creating A Dvd And Resource Kit: Effective Adl Techniques For Children With Cerebral Palsy And Their Caregivers For A Clinic In Morocco, Africa, Blair Burmark, Carly Valentine

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common neurological disorder caused by injury during brain development. The impairments commonly associated with CP include motor and sensory deficits that can significantly impact all areas of occupation, especially activities of daily living (ADL). In countries such as Morocco where the number of healthcare facilities is limited and languages vary, the burden on families to access appropriate care and education can be challenging. Center Asays in Morocco serves children with CP and requested a non-language based DVD for caregivers to provide education on proper positioning for both the child and caregiver during ADL. This project …

Tbi-Apps.Com: Teaching Caregivers How To Use Mobile Applications As Compensatory Cognitive Aids For Traumatic Brain Injury, Ana Wright, Megan Caine, Raymond Reed

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Long-term cognitive deficits resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI) can profoundly impact a person’s role competence and ability to perform daily activities (AOTA, 2014a). Mobile technologies, including smartphones and tablets, have shown potential as effective compensatory aids for memory and executive functioning in individuals with TBI (Waite, 2012). A website was created to provide caregivers tools to independently select, program, and use Apple iOS devices with TBI survivors. The website featured five tutorials for iOS applications, one tutorial for an iOS accessibility feature, and tips for teaching application use to individuals with TBI. It also included general information on the …

Functional Recovery: A Mixed Methods Study Of The Specific Variables Within A Post-Hospital Inter-Disciplinary Brain Injury Rehabilitation - Residential Program, Victoria Harding

Dissertations, 2014-2019

The mixed methods explanatory design study examined specific constructs of Post Hospital Interdisciplinary Brain Injury Rehabilitation – Residential (PHIDBIR-R) programs that positively influenced gains in function. The investigation involved exploring the phenomenon of individuals’ experiences while participating in a PHIDBIR-R program as part of recovery from brain injury. The study’ primary purpose was to understand individuals who make the greatest gains in function while participating in these programs, as measured by the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) change scores from admission to discharge and what are the components of these programs that may contribute to individuals’ gains in function.

Data were …

Reliability Of A United States Version Of The Nottingham Sensory Assessment, Amy Kaestner, Rebecca Miller

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Many stroke survivors experience somatosensory deficits and there is currently no “gold standard” reliable standardized assessment commonly used by clinicians in the United States. In the present study, the authors modified the Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA) into a U.S. version to provide therapists with a standardized multimodal sensory assessment for use with clients post-stroke. Six licensed rehabilitation practitioners and one occupational therapy student administered the United States-NSA (US-NSA) on 17 older adults with chronic stroke (i.e., at least six months post-stroke) to evaluate its inter-rater reliability. The authors used an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to analyze the inter-rater reliability of …

Alternative Seating For Improved Learning In The Classroom, Christie Mosley, Alexia Kritsonis

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Sensory approaches that are accessible and appropriate for incorporation into the classroom may be a valuable means of providing a learning environment better suited to meet the needs of today’s diverse student body. Up to an estimated 20% of general education students have sensory challenges, leading to over- or under-stimulation, which can result in difficulties with learning and behavior. Evidence-based guidance on implementing alternative seating in the classroom would benefit teachers, who are increasingly held accountable for students’ success. Sensory approaches such as alternative seating have been shown to increase attention and promote self-regulation, leading to improved classroom behavior and …

The Experience Of Participating In A Mentor Training Course And Its Effects On Mentoring People With Traumatic Brain Injuries, Katherine Montgomery

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Community-based mentoring programs for people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have been found to have several benefits, including decreasing social isolation, improving behavioral control, and increasing quality of life. There is limited literature, however, regarding the experiences of the mentors who participate in these programs. This qualitative study was completed to examine the lived experience of three mentors of people with TBIs following a training program to enhance mentoring skills. Four key themes emerged that included: Readiness to Learn, Density and Complexity of Content, You Got Something Out of It, and Time of Day. This information may help occupational therapists …

Dynamic Seating: Effects On Primary School Student Classroom Behavior, Jordan Kain, Alana Russell, Shauna Irish

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed data obtained from two studies on the effects of dynamic seating on classroom behaviors (Ivory, 2011; Kuhn & Lewis, 2013).

METHOD: Through the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) and student self-report, the effects of traditional desks, Zuma ® chairs, Disc ‘O’ Sit © cushions, standing desks, FootFidget ® with typical desks, and FootFidget ® with standing desks on 2nd and 4th grade student classroom behavior were analyzed.

RESULTS: A repeated measures analysis of variance test revealed significant differences on student work neatness when using traditional desks, Disc ‘O’ Sit © cushions, Zuma ® chairs, and standing desks. …

Parenting After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Web-Based Support For Caregivers, Arien N. Mcomber, Kristin W. Moore

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Aggression is common in traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors (Rao et al., 2009) and can increase caregiver burden (Gan et al., 2006). For TBI survivors who are parents, aggression may also negatively impact parenting skills (Charles, et al., 2007). Resources that support survivors as parents are few (Kieffer-Kristensen, Teasdale, & Bilenberg, 2011), as are supports for their caregivers (Turner et al., 2010). We created a website to educate caregivers about TBI, stressmanagement techniques that help TBI survivors manage aggression, and family activities that facilitate positive interactions with children. When piloted to four people, feedback demonstrated that all goals were met …

Predictive Factors Of Successful Outcomes For Occupational Therapy Students, Juliet Macarthur, Julie Randall

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which pre-admission factors and program grades predict FWII performance and first time pass status on the NBCOT exam for occupational therapy students at the University of Puget Sound. Method: The sample included 242 students from cohorts 2002 to 2011. Multiple regression was used to predict FWII performance. Logistical regression predicted first time (P1) or second time pass (P2) on the NBCOT. One-sample t-test mean comparisons were calculated between students who passed or failed FWII, and between P1 and P2 students. Results: Prediction of FWII scores was not statistically …

A Manual To Support The Development Of Romantic Relationships And Sexuality For Adolescents And Young Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury, Libby Herriot, Lauren Rollins

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect an estimated 1.4 million individuals in the United States annually (Braden et al., 2010), most often affecting those between the ages of 15-19 years (Kerr, Harmon, Marshall, Proescholdbell, & Waller, 2014). Individuals with TBI experience impaired judgment, impulsivity, and a decrease in emotional regulation, which may result in verbal and nonverbal behaviors that negatively impact the development of sexuality and the formation of romantic relationships (Kay & Lezak, 1990). Additionally, people who sustain TBIs as children or adolescents are also faced with challenges of typically developing teens (e.g., impulsivity and undeveloped executive functioning skills), further …

An Activities-Based Home Program Manual For Student Occupational Therapists In A Campus-Based Teaching Clinic, Casey Brumbach, Kathryn Louthain

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Home programs are one component of occupational therapy service delivery that improves outcomes for clients and furthers the gains made in therapy. Home programs are individually designed activities and exercises that are intended to be incorporated into the client’s daily routine. Adherence to home programs, however, can be challenging and adherence rates range from 40-70%. Occupational therapy focuses on the use of meaningful, functional activities that have inherent therapeutic power. Home programs utilizing functional activity have been shown to increase effectiveness and follow-through for clients. Despite this evidence, very few activitybased home program resources exist for occupational therapists. Thus, a …

Listening To The Client: Experiences Of Occupational Therapy Services Shared By An Anishinaabe Tribal Member, Lauren Brown, Tessa Currie

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The indigenous American consumer perspective is lacking within occupational therapy research. By better understanding the experiences of individuals who identify as indigenous and who have received occupational therapy, practitioners can work to create a more effective therapeutic relationship, more relevant goals, and more effective treatment. A phenomenological approach to qualitative analysis was used to explore the perspective of one indigenous woman and her experience with occupational therapy. Themes that emerged include: 1) know the individual’s background and the tribal and regional history, 2) treat the whole including family and community, and 3) use a functional, practical and individualized approach relevant …

Standardized Patients In Occupational Therapy Education, Andrea E. Battle, Jessica M. Borceguin, Joanna P. Dizon, Lai Zan Saechao

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The use of standardized patients (SPs) in occupational therapy (OT) education has greatly increased in recent years; however, there is limited research on the perceptions of student’s clinical readiness utilizing SPs and whether or not the utilization of SPs prepare students for fieldwork. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of SPs in OT education and the perceived clinical readiness of students. The use of SPs has been thoroughly researched in other healthcare related fields. It is important that the same critical attention be given to their use in our own field, which emphasizes the importance of …

A Matter Of Balance: Program Outcomes For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Tiffany Lau, Victoria Reyes, Adrienne Angeles, Leslie Hollaway

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Aims: The purpose of this program evaluation was to determine if A Matter of Balance with volunteer lay leaders (AMOB/VLL) was effective in increasing fall self-efficacy, fall control, and fall management in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: Participants included community-dwelling older adults over the age of 60 who were concerned about falls and attended at least five of the eight AMOB/VLL program sessions. Fear of falling, pretest, posttest, and 3-, 6-, and 12- month follow-up data were collected from program participants between 2012 and 2013.

Results: Participants demonstrated overall improvements in fall self-efficacy, fall control, and fall management. Qualitative analysis also …

Participants' Perceptions Of Factors In Preventing Falls, Rajvinder K. Bains, Jaclyn A. Fok, Nadine M. Marcelo, Tamara Vileshina

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Falls pose a serious threat to older adults, often resulting in physical, emotional, and financial consequences. The use of multifactorial fall prevention programs has provided community-dwelling older adults with strategies to decrease the risk of falling. Outcomes for these programs are measured in terms of such factors as fear of falling, balance and self-efficacy. One outcome of fall prevention programs that is less well understood is what the older adults themselves perceive as most beneficial. For this program evaluation project, five women participated in semi-structured interviews to understand which aspects of a multifactorial fall prevention program they found to be …

Pediapp Finder: Creating A Pediatric Application Database, Sara Pro, Adrianne Leblanc, April Wasjutin, Robert Williams

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

It is estimated that of the 85% of Americans that own cell phones, over half of these cell phone owners use apps on their phone (Fox & Duggan, 2012; Purcell, 2011). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2013), by 2015, 500 million mobile device users will be using mobile health, or “m-Health” apps. Healthcare professionals are increasingly adopting mobile technology as an innovative, cost-efficient, and timesaving tool that may promote patient wellness and disease prevention (Kumar, 2013; mHealth Bible, 2013). Although mobile technology is a natural fit to the field of occupational therapy, research demonstrates that few resources …

Helping Parents Navigate Occupational Therapy In The Iep Process, Noelle Bakken, Kelly Calton, Molly Hyland, Shannon Landau

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

At the request of Matrix Parent Network and the Marin Autism Collaborative, the project developers have gathered information in order to help parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) better understand Occupational Therapy (OT) in the school setting. The development of the resource guide consisted of three needs assessments to identify areas of occupational therapy in which parents required further clarification. After meeting with the director of parent services from Matrix Parent Network, and receiving the online survey results from twenty-eight parents in Marin County, who have children with ASD, the project developers identified areas of OT to focus …