Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

From Classroom To Practice: Implementing The Core Set Of Outcome Measures In A Student-Led Clinic, Anders Brown Spt, Amy Zhou Spt, Holly Roberts Pt, Dpt, Phd, Ncs

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: Literature suggests that Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are insufficient for facilitating behavior change in clinicians. However, translating research to clinical practice is essential for evidence-based practice. Prior to publication of the Core Set of Outcome Measures (CSOMs) for Adults with Neurologic Conditions CPG, all recommended outcome measures (OMs) were included in the University of Puget Sound curriculum. Beginning Fall 2018, didactic instruction adjusted such that clinical decision-making for the CSOMs was instructed as outlined in the CPG.

Purpose: To determine whether utilization of CSOMs in a student-led neurologic outpatient physical therapy clinic changed after students received intentional didactic instruction …

What Motivates Highly Active Mothers? A Self-Determination Theory Perspective, Natalie Mcdaniel Spt, Stephane Robert Spt, Danny Mcmillian Pt, Dsc, Ocs

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

What Motivates Highly Active Mothers? A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Natalie McDaniel, SPT; Stephane Robert, SPT

Mentor: Danny McMillian, PT, DSc, OCS

Background: Physical inactivity is a major global health concern linked to high mortality rates. Extensive research demonstrates the role of physical activity (PA) in enhancing overall well-being, longevity, and disease prevention. Mothers living with children face significant challenges in pursuing PA.

Purpose: This qualitative research uses Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to investigate experiences and beliefs influencing PA motivation and satisfaction in highly active mothers.

Methods: (N=5). Participants completed the Motives for Physical Activities Measure - Revised (MPAM-R) and the Basic …

Is There A Relationship Between Lived Discrimination And Chronic Pain? - A Pilot Study, Jordan Taylor Kasube Spt, Erin P. O'Neill Spt, Sean White Spt, Karin Steere Dpt, Phd

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: The complexity of the human experience of pain involves myriad biological, psychological, and social factors, each contributing uniquely to the overall experience. Recent literature illustrates the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, including an association between chronic pain and lived-discrimination. Heart rate variability (HRV) is used as a measure of systemic health, with diminished HRV often accompanying chronic pain.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to provide a pilot feasibility protocol to investigate the relationship between lived discrimination and HRV across the spectrum of pain duration.

Methods: HRV data was collected from 39 participants while seated …

Is Upright Exploratory Play Influenced By Partial Body Weight Support In Infants With Down Syndrome?, Sofia Hardin Spt, Christa Lum Spt, Julia Looper Pt, Phd, Reham Abuatiq, Mia Hoffman, Alyssa Fiss Pt, Phd, Heather Feldner Pt, Phd

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Is Upright Exploratory Play Influenced by Partial Body Weight Support in Infants with Down Syndrome?

Sofia Hardin, SPT; Christa Lum, SPT

Mentor: Julia Looper, PT, PhD

Background: Children with Down syndrome (DS) typically present with delayed gross motor skills, which may negatively impact their development in other realms, such as cognition and language. The partial body-weight supported system (PBWSS) is a possible early intervention for infants with DS in physical therapy settings and in the community to facilitate motor development through exploratory play.

Purpose: To explore the effects of a PBWSS on upright play positions during exploratory play among infants …

Does Caregiver Use Of Portable Technology Impact Attachment For Infants And Young Children?, Caitlyn Alejo, Kevin Antoine, Christine Caley, Tess Morgan

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Ellie Olson, OTR/L, the primary collaborator for this project, is the owner of Fall City Children’s Therapy. In collaboration with occupational therapy (OT) students and faculty advisors, Renee Watling, Maggie Hayes, and Yvonne Swinth, the research question, “Does caregiver use of portable technology impact attachment for infants and young children?” was developed. This systematic review resulted in 12 articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles reported mixed results: (1) association between parent technology use and child attachment, (2) no association between parent technology use and child attachment, and (3) other associations besides parent technology use and child attachment, including …

Effectiveness Of Feeding Therapy Approaches On Consumption And Dietary Variety In Children With Sensory-Based Feeding Challenges, Josie Ash, Kayla Estes, Cecilia Morales, Rachel Mcelroy

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

This project was completed in collaboration with Hannah Michlmayer (OTR/L) at Therapy Services for Children in Seattle, Washington. The research team conducted a literature review to investigate the following question: For children ages 3-12 with sensory-based feeding challenges, what are the most effective interventions to improve dietary diversity and/or food acceptance? Evidence indicates that ABA-based interventions are the most studied, followed by video modeling and caregiver/parent training. These approaches demonstrate short-term increases in consumption and dietary variety. Most studies had small sample sizes with minimal long-term follow-up. There is a lack of research on group interventions, the SOS approach, and …

“Growing Together”: Addressing The Support Needs Of Caregivers Postpartum Through Occupational Therapy Intervention, Garrett Bagdon, Stephanie Iwasaki, Kelli Kawamoto, Alexa Mahoney

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Through a collaboration with a practicing occupational therapist in Tacoma, Washington who is currently interested in opening a private practice focused on providing care to caregivers in the postpartum period, the researchers posed the question, “When treating caregivers with children under one year of age, what is the effectiveness of existing interventions within the scope of occupational therapy in improving occupational performance?” Through a critical appraisal of topic project, it was found that the existing evidence supports occupational therapy interventions in the form of brief motivational interviewing, behavioral treatments, self-regulation education, wrist stabilization techniques, and group treatments aimed at decreasing …

Interventions That Address Quality Of Life For Those Transitioning To Long Term Care, Sharan Bhander, Michaela Mikulis, Kiana Serrao, Laice Valera

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

This research was proposed by community collaborator Lauren Gilliland, OTR/L, the director of occupational therapy at the Villages, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, in central Florida. Gilliland was interested in adding new interventions to her current practice, especially with older adults affected by transitioning to a long term care facility, who experience a shift of daily roles, routines, and identity that may impact their quality of life. The focus of this evidence-based project was to explore current literature of occupational therapy interventions aiming to improve quality of life for older adults, specifically transitioning into long term care facilities. The …

Pediatric Burn Management: Examining Efficacy And Affordability, Grace Bouker, Gabrielle Golinvaux, Kaytie Ridle, Makayla Stahl

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Our research was led by Kelly Culhane, OTR/L, at California Children Services (CCS), in searching for efficacious and cost-effective occupational therapy treatments, or sequences of treatments, in chronic pediatric (ages 3-21) burn scar management. The primary outcomes following burn scar treatment are to increase functionality, mobility, well-being, and to improve the physical appearance of the scars. Research suggests that exercise, massage, silicon gel, and silicon patches can all be used as occupational therapy treatment for burn scars. Unstructured massages and silicon patches were found to be the most cost-effective solutions, resulting in less itch and scar vascularity, and increased range …

Evidence-Based Interventions To Teach Daily Life Skills To Adults Impacted By Disabilities In Transition-Based Programs, Noam Baruch, Natalie Daughton, Sarah Derifield, Chloe Herrera

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

In collaboration with an occupational therapist at a school-based outreach program, we conducted a systematic literature review exploring existing evidence-based interventions that support activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) skill acquisition for transition-aged students over the age of 18 highly impacted by cognitive or intellectual disabilities. Existing literature explored the use of video-based interventions such as video prompting (VP) and video modeling (VM); interactive technology such as augmented reality, iPad applications, or audio recordings; non-technology based interventions such as visual supports, self-regulated problem solving, and adapting the environment. The evidence favored the use of …

Impacts Of Cultural Competency Training On Patient Outcomes, Claire Sinner, Lani Messmer, Sharon Oh

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

The collaborating provider is Malcolm Reed, OTR/L who works at an outpatient clinic with the Office of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Tacoma, WA. The outpatient clinic that Malcom practices in is a multidisciplinary rehabilitation setting that provides therapy services of PT, OT, SLP, and chiropractic care treating a wide variety of diagnoses. Mr. Reed believes there is a growing need for a strategy to provide effective culturally competent care at the VA, particularly for the African American population. The need to provide care to the increasingly diverse veteran population guided student researchers to conduct a literature review asking if cultural …

Strength-Based Occupational Therapy Interventions For Neurodiverse Adolescents And Young Adults, Ellen Howard, Christina Connell

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

In collaboration with Seattle Therapy Network, an outpatient pediatric occupational and speech therapy clinic, a critical appraisal of the literature was conducted to answer the following question: How can occupational therapists provide strength-based interventions for adolescents and young adults with autism and/or ADHD that support progression toward personally meaningful outcomes? Nineteen articles were critically appraised and were found to support using such interventions to promote meaningful outcomes in seven occupational areas. It is recommended that occupational therapy practitioners utilize strength-based, identity-affirming approaches that leverage client interests and abilities when working with neurodiverse youth in order to facilitate progress toward meaningful …

Factors That Influence Handwriting Legibility For School-Aged Children, Briegan Bester, Tori Chaffee, Jenna Miller, Laura Soper

Occupational Therapy Evidence Projects

Four occupational therapy students collaborated with 360 Pediatric Therapy, a Seattle based pediatric occupational therapy practice. The collaborating practitioners, Catherine (Cate), Heather, and Miriam, were interested in the current and relevant evidence surrounding factors impacting handwriting legibility with children. Student researchers systematically reviewed the literature from 2007-2023 to address the question, "What are the main factors that affect or correlate with handwriting legibility for school- aged children K-5?” Out of the 936 articles screened, researchers found 36 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Research demonstrates that handwriting interventions (in and out of the classroom) involving multiple skills (cognition, visual motor, …