Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ehealth Cancer-Related Fatigue Intervention Single Arm Study, Anne Fleischer, Samantha Gelhaus, Emily Flohre, Caroline Frazee, Mary I. Fisher, Carrie Pickering

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Cancer related fatigue (CRF), a sense of physical, emotional and cognitive tiredness not relieved by rest, negatively affects function. Prevalence is reported to be 59-100% throughout the care continuum. Exercise and psychosocial interventions are supported as effective treatment options, yet barriers to personalized care include time and distance to travel for care. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of personalized exercise prescribed by physical therapy (PT), and occupational goal setting and tasks prescribed by occupational therapy (OT) on physical function.

Number of Subjects: 16 adults with cancer and fatigue ≥4/10.

Materials and Methods: Over …

Bal-A-Vis-X Intervention To Improve Upper Limb Coordination In Children With Disability: A Pilot Study, Marta Boot, Zoe Clark, Kyla Hill, Mckenzie Stefanoff, Betsy Donahoe Fillmore, Trisha Renner, Bo Slutz, Mary I. Fisher

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Balance/Auditory/Vision exercises (Bal-A-Vis-X) consists of a series of exercises using sand-filled bags and racquet balls. Most of the exercises are completed while standing on a rocker board and heavily rooted in rhythm. The rhythmic patterns are utilized to facilitate focused concentration, crossing midline, motor planning, right/left awareness, eye-hand coordination, balance, bilateral coordination, body and spatial awareness. Only a few published studies have explored Bal-A-Vis-X as an intervention in therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of Bal-A-Vis-X to improve upper limb coordination in children with motor delays.

Number of Subjects: Fifteen children with motor delays …

A Comparison Of Clinical Measures Between Front And Back Court National Basketball Association Players, Philip A. Anloague, Brooklyn Keaton, Noah Monaghan, Brianna Pittenger, Angelica Scanland, Claire Slamka, Destiny Sunberg, Brett Williams

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare select clinical measures between front and back court players to establish normative values in these populations. We hypothesized that there would be differences between front and back court players for select clinical measures.

Subjects: 326 Rostered National Basketball Association (NBA) players participated. Subjects were divided into two groups, frontcourt (n=132) and backcourt (n=194) and were excluded if they were not cleared to participate in pre-season training at the time of data collection.

Methods: Data was collected by a single rater during training camp. Inclusion criteria included non-injured players who were cleared …

Acl Bracing: Is It Still Being Done Clinically And Does It Influence Confidence And/Or Biomechanical Performance During A Drop Vertical Jump?, Bailey Watson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures account for 60% of sports-related injuries and the gold standard for treatment is surgical intervention to replace the damaged ligament to restore function of the ACL. Braces are typically used to return to previous physical activity levels; however, there are no clear guidelines on their utilization. Beyond the physical consequences of undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery, the psychological component is often ignored.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to better understand the impact of knee bracing on both biomechanical factors and confidence following ACL reconstruction. Two aims comprise the overarching purpose; the first is …

Cannabidiol (Cbd) And Resistance Training: Does Cbd Attenuate Acute Pain?, Guillermo Pacheco

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

INTRODUCTION: Resistance training (RT) is an advantageous form of physical activity for health and performance benefits; these benefits are maximized when done strenuously. However, strenuous RT can induce acute inflammatory pain which can lead to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Common analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can block protein synthesis, so other alternatives are needed for exercise and athletic communities to maintain physiological adaptations. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with purported anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and analgesic properties. One of the main reasons for the use of CBD in exercise is pain alleviation; however, research in humans is limited. Therefore, the …

Promoting Life Skills Through An Occupation-Based Program For Youth In The Juvenile Justice System, Maggie L. Dejong

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Youth who have experienced trauma are at risk for negative developmental changes to their brain, which may lead to poor health outcomes, involvement in the juvenile justice system, and early death. This population may experience a lack of occupational engagement, decreased self-regulation strategies, and difficulty forming life skills that are necessary for carrying out everyday tasks. Having trauma-informed awareness in the contexts of these individuals is essential when providing care and meeting their needs. The doctoral capstone project aimed to promote life skills through an occupation-based program for youth in the juvenile justice system. Current literature supports the need for …

Incorporating Music Into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Abby Kays

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Music in therapy research currently focuses on the role of music therapy in children with behaviors, mood, and social/communication difficulties. However, limited research exists on the role of music in occupational therapy. The purpose of the capstone project was to use music-focused occupation-based interventions with children to improve social/communication skills, mood, and behaviors at a pediatric outpatient clinic. A literature review was completed on the objectives listed above to determine the need of the project. The theoretical foundation of the project is the Ecology of Human Performance Model, focusing on the unique contexts of each child. Music was used in …

Say Neigh To Poor Health: Exploring The Impact Of Equine Assisted Services On Children's Health, Courtney S. Barrus

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background: Currently, in the United States, one in six children has a developmental disability (CDC, 2022). According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (2021), developmental disabilities negatively influence an individual's ability to solve problems, social skills, life skills, ability to form relationships, and ability to learn. Equine-assisted services are a group of services, including hippotherapy and adaptive riding, which have been shown to have a positive impact on physical, emotional, and social deficits (Haig & Skinner, 2022; Helmer et al., 2021; Madigand et al., 2023; Zoccante et al., 2021). Methods: The capstone was completed in two steps. …

Exploring Occupational Therapy’S Role In Childcare Settings, Makayla Hamling

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This study focused on exploring the occupational therapist's role in childcare settings. The program development, observations, and hands-on activity allowed for first-hand experience of the role occupational therapists could play in a daycare setting. Incorporating meaningful participation, education, and environmental modifications were a part of this study. The study was conducted in Northeast Nebraska, with a total of 31 participants.

Early detection is key to addressing developmental delays in many areas (play, social, leisure, dressing, eating, etc). Developmental screenings can assist caregivers and specialists in knowing and understanding how a child is developing compared to his or her same-aged peers. …

Parkinson's Disease And Voice Perception: A Little Bit Louder Now!, Samantha Manes, Taylor Desimone

Graduate Student Research: Capstone Competition

This proposed study aims to address gaps in research literature on Parkinson’s disease by investigating the neural mechanisms involved in PD patients' perception of volume using electroencephalography (EEG). By examining brain activity during voice perception tasks, the research seeks to uncover specific areas within the brain that may contribute to the lack of awareness of speaking softly. Insights gained from this study could inform the development of targeted interventions to improve communication and overall quality of life for PD patients. Ultimately, the research aims to provide a louder voice to those affected by Parkinson's disease, enhancing their ability to engage …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Developmental Programming At Early Childhood Education And Childcare Centers: A Qualitative Study, Alexis N. Foehrkolb, Jenna Lenhart, Hayley Woods, Madison Wetzel, Breanna Adkins, Sueann R. Woods

Graduate Student Scholarship

This research study aimed to discover what strategies of developmental programming are integrated into early childhood curriculum, whether occupational therapy had a role in the formation of the guidelines, and the importance of early intervention on child development. A case study with ethnographic methods was used, including observations and interviews, to gain an understanding of how sociocultural phenomena affect rural childcare centers in Morgantown, West Virginia. Data was collected and coded into 14 themes, and then analyzed by student researchers. Results from interview data found that daycare teachers are given the choice to follow provided lesson plans or individualize their …

Effectiveness Of Escoop® Lenses On A Select Group Of Veterans, Connie Chronister Od, Denise T. Wilcox Od, Stanley Hatch Od, Mph

Optometric Clinical Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective chart review to see if the use of EScoop® lenses improved the referred veterans' contrast acuity and subjective visual discomfort of glare, photophobia, or difficulty with night driving. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed examinations of 23 veterans aged 36 to 91 who chose EScoop ® for their spectacle prescription. The EScoop ® set available in our clinic included two shades, yellow or orange, two center lens thicknesses (LT), 6 or 9 mm, and with or without 4 prism diopters yoked base up (BU) prism. Results: The largest diagnostic group tested …

Feeding Deficits Contributing To Picky Eating, Olivia Paige Allen, Brianna Paige Pestrosky, Caitlyn Shaffer

Graduate Student Scholarship

Children are often known as picky eaters but many aspects contribute to feeding that one may not be aware of. These factors include sensory, oral motor, behavioral, neuromuscular, social skills, developmental readiness, and functional feeding skills. This study analyzes the aspects of feeding that contribute to picky eating and examines why some aspects may contribute more than others. The study will be conducted through the use of observation and standardized occupational therapy assessments while looking at children ages 2-10 years old. The goal of the study is to increase the knowledge of picky eating by relating it to the various …

Collegiate Student-Athlete Mental Health In West Virginia: An Occupational Perspective, Natalie P. Gates, Bailey A. Riggs, Drew D. Altizer

Graduate Student Scholarship

Collegiate athletes must take on multiple roles while they are attending a college or university, which can negatively impact their mental health. These student-athletes must not only follow the role demands and expectations of an athlete but also of a college student, all while emerging into adulthood in the college environment. This can be overwhelming for many collegiate athletes, and they often find it difficult to balance all their responsibilities to live a satisfactory life. Therefore, a role for occupational therapy exists in this realm. A quantitative study design using survey methods was chosen in hopes of identifying and describing …

The Impact Of Parent And Caregiver Perceptions Of Inclusivity Regarding The Concepts Of Inclusive Playgrounds​, Cydnee M. Bacci

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone was completed in partnership with Recreational Concepts, LLC and Ingrid Kanics OTR/L, FOATA, CPSI. The purpose of this project was to collect current and accurate data regarding parent and caregiver perceptions of inclusive play throughout the Middle Tennessee area. The inclusive playgrounds that participated in this study were Mary’s Magical Place, Henslee Park, and the Thisbe and Noah Promise Park Foundation. Current literature highlights the fact that a sizeable gap exists regarding who is using inclusive playgrounds and if they are properly facilitating inclusive play. Obtaining a deeper understanding of how inclusive playgrounds are being used leads to …

Sensory Exploration Curriculum Development For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Community, Caroline F. Stegall

OTD Capstone Projects

This project served to promote sensory strategies among participants at a day program for adults with disabilities. Using an occupational therapy lens, a sensory exploration-based curriculum and collaborative efforts for a sensory room on site were developed.

Exploring Leisure And Recreation Programming Within A Transitional Living Community, Alexandra Joynes

OTD Capstone Projects

Dismas House is an approved Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), 501(c)(3) non-profit residential re-entry program serving men who are returning to the community from state and county jails and prisons. The purpose of this capstone experience is to collaborate with Dismas House staff and residents to create sustainable resources for community dinner and programming engagement through a recreation and leisure lens. At Dismas House, the goal is to support these men as they navigate a variety of challenges that come with transition from prison back into society, whether this is through providing basic needs, focusing on health & well-being, employing …

Nashville Dolphins Water Safety Awareness Project, Evan D. Eidson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed with Nashville Dolphins. The Nashville Dolphins offer free learn to swim lessons and swim team programs for children and adults with disabilities at no cost. The organization serves over 300 swimmers in the learn to swim classes and over 100 swimmers on their swim team. The programs are run by volunteers. The focus of this project was to develop programming resources to raise awareness of water safety and the steps for the Nashville Dolphins to help lower statistics of drowning rates. Deliverables provided to the organization include PowerPoint presentation to be sent to parents …

Creation Of Educational Resources And Program Development For The Empower Me Center, Sarah Marie T. Morris

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed with the Empower Me Center, a multi-faceted non-profit organization based in Lebanon, Tennessee. They serve individuals with special needs through activities and opportunities for growth while providing community education on disabilities and inclusiveness. Educational content and disability awareness programming was created for teachers, clinicians, parents/caregivers, etc. to meet the needs of community education and disability awareness. Using an occupational therapy perspective, multiple presentations for future medical and educational conferences were created. In addition, Ryan’s Recess is a disability awareness program that was further developed to increase knowledge in an inclusive environment by offering exposure …

Voices Beyond Bars: A Qualitative Study Examining Occupational Participation For Formerly Incarcerated Women, Brianna Correia, Mary Smith Otd, Otr/L, Cynthia Simons Rps, Mhps

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project addressed the research question: “What are the systemic, societal, and personal barriers and facilitators to occupational participation and engagement that formerly incarcerated women experience in Texas?” The project aimed to advocate for formerly incarcerated women living in Texas by interviewing and collaborating with them to create an advocacy booklet highlighting their lived experiences. Following USAHS IRB approval, recruitment, and screening, 20 participants engaged in a semi-structured interview via Zoom. Insights on their experience post-incarceration in Texas regarding housing, employment, family, healthcare, and change were explored. The data obtained was analyzed and codes and themes were identified. When …

Implementing Caregiver Resources Handout And Enhancing Parent And Caregiver Appreciation Week, Sidney Coolidge

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with MOVE Inclusive Dance, an inclusive dance studio that empowers individuals of all ability levels to learn life skills through dance. The aim of this project was to provide parents and caregivers resources that would introduce them to different businesses and groups around the greater Nashville area. As a result, a parent and caregiver resource document was created to benefit families from early diagnosis in childhood to adulthood and included financial aid opportunities, respite care, support groups, legal planning, and many others. The project culminated with parent and caregiver appreciation week where …

Development And Implementation Of A Training Manual For Increased Utilization Of The Universal Exercise Unit (Ueu), Anya Marie Jones

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Rehab Without Walls (RWW) Neuro Solutions in Hendersonville, TN; an outpatient clinic dedicated towards serving adults with various neurological conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and more. The focus of this project was to develop a training manual for the therapists at RWW to improve occupation-based utilization of the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU). Through the lens of the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model and Albert Bandura’s theory of behavior change, each therapist’s performance range (i.e., ability to perform tasks) depended on both the context (the …

An Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Neuromuscular Impairments Designed To Improve Balance, Mood, Quality Of Life, And Engagement In Daily Occupations, Hayes Miller, Mary Smith Otd, Otr/L, Christienne Parten Otd, Med, Otr

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neuromuscular impairments such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affect an individual's balance, mood, and ability to engage in daily occupations, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Yoga is a practice that is adaptable to any level of function and is holistic in its goal of mind-body unity. However, there has been minimal research regarding yoga's efficacy as a modality for populations with neuromuscular impairments. This study aimed to improve these factors as well as proprioception and interoceptive awareness through the delivery of a 6-week community-based yoga program. The program involved 5 participants, 4 with PD and 1 …

Comparing The Effects Of Mat Pilates On Lower Limb Strength And Agility In Young Adults With Sedentary To Active Lifestyles, Morgan Mccammon

Scholar Week 2016 - present

Background: Meeting physical activity guidelines is essential for maintaining physical health, decreasing the risk of chronic disease, and improving fitness. Pilates is a form of low to moderate exercise that can be implemented to improve multiple components of fitness and be considered active. Today, Pilates is available to the general population through online instruction.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 4-week, self-led online Pilates program or walking routine on inactive and active young adults. This study analyzed changes in lower limb strength and agility.

Methods: This experiment involved 18 young adults from Olivet …

New & Current Non-Invasive Occupational Therapy Interventions In Post Stroke Rehabilitation, Cynthia Carr Drot, Ms, Otr/L, Genevieve Marion Ots, Jaclyn Robbins Ots, Gema Solis Ots

Research Days

Occupational therapy practitioners use neuro-rehabilitative interventions to treat patients, post-stroke, across a continuum of care in the United States. New and current evidence-based interventions are being used in a variety of settings to treat patients. The objective of this study was to identify which new and current neuro-rehabilitative interventions approaches were being utilized by occupational therapy practitioners throughout the U.S., in their practice for patients who have experienced stroke. To achieve this a nationwide, anonymous online survey conducted by occupational therapy graduate students was delivered to members of the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association through …

Exploring The Necessity For A Community-Based Driver Rehabilitation Program Within The Chicago Southland Area: The Physician's Perspective, Luther King

Research Days

Individuals who experience neurological, visual, or physical deficits in function may have difficulty driving. Limitations in driving can lead to isolation and a decreased quality of life. Limitations in community mobility can also impact an individual's activities of daily living. Driver rehabilitation helps individuals with an impairment to achieve their highest level of independence in community mobility through operating a motor vehicle or other forms of transportation. In a previously conducted research study we found that there is a lack of referrals and communication from physicians regarding driver rehabilitation programs. This research project aims to assess physicians' knowledge and perceptions …

Work Hardening And Mindfulness Training For Individuals Living With Traumatic Limb Loss, Jayda Gibson, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

About 185,000 amputations occur every year, leaving roughly about 2 million individuals currently living with limb loss in the United States. Within this population, about 45% of these injuries occur from traumatic events (Department of Veteran Affairs, 2022). These events include military veterans injured in combat, civilian motor vehicle accidents, gun shot wounds, industrial incidents, and various other traumatic events (Pomares et al., 2020). Due to the the recent loss of a limb, individuals within this population are at high risk of occupational abandonment secondary to many factors that are discussed within the Model of Human Occupation. Following a traumatic …

Cracking A Back Is Not Rehabilitation: A Comparative Analysis Of Chiropractic Vs. Physical Therapy, Lauren M. Radack

Student Scholar Showcase

There is an increasingly common belief among the general public that chiropractic care is more successful in treating injuries than physical therapy. Research shows that chiropractic care cannot be compared to physical therapy due to their different skill sets, knowledge of treatment, and applications; therefore, one modality cannot be determined better than the other. While the two domains are incomparable, individuals continue to feel pressured to select between chiropractic care and physical Therapy. Analyzing the influence of the false claims and misinformation that surrounds rehabilitation services, the belief that physical therapy treatment is able to be replaced by chiropractic treatment …

Respite Care And Relief For Brain Injury Survivors And Their Caregivers, Sydney Bradley

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with Neuro Therapy Nashville. Neuro Therapy Nashville (NTN) is an outpatient interdisciplinary clinic that provides services to brain injury survivors including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, etc. Their mission is work in collaboration with patients to regain as much normal function as possible and return to better, more productive lives through a positive, hopeful and expectant environment. The primary purpose of this project was to create and develop three different programs to provide respite and relief for the brain injury survivors and their caregivers. The process of the project involved collaboration with …

Preparatory Program For Women During Pregnancy/Postpartum And Transitioning Back To Work Or School, Bria Runnels, Rebecca King

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the importance of maternal health during the prenatal, postnatal, and parenting stages, there is a lack of research on the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in addressing the occupational challenges faced by women during this transitional phase. This dissertation aims to develop a program that raises awareness of the role of occupational therapy in maternal health and promotes occupational therapists as part of an interdisciplinary team within the scope of maternal health care. By adapting co-occupation for mothers, occupational therapists can play an important role in individualizing occupations for enhanced transitioning and overall quality of life. The study highlights …