Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Education Of The Effects Of Obesity Medications And A Stepwise Approach To Mitigate Prevalence And Encourage Lifestyle Medicine For Primary Care Physicians, Kiely M. Curran

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

My Capstone project is an Educational Manual that emphasizes a healthcare team approach to the treatment and management of obesity. The Educational Manual consists of a standardized protocol in management of obesity in patients and a document with summarized references for primary care providers; and a simplified document for patient education. There is a growing interest in the usage of obesity medications. The purpose of my Capstone project is to provide a simplified manual for the primary care provider to reference to make knowledgeable and patient-centered decisions in the prescription of obesity medications and decisions in weight-management. My methodology included …

Proposal: How Does The Total Sugar Intake Impact Cognitive Function In Children 10 Years Of Age?, Andrew O. Laidlaw, Camila Arrieta, Shoshana Yachnes

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The effects that high sugar intake has on cognitive function is an ongoing topic in research today. Although most studies point to a negative relationship between the variables, the evidence is not conclusive enough to be able to confirm its true effect. While evidence finds an association between high sugar intake and chronic diseases, its impact on cognitive function is yet to be determined. The purpose of this proposed research study is to examine how total sugar intake impacts the cognitive function in children. Fifty children, age 10, will be randomly chosen from schools in South Florida for a cross-sectional …

Nutritional Deuterium Depletion And Health: A Scoping Review, Nicole Korchinsky

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Background: Deuterium depletion is an untapped area of energy metabolism and health.

Objectives: The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the health effects through deuterium depletion via deuterium-depleted water and a deuterium-depleted diet (ketogenic).

Methods: A protocol process approach was used to retrieve current research in deuterium depletion.

Results: 15 research articles were used. Deuterium depletion was found to have beneficial health effects in the following conditions: cancer prevention, cancer treatment, depression, diabetes, long-term memory, anti-aging, and sports performance.

Conclusion: Even with limited data, consistent deuterium depletion was seen across all conditions reviewed. …

Research Proposal: The Effects Of Dietary Zinc On Adhd Signs And Symptoms In Teenage Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sarai Logan, Andrea Villalba Torres, Amanda Miller

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD presents difficulties for adolescents, affecting numerous areas of life. Recent research suggests a relationship between zinc deficiency and ADHD symptoms, encouraging interest in dietary interventions utilizing zinc. However, there is missing research regarding effects of zinc use for ADHD symptoms in young girls as the generalized research is geared toward boys who express ADHD characteristics differently. The objective of this study is to explore if zinc-rich diets may improve signs/symptoms in girls 13 to 17-years-old with ADHD. An intervention design will be adopted with …

“The Effects Of Magnesium Supplementation For Adolescent Female Athletes With Pms Or Dysmenorrhea: An Intervention, Reilly Richardson, Hannah Baumer, Aquisha Powell

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

A multitude of women experience the monthly challenge of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea characterized by symptoms such as irritability, depression, anxiety, mood swings, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, and bloating. Commonly treated by the overuse of over-the-counter pain medications which often do not fully alleviate the physical signs and fail to address affective symptoms. Consequently, a notable portion of female athlete’s report being unable to participate in athletic events of any kind during the menstrual phase. Moreover, the chronic use of medications like acetaminophen poses potential risks such as nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. Thus, the proposed study seeks to …

Effect Of The Mediterranean Diet On Type 2 Diabetes In Teens/Young Adults, Megan Herrera, Taylor Folwark, Christine Marti-Milward, Madison Benjamin

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition affecting roughly 422 million people worldwide. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when there are elevated blood sugar levels for long periods of time which could lead to damage within the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, and nervous system. T2D occurs due to the body’s resistance to insulin or insufficient production of insulin. T2D is prevalent among adults, but as time continues, a larger number of teens/young adults are being diagnosed with this condition. As research advances, there is evidence that indicates pharmacological treatments can be used to positively affect T2D. …

Prescribing Flavor: Proposal For A Longitudinal Culinary Medicine Curriculum In A Family Medicine Residency Program, Mario F. Jacome Jr

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Culinary medicine is gaining recognition as an essential component of healthcare, aiming to integrate food and nutrition into medical practice for managing chronic diseases. However, there is a significant gap in nutrition education within medical schools and residency programs, leaving healthcare professionals ill-equipped to address patients' dietary concerns. This proposal presents a comprehensive longitudinal curriculum blueprint for culinary medicine tailored to family medicine residents. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative cooking opportunities, and practical counseling techniques to empower residents in addressing nutrition-related diseases effectively. Through a structured approach and innovative educational strategies, this initiative aims to enhance resident proficiency and …

Home-Based Virtual Culinary Nutrition Education Sessions For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: Quantitative Experimental Pilot Study, Ciara N. Reistad, Mauricio Lobo

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) impairs voluntary muscular activity and often results in malnutrition. The need for specialized dietary therapy for ALS-related illnesses is highlighted by recent research, but it also draws attention to the lack of targeted care and ongoing nutritional status monitoring. Technological developments like telehealth and chatbots hold potential for ALS patients’ nutritional monitoring. The pilot study examined the feasibility and impact of home-based virtual culinary nutrition education sessions on nutritional knowledge, dietary intake of energy (CHO), protein (PRO) and FAT, body mass index (BMI), and functional status assessed by ALSFRS-R scores in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis …

Prevalence, Faunal Composition, And Vertical Distribution Of Bioluminescence In The Pelagic Gulf Of Mexico: Fishes, Crustaceans, Cephalopods And Gelatinous Megaplankton, Devynne M. Brown

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Bioluminescence is the phenomenon of light emission by living organisms. It occurs through a chemical reaction within an organism and serves various purposes. The diversity of bioluminescent capabilities and occurrence in unrelated taxa suggest that bioluminescence has evolved independently numerous times amongst taxa thriving in certain environments. One such environment is the deep ocean, where little to no sunlight penetrates the water column, specifically in the mesopelagic (200-1000 m depth) and bathypelagic (> 1000 m) zones. The mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones have been extensively sampled and well documented in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), one of the few places globally …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of The Internal Transcribed Sequences (Its) As Dna Barcodes To Estimate Fungal Diversity, Jailisa Linares

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Universal phylogenetic markers such as the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed sequences (ITS), specifically ITS1 and ITS2, are routinely used to estimate fungal diversity in environmental samples. However, numerous studies report differences in the performance and efficacy of ITS1 and ITS2 in documenting fungal diversity. To better understand the implications of using ITS1 versus ITS2, a comprehensive representation of the diverse fungal taxa was necessary to conduct a meta-analysis of their use across multiple fungal taxa. In order to address this, a thorough literature review was conducted to compare and contrast the use of ITS1 and ITS2 as effective DNA barcodes. …

The Implementation Of A Career-Readiness Program For Youth In A Group/Foster Care Setting, Brianie Clarke, Brianie Clarke

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The transition from high school to any form of postsecondary education is often a challenging experience in and of itself. For individuals who are a part of the foster care system, it is increasingly difficult to traverse this transition due to decreased access to resources and support. Throughout this capstone experience at the group home, A Kid's Place, I created a career readiness program that focused on gauging what each individuals’ interests are, curating a realistic career pathway/plan that would aid in the accomplishment of their goals, and created resourceful materials that would prepare participants to begin their own postsecondary …

Nutrient Supplementation For Pre- And Post Acl Operation & Rehabilitation In Female Basketball Players, Mackenzie Steele, Joshua Munoz

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Understanding how nutrition and dietary protocols can help female athletes in the process of “returning to sport” after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgery should be discussed amongst interprofessional post-operational care teams. Amongst athletes, female counterparts experience ACL injuries at a higher incidence rate than males, this is due to a variety of biological factors while returning to sport at a lower rate. Due to this, it is important to analyze and evaluate the data available from sports journals on the effects diet and supplements may have on the musculoskeletal system. ACL grafts are often taken from a donating …

Incorporating An Occupational Therapy Perspective In A Pediatric Early Developmental Clinic, Olivia Mahoney

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Clinical Research Capstone At The National Institutes Of Health Clinical Center, Deborah J. Kofsky

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Fall Prevention & Vision Therapy Program For Inpatient Rehab, James P. Ryan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Falls and vision impairments are common areas of concern for many adult and geriatric individuals currently residing in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. While most facilities have a fall prevention program in place, many are inadequate at determining a patients true fall risk and reducing the number of falls sustained by these populations. Through the creation and consistent implementation of an evidence-based fall prevention and vision therapy program via screenings, assessments and patient specific interventions the number of falls sustained by these populations within an inpatient rehab facility was reduced over a three month period compared the three months prior to the …

Physical Wellness Programming For Community-Dwelling Seniors In Local Senior Center For Improved Social, Physical, And Mental Well-Being, Steven A. Dinnen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The capstone project was creating an eight-week physical wellness program for community-dwelling seniors at the Senior Sunshine Center, a local senior center, that improved the social, physical, and mental well-being of those participating. The project population is community-dwelling senior adults over 55 who participate at the Sunshine Senior Center, and the focus areas are program development. The capstone project adds to the limited research about physical activity programs created by occupational therapists for community-dwelling older adults. Lastly, it highlights the importance of physical, mental, and social well-being for community-dwelling older adults. My capstone goals were met by using a pre …

Geriatric Interest Plan For Individuals With Dementia: Improved Quality Of Life, Alexis T. Francois

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this Capstone experience was to identify the specific needs to improve the quality of life for individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2022a), 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older have dementia. It is imperative for people living with this disease to be actively involved in meaningful activities that can reduce their negative symptoms. People with dementia constitute 40% of patients with significant depression (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022a). The common risk factors that increase the likelihood of depression in these adults include social isolation and loneliness, lack of exercise, and functional limitations that …

Accommodated Gymnastics Program For Atypically Developing Children, Ashtin Callahan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Lymphedema Management For Those Living With Spinal Cord Disorders To Address Caregiver Burden, Nia L. Bolen-Daniels

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The following capstone project focused on the creation of a booklet that identified the needs determined by caregivers and providers. The booklet includes beneficial resources to aid in reducing caregiver burden for those with spinal cord injuries (SCI) with lymphedema needs with a concentration of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) population. This capstone project’s primary goal was to understand the caregiver’s perspective and their needs to assist with any gaps identified to further aid them and their providers.

The Dynamics Of A Full-Time Academician: Teaching, Scholarship & Service, Jalissa Nicole Black

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Academia by definition is “an environment or community concerned with pursuing research, education, and scholarship” (Oxford Languages, n.d.). In higher education, such as graduate-level studies, academia is a system fostering the growth in knowledge and practicality of students aiming to be of professional standing, however, academia from a full-time faculty member standpoint is to also be a life-long learner and pursuer of knowledge as well. My doctoral capstone experience (DCE) took place under the guidance of Christina Kane, EdD, MS, OTR/L, a full-time faculty member at Nova Southeastern University where she acts as Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Academic Professor, and Advisor …

The Efficacy Of Group-Based Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Decreasing Post-Stroke Depression To Improve Functional Outcomes, Lindsay Marie Folsom

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Expanding The Occupational Therapy Oncology Rehabilitation Program At James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Annalisa M. Rodriguez

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Understanding Athletes’ Experience When Transitioning To Life Beyond Sport, Mary L. Dell'arciprete, M Lauren Dell'arciprete

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Discontinuation may be by choice or may be due to an injury; however most collegiate athletes’ sports engagement ends due to graduation causing them to shift their role in an occupation that played a crucial role in their self-identity. Athletes of all levels are challenged in their transition beyond sport and in the adjustment to the various role changes that occur. A significant life event, such as the end of one’s athletic engagement, can cause a loss of identity, purpose, and mental health decline. Former athletes may experience occupational disruption, a temporary inability to adequately engage in meaningful tasks due …

Implementation Of An Intensive Amplitude-Focused Program With Stroke Patients In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Lauren R. Lafreniere

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This 16-week capstone experience with Southern Crescent Traumatic Brain Injury Center (SCTBI) focused on creating and implementing an intensive amplitude-focused program to improve functional and motor outcomes in stroke survivors. The student achieved Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG (LSVT-BIG) certification to gain in-depth knowledge regarding neuroplasticity and recalibration of the sensorimotor system through high-amplitude movements. The student utilized the knowledge gained from the certification course to create an intensive high-amplitude program appropriate for acute stroke survivors in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The program is comprised of exercises that are completed in either supine, seated, or sitting and focus on functional movements …

Incorporating Poi As A Therapeutic Modality For Preschool Aged Children In The Care Clinic, Danielle Zirkle

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Sex-Specific Effects Of High-Fat And Ketogenic Diet On Inflammatory Responses In The Hippocampus, Shalet James

Honors Theses

Poor diet and metabolic diseases (obesity, Type 2 diabetes) are associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression. Studies indicate that inflammation in the hippocampus could be one mechanism linking these conditions. Previous findings on inflammation, specifically glial activity in response to a high-fat diet, indicate sex differences in microglial responses in the hippocampus. The ketogenic diet is characterized by a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein diet. While the ketogenic diet is very high in fat content, it may also possess neuroprotective properties against brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as boost mood …

Are You Ready To Engage? The Impact Of Decisional Conflict On Advance Directives Education, Marcia Brown

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

End-of-Life (EOL) refers to medical support given to those facing death and advance directives (AD) is a document that helps to distinguish the nature of that support. The literature suggests conflict is a barrier in the advance care planning (ACP) process and if it remains unresolved in the absence of an AD, there is prolongation of unwanted treatment, increased costs, and lower quality of care. The purpose of this research was to uncover decisional conflict and determine the usefulness of ACP engagement factors in faith communities through a unique intervention – CADE (Conflict and Advance Directives Education). Three theories – …

State Level Mental Health Education Compared To Suicide-Related Behavior In Adolescents, 2019, Sonia Rao

Honors Theses

Objective: Determining correlations between state level mental and emotional health (M&E) education and suicide prevention (SP) education to suicide-related behaviors (I.e. feeling sad or hopeless, suicide ideation, making a suicide plan, suicide attempt, suicide attempt treated by medical personnel, and death by suicide) within high school adolescents aged 15-19 within the United States in 2019.

Methods: State level education policies, M&E and SP, were retrieved from the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). Self-reported adolescent suicide related behaviors were retrieved from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Data on deaths by suicide of youth aged 15-19 …

Student Response To Varied Instructional Methods In Level I Fieldwork Experiences, Camille Cj Turner

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to investigate student responses to three different instructional strategies used to fulfill level I fieldwork requirements: traditional in-clinic rotation, a combination of virtual simulation and traditional in-clinic rotations, and virtual simulation. A multi-decade occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork shortage was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, in which OT education programs struggled to provide accreditation-required clinical education. Virtual simulation programs were utilized to fulfill some requirements, particularly more introductory-level fieldwork. Several cohorts of a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy “bridge” program for licensed, practicing Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapist Assistants were the subjects of …

Comprehensive Sleep Program For Active-Duty Special Operators In The Us Military, Hope Brew

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.