Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Experiences Of Occupational Therapists In Natural Disasters: A Qualitative Study, Samantha L. Becker, Emily Reiter

Occupational Therapy Capstones

OBJECTIVE. This study explored the experiences of occupational therapists who have lived through a natural disaster within the last five years.

METHOD. Researchers conducted a literature review and developed a semi-structured interview using the Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) model as a guide. Six occupational therapists (1 male and 5 females) were selected using convenience and purposive snowball sampling. Each participant was interviewed one time. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and data was analyzed using an open coding system.

FINDINGS. Following the data analysis process, four categories were identifies. These categories included personal experience, environmental influence, social experience, and professional …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Skilled Dementia Care: Improving Quality Of Life, Kelly Bainbridge, April Benoit

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The occurrence of dementia has been increasing over the years. It is estimated that the number of people with dementia will increase to more than 45 million within the next 20 years (Ferri et al., 2005). This increase will lead to an increased demand for occupational therapists to work with individuals with dementia within skilled care units to meet the vast needs of this population and promote quality of life. Occupational therapists are skilled in working with people with dementia; yet, most occupational therapists do not feel confident in their role with skilled dementia care. This has been found to …

A Qualitative Study On The Impact Of Occupational Therapy Mentors On Children From Disadvantaged Homes And The Implications For Future Success, Melinda Cervantes, Jennifer Prevett

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Research into childhood development has shown that the impacts of a traumatic life event can have adverse effects on the development and future success of a child. Traumatic live events can be defined as any experience that varies from a typical pattern of childhood development, for example divorce, death of a parent, addiction concerns, domestic violence, or incarceration of a parent. Often a positive role model cannot be found in these children’s lives, keeping them from reaching success later in life. Researchers have studied the impact of a mentoring relationship on children from disadvantaged homes and have found the mentoring …

Occupational Therapy For Adolescents: A Nature-Based Interventions Approach, Amanda Cruze, Myrtyce Remus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PURPOSE: The first purpose of this scholarly project was to address current trends in relation to adolescents’ increased reliance on technology, decreased exposure to natural settings, and utilization of nature in adolescent occupational therapy care. The second purpose of the scholarly project was to provide occupational therapists with an interventions guide for nature-based activities to be used with the adolescent population.

METHOD: A literature review was conducted on adolescents, technology and nature using PubMed, CINAHL, AJOT, OT Search, MESH, Google Scholar, and textbooks.

RESULTS: A review of the literature indicated that the target population, Generation Z, had grown up with …

An Occupation Based Intervention Protocol For Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty, Joshua A. Gillbertson, Christopher G. Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is located at the base of thumb and, functionally, is the most important joint within the hand due to its extensive mobility and the importance it has on the dexterity of human prehension. Due to the hypermobility and high degrees of utilization of the CMC joint, it is a common area for increased pain, joint disease, and the development of arthritis. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition as it is associated with instability, deformities, and limited range of motion, which all impact engagement in activities of daily living and meaningful occupations. When conservative treatments and non-surgical …

An Occupational Therapy Guide To Assessment Of Executive Function Of Rural Agriculture Workers, Cayleigh Gerstner, Alyssa Lopez

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Develop a guide for occupational therapists working with rural agricultural-based individuals’ experiencing cognitive deficits. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was completed with major topics including the definition of executive functioning, common duties of ranch/farm workers, relationship between executive functioning and work, rural agriculture culture. The goal of the literature review was to gain an understanding of the influence of executive functioning skills on engagement within occupational duties and tasks of rural agriculture workers. Results: An occupational therapy guide was developed to provide a list of common tasks/duties of ranchers/framers and the associated executive functioning skills as well as client …

Substance Abuse Post-Spinal Cord Injury: A Manual For Occupational Therapists, Janaye Hellman, Emilee Soper

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to assist therapists in physical rehabilitation settings to begin addressing and treating substance abuse with patients post spinal cord injury (SCI). The project provides therapists with a resource guide to use for identifying specific screenings. occupational therapy assessments, intervention strategies, and discharge recommendations that may be useful during treatment sessions.

Methods: The literature review was conducted on the topics of substance abuse and SCIs. Research identified there is a lack of substance abuse recognition and treatment by healthcare professionals in a physical rehabilitation setting as many healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists …

Occupational Therapy In The Intensive Care Unit: A Quick Reference Guide, Susie Bonn, Megan Keidel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a quick reference guide for occupational therapists treating clients in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to increase quality of care, decrease medical errors, and improve confidence.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to determine the needs of occupational therapists and other health professionals working in the ICU environment. It was discovered that occupational therapists do not receive specific education on treating clients in the ICU and that there are no specific resources for occupational therapists currently available. Rehabilitation is beginning sooner within the ICU in order to decrease client …

Occupational Therapy In Oncology: A Guide For The Occupational Therapist Working On The Oncology Care Team, Kaitlyn Radi, Anna Schumacher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Motivating The Unmotivated Child: Using Psychosocial Intervention Methods In The School, Kristi Fickes, Kelsey Hoffmann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: School-based occupational therapists have reported barriers to working with children with psychosocial needs including a limited knowledge of psychosocial methods (Barnes, Beck, Vogel, Grice, & Murphy, 2003; Case-Smith & Archer, 2008). These issues prevent children with motivational and behavioral issues from receiving the best care possible and, in some cases, from receiving therapy at all.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted to understand current utilization of psychosocial strategies in school-based occupational therapy practice, barriers therapists experience in applying these strategies, and effective psychosocial strategies for children with motivational issues. Findings of the literature suggested that continuing education was …

A Guide To Seasonal Migration: Increasing Snowbirds' Longevity, Stephanie Haselkamp, Jenny Styles

Occupational Therapy Capstones

With the demographic shift of the aging population within the United States, and the push for preventative healthcare measures, occupational therapy (OT) practitioners need to adjust the way they are delivering their services to best meet this growing population's needs. Falls prevention is a method for occupational therapists to get involved in preventative care. The need for preventing falls is further supported by the concept of aging-in-place. Aging-in-place is popular amongst the older population, as older adults often wish to remain in their homes and natural contexts for as long as possible. Homes can come in many different forms; and …

First Rib Mobilization In The Treatment Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Chad C. Boehm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most controversial clinical entities in medicine. It encompasses three related syndromes: compression of the brachial plexus (neurogenic TOS), compression of the subclavian artery or vein (vascular TOS), and a non-specific or disputed type of TOS.s Neurovascular compression may be observed most commonly in the interscalene triangle, but has also been described in the costoclavicular space and subcoracoid space.6 The purpose of this case study is to further explore the efficacy of manual therapy, specifically mobilization of the 1st rib, to relieve the symptoms of a 43 year old …

Conservative Physical Therapy Treatment For Posterolateral Derangement Of The Lumbar Spine: A Case Report, James Muir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The McKenzie approach to the treatment of low back pain has been shown to be an effective tool in reducing disc derangements. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of stabilization exercises in conjunction with McKenzie techniques for the treatment and management of a patient with posterior lumbar disc derangement.

Case Description: A 25-year-old male suffered acute low back pain with intermittent leg pain radiating down to the dorsum of his right foot. After the assessment using McKenzie principles was performed, it was determined that the patient’s directional preference was with extension. The patient …

Mcl Sprain In Young Athlete: A Case Report, Anna Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This is a case report that looks at the examination, evaluation, and treatment of a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in a high school football player.

Case Description: The patient presented with pain in his left knee one day after playing in a high school football game. It was found that he had a grade II MCL sprain with possible medial meniscal involvement.

Outcomes: The patient was able to fully return to his sport by the end of 8 treatment sessions over the course of 5 weeks. He met all of the goals set by the therapist …

Effect Of Frontal Plane Foot Position On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation And Limb Positioning In A Single Leg Squat, Brian Bolin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: There is a high prevalence of ACL injury in the athletic populations, which can carry out short and long term debilitative effects. Most ACL injuries involve minimal to no contact and female athletes sustain a two to eightfold greater rate of injury than male athletes. Not much research has been conducted to see if foot position directly affects the lower extremity muscles, which could result in altered biomechanics at the knee.

Methods: Twelve subjects 18-30 years old participated in the study. EMG analysis measured differences of muscle contractions for the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, lateral …

Whiplash And Post-Concussion Syndrome Following Mva, Tyler Wegscheid

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions in today’s world affecting individuals of all ages. More specifically, Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) is a major classification of neck pain that is often caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA). The purpose of this case report is to reflect and examine the available evidence relevant to the examination, evaluation, and treatment procedures that were used for a patient following a MVA.

Case Description: The patient was a 52 year old female with COPD that presented with whiplash, post-concussion syndrome, and various soft tissue injuries following a motor …

Effect Of Frontal Plane Foot Position On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation And Limb Positioning In A Single Leg Squat, Brady Stokes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries at the knee are quite common, especially in the athletic population involved in sports in which jumping, landing, and cutting activities occur frequently. Previous studies have suggested that lower extremity muscle control plays a role in preventing these injuries. This study set out to determine if foot position influences muscle activation in the lower extremity and, by extension, possibly contributes to the risk of ACL injury. This project examined the activity of lower extremity muscles and the kinematics (movement patterns) of the lower extremity in various foot positions during a single-leg body lowering action. …

An Intergenerational Leisure Activity Program To Promote Successful Aging, Rachel Becker, Jason Zacharias

Occupational Therapy Capstones

PROBLEM: By the year 2030, older adults who are 65 years of age or older will account for 20% of the US population (Center for Disease Control, 2008); however, the rate of successful aging has decreased 25% from 1998 to 2004 (McLaughlin, Connell, Heeringa, Li, &Roberts, 2009).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop an intergenerational program that will promote successful aging of older adults. METHOD: A literature review was conducted on older adults and successful aging using PubMed, OT search, CINAHL, AJOT, Google scholar, and textbooks. RESULTS: Researchers indicated that intergenerational programs promote successful aging and …

Stroke And The Younger Adult: Recommendations For Occupational Therapy, Kara Black, Callie Schneider

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapy (OT) is an integral component of the rehabilitation process for individuals who have sustained stroke. As the number of individuals sustaining and surviving stroke in the United States has consistently risen over the past decades (Bartels, 2011), it is anticipated that stroke prevalence from 2010 will have a 25% increase by the year 2030 (American Heart Association (AHA), 2011). In addition, a current trend in research has been found, indicating an increase in the incidence of stroke within the young and middle-aged, or younger, adult population between the ages of 18 and 55 years (AHA, 2011).

An extensive …

Community Based Program For Young Adults With High Functioning Autism: Social Participation And Dating, Brook Dahle, Laura Hennes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the United States, autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 88 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Autism spectrum disorders affect individuals throughout their lifespan (Alexander, 2011). The most significant impairment in individuals with high functioning autism experience is qualitative impairment in social interaction (Sadock & Sadock, 2008). Services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders are available until the age of 21. Therefore, adults with autism spectrum disorders have limited access to intervention even though they continue to struggle (Shattuck, Wagner, Narendorf, Sterzinger, & Hansley, 2011). The focus of this project is young adults with high functioning …

Understanding Culturally Competent Care In Occupational Therapy School To Providing Clinical Practice, Tracy Lord

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This purpose of this study is to determine if the knowledge that is gained in occupational therapy school about working with diverse cultures is continually developed and applied while practicing in the field of occupational therapy.

Methodology: Data was collected from 18 participants in a quantitative survey and 6 participants in a qualitative interview from four Southwestern states.

Results: Results of this study suggest that the therapists who have graduated within the last 20 years have a greater understanding of including a client’s culture to provide true client-centered care in the delivery of occupational therapy services. 50% of the …

An Occupational Therapy Veteran Resource Guide, Paige Thiele, Miranda Vastag

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Currently, there are limited resources available to occupational therapists working with the veteran population. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is often confusing and complex for many health care workers to understand. An extensive literature review was conducted and the research indicated there is a need for an occupational therapy resource guide which includes a working knowledge of military culture, The Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility requirements and access, military priority conditions as well as military specific assessments. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to develop a guide that allows occupational therapists working with the veteran population to gain …

A Reference Manual For Caregivers Of Individuals With Als, Jessica Pastir, Brianna Woodard

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

An Occupation-Based Protocol For Treatment Of Adults With Burn Injury, Lyndsey Felber, Megan Metelak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

People are occupational beings. Occupations build the structure of a client’s day. Thus, occupations give life it’s meaning (Hocking, 2001). Occupational therapists have a holistic viewpoint of clients that focuses on improving their quality of life through meaningful occupations. There is a lack of literature supporting the use of occupationbased intervention with adults with burn injuries. Throughout the literature preparatory and purposeful interventions are prominent for burn rehabilitation. (Holavanahalli et al. 2011, Fung et al., 2010, Parry et al., 2012). According to Richard et al. (2008), current techniques to treat burn injuries have remained unchanged for centuries. They suggest that …

Occupational Therapy Screening Tool For School-Aged Children With Sleep Problems, Jenae Becker, Kathryne Kitchen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to review the occupational therapy literature and develop a guide to instruct occupational therapists in screening children with sleep problems and associated occupational performance issues.

The primary method used for this project was the use of an extensive literature review of common sleep problems, co-morbidities of sleep problems, the impact of lack of sleep, sleep interventions, and the role of occupational therapy when addressing sleep problems in school-aged children. A number of search engines were utilized including PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, OT Search, OT Seeker, and OT textbooks.

The literature indicated there was a …

An Exploratory Study Investigating The Quality Of Life In Parents Of Children With Disabilities, Jeffrey Crain, Rebecca Lang

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the study is to investigate caregivers' of children with disabilities perceptions related to their quality of life through engagement in meaningful occupations. Researchers hope that data from this study will contribute to the growing body of literature on caregivers of children with disabilities. Quality of life is an outcome measure that occupational therapists utilize in their practice.

Throughout the course of the study data was collected through the use of a semi structured interview tool. Researchers developed this tool to allow participants to openly express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences related to having a child with a …

A Manual For Caregivers Of Infants And Young Children Who Are At Risk For Or Have Experienced A Tbi: Prevention And Education, Meghan Enabnit, Stephanie Gubbels

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The prevalence of infant TBI, 0 to 4 years of age, is one of the highest population groups to experience TBI (Faul, Xu, Wald, & Coronado, 2010). The age group between 0-4 years old has contributed to 251,546 emergency department visits, 15,239 hospital visits, and 998 deaths (Faul et aI., 2010). The purpose of this scholarly project is to increase awareness and knowledge of infant and young child traumatic brain injury across all contexts, to reduce incidence of traumatic brain injury and re-injury and to promote development for the vulnerable, at-risk, infant and young child population through the creation and …

Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities: An Exploratory Study Of Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Home Programming Engagement, Sara E. Joersz, Rebecca I. Polansky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Home programming for children with disabilities is prescribed frequently by occupational therapists as an effective adjunct to practice-setting occupational therapy. The effectiveness of home programming is largely influenced by the degree to which caregivers (and children) adhere to the home programming parameters. Numerous factors are thought to promote or limit home programming adherence but there is a lack of quantitative research addressing the relationships between these factors and home programming adherence. The purpose of this quantitative, independent study was to explore the factors that are correlated with or influence caregivers’ adherence to their child’s occupational therapy home program. A …

Adolescents With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Program For Prevention Of Juveniles Entering The Criminal Justice System, Erin Sykora, René Warzecha

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of the product is to provide adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) who are in a youth juvenile detention center the opportunity to participate in group sessions that will increase their functional occupational performance and decrease behaviors associated with their disorder.

Methodology: An extensive literature review was completed in order to determine the need for services and the information to include within the product. The authors looked at websites related to programming already implemented in Juvenile Centers to gather an idea of how to organize the product. A review of Cole’s 7 Steps was done in …