Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Social Participation Development For Individuals With Unilateral And Bilateral Lower Extremity Amputation, Priscilla D. Omewah, Cassandra Nelson, Scott Love

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This occupation-based program aims to help maintain and increase social participation for individuals with unilateral or bilateral lower extremity amputations. It was developed with an occupational therapy (OT) lens targeting adults with a lower limb amputation with a population of various ages (18-70), genders, and causes of injury to develop an occupation-based program with an OT focus. Individuals living with amputation often experience hardship when developing crucial ADL/IADL skills that can be vital for social participation regardless of age or cause of injury. This program focuses on developing social participation skills lost due to decreased functional mobility and skills caused …

Exploring Sensory Processing & Inclusivity Within A Fitness Gym Environment, Deveshma Maharaj, Karen Park, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An individual’s sensory processing involves the reception, modulation, integration, and organization of sensory stimuli, as well as behavioral responses to sensory input (Dunn, 2001). Adults with sensory processing challenges may come across troubles with completing routines and tasks for work, social participation, and leisure (STAR Institute for SPD, n.d.). Since most individuals with these sensory processing challenges have struggled with symptoms continuously, they are likely to encounter secondary effects such as depression, underachievement, and social isolation (STAR Institute for SPD, n.d.). Adults with sensory processing deficits may experience difficulties with establishing their role in society, maintaining social support systems, and …

Perceived Impact Of Non-Contact Boxing On Daily Life And Occupational Participation At Home Among Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Kristen E. Bignal

Student Capstone Papers

The aim of this project was to determine whether individuals with Parkinson's disease perceive an impact on their daily life and occupational participation at home secondary to participation in non-contact boxing.

Semi-structured open-ended interview questions were conducted with 17 participants (3 female) who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for(i.e., self-care, home and health maintenance, sleep, intimacy, social and leisure interests, etc.) in the home environment. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed utilizing thematic analysis.

Data analysis derived three overarching themes including psychological benefits, sense of community, and framework to develop routines. Subsequent research exploring how non-contact boxing directly impacts specific …

Feasibility And Preliminary Outcomes Of A Standardized Exercise Program In Adults With Down Syndrome: A Pilot Study, Megan Flores, Kristen Barta, Martha Sneary, Germaine Ferreira, Elizabeth Ardolino

Physical Therapy Collection

Purpose/ Hypothesis: Youth with Down Syndrome (DS) have limited participation in physical activity. When compared to their typically developing peers, adults with DS display decreased functional mobility and strength. Exercise has shown to improve the physical fitness, overall health, and quality of life in people with DS. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT® BIG) is an effective treatment approach designed for patients with Parkinson’s disease. The core components of LSVT® BIG include large amplitude movements, sensory calibration, high intensity, and maximum effort while performing the daily exercises. Due to hypotonicity associated with DS, these individuals typically display kyphotic posture, shortened …

The Influence Of The Environment On Play Participation In Children With Disabilities, Marcia Hamilton

Occupational Therapy Collection

Children with disabilities face challenges with accessing opportunities to play and physical activity (Owen, 2010). Statistical evidence supports the concern for the growing issue of secondary health problems related to lack of physical activity (Cooper, 1999; Council on Disabilities, 2008; Heath, 1997; National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2008; Spencer-Cavalier and Watkinson, 2010, US Department of Education, 2005). This is of further concern because of a rising incidence of disability in children (US Department of Education, 2005). This research was conducted to help provide an understanding of how children with disabilities can access play. Eleven children with moderate to …