Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Nurture Your Infant And Yourself: A Breastfeeding Program, Kathryn J. Conrad

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Livin' Right! Morning, Noon, And Night: A Multi-Disciplinary Wellness Camp [For] Children With Obesity Issues, Lynne R. Bradbury

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing in the United States and the percentage of overweight or obese children in South Dakota exceeds the objective set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2000). An extensive review of literature was completed on the prevalence and characteristics of obesity in children as well as interventions such as a multi-disciplinary team approach and family involvement. A review of the use of measurement tools both for screening and outcome measures was also conducted. There are significant health and societal impacts that accompany the increasing prevalence of obesity in our communities. …

Giving All Children A Good Start To School: A Protocol In Defining Occupational Therapist's Role In School Readiness, Specifically In The Smart Program, Melissa Boll

Occupational Therapy Capstones

More children are entering school "not ready." Current research is showing that many "healthy" children are entering school not developmentally ready for formal learning. Based my own experiences working as a school occupational therapist for the past four years in rural area schools, this new trend is becoming more apparent. Teachers and other school professionals have increasing concerns over the numbers of children that seem "clumsy" or "awkward" compared to their peers. Children are expected to learn more than ever before upon entering school, the curriculum is no longer age-appropriate due to the pushing down of academics. Upon entrance to …

There Is More To Vision Than Seeing Clearly, Dawn Cardinal, Genea Nannemann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Vision is not simply the ability to read a certain size letter at a distance of 20 feet. Vision is a complex and adaptable information gathering and processing system which collects, groups, analyzes, accumulates, equates, and remembers information" (American Optometric Association, 2005, p.1). The purpose of this project is to develop a parent/caregiver handbook that will educate parent/caregivers with children who have visual deficits and to benefit the Vision Therapy Project, which is located in Casper, Wyoming. This project is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide assistance and education to parents/caregivers with children in need of vision therapy. Information for …

Assistive Technology Guide For The Occupational Therapy Treatment Of Elementary School-Aged Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystropy, Kara Cook, Jessica Mcmahan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

School-Based Practice: Integrating The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, Nancy M. Daly

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists in school-based practice frequently experience change due to the evolution of the profession and education reform. This project examines the impact of these changes relative to the integration of client-centered and occupation-based services in contemporary educational practice. Occupational therapists have identified significant barriers that impact the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. This paper, through the review of current occupational therapy and special education literature, explores the integration of collaboration, client-centered occupation-based care, and service delivery. The increasing requirements for accountability and professional standards define documentation needs. Findings indicate a need for school-based occupational therapists to have processes …

Universal Design: An Educational Presentation For Occupational Therapy Students, Steve Fugere, Heather Grasser

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Universal design is an emerging practice area within the profession of occupational therapy. Because universal design is an emerging area, educational resources on the topic are limited. If practitioners wish to work in this emerging area, more knowledge and skills need to be developed. The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource that could be used to educate occupational therapy students on universal design concepts. Information included in the presentation will help students understand the role of the occupational therapist in the design process.

Method: A literature review was conducted to examine the impact of the …

A Model And Resource For Organizational Leadership For Occupational Therapists, April M. Kingsbury

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Body Mechanics Program For A Material Handling Environment, Jeremy Laine

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A series of improper body mechanics can lead to injury with in a manual material handling environment (Hagan, 2001). Improper body mechanics are a result of poor work habits that negatively reinforce a worker. When a worker in a manual material handling environment conducts his or her essential job functions, while ambulating to do their job, certain behaviors negatively reward a worker such as completing their tasks faster or what is perceived as more efficient. These behaviors specifically include, but are not limited to: increasing job pace or reckless speed, twisting repetitively, bending at the pelvis, back extension, forceful action, …

Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi): Caregiver And Family Education Handbook, Heather Yekel, Breana Medlock

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Life can be very confusing for the friends, family member(s), and caretaker(s) of those individuals who are diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The people who live with and care for the individual with a TBI want to know how they can help and what they can do to speed up the recovery. They also want to know what they can expect from their loved one, how much time the recovery will take, and what is causing the changes in their behavior?

A review of the literature was conducted and professionals, who are currently providing services to individuals diagnosed …

Metacarpal-Phalangeal Arthroplasty: A Post-Operative Approach, Lance Norman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Caring For Your Lymphedema: A Guide To Everyday Action, Beryl J. Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present a workbook that assists patients with lymphedema and their therapists to develop a home management program that can successfully be integrated into the patient's daily occupations. The workbook utilizes the principles of the Occupational Adaptation theoretical frame of reference to guide the patient through the steps of making an adaptive response to the occupational challenge of lymphedema management. A review of the literature describes the physical aspects, psychosocial aspects, and the lived experience of the person with lymphedema. The literature review also indicates that currently the preferred method of treatment for …

Sensory Processing: A Guide For Parents And Community Professionals, Julie Yutrzenka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Miller (2006) describes sensory processing as the way the nervous system receives sensory messages, processes the information, and responds to it. Sensory Processing Disorder is the inability to effectively process information received through the senses. This includes sensory information received through the five traditional senses of vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. It also includes information from the vestibular (movement) and the proprioceptive (muscle sense). Sensory Processing Disorder affects 1 in 20 children (Miller, 2006). Difficulties with sensory processing can negatively affect a child's participation in the daily occupations of play, learning, activities of daily living, and social interaction. Occupational …

A Treatment Protocol Utilizing Sensory Integrative Techniques For Treating Self-Mutilation, Nikki Stevens

Occupational Therapy Capstones

“It is estimated that one to two million people in the United States intentionally and repeatedly bruise, cut, burn, mark, scratch and mutilate different parts of their own bodies. This estimate represents only the adolescents and adults who actually seek help for the behavior” (Ferentz, 2002). The reasons for self-mutilation behaviors span across a considerable range from post-traumatic stress disorder to hypersensitivity. The research indicates parallels between children who have been sexually, physically, or emotionally abused and self-mulitlation. Basically, it is an unhealthy coping strategy to deal with overwhelming and intense feelings. The current treatment regime varies and includes: medication, …

Recreational Manual For Caregivers Of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy, Erica Bucher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A brief literature review was conducted on cerebral palsy to gain general information and statistics. After reviewing the literature, it was noted that there is a significantly high number of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. These individuals are at a high risk to experience the lack of opportunity for a wide choice of recreational activities. To understand the magnitude of the problem an extensive literature review was done on this topic. It was found that the lack of access and participation in independent recreational opportunities may lead to the development of dependent behavioral patterns, learned helplessness and depression. …

Eating Disorders: A Guide For The Occupational Therapist, Randi Horner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can impact physical and mental health. Increasingly, occupational therapists encounter this population in general psychiatric hospitals and treatment facilities, as well as specialized eating disorders treatment facilities. Yet, questions concerning the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of eating disorders remain. The purpose of this project is to increase the awareness of the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of eating disorders by providing a guide for effective treatment of these illnesses. A literature review includes information regarding eating disorders, the demographics and diagnostic criteria of eating disorders, multidisciplinary treatment settings and …

Aquatic Therapy For Clients With Neurological Impairments: An Introductory Manual For Occupational Therapists, Jason C. Kjar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Resource Manual For Rural Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Janae Marie. Hughes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Rural hospitals have been an integral part of the culture of rural America, where clients were once able to seek services needed in their hometowns. Now more than ever, rural facilities are facing increased challenges to remain viable and at the same time continue to deliver high quality care to their communities (American Hospital Association, 2005). With small towns becoming smaller, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit allied health professionals to these areas. The reasons for this vary from area to area yet there are some commonalities such as; the misperceptions of limited community activities and resources, lower pay …

Training Assistance For Caregivers Working With Students With Traumatic Brain Injury, Randi L. Price

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Students who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often require assistance from a variety of professionals and staff to complete their daily routines. Frequently it is a classroom assistant (paraprofessional), under the direction of a teacher, who attends to the student's basic and daily needs. Teachers and their assistants may receive some general training, but assistants, especially, are seldom offered an opportunity to attend trainings specific to managing the needs, difficulties, and behaviors that they are likely to encounter in their students. Unfortunately, according to J. Shuiz, Training Director and Special Education Services Coordinator for Natrona County School District …

A Sensory Processing Approach For Young Children With An Adversity To Eating, Zondra S. Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Eating and drinking are basic to our health and survival; it is also an integral part of our social life. For parents, feeding their children is a vital part of how they care for and nurture them. It is difficult for both the parents and the child when eating becomes a stressful experience. Children with sensory processing dysfunction often approach mealtimes with apprehension and discomfort. The willingness or inability to eat may be a sensory-processing based problem, which often exhibits as a behavioral problem such as, the child refusing to eat, to try new foods, or to touch different foods. …

A Family Guide To The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Merri M. Reese, Lori M. Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of the many challenges facing health care professionals practicing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is providing appropriate care that is sensitive, individualized, and supportive to infant development and parental roles (Lawhon, 2002). Because the families are often the ultimate advocates and caregivers for infants in the NICU it is important that they understand and take part in their babies' care. Therefore, by providing clear and easy to understand explanations of equipment, technology, and procedures that are a part of the NICU environment, professionals can help alleviate parental stress and promote parental involvement.

An extensive review of literature …

Adults With Low Vision: Continuing Education For Occupational Therapists And Occupational Therapy Students, Ashley Berglund, Kelli Hughes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Low vision is a condition that occurs when an individual has "some amount of usable vision, but their visual functioning is impaired and interferes with their ability to carry out desired tasks" (Lampert & Lapolice, 1995, p. 885). Impairments in vision cause disruptions in areas of daily living including work and leisure, routines, habits, roles, and social participation. There is a great need for holistic and client-centered occupational therapy in low vision rehabilitation services to improve an individual's functional performance and overall quality of life.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on low vision definitions and medical conditions, the variety …

A Hippotherapy Protocol For Occupational Therapists, Callie Holt, Kirsten Sonderland

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Hippotherapy is an occupational, physical, and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy is utilized as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. In hippo therapy, the client engages in activities that are enjoyable and challenging while the therapist modifies the horse's movement and grades sensory input to improve neurological function and sensory processing (American Hippotherapy Association, 2003).

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a hippotherapy protocol for occupational therapists interested in developing a hippotherapy program. It was the intent that this hippotherapy protocol be utilized with individuals of all ages who …

Children With Limb Deficiency: The Impacts Of Using A Prosthetic For Functional Independence, Kirsten Brandt, Michelle Grimes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many emotions, questions, and concerns may arise for parents and caregivers upon learning that their child has a limb deficiency. Educational resources for parents of children with limb deficiencies may be lengthy, time consuming to find and read, and full of medical jargon. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational booklet that is concise and easy to read for parents and caregivers of children with limb deficiencies.

An extensive literature review was conducted addressing the physical and psychological impacts children with limb deficiencies experience during daily activities. Parents with children who have limb deficiencies, individuals with …

A Wellness Program Module For Employees Of A Skilled Nursing Facility, Cindy Janssen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.