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Full-Text Articles in Occupational Therapy
Effect Of Music Intervention On Independence In Activities Of Daily Living For Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alison Fillmore
Effect Of Music Intervention On Independence In Activities Of Daily Living For Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alison Fillmore
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
This study examined the effects of music intervention on performance of three activities of daily living (ADL) tasks by a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the child’s preschool classroom at school. Researchers explored the impact of this intervention on the child’s ability to complete three self-care activities of daily living: putting on a jacket, handwashing, and eating with a spork.
Occupational Therapists Use Of The School Playground To Address The Social Participation Of Preschool And Elementary School Children With Disabilities, Ashley E. Fletcher
Occupational Therapists Use Of The School Playground To Address The Social Participation Of Preschool And Elementary School Children With Disabilities, Ashley E. Fletcher
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purposes of this study were to: (a) learn if and how school based occupational therapists address the social participation needs of children with disabilities, (b) to learn if school based occupational therapists utilize the school playground to address the social participation of children with disabilities, (c) if so, to understand how occupational therapists utilize the school playground to address the social participation of children with disabilities; and (d) to learn what influences occupational therapists’ use of the school playground to address social participation of children with disabilities.
Exploring Occupational Therapists‟ Use Of The Internet As An Intervention Activity, Ann Guthrie
Exploring Occupational Therapists‟ Use Of The Internet As An Intervention Activity, Ann Guthrie
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The internet has emerged as a valuable tool for communication and completion of everyday tasks, such as banking and shopping, for many people, including people with disabilities (Dorey, Reid, & Chiu, 2007; Goodman, et al., 2008; Malcolm, et al., 2001; Valentine & Skelton, 2009). The purpose of this study was to survey U.S. occupational therapists to explore their use of the internet as an intervention activity to address areas of occupation as defined by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 2nd edition (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2008). Eighty-eight U.S. occupational therapists were included in the study for a response rate …
The Effects Of Body Mechanics Training On Fear Of Falling In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Justin Hee
The Effects Of Body Mechanics Training On Fear Of Falling In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Justin Hee
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in body mechanics training (BMT) as part of an Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) re-training program reduced fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults (65 years and older). This study examined the effect of BMT on fear of falling in 10 independent community-dwelling older adults. Fear of falling was measured at the start and conclusion of BMT using the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly (SAFFE). A brief questionnaire on BMT effectiveness was also administered. Participants were placed into one group and were instructed on …
Primary Lymphedema With Intestinal Lymphangectasia: An Occupational Therapy Case Study, Jamie L. Palmer
Primary Lymphedema With Intestinal Lymphangectasia: An Occupational Therapy Case Study, Jamie L. Palmer
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Primary lymphedema and intestinal lymphangiectasia are both rare conditions that result from abnormalities in the lymphatic system. The combination of these two conditions in a single individual is extremely unusual. This case study aimed to describe the course of occupational therapy treatment and outcomes for one individual with primary lymphedema with intestinal lymphangiectasia, including ongoing intervention with occupational therapy treatment using complete decongestive therapy and outcomes related to functional, meaningful quality of life. Information was collected through in-depth interviews with the individual, her mother, and her occupational therapist, occupational therapy records, Quality of Life Scale, and observations of the individual …
The Effects Of Gum Chewing On Classroom Performance In Children With Adhd: A Pilot Study, Tracy Pham
The Effects Of Gum Chewing On Classroom Performance In Children With Adhd: A Pilot Study, Tracy Pham
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
A four-week single subject (A-B) research design examined the effects of gum chewing on classroom performance in two 2nd grade boys with a diagnosis of ADHD. This study focused on three variables: on-task behaviors, task completion, and quality of work. Data, using visual analogue scales, on these three variables were collected during 12 writing periods. The researcher observed and documented the participants’ on-task behaviors, and the teacher scored the participants’ quality and amount of work completed on writing assignments. Visual analysis and 2-standard deviation band methods were used to compare the participants’ performance when gum was not chewed to the …
Pre-Surgery Education With Clients Undergoing Total Hip Replacements, Sarah Rae
Pre-Surgery Education With Clients Undergoing Total Hip Replacements, Sarah Rae
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to examine what occupational therapists currently include in pre-surgery education for patients undergoing total hip replacement and the educational methods used to teach the information. The study also examined what occupational therapists perceive as the ideal pre-surgery education program, including content, teaching methods, and the role of occupational therapy. A survey was completed by 57 occupational therapists who had treated clients following total hip replacement in the last year. Respondents indicated that a variety of teaching methods were used to teach the content areas in pre-surgery education. More teaching methods were identified when describing …
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Treatment For People With Stroke, Kathy Welters
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Treatment For People With Stroke, Kathy Welters
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to describe typical practice in stroke rehabilitation based on self-reports of currently practicing occupational therapists and to determine if research evidence is a factor in treatment decisions. Two hundred and fifty surveys were sent to occupational therapists who were members of the Physical Disabilities Special Interest Section of the American Occupational Therapy Association and 76 completed surveys were returned. The findings indicated that most ADL were addressed commonly with clients post-stroke and that occupation-based methods were used more often than more traditional remediation approaches. Also, there were several treatment methods which therapists commonly used …
Patterns Of Occupational Engagement Pre- And Post- Partner’S Abi, Adam Whaley
Patterns Of Occupational Engagement Pre- And Post- Partner’S Abi, Adam Whaley
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
This study examined the pre- and post-injury patterns of occupational engagement for a partner of a man with ABI six years post-injury. The participant was a 64 year old white woman who is referred to by the pseudonym of Olivia. She and Joey (pseudonym) had been married for 17 years pre-CVA, and were still married 6 years post-CVA. Due to the impact of Joey’s CVA on the relationship, Olivia experienced an increase in the demand from her occupational environment in order to remain in her role as Joey’s wife which also impacted Olivia’s pre-injury patterns of engaging in occupations. Three …
The Impact Of Dynamic Furniture On Classroom Performance: A Pilot Study, Danielle M. Ivory
The Impact Of Dynamic Furniture On Classroom Performance: A Pilot Study, Danielle M. Ivory
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this study was to understand how dynamic classroom furniture may impact classroom performance such as attention, work neatness, and work completion in a second grade general education classroom of 19 students. All students in the classroom were included in this study to understand the implications of environmental modifications on the learning process in general education settings. A descriptive method provided information about the interaction of dynamic furniture on identified learning components. Three different dynamic furniture options were provided: Zuma chairs®, Disc‘O’Sits® (inflated seat cushions), and standing desks with the Original FootFidget®. The class was randomly divided into …
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Services For Adults With Developmental Disabilities In Small Community Living Settings, Jennifer Anderson
Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Services For Adults With Developmental Disabilities In Small Community Living Settings, Jennifer Anderson
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess current trends in occupational therapy services provided to adults with developmental disabilities living in community settings. A survey questionnaire was sent to 52 directors and managers of community living facilities in Whatcom, Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. The results indicated that the needs of residents are a direct match with the services occupational therapists provide as outlined in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework -II (AOTA, 2008). The results also indicated that people with developmental disabilities still have significant barriers to inclusion in their communities. Occupational therapists and advocates for this population …
Parent Perception Of The Effect Of Integrative Movement Therapy On Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Juliana Bonilla
Parent Perception Of The Effect Of Integrative Movement Therapy On Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Juliana Bonilla
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine parent perspectives of the effect of Integrative Movement Therapy (IMT), a yoga-based therapy, on social interaction in school age children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A survey was completed by 7 parents of children ages 6-12 diagnosed with an ASD who participated in IMT for an average of once a week for at least 3 months. Data collection included demographic information, history of participation in IMT, social skills, and parent perceived outcomes. Four areas of social development were addressed including (1) Maintaining Interactions (2) Responding to Initiations, (3) Initiating Interaction, …
Facilitating Psychosocial Adjustment To Traumatic Amputations: Perspectives Of Occupational Therapists, Jessica M. Malinowski
Facilitating Psychosocial Adjustment To Traumatic Amputations: Perspectives Of Occupational Therapists, Jessica M. Malinowski
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of three occupational therapists in the United States in addressing psychosocial reaction and adjustment in the treatment of individuals with traumatic amputations. Occupational therapists with extensive experience working with clients with traumatic amputations were selected as participants. Data from the participant interviews revealed two major themes: (1) Individuals’ internal resources and response to amputation influence psychosocial adjustment and (2) Occupational therapists addressing psychosocial reactions in individuals with traumatic amputations in the context of treatment. The first theme “Individuals’ internal resources…” had two subthemes: (a) the influence of …
The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On The Recovery Of Individuals With Unilateral Spatial Neglect, Lisa Hegarty
The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On The Recovery Of Individuals With Unilateral Spatial Neglect, Lisa Hegarty
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of limb-activating strategy using either a rote activity or a meaningful activity (animal-assisted therapy) in the treatment of an individual with unilateral spatial neglect. An ABCA single-subject design was used. The participant was a 61 year old male who was eight years post-stroke. A test battery (Baking Tray Task, Star Cancellation Test and Line Bisection Test) was used to assess the participant’s level of neglect during baseline and intervention phases. Results indicated that the participant’s Baking Tray Task score showed improvements from baseline during both the meaningful and rote activity …
Healing Haiti: The Experience Of An Occupational Therapist In Disaster Response, Lauren Riggers
Healing Haiti: The Experience Of An Occupational Therapist In Disaster Response, Lauren Riggers
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Within the occupational therapy literature, only one documented experience of occupational therapists practicing in a natural disaster setting was found, however several articles hypothetically discuss the role that occupational therapy can play following a natural disaster (Scaffa et al., 1998; Schoessow, 2009; Strzelecki, 2011). Thus, the primary goal of this project was to document the experiences of an occupational therapist who aided in the early post-earthquake response in 2010 in Haiti. A series of in-person interviews afforded a unique and in-depth insight into the occupational therapist’s experiences. Key concepts included the occupational therapist’s role as a holistic health practitioner, a …
Assessing The Need For Occupational Therapy Services In Programs That Serve Youth Experiencing Homelessness In Washington State, Leanne Schaafsma
Assessing The Need For Occupational Therapy Services In Programs That Serve Youth Experiencing Homelessness In Washington State, Leanne Schaafsma
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the potential role for occupational therapy with youth experiencing homelessness in WA state. Directors, of programs serving youth who have experienced homelessness in the past 12 months and were ages 13-19 years were surveyed. Twenty-two surveys were mailed out and 11 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 50%. Survey respondents were well educated and highly experienced, reporting 6-31 years of experience with youth who have experienced homelessness. Results revealed many life skills and performance areas that pose challenges for the youth as well as areas in which they likely …
Aquatic Therapy For Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder: Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives, Maggie Dubois
Aquatic Therapy For Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder: Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives, Maggie Dubois
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
This study provided preliminary information about occupational therapy practitioners who used aquatic therapy with children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirteen occupational therapists responded to a survey about clinical experience, use of aquatics in treatment, and the outcomes they observed. Results indicated that respondents used aquatic therapy for 44% of the children with an ASD for whom they typically provided services. The majority of respondents used this method with children ages 8 and under in a 1:1 ratio. One hundred percent of respondents indicated that water was a useful therapy tool due to the proprioceptive input received. The goal …
Adherence To Exercise In Phase Two Of Complete Decongestive Therapy, Melissa Giles
Adherence To Exercise In Phase Two Of Complete Decongestive Therapy, Melissa Giles
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Recent research has shown that most individuals with secondary lymphedema can safely engage in aerobic, resistive, and flexibility type exercises during Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) phase 2; however, adherence to exercise remains low for this population. Since lymphedema is a chronic disorder, strict adherence to CDT phase 2, or self-management of symptoms, is necessary. In general, it appears difficult for individuals to adhere to all components of CDT phase 2, namely wearing of the compression garment, nail and skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercise. The current study sought to explore factors influencing follow through with the exercise routine prescribed …
Experiences With A Service Dog Of An Adolescent With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Sarah Onsager
Experiences With A Service Dog Of An Adolescent With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Sarah Onsager
School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)
Adolescents with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) may receive occupational therapy services and may at times use service dogs. Literature suggests that service dogs can provide social and physical benefits to children and adults with physical disabilities, however little research has been published, especially with adolescents. A qualitative methodology was used to best gain insight on the daily life experiences with a service dog of a thirteen year old female adolescent with a diagnosis of SMA and her mother. Major themes that emerged from interviews included: A Process, A Special Bond, A Sense of Security, Increased Independence and Participation in Life, …