Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Resources For Assisting Elderly Individuals With Insomnia: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Michelle Linn Anderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide a resource manual for elderly individuals, and those providing care to elderly people, to assist the individual in relieving symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia affects elderly individuals worldwide. Studies document that approximately 50% of individuals in the United States over the age of 65 are noted to have either clinically diagnosed or self-diagnosed insomnia (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2007). As the population worldwide continues to age, it is important that occupational therapists, elderly individuals, family members and care providers be aware of the impact that symptoms of insomnia may …

Development And Testing Of A Low Vision Product Selection Instrument (Lv-Psi): A Mixed-Methods Approach, Daniel Fok

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

In Canada, it is conservatively estimated that $46 million is lost per annum from low vision (LV) assistive technology device (ATD) abandonment alone. The proper matching of the person and the technology during the selection process has been theorized as necessary to mitigate inappropriate abandonment. In the current dissertation, a mixed-methods approach with qualitative and quantitative study components was used to develop and test a LV product selection instrument (LV-PSI) that may help with the matching process.

The key qualitative aspect of the study included two qualitative research sessions with LV participants (N=10). Each session was made up of two …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

An Occupational Therapy Community-Based Self-Esteem Program For Adolescents Who Have Experienced Burn Injuries, Karla Beck, Kathryn Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Self-esteem is a problem that adolescent burn survivors deal with on a daily basis. Yet, there is limited research regarding adolescent burns and the psychosocial aspect within their daily occupations. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop and provide occupational therapists with interventions and outcome measures to utilize in a Self-Esteem Program for implementation in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This program focuses on helping adolescents to regain their self-esteem and confidence when returning back to their communities. Burns have an emotional and behavioral effect on children/adolescents, causing anxiety, pain, distorted self-image, and depression (Pardo, Garcia, Marrero, & …

A Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Protocol For Children With Acquired Brain Injuries, Amber Bath, Kortni Heckart

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Acquired brain injury (ABI) includes any non-traumatic brain injuries such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and brain diseases such as cancer (Book, 2005). A child who sustains an acquired brain injury may experience profound impairments in motor performance, and significant deficits in sensory awareness and responsiveness, secondary to hemiplegia. (Taub et al., 2007, Taub, Ramey, DeLuca & Echols, 2004). Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a intervention developed by Dr. Edward Taub for the secondary condition of hemiplegia affecting the adult stroke population. This intervention has also produced positive results in studies conducted with children (Taub et al., 2007). An extensive …

Antecedent Techniques Used To Regulate Aggressive Behavior In Patients With Brain Injuries: A Teaching Module, Elizabeth A. Freidel, Megan J. Larson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

An estimated 1.7 million individuals sustain a brain injury each year (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2010). Some behaviors associated with brain injuries include: decreased academic performance, severe aggression, self-injurious behavior, and suicidal and homicidal ideation (Finfgeld-Connet, 2009; Pace, Dunn, Luiselli, Cochran, & Skowron, 2005). The aforementioned behaviors pose a risk to the well-being of patients, therapists, healthcare providers and caregivers. The purpose of this scholarly project was to explore current methods used to minimize dangerous behavioral clients and ultimately provide a teaching module of antecedent techniques - a form of intervention used in order to reduce a behavior …

Adolescents With Disabilities: The Development Of Life Skills Through Occupational Therapy, Diane Magnuson, Courtney Mohler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a workshop for occupational therapists (OTs) who work with adolescents as they transition from high school to adulthood focusing on life skill development.

Methodology: An Internet search was completed to determine the current role of OT in the transition process and the needs of adolescents as they transition to adulthood. Information was obtained from the following databases: PubMed, PsychInfo, SCOPUS, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Resources included professional journals, scholarly text books, and government websites. The literature review also included information on the Ecology of …

Improving Community Participation Of The Inactive Elderly: Preferred Learning Style-Based Interventions, Catherine Bailey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists believe social engagement is vital to the health and well-being of the older adult. Social isolation has been linked to loss of physical, cognitive and emotional health. Elders at risk of social isolation are not specifically addressed by community health programs due to lack of knowledge and resources. Social isolation and loss of meaningful activity are significant precursors to rapid decline in the health and well-being of elderly people living in their communities.

Literature indicates that use of personal learning style preferences to problem solve improves success in occupation. Older adults often lack awareness of their personal learning …

The Upside To Down Syndrome: An Educational Manual For Parents, Brittany Larson, Seth Luoma

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Parents of children with Down syndrome want their child to be as successful as other children in areas of development, specifically play. Play is crucial to a child's development as it assists with the progression through childhood developmental stages. This can help lay a foundation for learning daily life skills such as dressing, feeding, and social interaction. For children with Down syndrome, performing daily living tasks may be more difficult as fine and gross motor skills are affected by low-tone, cognition level, and coordination. Providing children with a variety of play activities to build both fine and gross motor skills …

Communication Barriers: Are You One Of Them?, Tara Luedtke, Keleah Goldammer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: "Many hospital administrators and clinicians are not aware there are laws and regulations that support the provision of language access service, both for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and those with limited English proficiency" (Wilson-Stronks, 2010, p. 14). "It is estimated that about 20 million people (one in 15) in the United States speak and understand little or no English" (U.S. News & World Report, 2007, ~4).The language inconsistency within the healthcare system is hindering the care given to these clients. According to Jay Feldstein, corporate chief medical officer for the Ameri1Health Mercy Family of Companies, …

Enabling Personal Occupation Through Sensory Interventions, Caroline Mattson, Gretchen Prohofsky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness are predisposed to having a co-occurring sensory processing disorder. Many adults and children with sensory processing disorder have never been assessed or treated. Consequences of untreated sensory processing disorder include decreased ability to engage in meaningful occupations or healthy relationships, leading to lowered self-esteem and perception regarding quality of life. A literature review defines sensory processing, sensory processing disorders, consequences of sensory processing disorder dysfunction, sensory processing disorder co-morbidity, sensory processing disorders in individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, interventions for sensory processing disorders, the role of occupational therapy, deficiencies in knowledge, …

Promoting Fine Motor And Visual-Motor Skill Development In Preschool Age Children, Patty Soldner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Fine motor skills are important in childhood development (Beilei, Lui, Qu & vonHofsten, 2002; Rosenblum, Weiss & Parush, 2003 as cited in Jackman & Stagnitti, 2007). These skills become critical when a child reaches school age when the child is expected to perform fine motor tasks such as cutting, coloring, and writing as part of his or her daily routine. Research has shown that there is a high rate of fine motor difficulties in school-age children in the United States (Hammerschmidt & Sudsawad, 2004 as cited in Jackman & Stagnitti, 2007). Caregivers of preschool age children often seek the assistance …

Bariatric Surgery And The Impacts On Occupations: A Qualitative Study, Emily Schlosser, Annie Van Erem

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals who had undergone bariatric surgery and the impact weight loss has on occupations.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the affects of obesity, bariatric surgery and the impacts on occupational performance. Based on the findings of the literature review, a qualitative research study using a phenomenological approach was completed. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) served as a guide in developing the interview questions and data analysis process. Four female participants who have undergone bariatric surgery were recruited using a purposive sampling method. The …

A Comparative Analysis Of Tractor Seating For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Using A Pressure Mapping System, William Kennington, Veronica Boeser

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Research is limited in addressing the many factors and variables associated with enabling farmers/ranchers with disabilities and health impairments to sit within and operate dynamic agricultural equipment safely, comfortably, and without integument and musculoskeletal injury. As an initial foray into investigating this problem, an independent study project by graduate students in an occupational therapy program compared the seated pressure distribution of two people with paraplegia. Six testing conditions were completed while participants were seated upon two different tractor seats under static conditions.

Methodology: Using a quantitative cross-over design, two adult subjects with paraplegia meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited …

An Occupation-Based Program For The Dual Diagnosis Of An Eating Disorder And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Tessa Larson, Dana Rome

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop an occupation-based occupational therapy program for the dual diagnosis of an eating disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder for use in an outpatient setting. A literature review was conducted to identify the challenges associated with the assessment and treatment of eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. The literature supports the need for occupation-based interventions, especially in the areas of self-care, meal planning and preparation, sleep and rest, leisure, and various life skills. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, an occupation-based program guide was developed. The …

A Research Study To Explore Casper College Undergraduate Education Majors' Perceptions Of Educational Curriculum Concerning Occupational Therapy's Role In The Public School System, Jenny Lok, Mike Seabeck

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge concerning OT roles in the school district setting that undergraduate education majors are receiving at Casper College.

Methodology: Data was collected from 57 participants through the use of a survey to identify pre-service teachers’ perception of occupational therapy and the education they have received in their coursework.

Results of this study indicate that undergraduate education majors at Casper College are receiving less than optimal instruction on the role of OT in school-based practice. Overall 91% of students polled indicated that they had not received education on OT …

An Afterschool Toolkit For Implementing Occupation-Based Activities, Kelsey Miller, Kayla Petersen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Each day in America, millions of kids go home to an empty house after school" (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, p.1). The Afterschool Alliance (2009) indicates that based on a 2009 survey of30,000 families, there are more children unsupervised each afternoon in the U.S. and the demand for afterschool programming is higher than ever. In the United States, 30% of middle school students and 4% of elementary aged children are responsible for taking care of themselves and only 15% currently participate in an afterschool program (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, pg. 4). Students are at particular risk during these hours, millions are unsupervised each …

Psychosocial Assessment In Orthopedic Evaluations: A Clinical Tool For Occupational Therapists, Sara M. Sipple

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"When 1 touch a human hand, 1 touch heaven. " - Malebranche

Holistic, occupation-based treatment in a hand therapy setting is associated with enhanced patient outcomes (Chan & Spencer, 2004), yet it is easy for occupational therapists working in hand and upper extremity orthopedic settings to become fixated on the pathology and anatomy of medical diagnoses and inadvertently ignore psychosocial and contextual influences on rehabilitation. Although there is research that identifies how physical disease may lead to psychosocial role changes, there is a paucity of literature that addresses how hand and upper extremity injuries affect these roles (Schier & Chan, …

Living With A Spinal Cord Injury: A Workshop For Parenting And Play, Ana Sobolik, Laura Gunderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries (SCI) may experience fears of inadequacy with their ability to be parents. This is a problem due to the fact that the average age of individuals who acquire SCIs is between 16 and 30, the prime child bearing years (Martin, Hamilton, Sutton, Ventura, Mathews, & Osterman, 2010; Mathews & Hamilton, 2009). There is a lack of literature to address these fears by supporting and developing parenting skills for individuals with SCIs. The purpose of this scholarly project is to address the fears of individuals with SCIs and their abilities with parenting occupations, as …

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

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

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

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, …