Sports Sciences Commons^™

Adapted Cheerleading Program For The Pediatric Population, Hailee Cantrell, Mary Greer, Jasmine Mathew

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

There are limited adapted programs with educated professionals that exist for children with childhood disabilities to be able to adapt activities to the specific needs of the child. Due to the limited opportunities for participation in leisure activities, these children have limited opportunities to improve physical, verbal, or emotional skills with their peers. The objective of this capstone was to create an adapted cheerleading program for the pediatric population to improve their physical, emotional, and verbal abilities as well as improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

Adaptive Sports In Schools For Students With Disabilities From An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Tamara Harvey, Mary Jan Greer

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with disabilities do not have as many opportunities to participate in sports and leisure activities as their peers do, which may cause them to miss out on the benefits that participating in these activities offer. There are many barriers that children with disabilities and their parents face when seeking out adaptive sports activities especially in schools. This capstone project addressed some of these barriers. A needs assessment was conducted at an elementary school, which helped guide the development and implementation of the adaptive sports program, which is discussed in detail.

An Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Neuromuscular Impairments Designed To Improve Balance, Mood, Quality Of Life, And Engagement In Daily Occupations, Hayes Miller, Mary Smith Otd, Otr/L, Christienne Parten Otd, Med, Otr

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neuromuscular impairments such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affect an individual's balance, mood, and ability to engage in daily occupations, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Yoga is a practice that is adaptable to any level of function and is holistic in its goal of mind-body unity. However, there has been minimal research regarding yoga's efficacy as a modality for populations with neuromuscular impairments. This study aimed to improve these factors as well as proprioception and interoceptive awareness through the delivery of a 6-week community-based yoga program. The program involved 5 participants, 4 with PD and 1 …

A New Lease On Life: The Occupational Impact Of Adaptive Skiing, Caitlin Tetherow, Amy Lyons-Brown, Amy Griswold

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study focuses on understanding the occupational impact of adaptive skiing on well-being and identity to promote lifelong occupational engagement, representation, and inclusion within current ski culture. A mixed-method research study utilized a 25-question online survey and an optional one-time virtual interview. 50 adaptive skiers and/or snowboarders participating in a winter adaptive program between 18-65 years old completed this study. This study found positive evidence supporting outcomes related to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being and positive identity formation from adaptive skiing.

Wellness Research & Programming For Bodybuilders, Victoria Castillo, Karen Park, Kersten Laughlin

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explores the occupational impact on bodybuilders and wellness & program development for competitive bodybuilders. Phase one focuses on research to understand the occupational impact on bodybuilders during competition. Phase two, which focuses on program development, highlights the alignment to the objectives as they allow for the development of an educational program intended for bodybuilder coaches to help with health prevention and wellness with their bodybuilder clients.

The Occupational Performance Of Student-Athletes Post-Concussion: A Guide For Coaches And Athletic Trainers, Baylee A. Felts, Mary Ann Smith, Danielle Cade

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a rising concern amongst the sports community. Student-athletes with concussions can exhibit deficits in physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and visual-perceptual abilities (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Occupational therapists are equipped to address the impacts of those deficits to improve occupational engagement and performance but are often overlooked in concussion management teams (Finn, 2019). A concussion management team typically consists of coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), physicians, and sometimes physical therapists, depending on the severity of the concussion. Due to growing concern and continued research, the concussion management team must be current with new information. Coaches and ATs may not keep …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Enhancing Adaptive Golf, Jessica A. Garday, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project is focused on advocating on behalf of golfers with disabilities by providing an educational resource for golf administrators on enhancing adaptive golf at their facility. The project's deliverable was an in-service presentation highlighting the importance of adaptive golf and its positive impact on community, state, and national individuals. The in-service was delivered through the Southern California Professional Golf Association SCPGA Catalyst webinar series. The topics included grants for adaptive equipment, the financial impact of adaptive golf on the industry, community partnerships, and golf course design modifications utilizing the most cost-effective approaches. The student found that more education can …

Disabling Conditions Of Para-Alpine Athletes: An Education Series For Ski Instructors, Meghan Hawes, Steven M. Gerardi, Heather Rennerfeldt

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Para-alpine ski instructors in the United States need more training on disabling conditions and their definition, deficits, and adaptations for para-alpine skiing; This capstone closes the gap. Para-Alpine skiing is discussed in detail, highlighting instructor training, adaptive equipment, and para-athletes. The disabling conditions of para-athletes are identified along with details related to their para-alpine skiing experience. The methods of this capstone consisted of creating an educational series of videos highlighting five disabling conditions: Autism, spinal cord injuries and conditions, vision impairments, cerebral palsy, and progressive neurodegenerative disorders. The product was presented following a 14-week experience with the National Sports Center …

Promoting Spine Health For Adolescent Athletes, Taylor R. Walker

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Based on interviews with local stakeholders in public health and literature review, developed an informational brochure for high school athletes containing prevention and management strategies and resources for low back pain. The aim of this project is to help young athletes stay healthy and live well as they age by promoting spine health.

Accessing Outdoor Recreation For Persons With Physical Disabilities (Pwpd), Molly Lindquist, Mary Smith, Emily Brent

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

To contribute to a website that would be a one-stop location for PWPD who wish to engage in sports and outdoor recreational activities.

Stimulant Medication Use In Children/Adolescent Athletes With Adhd Reduce The Recovery Time Of Concussions And Traumatic Brain Injury, Matthew Lee

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Capstone Presentations (Center City)

Introduction

• Concussions and TBIs are well-known injuries occurring 30-50 million times a year worldwide and are commonly seen in sports.¹ The majority of TBIs are mild yet still have the potential to cause lifelong detrimental effects.
• Short- and long-term complications include difficulty thinking, difficulty concentrating, changes in emotions and personality, decreased memory and sensation, and may lead to depression and dementia.²
• Especially in children and adolescents who are undergoing brain development.
• There are no known prophylactic medications, however, some studies have indicated that sympathomimetic drugs, MPH, may be neuroprotective in the setting of TBIs.
• The purpose of this …

The Effects On Occupations And Quality Of Life After A Sports Injury In Adolescents: Emphasis On Psychosocial Factors, Mikaela Hajjar, Lindsey Williams, Monica Watford

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone project was designed to develop educational handouts for adolescents who experience psychosocial factors after an injury, using the PEOP and Biopsychosocial models. The project addressed the need for more resources to target this population's psychosocial aspects of injuries. The handouts supported existing literature on recommended coping strategies, techniques, leisure exploration activities, and additional resources for OT treatment. The project aimed to provide accessible education to OTs, coaches, parents, and athletes on the role of OT in treatment and the importance of addressing psychosocial factors. The project successfully provided background information, analyzed methodology, summarized handout development, and highlighted the …

Mental Health In College Athletes: An Ot Perspective, Olivia Sarik, Lakeisa Boykin, Susan Didino

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: There is often increased stigma surrounding college athletes in the spotlight, thus preventing them from seeking help with their mental health (Kaier et al., 2015). There are currently no known programs that offer resources specifically for college athletes (Sudano & Miles, 2016). It is important for occupational therapists to advocate for mental health resources for student-athletes to create healthy habits and routines within the athletic environment.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone was to increase awareness of mental health resources that are available to student-athletes and coaching staff at Baldwin Wallace University to improve mental health in athletics and …

Adaptive Sports Equipment: A Resource For Clinicians, Coaches, & Athletes, Allison Chown, Steven M. Gerardi, Christopher Ebner

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

About 61 million adults who live in the United States (US) have a disability, which equates to about one in four adults in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Unfortunately, only one out of every ten people who need assistive technology (AT) have access to the proper equipment, with lack of awareness of the devices being one of the causes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). It has been noted in literature that a lack of awareness exists amongst clinicians, coaches, & athletes regarding available adaptive equipment (AE) to support participation in adaptive sports ([AS] Bergem, 2020). …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Student Athlete’S Transition From High School To College, Justus Basinger, Keisa Boykin, Mary Shotwell

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the project is to identify the issues facing student-athletes as they transition from high school to college and to determine occupational therapists’ role in the transition for student-athletes. To allow for specialized help in the transition process from high school to college, this research project will provide greater detail about the areas in which student-athletes experience stressors.

The Effect Of An 8-Week Core Training Program On 1-Mile And 100-Meter Dash Outdoor Running Times In College-Aged Athletes, Kelcie Hromisin, Robert Wagner, Anthony Tirro, Zachary Orzell, Cydney Moore, James Prentice, Melissa Cencetti

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

The Effect of an 8-week Core Training Program on 1 Mile and 100-M Dash Outdoor Running Times in College-Aged Athletes

Background:

The core provides proximal stability of the trunk which enhances power production and strength with distal limb movement. With almost half a million NCAA athletes in the United States, in a high-revenue industry, there is a strong incentive for athletes, coaches and industry alike to discover strategies to improve athletic performance. Available literature has studied the correlation between increasing core strength and the augmentation of balance and stability, power generation, core endurance, neuromuscular control and injury prevention. However, these …

Exploring Occupation-Based Practice For Athletes With Sports-Related Injuries, Brett Taylor, Susan Macdermott, Jay Gerzmehale

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The profession of OT has yet to be widely acknowledged and recognized within the world of sports (Reed, 2011). There is currently a lack of research related to OT's role in working with athletes who have sustained sports-related injuries. Although occupational therapists are currently working with athletes on sports rehabilitation and recovery, there is uncertainty within the profession regarding the presence of occupation-based practice (OBP) in the population of athletes and within the sports rehabilitation setting. The project aims to advocate for the profession of OT in sports rehabilitation and recovery and increase awareness of the importance of OBP when …

An Exploration Of The Lifestyle Of Rodeo Athletes, Brooke Tunnell, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Rodeo is considered one of the most rapid-growing sports across many nations and consists of highly talented, tough athletes (Haney & Pearson, 1999). There is a gap in the research that examines the occupation of rodeo through an occupational therapy and occupational science perspective. Occupational science, the study of human occupation, focuses on how the form, function, and meaning of daily activities influence health and well-being (Larson & Zemke, 2003). Form, function, and meaning guided the mixed-method research study utilizing survey, interview, narrative prompt, and photo elicitation. Three themes were extracted from the data and embodied the personal and occupational …

Barriers And Resources For Competitive Adaptive Rock Climbing, Amy Griswold, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to (1) identify barriers to participation in competitive adaptive rock climbing for adults with a physical disability and (2) create and distribute virtual educational resources to meet identified barriers. The need for this project was highlighted by athlete and coach self-report of limited ability to engage in competitive adaptive rock climbing, also known as paraclimbing.

The sample consisted of 108 adaptive athletes, adaptive rock-climbing coaches, staff members in rock climbing gyms, and volunteers at adaptive rock climbing events. Participants anonymously completed a ten-minute mixed methods virtual survey using Microsoft Forms.

Statistical analyses suggest recurrent …

Exercise Testing And Prescription With Cancer Patients To Help Relieve Cancer-Related Fatigue (Crf), Tanner Hendricks, Paul Williams

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

CRF is one of the most prominent side effects in cancer patients (Savina & Zaydiner, 2019). 80-100% of cancer patients report experiencing CRF (American Cancer Society, 2020) • Rest was a crucial recommendation for cancer patients, but now it is being replaced with physical activity (Backer et al., 2007). CRF can lead to: (Horneber et al., 2012): decreased physical activity, hinderance of recovery, Mood swings (depression often occurs), exhaustion (physical and mental), impaired physical performance.

Pathology Of Atrial Fibrillation And Methods For Testing And Prescribing Exercise, Abby Callahan, Logan Barrett

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias which is diagnosed to nearly 450,000 Americans each year (CDC, 2021). Atrial fibrillation is a conduction defect of the atria and is often characterized as an irregular heart rate that often causes poor blood flow. Atrial fibrillation is commonly associated with very rapid and chaotic atrial depolarizations that result in an irregular and sometimes rapid response of the ventricles (Jacobs, 2018). This condition can potentially have no symptoms, but when symptoms do appear they can include shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. Treatments of atrial fibrillation include blood thinners, minimally invasive …

The Effects Of Occupational Therapy For Damaged Hand Muscles In Females With Scleroderma, Abby Callahan

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

Scleroderma limits individuals in normal activities of daily living. Occupational therapy is recommended for individuals with scleroderma within the first few years of the disease. Studies have shown that occupational therapy is effective in individuals with scleroderma. Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is a complex polygenetic disease that has 2 subtypes: Limited Affects individuals' muscles and how they functions, Diffuse Affects individuals’ internal organs (Shah, 2013). The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of occupational therapy in damaged hand muscles of females with scleroderma.

Insulin Resistance And Hba1c Benefits For Adolescents And Adults Aged 18-70 With Type 1 Diabetes After Completing Hiit Programs, Logan Barrett

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

T1D is considered an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas is unable to produce insulin to balance blood glucose levels. Research has shown that type 1 diabetes is also the result of an autoimmune reaction that induces the destruction to the pancreatic betacells in the pancreas, which produce insulin (Rodbard, 2017). HIIT is a style of exercise that has gained popularity throughout the 2010s (Ito, 2019). HIIT involves a series of anaerobic exercises at high intensity levels (>80% of VO2 peak) (Lee, A., Johnson, N., McGill, M., & Overland, J., 2020).

The Effects Caffeine Has On A 3-Minute Rowing Test, Abby Callahan, Molly Montgomery, Logan Barrett

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

Research question: Does a relative amount of caffeine (2 mg/kg) increase the distance 18-24-year-olds are able to row if implemented 1 hour prior to a 5-minute rowing test when compared to no caffeine? The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of caffeine on 5-minute rowing distance in 18–24-year-olds. According to Grgic et. al (2020), caffeine ingestion of doses of 6 mg/kg and 9 mg/kg significantly improved 2000-meter rowing ergometer by approximately 4 seconds (i.e., caffeine ingestions reduced the time needed to complete the distance). According to Del Coso et. al (2012), during this study the caffeine beverage …

The Effects Of A Caffeine Pill On Time Performance Between Male And Female Division 1 Collegiate Swimmers, Steven Laflamme

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

14 collegiate swimmers from a Division 1 University in North Carolina took part in this study v Testing group consumed a caffeine pill equal to 3 mg/kg of body weight on hour before testing. Control group received a placebo in place of the caffeine pill. v Base line times for a 50-yard freestyle was recorded through their conference championship as well as a 50-yard freestyle performed in the offseason. v Both groups were tested on two 50-yard freestyles performed at Bost Pool. v After the both swims were concluded, the resulting data from the two groups were compared.

The Effect Of Nutrient Intake By Collegiate Wrestlers Post-Weigh-In To Optimize Performance Intensity, Jha’Quan Quan’Darius Anderson

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

The present study used a quantitative experimental design with outcome measures of hydration levels, heart rate (HR) during the match, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) after the match, rate of perceived fatigue (RPF) after the match, and muscle glycogen levels. Participants were split into two groups, 10 starters from both schools to simulate a dual meet style matchup. Each group went through two testing sessions which the first session was weight measurements five days before competition to test for rapid weight loss (RWL) and the second testing session was weight measurements, urine analysis, HR, RPE, RPF, and muscle glycogen.

Effects Of Guided Imagery On The Rehabilitation Of Sports Injuries, Abby Atchley

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

Purpose statement: This study aims at discovering if there will be effects on an athlete's strength, mobility, and mental state if guided imagery (GI) is used along with standardized rehabilitation of sports injuries. Hypothesis: This study hypothesizes that GI could be used to aid in the rehabilitation process of sports injures, allowing athletes to return from injury better prepared for the athletic performance.

Effects Of A Specific Stretching Protocol For The Treatment Of Achilles’ Tendon Chronic Pain Caused By Muscle Tendon’S Stiffness, Massimo Borlina

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

Purpose of the study The present study was aimed to investigate if a specific lower limb’s stretching protocol could benefit on Achilles’ tendon ( chronic pain caused by muscle tendon ( stiffness in NCAA D 1 men soccer players during the in season period Hypothesis It was hypothesized that a specific stretching protocol could benefit on D 1 men’s soccer players that have been experiencing AT’s chronic pain for the previous period of activity through the enhancement of superficial backline ( myofascial chain’s compliance levels Methods T wenty four NCAA D 1 men soccer players, from age 18 to 25 …

Success Is In The Block, Steven Couch

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

According to Freitas-Junior and colleagues (2020) within a single set a player may perform a vertical jump (VJ) 32 plus times. Both Plyometrics and Ballistic training improve VJ performance (Wang et al., 2020; Jiménez-Reyes et al., 2017). According to Silva et al. (2014) and Rabaz et al. (2013) blocking is considered one volleyball actions that result in a game victory following a serve and a spike actions.

The Effects Of Dry Needling Combined With Conservative Treatment And Fitness On College-Aged Athletes With Rotator Cuff Pathology, Reah Barger

EXSI 432/532: Research Methods in Exercise Science: Research Proposal Posters

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common shoulder injuries in adults, making college athletes a high risk according to Athwal and Armstrong (2010).