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Joy To The Rehabilitation World: A Call To Incorporate Enjoyment Into Clinical Practice, Cristina Colón-Semenza, Raymond Jones, Winston Kennedy

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Although multiple academic disciplines recognize the motivational power of joy, rehabilitation professionals have, historically, underemphasized this construct in clinical practice. In addition, many clinicians report persistent challenges in motivating patients to adhere to prescribed exercise regimens. In response, there is growing advocacy for integrating affective-based interventions into practice. This overview aims to 1) raise awareness among rehabilitation professionals about the role of joy in physical rehabilitation, 2) illustrate how joy influences physical activity engagement and recovery outcomes, 3) outline evidence-based strategies for enhancing joy in clinical settings, and 4) introduce validated measures of joy suitable for use in practice. By …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

The Impact Of Computer Training On Confidence And Occupational Participation In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Alicia Jones, Joseph A. Scazzero, Rosanne Dizazzo-Miller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It is fundamental to understand why older adults choose and use technology to fully understand how to meet the needs of an aging population in a technologically advanced society. This research aimed to design and implement a holistic technology training program for older adults that explores using a laptop beyond basic internet use.

Method: A pre-post mixed-method survey study took place at a local senior center. A classroom-style program was designed to deliver information and instruction using a digital device. An 11-item survey on attitudes toward technology using a 7-point Likert scale with qualitative responses was used to collect …

The Content Validity Of The Functional Cognition Index In Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living (Fci-Iadl) As A Screening Tool For Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) In Older Adults In Singapore, Namrata P. Sadarangani, Phyllis Simon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a syndrome that is considered a transition phase between healthy cognitive aging and dementia. The person may have subjective memory complaints, substantiated by family or caregiver and/or impaired executive function, that lead to difficulties performing complex Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Our objective was to develop a tool to assess functional cognition in IADLs as a screen for MCI in older adults.

Method: A Qualtrics survey questionnaire was rated by 15 content experts on the relevance of the 22 test item questions to the cognitive domains being measured using a 4-point …

Bridging Gaps In Spanish-Speaking Individuals In Rural Areas About Parkinson’S Disease, Fabiola Barajas Velasco

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Provide education and bring awareness of Parkinson’s disease in rural areas through educational trainings and community outreach, specifically those close in contact with farmworkers or farmworkers themselves.

Kickin' It Old School: Connecting The Ages, Elyssia Lambert

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem Statement

Lack of social participation is associated with negative impacts on QoL in individuals with dementia

Lack of awareness and knowledge of OT as a career option

Discordance Between Self-Report And Performance-Based Measures Among At-Risk Older Adults: A Secondary Data Analysis, Chiung-Ju Liu, Wen-Pin Chang, Inga Wang

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Importance: Subtle, age-related declines in occupational performance among at-risk older adults may go undetected when assessed solely with self-report measures, potentially leading to missed intervention opportunities. Understanding discrepancies between self-reported and performance-based occupational performance outcomes can inform assessment selection and interpretation.

Objective: To examine the discrepancies between the two types of measure among community-dwelling older adults at risk for losing independence.

Design: Cross-sectional study using secondary data analysis.

Participants: Seventy-one community-dwelling older adults (M age = 74 yr, SD = 9) who showed muscle weakness and reported difficulty with activities of daily living.

Outcomes and measures: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure …

The Effect Of The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (Lsvt) Big Method Based On Occupation On Older Adult Functional Mobility Balance, Muhammad Luthfi, Kharisma Nur Idalasari

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Balance impairment is one of the major problems commonly experienced by older adults as a result of degenerative processes, leading to an increased risk of falls. Falls may cause fear of recurrent falling, reduced physical activity, loss of physical capability, and may eventually result in disability and psychological consequences such as depression. Structured, occupation-based physical activity has been shown to provide various benefits for older adults, including improving physical function, slowing functional decline associated with degenerative processes, reducing fall risk, and enhancing postural control. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the occupation-based Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG …

Stronger Bodies, Sharper Minds: Promoting Wellness In Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through Exercise And Health Education, Michael Webb

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Due to the increasing population of older adults, the need for health promotion and wellness-based interventions that support effective participation in their respective occupations is essential. Literature supports that engaging in physical activity, health education, and social participation are critical factors in increasing the quality and longevity of life among community-dwelling older adults. A doctoral capstone project was conducted at a community-based day program for low-income older adults to promote wellness, engagement, and continued participation in meaningful occupations.

The purpose of this project was to design and implement group sessions consisting of therapeutic exercise and health education to integrate education, …

The Relationship Between Burnout, Resilience, And Locus Of Control In Occupational Therapy, Tabitha Gibbs, Miguel Garcia, Karen Menard, William O'Bannon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Burnout in occupational therapists is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished accomplishment.

Method: This non-experimental correlational study, guided by Rotter’s Locus of Control Theory and the attribution theory of motivation, analyzed the relationship between resilience, locus of control, and burnout among occupational therapists using the Brief Resilience Scale, the Internal-External Locus of Control Short Scale -4, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. The sample of 83 participants was obtained via questionnaires sent to a convenience sample of occupational therapists with at least 6 months of work experience in any practice setting.

Results: The results of this study …

Creation And Implementation Of Nature And Sensory Based Therapy Programming To Support The Health And Well-Being Of Catholic Dominican Sisters, Sydney Payne

Capstone Projects

As the older generation ages, diseases such as dementia can cause sensory processing systems to be less efficient. When they become less efficient, it can create confusion and undermine one’s sense of safety (Champagne, 2018 pg 29-30). Engaging in sensory experiences provides support for these deficits while fostering participation in everyday life activities (Champagne, 2018 pg 30). This capstone project included a sensory garden (nature-based therapy) and associated multi-sensory activities. This was done through creation of nature and sensory-based programming, implementation of this programming one-on-one with sisters, two group sensory, dementia-friendly activities, and formation of a sustainability binder. Occupational therapy …

Implementation Of A Cardio Drumming Program To Promote Health And Wellbeing In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Amanda Moyer

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience focused on implementation of a cardio drumming program at the Ecumenical Senior Center (ESC), a day center for older adults, in Kalamazoo Michigan. Cardio drumming is a unique way of exercise that combines drumming to upbeat music with an exercise ball, laundry basket, and drumsticks. Cardio drumming is low impact and can be adapted to many different abilities. This form of exercise can be done in a seated or standing position. The program began once a week for 30 minutes but soon increased to two times a week for 35 minutes and lasted 9 weeks due …

Service Dogs As An Intervention To Improve Sleep: A Systematic Review, Yvonne Monti, Sara Kuiken, Anna Owens, Rachel Madden, Skyler Roote

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Purpose: The use of service dogs as a holistic intervention has grown significantly in the past 10 years. Studies report positive impacts of service dogs on primary and secondary symptoms associated with various disabilities. Dysfunctional sleep is a common symptom among individuals receiving service dog assistance. This study investigates the efficacy of service dogs in improving co-occurring sleep dysfunction in handlers with various conditions.

Methods: A comprehensive search of Science Direct, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and 11 studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by …

Integration Of The Science Of Team Science (Scits) With Applied Healthcare Frameworks: Interprofessional Education Through A University-Based Head Injury Clinic, Part Ii: Mixed Methods, Emily Balog, Susan Paparella, Natalia Noce, Stephanie Hubbell, Kelly Pena

Translational Science in Occupation

Introduction: Effective healthcare delivery requires clinicians to function within high-performing, collaborative teams. To support this, interprofessional education (IPE) must provide opportunities that move beyond siloed training. This paper details the clinical application of a team science-informed educational intervention designed to prepare students for interprofessional practice (IPP) through a university-based head injury head injury clinic. Methods: The research team conducted a mixed methods case study with a convergent design to evaluate student outcomes. Eighteen graduate students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology participated in a 10-week clinic. Faculty delivered training in IPEC competencies, TeamSTEPPS® tools, and clinical processes before …

Investigating The Efficacy Of An Online Multigenerational Awareness Course For Occupational Therapy Students – A Pilot Study, Susan Blair, Barbara M. Doucet, Jerilyn Callen, Kirsten Davin, Shelby Hutchinson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In today’s multigenerational society, particularly in health care settings, thriving can be challenging because of generational differences. Occupational therapy educational programs (OTEPs) prepare students for work environments where three to four different generations may be present. This study examines the effectiveness of an online multigenerational awareness (MGA) course. The secondary objectives include increasing students’ knowledge of enhanced multigenerational collaboration and communication strategies in preparation for future clinical practice. A pilot group of eight participants from various university departments reviewed the course content and completed preenrollment and postenrollment surveys, providing feedback regarding the applicability and perceived usefulness of the multigenerational awareness …

Preparing For Change: Supporting Dementia Transitions Through Occupational Therapy And Caregiver Education, Kelly Ann Mooney

OTD Capstones

This capstone project focused primarily on supporting caregivers of individuals living with dementia within a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Caregivers of spouses with dementia often experience increased burden, stress, and difficulty navigating the transition from independent living to higher levels of care. Guided by principles of occupational therapy, this project aimed to enhance caregiver knowledge, confidence, and overall well-being through the development and implementation of targeted educational resources and support strategies. 

Interventions included the creation of evidence-based educational handouts addressing common challenges for caregivers such as activities of daily living (ADLs), sleep, mealtime, and behavioral changes. Additionally, a structured …

Enhancing Wheelchair Education Throough Technology, Anna Elizabeth Voegel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The World Health Organization states there are more than 65 million wheelchair users worldwide, with the number expected to grow (Gilani, 2023). Many wheelchair users face challenges with not knowing how to properly maintain their equipment or develop the skills needed to navigate their environments (Boccardi et al., 2022; Morgan et al., 2015; Smith et al., 2016; Toro et al., 2017). This product aims to provide practitioners with accessible educational materials that address commonly encountered barriers, usable in the clinic setting or for patients and caregivers to access from a distance.

Methods: A needs assessment was conducted, which included …

Enhancing Leisure For Older Adults In Senior Living Communities, Hannah Louise Street

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Older adults living in senior living communities are at an increased risk of social isolation, depression, boredom, and decreased quality of life (Donovan & Blazer, 2020; du Toit et al., 2019). Increasing access to meaningful, person-centered leisure activities can improve life satisfaction and overall quality of life for older adults (Chang et al., 2021; Shryock & Meeks, 2020). The purpose of this project was to develop a product to increase meaningful leisure engagement amongst older adults living in senior living communities for an overall improved quality of life.

Methodology: The model of human occupation (MOHO) was utilized as the …

Occupational Therapy: There Through It All, Leanne Bates

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

'Occupational Therapy: There Through It All' is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Capstone project in collaboration with VNA Health at Home in London, Kentucky. The Applied Leadership Experience focused on patients, and their family members or caregivers, receiving home hospice care. The primary ACOTE focus areas were education, advocacy, and clinical practice. The purpose of the project was to facilitate an increased quality of life in home hospice patients by determining the gaps of care present for patients that do not receive occupational therapy (OT) services, provide education about OT’s role in hospice care, and creating educational resources for patients …

Enhancing Leisure Opportunities For People With Disabilities In Rural Communities, Joslyn Mary Nordmark

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose. The purpose of this scholarly project was to promote access to leisure opportunities for people with disabilities in rural areas. The author addressed unmet needs among this population considering personal, occupational, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The goal was to develop a product that provided opportunities regardless of abilities to promote leisure exploration and participation, social engagement, and life skill development for people with disabilities

Methods. The author conducted a needs assessment through a literature review following the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), collaborations with site staff, and an on-site observation and environmental analysis. Data was examined to identify …

Increasing Leisure Exploration In Older Adults As They Age, Jackie Middendorf

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: As individuals age, it is common for them to experience deficits that impact how and where they age (Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Nakahara & Yokoi, 2024; Park et al., 2021; Rimland et al., 2016; Szanton et al., 2016). These deficits commonly impact functional mobility and their ability to complete self-cares, leading to them having to leave their homes or receive services (Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Feller & Baker, 2022; Lindquist et al., 2021; Mayo et al., 2021; Spang et al., 2024). Along with deficits with functional mobility and self-cares, older adults experience decreases in their social engagement and leisure …

Quality Of Life Of Individuals Residing In Senior Living Facilities, Meagan R. Danda

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Formal caregivers play an essential role in supporting residents’ physical, emotional, and social needs which contribute to overall health and well-being (Spilsbury et al., 2024). Due to these responsibilities, caregivers need to be properly equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform clinical duties with confidence. The purpose of this scholarly project is to develop a product that increases caregiver confidence by providing caregivers with occupational therapy informed education. By enhancing caregivers’ knowledge and skill set, this product may contribute to a supportive environment that fosters resident engagement in meaningful occupations and promotes improved quality of life (QoL) …

Aging With Mercy, Thriving In Place, Emma Layne Katzman, Karen Weis, Jennifer Rugletic Washko

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Occupational engagement, spirituality, and quality of life are recognized as important dimensions of aging, however, these factors remain underexplored among older adults residing within faith-based communal living environments. This doctoral capstone experience, Aging with Mercy, Thriving in Place, consisted of two distinct but complementary components: an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved mixed methods research study and a quality improvement initiative. The purpose of the research study was to explore occupational engagement, occupational role transitions, spirituality, identity, and perceived quality of life among older adults residing within a faith-based communal living environment. Quantitative data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality …

Sketching Ot Theory: The Meaning Of Visual Notetaking To Learning Occupational Therapy Theory For Ot Students, Julia Henderson, Delainey Ebel, Ilona Jones, Katie Lee Bunting

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Visual notetaking is a creative learning strategy used in health professions education. This study defines it as any form of notes, recorded using physical or electronic means, that are not solely text-based, but incorporate some degree of color, symbolism, shapes, diagrams, and/or other visual imagery to represent concepts. While no previous studies have investigated visual notetaking in the context of occupational therapy education, occupational therapy’s prevalent use of visual representations to convey complex, relational, and holistic theoretical concepts suggests that visual notetaking may have potential as an inherently aligned and effective pedagogical approach for teaching occupational therapy theory. Our study …

Promoting Healthy Diet Adherence Using A Multisensory Approach For Post-Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Stacey Myers, Yuki Asakura Strempek, Sarah Kaster, Clare Hall

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Evidence supports a healthy diet for secondary stroke prevention; however, programs to implement nutrition education remain inconsistent. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of using a multisensory approach called the “Hands-on Training” program (HOT) to improve healthy diet adherence among patients rehabilitating after stroke.

Methods: This pilot randomized controlled study was conducted at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an experimental group who received HOT or a control group who received conventional education. The HOT group received real-time meal choice coaching, a healthy meal preparation experience, and additional written education. The Mediterranean Eating …

Interventions To Enhance Care Partner Performance And Participation In Alzheimer's And Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematized Review, Ainslie Suyko, Addison Werner, Elizabeth A. Stacy, Danielle M. Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly A. Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) often experience disrupted routines, reduced self-care, and limited participation in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) supports care partners’ engagement in health-promoting activities and sustainable caregiving (Rhodus et al., 2023). This systematized review examined interventions that enhance care partner performance and participation.

Design: Peer-reviewed, English-language articles were included if they involved adult care partners of individuals with AD or NCDs, implemented an intervention within the scope of OT, and used quantitate research designs.

Method: A total of 319 articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus were screened; 61 …

Neuro Rehab In Rural America: Interprofessional Strategies For Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Rebecca L. Kinnison, Amy J. Goldman, Colleen Spellman

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

An Interdisciplinary Functional Exercise Program For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Series, Lauren Turbeville, Caroline Adams, Amy Wedge, Kailey Smitherman, Kathrin Rothermich

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traditional exercise programs are beneficial in managing Parkinson’s disease (PD). Little research exists on interdisciplinary, functional exercise programs designed and implemented by licensed therapists.

Method: Our case series presents the development, implementation, and results of an interdisciplinary functional exercise program for individuals with PD and the effects this program had on daily functioning and quality of life. Participants were recruited via flyers, email, and phone communication, and consented to data collection for our objectives. Participants attended two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Sessions addressed fine and gross motor skills, dexterity, cognition, functional strength, gait, balance, and …

Adapt & Thrive: Parkinson’S Training For A More Meaningful Life, Alyson Chew

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

As of 2022, there are 107,601 people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in California with 78% of cases above 70 years old (California Department of Public Health, 2024). Falls are the most common cause of injury for adults 65 years and older with over 14 million falls reported annually (CDC, 2024). Occupational therapy is an underutilized profession that can assist both people with PD and caregivers to reduce falls and injuries from occurring.

Navigating Sensory Challenges: Understanding The Sensory Experience Of Adults With Dementia In Adult Day Centers, Bailey Stewart

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Staff had not yet received formal training on how to identify a variety of sensory based behaviors and how to best utilize the sensory room and tailor its use to meet specific individual’s needs from an OT lens.