Digital Commons Network^™

Art As Occupation: A Phenomenological Study Of Art As A Means Of Self-Expression For An Individual Recovering From Severe Physical, Sexual, And Ritual Abuse, Raina Kay Remole

Online Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study presents an in-depth exploration of one individual's retrospective account of using art over approximately ten years in Occupational Therapy (OT) intervention while recovering from severe abuse with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). After an extensive literature review, the qualitative data was gathered during thorough semi-structured interviews using conference calls and correspondence through e-mail with the participant. Data analysis involved horizontalization of narrative data resulting in the dissemination of meaning units. From these a textual and structural description of the participant's individual experience emerged through self-reflection and discussion of meaning units with the participant and outside …

Occupations And Quality Of Life Of Families With Children With Asd: A Survey, Rebecca Vaughn

Online Theses and Dissertations

In recent literature, it has been suggested that families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have diminished Quality of Life particularly in the areas of social interaction and family outings (Lee et al., 2008). The purpose of this study is to describe quality of life and occupations engaged in along with demographic features of families with children with an ASD. Data was collected utilizing a survey methods, a convenience sample received a questionnaire packet containing: Flanagan Quality of Life Scale, demographic survey and Occupational Checklist. Twenty-two families participated in the study. Descriptive statistics suggested that families with children …

A Parent Consultation Group For Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methodological Study, Cassandra Catherine Clark

Online Theses and Dissertations

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are known have higher levels of negative stress than parents of children without a chronic illness. These parents' roles and routines are also impacted since the many demands made by their children put them at greater risk of occupational injustice as they are less likely to participate in occupations of their choice. Despite multiple studies examining stress in parents of children with ASD, there is little to no recent published research on the effects of a parent consultation group on parents of children with ASD and their sense of competency and attitudes …

Web-Based Interventions For Weight Loss And Weight Maintenance Among Rural Midlife And Older Women: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial., Patricia A. Hageman, Carol H. Pullen, Melody Hertzog, Linda S, Boeckner, Susan Noble Walker

Journal Articles: Physical Therapy

BACKGROUND: Weight loss is challenging and maintenance of weight loss is problematic among midlife and older rural women. Finding effective interventions using innovative delivery methods that can reach underserved and vulnerable populations of overweight and obese rural women is a public health challenge.

METHODS/DESIGN: This Women Weigh-In for Wellness (The WWW study) randomized-controlled trial is designed to compare the effectiveness of theory-based behavior-change interventions using (1) website only, (2) website with peer-led support, or (3) website with professional email-counseling to facilitate initial weight loss (baseline to 6 months), guided continuing weight loss and maintenance (7-18 months) and self-directed weight maintenance …

An Approach For Identifying Gait Events Using Wavelet Denoising Technique And Single Wireless Imu, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart, Nathalie Van De Berge

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

A new approach is proposed to identify gait events in non-laboratory environments with a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) embedded inside shoe. The aim of our work is to develop a useful clinical tool for monitoring individuals walking disability and detect specific pathological gait patterns. Temporal parameters of gait are determined by classification of accelerations and angular velocities. Wavelets denoising of IMU signals allows for an important amount of information that is exploited in different manners for event identification. It was found that wavelet denoising enhanced specific turning points which could effectively identify gait events. The method is verified by …

Union And Nonunion Employment: An Investigative Study Of Factors In The Employment Setting That May Influence The Development Of Burnout, Rachel Elizabeth Costello

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The primary goal of this two-phased, sequential mixed-methods study was to discover whether union affiliation is associated with a lower occurrence of burnout in factory workers by comparing union and nonunion workers. The objective was to determine levels of burnout in union and nonunion employees as well their perception of social support in the workplace. The theoretical synthesis consisted of conservation of resources theory and the theory of reasoned action. The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and the Quality of Worklife Questionnaire were used to identify the characteristics of the workplace (job demands and job resources) and the level of burnout. …

Exploration Of The Project Management Practitioner's Emotional Intelligence Competencies, Linda A. Hooper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The success rate of information technology projects is on a downward trend, with reported losses in the billions of dollars. Recent studies indicate a 50--56% project success rate based on quality, budget, and on-time criteria. Building upon the conceptual framework of the emotional intelligence and knowledge management theories, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how project management practitioners apply self- and cultural-awareness competencies to affect project outcomes. Using a purposeful sampling method, 24 experienced U.S.-based project management practitioners participated in a web-based questionnaire. Following Giorgi's data reduction process resulted in numeric data coding. Thematic analysis revealed themes …

Prediction Of Air Traffic Controller Trainee Selection And Training Success Using Cognitive Ability And Biodata, Karen D. Fox

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has experienced decreased return on investment caused by hiring too many air traffic controller specialists (ATCSs) who performed poorly in field training, thus failing to become certified professional controllers (CPCs). Based on Schmidt and Hunter's theory of job performance and biodata theory, this quantitative, archival study examined whether factors of cognitive ability and biodata could predict job performance status of 2 generations of ATCSs, poststrike (PS) and next generation (NG) controllers. For each generation of controllers, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine if any of the independent variables---transmuted composite (TMC) score for PS …

Factors Influencing U.S. Army Personnel Meeting Body Mass Index Standards, Salma Theus

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

U.S. Army Regulations require soldiers to be fit, as excessive weight negatively impacts their readiness, health, and morale. A quantitative study examined if personal, behavioral, and/or environmental factors predict a soldier's self-efficacy and body mass index. Data were obtained from 117 soldiers on 6 scales: the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, the Army Physical Fitness Test, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Stress Management Questionnaire, the Lifestyle Assessment Inventory, and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine if personal (intellectual capabilities and physical fitness), behavioral (lifestyle and stress management), and/or environmental (supervisor leadership) factors predict self-efficacy and …

Implementing Routine Provider-Initiated Hiv Testing In Public Health Care Facilities In Kenya: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Nurses' Experiences, Catrin Evans, Eunice Ndirangu

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Routine 'provider-initiated testing and counselling' (PITC) for HIV has been implemented amidst concern over how consent, confidentiality and counselling (the 3C’s) can be maintained in underresourced health care settings. In Kenya, PITC has been rolled out since 2005, HIV prevalence is 7.1% and over 86% of adults have not been tested. Kenyan nurses are the main cadre implementing PITC but little is known about their experiences of incorporating HIV testing into everyday practice and the challenges faced in maintaining the 3’Cs within their work environments. This study aimed to explore these issues and adopted a qualitative multi-method design using a …

Who Let The Dog Out? Implementing A Successful Therapy Dog Program In An Academic Law Library, Femi Cadmus, Julian Aiken

Cornell Law Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Study On The Effects Of Therapeutic Listening On The Social And Functional Behavior Of Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Robin Abbott

Theses and Dissertations

Auditory sensory differences and sensitivities are often mentioned by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and in research involving children with ASD. Addressing these auditory processing differences is the goal of various auditory treatment techniques, but current research does not yield a body of evidence in support of auditory therapy as a treatment for children with ASD. This study is a single-subject study, repeated across two subjects, to investigate the effect of the Therapeutic Listening program on the social engagement and self-care skills of preschool-aged children with ASD. Both social engagement and self-care skills increased with for both …

Effectiveness Of The Whytry Curriculum With Adults Participating In A Vocational Training Program, Erika Kern

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the WhyTry curriculum with adults participating in a vocational training program specifically to develop retail skills. WhyTry is an interactive, multisensory program used to motivate participants to change patterns of indifference by using analogies, videos, and music to stimulate and inspire them to succeed. The curriculum has elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Social and Emotional Intelligence, and multi-sensory learning (WhyTry, 2011). My research question is as follows: Is the WhyTry curriculum effective in increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy with adults who are participating in a vocational training program? …

Improving The Detection Of Narcissistic Transformational Leaders With The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire: An Item Response Theory Analysis, Dale Frederick Hosking Martin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Narcissistic transformation leaders have inflicted severe physical, psychological, and financial damage on individuals, institutions, and society. Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) has shown promise for early detection of narcissistic leadership tendencies, but selection criteria have not been established. The purpose of this quantitative research was to determine if item response theory (IRT) could advance the detection of narcissistic leadership tendencies using an item-level analysis of the 20 transformational leadership items of the MLQ. Three archival samples of subordinates from Israeli corporate and athletic organizations were combined (N = 1,703) to assess IRT data assumptions, comparative fit of competing IRT models, item …

Resilient Observer Design For Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems With General Criteria, Chung Seop Jeong, Edwin E. Yaz, Yvonne I. Yaz

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

A class of discrete-time nonlinear system and measurement equations having incrementally conic nonlinearities and finite energy disturbances is considered. A linear matrix inequality based resilient observer design approach is presented to guarantee the satisfaction of a variety of performance criteria ranging from simple estimation error boundedness to dissipativity in the presence of bounded perturbations on the gain. Some simulation examples are included to illustrate the proposed design methodology.

Pain Perception After Isometric Exercise In Women With Fibromyalgia, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Andy Weyer, Sarah Hartley, Breanna Drewek, April L. Harkins, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify exercise protocols incorporating isometric contractions that provide pain relief in women with fibromyalgia.

Design: A before-after trial.

Setting: A physical therapy department in an academic setting.

Participants: Fifteen women (mean ± SD, 52 ± 11y) with fibromyalgia.

Interventions: Subjects completed 4 sessions: 1 familiarization and 3 experimental. The following randomized experimental sessions involved the performance of isometric contractions with the elbow flexor muscles that varied in intensity and duration: (1) 3 maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), (2) 25% MVC held to task failure, and (3) 25% MVC …

Analysis Of Knee Flexion Angles During 2 Clinical Versions Of The Heel Raise Test To Assess Soleus And Gastrocnemius Function, Kim Hébert-Losier, Anthony G. Schneiders, S John Sullivan, Richard J. Newsham-West, José A. García, Guy G. Simoneau

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study, using a repeated-measures, counterbalanced design. OBJECTIVES: To provide estimates on the average knee angle maintained, absolute knee angle error, and total repetitions performed during 2 versions of the heel raise test. BACKGROUND: The heel raise test is performed in knee extension (EHRT) to assess gastrocnemius and knee flexion (FHRT) for soleus. However, it has not yet been determined whether select knee angles are maintained or whether total repetitions differ between the clinical versions of the heel raise test. METHODS: Seventeen healthy males and females performed maximal heel raise repetitions in 0° (EHRT) and 30° (FHRT) …

Influence Of The Hip On Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review, Erik P. Meira, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Context: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common conditions limiting athletes. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that dysfunction at the hip may be a contributing factor in PFPS.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (1950–September 2010), CINAHL (1982–September 2010), and SPORTDiscus (1830–September 2010) were searched to identify relevant research to this report. Study Selection: Studies were included assessing hip strength, lower extremity kinematics, or both in relation to PFPS were included.

Data Extraction: Studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, prospective epidemiology, case-control epidemiology, and cross-sectional descriptive epidemiology in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.

Results: PFPS is associated …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Alters Neuromuscular Control And Kinetics During Stair Ambulation, Naoko Aminaka, Brian G. Pietrosimone, Charles W. Armstrong, Andrew Mezsaros, Phillip A. Gribble

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The aim of the study was to investigate differences in frontal plane knee kinetics, onset timing and dura-tion of the gluteus medius (GMed), adductor longus (AL), and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) during stair ambulation between those with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Twenty PFPS patients and twenty healthy participants completed stair ambulation while surface electromyography (EMG), video, and ground reaction forces were collected. PFPS patients had a higher peak internal knee abduction moment during stair ascent, and a higher internal knee abduction impulse for both ascent and descent. During stair ascent, PFPS patients displayed earlier onset of the AL …

Musculoskeletal Healthcare For Latino Migrant Farmworkers: Interprofessional Collaboration To Provide Service And Educate Future Health Care Providers, Jason Brumitt, Leda Garside, Rebecca Reisch, Talina Marshall, Hu En Gilpin, Jessica Kinsey, Kelsey Imondi

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The inability to access health care services is a significant issue in the United States (US). The US Census Bureau reports that as of 2009 over 50 million individuals (16.7% of the population) lacked health insurance. The number of people who became uninsured has also increased over time. One segment of the US population that is particularly vulnerable to health care inequities is Latinos. Failure to access timely primary medical services may increase the risk of disease transmission, morbidity, and mortality. In addition, failing to address health care needs at the primary provider level may contribute to an overutilization of …

A Survey Of Speech-Language Pathologists: Long-Term Speech Therapy Needs For Patients Within Three Neurological Conditions, Kara J. Ayala, Irmo Marini, Karen Luckett, E. Lisette Blanco

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

Forty-seven speech-language pathologists (SLPs) completed a written survey designed to obtain their opinions regarding the speech-language pathology needs of patients presenting with communication deficits following traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident and cerebral palsy. Results indicated that over one-half of the SLPs in the study cited the most common reason that speech therapy is stopped is due to lack of insurance coverage, not because the patient reached maximum improvement. After discharge from services, 78-92% of SLPs affirmed that their patients would have benefitted from ongoing speech-language treatment if insurance limitations were not a consideration. In many instances, therapy was recommended for …

Hindfoot And Forefoot Kinematic Differences Among Individuals With And Without Functional Ankle Instability, Cynthia Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Following lateral ankle sprain, many individuals experience recurrent injury and symptoms of giving-way, known as Functional Ankle Instability (FAI). It has been proposed that altered joint kinematics during activity may contribute to instability in these individuals, however research findings have been inconsistent. Objective: To capture foot and ankle kinematic data during two common tasks (walking gait and jump landing) among three groups: individuals with FAI, healthy controls and copers. Design: 3-group observational cross-sectional study. Participants: Participants included 23 individuals with a history of ≥ 1 ankle sprain and at least 2 episodes of giving-way in the past year (FAI: …

Describing The Occurrence And Influence Of Mentoring For Occupational Therapy Faculty Members Who Are On The Tenure Track Or Eligible For Reappointment, Mary Falzarano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

.

The Effect Of Joint Mobilization On Functional Outcomes Associated With Chronic Ankle Instability, Matthew C. Hoch

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries sustained by physically active individuals. Although ankle sprains are often considered innocuous in nature, a large percentage of individuals experience repetitive sprains, residual symptoms, and recurrent ankle instability following a single acute sprain; otherwise known as chronic ankle instability (CAI). In addition to repetitive ankle trauma, those with CAI experience reductions in functional capacity over the life span. This indicates that current intervention strategies for CAI are inadequate and require further investigation.

The objective of this dissertation was to explore differences in walking and running gait parameters between individuals with and without …

Vocational Training Programs, Transition Programs And Work Experience Placements For Employment Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review & A Description Of Employment Patterns And Day Occupations Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability Residing In Queensland, Sophia Davidson

Theses : Honours

OBJECTIVE: To review the research examining the effectiveness of vocational training programs, transition programs and work experience placements and describe their impact on work and employment attainment and maintenance for young adults with intellectual disability. METHOD: Electronic searches of six data bases and manual searches of references lists locating all available evidence of programs and interventions to assist young adults with intellectual disability to find paid employment. Interventions described as vocational training, work placements and experience and transition programs aimed at securing employment were included. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality assessment and a systematic review was possible. RESULTS: …

The Impact Of Online Social Participation On Social Capital And Mental Health Outcomes Of Young Adults: A Systematic Review & Participation And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults Living In Western Australia: Research Report, Robyn Earl

Theses : Honours

Introduction: The widespread acceptance and availability of the Internet and subsequent advent of social networking sites, is believed, in part, to be responsible for the reduction of face-to-face interaction, particularly among young adults. This has lead to suggestions that while virtual participation may enhance our ability to communicate with others; it may in fact come at the detriment of wellbeing. Depression is one of the leading causes of mental illness for young people, with social isolation and exclusion being identified as key risk factors for depression among this group. The aim of this review was to systematically review available research …

The Prevalence Of Flatfoot In Taoyuan Teenagers, Huan-Jui Yeh, Huei-Yu Lo, Yau-Wai Wai

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: The prevalence of flatfoot is various among each age group, and whether children with flatfoot should receive treatment or not is still controversial. Most studies of flatfoot in Taiwan place emphases on children but not on teenagers. This research aimed to establish a database of a prevalence of flatfoot among Taiwanese local teenagers.Methods: Five hundred forty-four 12- to 14-year-old teenagers in Taoyuan were enrolled in this study. Footprint analysis methods were used to diagnose a flatfoot (plantar arch index more than 1.15 or Denis grade equal or more than grade 1 or footprint index less than 1 cm). The …

Juvenile Muscular Amyotrophy Of Distal Upper Limbs: A Casereport, Tzu-Ying Sung, Shu-Fen Sun, Po-Chin Wang, Chiao-Wen Hwang, Jue-Long Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Juvenile muscular amyotrophy of distal upper limbs (Hirayama disease) is a rare disease predominantly affecting the anterior horn cells of the cervical cord in young men. It is a kind of cervical myelopathy characterized by insidious onset of unilateral distal dominant upper limbs muscle weakness and atrophy due to anterior cervical cord compression. It is difficult to differentiate this disease from other diseases with similar symptoms such as motor neuron disease. Cervical magnetic resonance (MR) study in flexed position is helpful to confirm the diagnosis.We reported a 21-year-old man who complained of slowly progressed muscle atrophy and weakness of right …

The Effects Of Rehabilitation Exercises In Community-Dwelling Elderly With Osteoarthritis And Stroke: A Pilot Study, Jia-Ching Chen, Chun-Hsiang Lin, Li-Chun Chen, Yu-Chun Wei, Jung Hsiao, Nan-Yueh Lin, Chung-Chao Liang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

The prevalence of chronic disease in community-dwelling elderly has increased with the increase in the elderly population in Taiwan. This study investigated the effects of regular rehabilitation exercises provided by rehabilitation professionals in community-dwelling elderly people with osteoarthritis and stroke. A single group with pretest-posttest design was used in this pilot study. A total of 32 elderly people in the community were recruited and classified into two groups, one with osteoarthritis (n=21) and the other with chronic stroke (n=11). The intervention of one consisted of one 3-hour rehabilitation exercise session each week provided by a physical therapist and consultation with …

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Neck Pain: A Casereport, Shih-Wei Huang, Nai-Chiung Huang, Ta-Sen Wei, Tsung-Ju Wu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is a type of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in patients found with palpable neck mass or lymph node enlargement. The clinical characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma are slow disease progression, less tendency for distant metastasis, and better prognosis than other types of thyroid cancer. The diagnosis of thyroid cancer is primarily based on the identification of pathological tissue obtained through echo-guide fine needle aspiration biopsy. In laboratory examinations, these patients may or may not be present with hypothyroidism.The subject in our case study is a 82-year-old male patient. He complains of …