Digital Commons Network^™

Sexualtiy [Sexuality] Resource For Caregivers Of Adolescents With Down Syndrome, Katie Carlson, Karna Plaine

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the scholarly project was to develop a comprehensive sexuality communication tool for developmentally delayed individuals, facilitating problem identification, mutual goal setting, and development of a consistent approach to sexuality intervention across the home and school contexts. The Youth Sexuality Index (YSI) was developed following a thorough literature review of sexuality, sex education, developmental delays, and Down syndrome-related topics. Following the review of literature, the need was identified for a sexuality communication tool for individuals with developmental and cognitive delays. Healthy sexuality is necessary for one to develop self-esteem and experience meaningful relationships. However, lack of communication and …

Preterm Infants With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder: An Intervention Handbook For Paretns [I.E. Parents], Melissa Cramer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of the problems that health care workers practicing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) face is providing care that is individualized to each infant and his/her family, being supportive to the infant during their development and to parental roles, and being sensitive to the needs of each infant and his/her parents and family (Lawhon, 2002). There is an additional challenge when the infant is also diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Parents are often the primary caregivers and advocates for their infant in the NICU; for this reason, it is important that they understand and take part in their …

Occupational Therapy: A Vital Link To Transition Success Of High School Students, Ann B. Disilvestro

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists have engaged in school-based therapy practice since the 1970's when the Education for the Handicapped Act (EHA) was enacted to provide a free public education for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Since law mandated related services, occupational therapists have the opportunity to service students in all grade levels. However, over the course of time, most therapists gravitated toward servicing the student under the age of twelve. As a result, few therapists have devoted their full attention to meeting all the challenges of secondary level students with disabilities, especially for transitioning of students into the community. …

A Reference Tool For Occupational Therapists To Utilize When Planning Occupation-Based Interventions Using Animal-Assisted Therapy, Jennifer L. Hamre, Kathryn E. Nagorka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a reference tool for occupational therapists to implement an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program utilizing small animals in preparatory, purposeful, and occupation-based interventions. A thorough literature review was completed using PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO, and OT Search to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current uses for small animals in a variety of settings. Cumulative resources included books, journal articles, editorials, magazines, and electronic organizational resources. Upon completion of a review of literature, we determined animals may be a beneficial modality and serve as an alternative mode of treatment to utilize with other …

Occupational Therapy For Client Empowerment In End-Of-Life Care, Emily Johnson, Sarah Landsem

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: To enable clients in end-of-life care (EOLC ) the opportunity to continue engaging in meaningful activities throughout their remaining days to increase QoL and experience a "good death."

Methods: To complete our Scholarly Project we conducted a literature review using PubMed, CINAHL, OTsearch, and AOTA publications search engines. We also conducted an informal information session with local hospice staff and from this information we chose model/theory to guide product development.

Results: Upon completion of the literature review, we found the following problems existed in regard to utilization of Occupational Therapy in end-of-life care setting; 1) hospice care team members …

Inservice For Individuals Working Or Caring For People With Low Vision, Tara Lee, Haylee Volesky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Throughout the United States, low vision affects more than 3 million Americans 40 years of age and older (Rosenberg & Sperazza, 2008). As the population continues to age, more individuals will be moving to some form of either assisted living care or long-term care, which will increase the number of individuals with visual impairment living in such situations and requiring appropriate services. An individual with low vision typically has a decreased ability to function in daily life with a considerable impact upon functional decline in performance (Haymes, Johnston, & Heyes, 2002; Horowitz, 1994). Difficulties occur in everyday activities such as …

Occupation-Based Program To Reduce Revidicism [I.E. Recidivism] In Women Offenders, Kacie Moll, Ashley Tyre

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the United States, women are known to be the fast growing population of inmates. The purpose of this project is to develop a gender specific occupation based life skills program to implement within a prison setting and continue once in the community. An extensive literature review was conducted on current programming available and what the current needs of women inmates are. Literature revealed that there is a high rate of recidivism among female inmates once released but the recidivism percentage decreased when programming was provided within the prison. The needs of women inmates are different then male inmates. As …

Incorporating American Sign Language (Asl) Into Ot: A Clinician's Manual And Workshop, Kristin Pfeifer-Fylling

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to educate occupational therapists on American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance communication when working with Deaf individuals. Currently, in the United States, 12% of the population has trouble with their hearing, ranging from small auditory deficiencies to complete deafness. Many of these individuals communicate by using ASL which is now the 3rd most commonly used primary language in the United States (Barnett, 2002). In addition, Deaf individuals are found to have more difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) which may indicate more involvement with ~T. Because most healthcare workers OTs are not …

Falls Prevention Program For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Brittanie Field, Krista Radi

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a multidisciplinary falls prevention program manual intended to be implemented in Senior Citizen Centers (SCC) for the community-dwelling older adult population. Falls have a major impact on the independence of the older adult population aged 65 years and older (Stevens & Sogolow, 2008). Therefore, the goal of this project is to promote healthy aging in place through the use of meaningful occupations in order to potentially reduce the number of falls among the older adults.

A literature review was conducted to obtain scientific reading and research to find what has and …

Managing Dual Relationships In Rural Healthcare Settings: An Education Module For Occupational Therapists, Jennifer Maus, Caroline Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Dual relationships are a common challenge for health care providers serving a rural community. A dual relationship is when a therapist has a professional and a personal relationship with a client. Occupational therapists may be at greater risk for dual relationships because of the personal nature of their interventions. These relationships create ethical dilemmas between the patient and the therapist and impact the effectiveness ofthe delivery of therapy services. A literature review includes information on the following topics: issues of rural healthcare, occupational therapy in rural healthcare, dual/multiple relationships, and continuing education.

The project is a continuing educational course on …

Fall Prevention Algorithm And Programs For Wyoming Medical Center, Janna Rone

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for people over the age of 65 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Literature indicates that 30-40% of falls are preventable (Sjosten, Vaapia, & Kivela, 2008). The population for this scholarly project is people over the age of 65 who are admitted into Wyoming Medical Center (WMC). WMC is a 180 bed acute care hospital that services the medical needs of the residents of Casper, Wyoming and the surrounding area. Like many acute care hospitals around the country, WMC has a problem with the number of fall occurrences. This …

An Interactive Manual For Informal Caregivers Of Cerebral Vascular Accident (Cva) Survivors, Lindsay Draayer, Kaila Gunderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Based on data from the literature review and clinical experience, an interactive manual was developed for occupational therapists to utilize when working with caregivers of cerebral vascular accident (CVA) survivors. CVA survivors display difficulty in basic personal cares such as eating, dressing, and general mobility within, but not limited to, the first year following the onset of the CVA. An interactive caregiving manual was created that addresses the needs of a caregiver of a CVA survivor during their transition from hospital to home. This focused education program enhances communication between the family caregiver of the CVA survivor and the occupational …

A Clinical Guide To The Psychosocial Issues Related To Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injuries, Mandy Christen, Becky Hansmeier

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents who sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) demonstrate changes in personality, such as mood swings, irritability, impulsivity, argumentative behaviors, decreased frustration tolerance, and difficulty cooperating (Prigatano & Gray, 2007; Prigatano & Gray, 2008; Souza, Braga, Filho, & Dellatolas, 2007). These clients also have an increased susceptibility to psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, later in the lifespan as physical and cognitive demands increase (Koponen et al., 2002; Luis & Mittenberg, 2002; Viguier, Dellatolas, Gasquet, Martin, & Choquet, 2001). Despite these substantial risk factors, a significant number of children and adolescents continue to have unrecognized or unmet …

Curricular Satisfaction Levels Of National Athletic Trainers' Association- Accredited Postprofessional Athletic Training Graduates, Kevin J. Henry, Bonnie Van Lunen, Brian Udermann, James A. Onate

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Academic programs rely on outcomes assessments to determine if changes in the curriculum are necessary.

Objective: To examine the overall satisfaction levels of graduates (2005-2006) of National Athletic Trainers' Association-accredited postprofessional athletic training education programs as related to the 2002 Standards and Guidelines for Development and Implementation of NATA-Accredited PostProfessional Graduate Athletic Training Education Programs.

Design: Original survey instrument and demographic questionnaire.

Setting: Online survey instrument.

Patients or Other Participants: Of 211 survey recipients, 123 returned surveys (58.29% response rate).

Main Outcome Measure(s): Demographic information and satisfaction levels in 10 standard areas (depth of learning, breadth of learning, critical …

Trunk Response Analysis Under Sudden Forward Perturbations Using A Kinematics-Driven Model, B. Bazrgari, A. Shirazi-Adl, Christian Larivière

Études primaires

No abstract provided.

White Paper: Walking Speed: The Sixth Vital Sign, Stacy Fritz, Michelle M. Lusardi

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Walking speed is "almost the perfect measure." This review summarizes the strong psychometric properties of walking speed and robust evidence for using this clinical measurement. Walking speed is easily measurable, clinically interpretable, and a potentially modifiable risk factor. For these reasons, using WS as the sixth vital sign is both pragmatic and essential.

Applying Classification And Decision Rule To Predict Outcome Of Whiplash In An Ambulatory Patient Recovering From Incomplete Spinal Cord Trauma, Emmanuel Yung

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

It is not known whether a clinical prediction rule or a whiplash associated disorder (WAD) classification may be applied effectively in a second traumatic event to predict the outcome in a patient recovering from cord trauma. Therefore, the purpose of this case was to apply a decision rule and a whiplash classification to predict the outcome of a second traumatic event in a recovering incomplete spinal cord injured (SCI) patient who was ambulatory.

Promoting Mental Health Occupational Therapy In Higher Education: Lifestyle Redesign® For The College Student, Karen Mccarthy

Collected Faculty Scholarship

No abstract available

Faces In The Mirror: Exploring Conflict Styles Of Adults In School Communities Using The Face -Negotiation Theory, Christine D. Gross

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This correlation study focused on the lack of understanding of the relationship between social self-image "face" and conflict styles among adult employees on school campuses. An individual's social self-image may involve concerns for the social representation of oneself, another individual, or a relationship. Limited research pertaining to the degree face concerns affect conflict styles within school communities is a problem for school administrators because conflict styles can influence conflict outcomes and impact workplace quality on school campuses. This study relied on Ting-Toomey's face-negotiation theory, which proposes that individuals prefer conflict styles based upon face concerns. Research questions explored correlations between …

Powered Mobility As An Intervention For Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review ; The Smart Wheelchair: Is It An Appropriate Mobility Training Tool For Children With Cerebral Palsy?, Sarah Mcgarry

Theses : Honours

Purpose. To systematically review the effectiveness of powered mobility training interventions in improving driving skills and psychosocial outcomes in children with cerebral palsy. Method. Electronic searches of CINAHL, Medline and Meditext were conducted. Using two assessment tools, two independent reviewers assessed the quality of selected studies and level of evidence. Studies were included if a powered mobility training intervention was described, at least one participant had cerebral palsy and if the majority of participants were aged between 18 months and 18 years old. A narrative analysis was conducted. Results. Seven articles were eligible for inclusion. Intervention protocols included computer simulator …

Factors Affecting Retention Of Veteran Classroom Teachers: A Q -Method Study, Theresa Hollingsworth Hafen Corry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher attrition compromises efforts to provide a quality teacher in every classroom, and attrition brings high financial and organizational costs to school districts. Yet, there are few studies on retention of veteran teachers. Within a framework of economic, organization, and attrition theories, the purpose of this study was to provide a clearer focus on factors that contribute to the retention of veteran teachers using Q-methodology. The independent variables were 49 participants from a large school district in the southwest United States. The dependent variable was the Q-sample of multiple factors. Using previous literature, a concourse was developed. The P-sample of …

Sex Differences In Time To Task Failure And Blood Flow For An Intermittent Isometric Fatiguing Contraction, Sandra K. Hunter, Erin E. Griffith, Kristine M. Schlachter, Tim D. Kufahl

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare the time to task failure, postcontraction hyperemia, and vascular conductance of young men and women for a submaximal intermittent fatiguing contraction performed with the handgrip muscles. Twenty men and 20 women (mean SD: 22 4 years) performed an isometric contraction at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (6-s contraction, 4-s rest) until task failure. Forearm venous occlusion plethysmography was used to estimate the peak blood flow (after 10-min occlusion) and blood flow at rest after 6-s submaximal contractions of varying intensities, and during an intermittent fatiguing contraction at 1-min intervals and task …

Injury Prevention For High School Female Cross-Country Athletes, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Female athletes are at greater risk for certain injuries and conditions than are their male counterparts due to unique anatomic, physiologic, and psychological factors.1-4 Injury to the female high school student athlete may significantly impact her physical and mental well-being, disrupt the athlete’s family life with medical appointments, and affect her team’s success.5 Athletic trainers and therapists (ATs) should consider these injury risk factors when developing injury prevention programs for female student athletes.

A Survey Of Physical Therapists: Long Term Therapy Needs For Persons With Severe Disabilities, Irmo Marini, Karen Luckett, Eva Miller, E. Lisette Blanco

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

Sixty-three physical therapists participated in a survey designed to obtain their opinions regarding long-term and on-going future therapy recommendations for patients with spinal cord injuries, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral vascular accidents, cerebral palsy, and severe burns. Overall, therapists indicated these patients needed on-going therapy due to a loss or impairment of motor skills, ambulation skills, and loss or impairment of self-care skills. The primary reason reported for patients not returning to physical therapy for on-going treatment following their acute care was lack of insurance coverage or end of insurance benefits. This study outlines the implications for life …

Attitudes Of College Students Toward People With Disabilities, Wonsun (S.) Seo, Roy K. Chen

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

The current study sought to explore attitudinal differences in college students toward people with disabilities (PWD) based on their demographic backgrounds and levels of prior contact. Participants were 311 undergraduate and graduate students at a large public university in the Midwest. Using the Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons Scale, Form-O (Yuker & Block, 1986) and the Contact with Disabled Persons Scale (Yuker & Hurley, 1987), a moderate positive correlation between attitudes and levels of contact was found (r = .302, p < .001). Significant differences in the mean scores of the ATDP were observed for different demographic groups. A subsequent ANCOVA indicated that levels of prior contact were influential on attitudes towards PWD. Implications for rehabilitation practice and future research are discussed.

Psychosocial Aspects Of Deafness: Implications For Rehabilitation Counselors, Diana M. Fraser, Sandra Hansmann, Shawn P. Saladin

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

Negative societal attitudes toward people with hearing loss can be handicapping. Because of their deafness, people face a multitude of external barriers which become their handicap. The primary barriers or handicaps to this underserved population are two fold, inaccessibility to appropriate services during important milestones in their lives and a misunderstanding of Deaf culture. Rehabilitation counselors are advised to become aware of the types of interventions their Deaf consumers had as children through their education and socialization for in sight to appropriate services. Also discussed is the importance of communication and employer involvement in reducing societal stereotypes.

Building Collaborative Capacity Across Institutional Fields: A Theoretical Dissertation Based On A Meta-Analysis Of Existing Empirical Research, Vivian Hernandez Carrasco

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This Dissertation study folds the existing empirical literature across a broad spectrum of disciplines with the experience of a national collaboration between Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies and the United States Army to explore the capacity and key competencies required to support successful interorganizational collaboration (IOC) at the individual and organizational level. It explores the evolution of collaboration and maps the continuum of related concepts, illustrating their distinction in a spectrum of IOC. It presents the collaboration process as a dialectic model within a Systems Psychodynamic Perspective, detailing the necessary ingredients for increasing collaborative capacity within individuals and organizations. The …

Factors Affecting Occupational Therapists’ Decisions To Join Their State Association, Shawn Thomas Ross

Masters Theses

The following research focused on the factors affecting occupational therapists’ decisions to join, withdraw from, or never join their state association. Data was collected using a mixed methods design consisting of a survey that included quantitative questions and a qualitative question. The survey was sent to 1,908 occupational therapists in Michigan and 497 (26%) were returned and usable. Occupational therapists consistently reported dissatisfaction with their state association. Three themes developed regarding reasons occupational therapists’ decisions about membership: prioritization, interpersonal and group communication, and benefits. State and national association memberships were found to be associated. The greatest predictor of membership was …

Focus Of Attention On Movement Technique Acquisition Of A Pilates Roll-Up, Kristine M. Bragg

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Focus of attention manipulation has been shown to have an effect on learning and performance of movement tasks. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether inducing an external or internal focus of attention while learning a Pilates roll-up had an effect on movement technique acquisition. Movement form, movement time, and distance reached served as dependent variables. Participants (n=22) were assigned to either an external or internal focus group and verbally instructed through 2 sets of 6 repetitions of the roll-up per day over two practice days. A retention test on Day 3 consisting of 2 sets of 6 …

An Assessment Of Burnout In Undergraduate Athletic Training Education Program Directors, Jessica M. Walter, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Stacy E. Walker, Zahra C. Ismaeli

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Athletic training education program directors (ATEPDs) often manage their time among students, program administration, and patient care.

Objective: To assess the level of burnout in ATEPDs and to determine the relationship between burnout and various demographics of ATEPDs.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Public and private colleges and universities nationwide.

Patients or Other Participants: Two hundred forty-nine ATEPDs of undergraduate athletic training education programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

Intervention(s): We administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to all participants.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The MBI consisted of 21 items assessing 3 characteristics of burnout: emotional …