Digital Commons Network^™

Breaking Down Silos: Creating And Implementing A Longitudinal Interprofessional Education Curriculum For Graduate Health Science Professional Students, Robert Wellmon, Jill D. Black, Wendy Wachter-Schutz, Kathleen M. Youse, Adrienne N. Pinckney, Lori L. Felker

Health Professions Education

Background. Accreditation standards for graduate health professional programs require the inclusion of interprofessional learning and collaboration (IPL/C) activities in entry-level curricula. This implementation necessitates collaboration among educators from multiple disciplines and openness to innovation and to educate students in a manner that breaks down uni-professional curriculum silos that are known barriers to the creation of meaningful IPL experiences.

Objective. The purpose of this paper is to describe one institution’s process for creating a longitudinal interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum that aligns with accreditation mandates and meets the call to foster IPC competency skills.

Methods. Widener University established an interprofessional thread of …

Understanding The Impact Of Admissions Variables On Admissions Diversity: A Single Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program Review, Michael Bourassa, Allison Bourassa, Saurabh Mehta

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The U.S. physical therapy workforce lacks diversity, largely influenced by healthcare program admission procedures that affect student diversity and, in turn, the profession itself. This study aimed to characterize applicants' demographic and educational profiles applying to a single accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program and examine factors associated with admission outcomes when considering race.

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from 1,409 applicants to the U.S. Doctor of Physical Therapy program from 2017 to 2022. Data from pre-admission applications encompassed demographic details, overall grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, graduate record examination (GRE) scores, average professional reference scores, …

Pediatric Hearing Loss: Screening For Developmental Delays Among Children With Hearing Aids, Kelsey Wallace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Children with hearing impairments are at risk for developmental delay, and research has shown that children born with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are at a higher risk for delays in motor, sensory, and social skills development. The literature points to an obvious impact of hearing loss on development, but also a lack of screening for this phenomenon beyond language development skills. A doctoral capstone project was conducted to pilot a process for the implementation of developmental screening for children with hearing aids (HAs), as well as subsequent therapy referrals and parent education, in collaboration with a hospital-based pediatric audiology department. …

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Caregiver Support: Improving Quality Of Life For Individuals With Special Needs And Complex Medical Diagnoses In Nicaragua, Jenna K. Devchand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals with disabilities living all over the world are constantly faced with additional barriers. In low-income countries, such as Nicaragua, there is often a gap in access to resources and education, for both individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers. Access is essential to provide high quality care to meet unique needs. This occupational therapy doctoral capstone project was created to support individuals providing care to children with special needs and complex medical diagnoses in Nicaragua by providing community-based education and sustainable resources to caregivers to enhance wellbeing in daily life. The deliverable was presented in country in Nicaragua to …

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity To Support Infant Developmentin Low Income Daycares, Jeanae A. Williams

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity to Support Infant Development in Low Income Daycares

Jeanae Williams, OTDS

Faculty Mentor: Kelly McGloon, PhD, OTR/L

ABRSTRACT:

Early childcare centers play a critical role in fostering young children’s learning and development. Each year, approximately 600,000 infants are born at risk for developmental delays, yet less than 50% are identified early. Early detection and support are crucial in reducing long-term developmental challenges and improving outcomes for reaching milestones. This capstone project aims to enhance the capacity of infant classroom teachers in low-income daycare settings by providing education on typical development and increasing awareness of resources …

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence In Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors And Developing Educational Resources For A Behavioral Intervention, Megan E. Thompson

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence in Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors and Developing Educational Resources for a Behavioral Intervention

Nearly 800,000 individuals experience a stroke annually in the United States and stroke often results in upper extremity functional limitation which can impact the individual’s ability to perform their activities of daily living. Because of this, home exercise programs are prescribed to facilitate rehabilitation; however, adherence is inadequate which ultimately impacts overall functional recovery. The purpose of this capstone is to enhance understanding of factors that influence home exercise program adherence and to improve upper extremity functional recovery post stroke through …

Occupational Therapy In Oncology: Enhancing Quality Of Life For Head And Neck Cancer Survivors, Anna C. Hildebrand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This occupational therapy capstone project was completed through collaboration with a site that aims to eradicate cancer through multidisciplinary patient care, innovative research, and education and training. The purpose of the project is to improve the quality of life (QoL) in Head and Neck Cancer survivors through resources created to enhance self-efficacy, symptom management, and overall well-being throughout the cancer trajectory. The project included the goal of furthering the health care team’s understanding of occupational therapy’s role within the cancer population, specifically HNC, by providing these supportive resources. Educational patient handouts were distributed to HNC care providers to then distribute …

The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Rehabilitation And Recovery From Ankle Sprains, Bridget M. Walsh

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the United States. Approximately 2 million ankle sprains occur annually, with an estimated 46% of affected individuals experiencing residual symptoms and developing chronic ankle instability (CAI). In addition to physical impairments, individuals with CAI may exhibit lower physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQL). HRQL integrates the physical, psychological, and social domains of a person’s health and is influenced by their experiences, expectations, and perceptions.

Injury-related fear is a common psychological impairment in individuals with CAI and has been associated with decreased physical function, reduced physical activity, and greater …

Exploring Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: Causes, Reconstruction, And Outcomes, Holly L. Bollinger

Honors College Theses

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical structure in knee stability, and its injury can significantly impair athletic performance and daily functionality. The ACL plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee joint, preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur and aiding in rotational control. ACL tears are commonly associated with sports and physical activities that involve sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction. These injuries can lead to knee instability, impaired function, and long-term complications. Despite the prevalence of ACL tears, there remains a lack of consensus on the multifactorial causes, optimal reconstruction techniques, …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Enhancing Awareness And Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction In Women’S Health, Nicole Gentry

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: There are a variety of reasons that pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in women throughout their life, however, pelvic floor therapy is a minimally invasive and a holistic treatment option that can make significant differences (Cozean & Cozean, 2016; Moody & Fashokun, 2021; Wallace et al., 2019). Pelvic floor therapists can treat and provide interventions to help women manage symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Currently, there is limited research on the correlation between pelvic floor dysfunction and recurrent vaginal and urinary infections. However, research suggests that recurrent infections can lead to inflammation, high muscle tone, increased tissue sensitivity, …

Rebuttal: Reduced Oxidative Capacity Of Skeletal Muscle Is Not An Inevitable Consequence Of Adult Ageing, Ian R. Lanza, Christopher W. Sundberg, Jane A. Kent

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

We thank Drs Marcinek and Ferrucci for their perspective on the inevitability of age-related declines in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (Marcinek & Ferrucci, 2025). We agree that mitochondria have numerous roles in the cell beyond provision of chemical energy, many of which may be altered by ageing, but our focus in this debate is entirely on its role in energy production.

Blood Flow Restriction, Tendon Hypertrophy, And Strength Gain In The Biceps Brachii, Tonya M. Parker, Samuel Corbin, Matthew R. Feeback, Bailey Wilks, Andrew Lowe, Noelle Kaminski

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

Introduction: Blood flow restriction (BFR) can improve muscular strength under lower loads versus traditional resistance training. Little research has been completed on the upper extremity and almost no targeted research on BFR and the tendon. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effects of BFR on the biceps brachii muscle and tendon compared to traditional resistance training.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial of healthy participants over seven weeks of completing bicep curls. Participants were randomly allocated to the BFR or control group (C). Ultrasound measurement of the tendon occurred at baseline, midpoint, and completion of study, while adjusted one repetition maximum (Adj1RM) …

The Importance Of Trunk Motion In Wearable Based Infant Spontaneous Movement Analysis, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The characteristics of spontaneous movements in infants are essential for the early detection of neurological pathologies, with the Prechtl method being a widely recognized approach. While the Prechtl method is effective in predicting motor risks, its reliance on the evaluator’s expertise limits its scalability, particularly in low-income areas. In such contexts, the use of inertial sensors combined with automated analysis presents a promising accessible alternative; however, more research is necessary to get results comparable to those of the Precht method. This research aims to determine the more important metrics of trunk and limbs to assess spontaneous movement in healthy infants …

Cognition Is Associated With Daily-Life Mobility In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is common in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mobility is also impaired in people with PD and functional mobility often requires cognitive dual-tasking to navigate complex environments in daily life. We hypothesized that visuospatial and executive cognitive dysfunction in people with PD will be associated with digital measures of mobility in daily life. Since freezing of gait (FoG) is associated with both cognitive dysfunction and mobility impairments, we also examined the influence of FoG on the cognitionmobility relationship. Here, we investigated, for the first time, the association between cognition and dailylife mobility in PD and the influence …

Responsiveness Of Promis Measures For Hip, Knee, And Shoulder Arthroplasty, Ryan Jacobson

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Objectives: In hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty, there is evidence that using a broader set of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures beyond Physical Function and Pain Interference might improve assessment of patient outcomes. However, the utility and responsiveness of PROMIS domains measuring anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and social participation have been minimally investigated in arthroplasty. This retrospective study aimed to determine the 1) responsiveness of seven PROMIS domains and 2) association between change scores for all seven domains and MCID improvement in Physical Function and/or Pain Interference.

Methods: PROMIS domains of Physical Function, Pain Interference, Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Sleep …

The Use Of Virtual Reality To Improve Gait And Balance In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs balance and postural control, gait, overall motor function, and mood, and involves the gradual degradation of several physiologic systems. With limited treatments available, physical therapy (PT)-based exercise is the nonpharmacologic measure of choice. There is a growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) gaming when rehabilitating patients with various acute brain injuries and neurological disorders. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine randomized controlled trials comparing VR-based rehabilitation programs versus traditional PT at improving gait and balance. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register …

Personalized Versus Fixed Tactile Cueing In Parkinson’S Disease: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial On Gait Automaticity, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background

Gait automaticity, the ability of the brain to control locomotion with minimal use of executive-attentional resources, is altered in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, we showed that step-synchronized tactile cueing improved gait regularity and freezing of gait in PD; however, it is not known if this cueing mode also improves gait automaticity. Thus, this study investigates the effects of step-synchronized tactile cueing (versus fixed cueing) on gait automaticity in the laboratory and during daily life.

Methods

This is a pilot, randomized, double-blinded study where sixty participants with PD will be randomized into one of two, cueing interventions: 1) …

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and members …

Weight Stigma In Physical And Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Weight stigma describes the negative attitudes held toward people with obesity. Weight bias stereotypes have been previously reported in physicians, physician assistants, nurses, registered dieticians, psychologists, and students enrolled in healthcare professional education programs. Physical and occupational therapists (PTs and OTs) are healthcare providers who evaluate and treat individuals across their lifespan. A PT or an OT who harbors weight bias may create an environment where the patient may fail to optimize their rehabilitation recovery. The first purpose of this scoping review was to identify the prevalence of weight bias in PT and OT clinicians and students. The second …

Therapy-Based Strategies To Support Tummy Time In Infants Post-Hospital Discharge: A Scoping Review Protocol, Ketaki Inamdar, Sonia Khurana

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Tummy time is essential for infant development, yet many caregivers face significant challenges with adherence due to behavioral and contextual barriers. While numerous tummy time interventions exist, a limited understanding of their behavioral components hinders effective replication and implementation. This scoping review aims to identify multidisciplinary interventions used to promote tummy time in infants aged 0–12 months, evaluate their impact on adherence, developmental and health outcomes, and examine the behavior change techniques employed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, a comprehensive search will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science Core Collection, …

Developing A Nursing Early-Intervention Bundle To Decrease The Prevalence Of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, Aneesha Biju

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has become an increasingly recognized challenge in critical care as more patients survive prolonged mechanical ventilation and lengthy ICU stays. Although lifesaving interventions support recovery from the primary illness, many patients develop new or worsened physical, cognitive, or psychological impairments after discharge. These complications often limit independence, slow recovery, and create long-term burdens for both patients and families. Research shows that early, consistent nursing interventions, such as delirium prevention, early mobility, mental health support, and family communication, can reduce the risk of PICS. The absence of a unified and standardized approach results in inconsistent practices and …

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during procedures such as port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. Existing data from primary and secondary research articles reveal the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. This study proposes a quasi-experimental design involving 90 pediatric oncology patients aged 6–12 years diagnosed with leukemia. Participants will be placed in a nurse-led VR distraction, play …

Nourishing Knowledge: Optimizing Therapist And Family Education In The Implementation Of The Sos Feeding Approach, Aidyn C. Keller

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This ALE/capstone project aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between families, caregivers, and therapists during a 12-week feeding program at a local outpatient pediatric facility in Louisville, KY. The goal was to promote carryover of SOS-based strategies at home and boost caregiver confidence in implementing them. Dr. Kay Toomey, founder of the SOS Approach to Feeding, developed an evidence-based framework for children with feeding difficulties, following the developmental sequence of feeding skills from oral motor and sensory perspectives. The program incorporated resources from Dr. Toomey, including physical documents and links for additional materials for families and professionals.The project focused on …

Maternal Health Advocacy, Savanah Jones

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone, conducted at Sunny Day Therapy, aligned with the ACOTE advocacy domain and aimed to raise awareness of occupational therapy’s (OT) unique role in maternal health—a critical need as maternal mental health concerns affect 1 in 5 U.S. women (Postpartum Support International, 2023) and OT remains underutilized in this area. Addressing literature-identified gaps in emotional regulation, daily function, and maternal-infant co-occupations (Sepulveda, 2019), the 14-week project developed and disseminated evidence-based educational materials, social media campaigns, and outreach initiatives to support maternal self-regulation, physical health, and well-being during the perinatal and postpartum period. Deliverables included flyers on self-regulation, postpartum ergonomics, …

Tethered Oral Tissues (Tots) And Occupational Therapy (Ot), Tori Gray

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project and ALE focused on Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) and their connection to Occupational Therapy (OT), highlighting how TOTs impact more than just feeding by affecting sensory regulation, posture, and overall development. Through observation, research, and hands-on experience, I explored OT’s role in identifying and treating TOTs. I created an evidence-based educational infographic for local physician and dental offices to advocate for increased OT involvement and tracked patient referrals to assess its impact. Literature review revealed that while TOTs are commonly linked to lactation and speech, their broader effects on motor coordination, sensory processing, and posture are underrecognized. …

Empowering Mothers: Addressing Postpartum Depression In The Nicu Through Occupational Therapy, Maggie Cloyd

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) addressed the elevated risk of postpartum depression (PPD) among mothers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Completed at Norton Women’’s and Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY, the project focused on leadership and advocacy, aiming to raise awareness of maternal mental health, highlight occupational therapy’s role, and create educational infographics for both NICU mothers and staff.A needs assessment was conducted through informal staff discussions, observation, and an anonymous survey distributed to NICU mothers. Mothers reported emotional distress, guilt, isolation, and limited involvement in infant care. Research supports that NICU …

In-Depth Exploration Of Ot In An Alf, Madison J. Jones

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Capstone project focused on occupational therapy’s role in maintaining independence for individuals living in an assisted living facility (ALF) through advocacy, education, and hands-on experience. My goal throughout the project was to reach out to friends, family, and residents living in this retirement community to inform them about OT and the role OT can have to maintain their independence through physical activities, cognitive activities, and meaningful occupations. Different education and advocacy events were created and completed during the project to reach out to the residents and staff members about therapeutic services offered to support aging in place. My Capstone …

Building Clinical Expertise: An Occupational Therapy Student-Centered Guide To Foundational Orthotic Fabrication Concepts And Splint Patterns, Belinda Cheng

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to support student learning in hand therapy by developing a student-centered educational guidebook that introduces fundamental orthotic fabrication concepts and provides visual splint pattern tutorials in an accessible and comprehensive format. Splint pattern development is a foundational step in orthotic fabrication that helps students comprehend how 2D designs translate into 3D orthoses. To enhance clinical skills through direct practice opportunities, this resource features detailed splint pattern modules for 10 commonly fabricated orthoses, each accompanied by background information and model images, while the orthotic educational content promotes self-directed learning by guiding students to understand …

Sensory Toolkits For Self-Regulation In An Inclusive Summer Camp, Ashley A. Edwards

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focused on increasing sensory regulation support for participants at Camp Hooray hosted at Extra Special People (ESP), a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities of all ages. To address sensory processing challenges in an inclusive summer camp setting, I developed and distributed portable sensory toolkits and provided staff education on their use. Each toolkit was a drawstring bag containing noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, visual prompts for deep breathing, and other items designed to offer calming or alerting input in moments of dysregulation. I collaborated with staff to identify needs, secured donations, sourced materials, and created an educational …

Advocating For And Improving Kota Membership, Hunter Robinson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project took place remotely with mentorship provided by Dr. Allen Keener, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ATP. The primary ACOTE focus area of this project is advocacy. The goals of my capstone include identifying why OT professionals either do or don’t attain and maintain KOTA membership, advocating for the importance of OT professionals to gain membership to their state OT association, identifying factors/trends that may contribute to an increase or decrease in membership rates among various state OT associations, and using knowledge gained throughout this project, help to improve KOTA membership rates. State occupational therapy associations across the country are …