Digital Commons Network^™

Sensory Processing And Trauma: A Practical Approach In A Clinical Context, Katya Kivi

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A large majority of people who are receiving mental health services have experienced a form of trauma (Arnaly et al., 2019; Champagne et al., 2010). Individuals who have experienced trauma-related sensory processing issues often have decreased occupational performance because of avoidance of the occupation or dysregulation during the occupation (Cerny, 2019; Gerney & Muffly, 2015). PTSD can affect an individual's overall quality of life and the creation and maintenance of social relationships, resulting in social isolation (Arnaly et al., 2019). The product is a guide to inform care within the adult mental health setting following sensory-based information and trauma-informed care. …

Stroke Rehabilitation Through The Continuum Of Care: Integrating Evidence And Occupation-Based Practice, Emily L. Geissler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide patients with knowledge on the rehabilitation process and practitioners with a resource to assist in implementing occupation and evidence-based practice in stroke rehabilitation throughout the continuum of care.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using articles, textbooks, and expert opinions regarding evidence-based and occupation-based interventions within stroke rehabilitation. The author partnered with a midwestern healthcare agency to experience stroke rehabilitation as an occupational therapy practitioner across the continuum of care. Through a needs assessment, it was found patients lack knowledge regarding the rehabilitation process and that practitioners lack knowledge of …

Helping Hands: Self-Managing Chronic Upper Extremity Pain, Kaylee Mae Athmann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: This scholarly project aims to provide education on self-management techniques for chronic upper extremity (UE) pain. There are currently limited resources that properly educate clients on self-management techniques for chronic (UE) pain. Nevertheless, there is a need for a chronic UE pain self-management program because chronic pain affects individuals’ performance of all their occupations and has the potential to lead to social limitations, a decline in work ability and productivity and a decrease in quality of life. Furthermore, it is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide. Occupational therapy practitioners who focus on the UE are known as hand …

Activity Levels Across The Intensity Spectrum In Athletes: A Systematic Review Protocol, Jacob J. Capin, Jena Heck Street, Alissa V. Fial, Nicola D. Ridgers, Grant R. Tomkinson

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Physical activity (PA) promotes better cardiometabolic health, physical function, brain health and longevity. In contrast, prolonged sedentary behaviour (SB) is a risk factor for many chronic diseases and poor health. Limited research has evaluated or synthesised how competitive sports participation influences PA across the lifespan. Some evidence suggests, ironically, that former competitive athletes may be insufficiently active and current athletes may be highly sedentary away from sport. This study describes the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on activity levels across the intensity spectrum in athletes, addressing the primary research question: is sports participation significantly associated with PA and/or …

The Effects Of Attentional Focus Instructions On Approach Jump Performance, Hanwen Liu, Scott Arnett, Dano Tolusso, Kaylee Woodard

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Attentional focus has been shown to significantly influence motor learning and performance, with external focus instructions enhancing performance compared to internal focus instructions. Research has also demonstrated that novice performance is improved when instructed to focus on skill execution processes rather than outcomes. However, this effect remains untested in complex jumping skills crucial to numerous sports.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of internally and externally directed process and outcome focus instructions on approach jump height and approach speed in novice participants.

Methods

Twelve individuals aged 18 to 22 participated across three sessions: Familiarization, Test Session 1, …

Running Shoes For Posterior Tibial Tendon Problems, Matthew Klein

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Our perspective on stability and guidance are one of the many things that make Doctors of Running unique. I, Matt Klein, generally need at least mild stability in my footwear. Like many of our readers, I have continued to navigate and understand what a stability shoe is, what options there are out there, what actually provides stability/guidance and who stability actually works best for. Recent research has suggested that stability shoes tend to benefit those with a history of pronation-related injuries or who are unable to control the natural pronation motion during gait (Malisoux et al., 2016; Williems et al., …

The Unequal Distribution Of Social Risk For Black Men Across The Life-Span. A Novel Framework., Waleed Y. Sami

Adultspan Journal

This conceptual overview offers a comprehensive overview of systemic pathways that negatively impact the mental health of Black Men throughout their lives. Our argument highlights the importance for counselors and mental health professionals to utilize a thorough social risk assessment that considers these pathways in order to effectively address the mental health needs of Black Men while fostering positive working relationships. This overview strongly advocates for the use of context and structural determinants when evaluating mental health symptoms. Without an appropriate understanding of social risk and determinants, counselors may inadvertently perpetuate disparities by decontextualizing symptomology, and reproducing racist discourse.

Empowering And Educating Parents To Implement A Home Intervention: Effects On Preschool Children's Engagement In Hands-On Constructive Play, Michelle Boulanger Thompson, Yaoying Xu, Chin-Chih Chen, Kathleen Rudasill

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Constructive play is a creative process-oriented activity that promotes children’s engaged learning through building and designing with materials. This study investigated a parent-implemented intervention to promote active engagement in constructive play for preschool-aged children at risk for developmental delay. This study utilized a single-subject multiple-baseline across-participants design with four participants. Visual analysis of the data identified a functional relation between the temporal, physical, and social–emotional environmental support provided by the parents and the children’s active engagement in constructive play. Parents reported the intervention as meaningful to their lives, indicating strong social validity. These findings highlight the importance of centering and …

Effect Of Perturbation-Based Balance Training On Fall Risk And Fear Of Falls In Community-Dwelling Older Adults – A Pilot Study, Lindsey Kelly, Casey Kostecki, Garrett Markham, Conner Morris, Trevor Strem, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Gabe Haberly

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Falls are a major health concern among adults ≥65 years as it is the leading cause of injury and injury related death in the United States. Perturbation-based training (PBT) has been shown to reduce rate of falls by 50% and 24 slips has been shown to be optimal. It is unknown whether falls reduction would be greater with one session or spread out over multiple sessions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PBT dosage (12 slips over 2 sessions vs. 24 slips in one session) on falls incidence, fear of falling, and reactive stepping in …

The Effects Of Static Versus Dynamic Stretching On Lower Extremity Power Output And Flexibility In Dancers, Meloney George

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Collegiate dancers require a large range of motion throughout all joints for performance success. Previous research has shown static (STA) stretching to be most effective at improving flexibility (Chaabene et al. 2019), due to this factor, warmups for dance are primarily based on STA stretching to allow dancers to reach their maximum flexibility. Previous research has also shown that STA stretching before activity can have negative effects on an athlete’s power output, and a large amount of power is essential for dance. PURPOSE: Determine the effect of STA and dynamic (DYN) stretching on lower extremity power and flexibility in collegiate …

Evidence Synthesis Methodology: Promoting Reproducible Methodology Through Modified Assignments, Laura Lipke, Neyda Gilman

Library Created Resources

Initially, systematic reviews in healthcare served to synthesize findings from clinical studies, aiding comprehensive access to the most effective treatments within evidence-based practice. Over time, their scope has broadened beyond treatment effectiveness, leading to a surge in publication. Consequently, many health science faculty now assign systematic reviews in classrooms without a full grasp of the standardized process, leaving students ill-equipped due to insufficient guidance and resources.

While mastering systematic review techniques is crucial for evidence-based practice, faculty can opt for modified assignments to foster a deeper understanding of the review process. These modified tasks, can be completed within a semester, …

A Conservative Treatment Protocol For Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis, Adam Waggener

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project sought to construct a written conservative treatment protocol for thumb CMC OA, emphasizing evidence-based practices. As a hopeful hand therapist, clinical observations led me to realize thumb CMC OA was a common condition present in many cases. A written protocol would be beneficial to both client and practitioner to increase knowledge and awareness of best practice while educating clients as they seek treatment. Initial development of the protocol included communication with current hand therapists to better understand needs of both client and practitioner. Following this, a thorough analysis of current literature was completed for best evidence based …

Aging At Home, Breanna Putnam

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project, "Aging at Home," explores the role of occupational therapy (OT) in facilitating aging-in-place. Motivated by the challenges a 95-year-old family member faces, the project aimed to equip aging adults with OT resources to support their desire to remain in their homes. The project was conducted primarily at the Lexington Senior Center and involved two key phases: Leadership through Inquisition and Program Development and Education. The first phase included meetings, workshops, and experiences with senior living organizations to understand the needs and concerns of aging adults. The second phase focused on developing and delivering the "Aging at Home" …

Prenatal And Postnatal Experience Focusing On Women’S Mental And Physical Health, Ebony Sivils

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Women’s mental and physical health concerns prenatally and postnatally is a common concern within the United States. According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), postpartum depression commonly occurs six weeks after childbirth, affecting 6.5 percent to 20 percent of women (2022). Pregnancy related physical concerns are also a common concern with prenatal/postnatal mothers with difficulties such as back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, hip/knee pain, cesarean section (c-section) issues, and several other concerns. Physical concerns have been shown to affect mothers ability to walk, work, sleep, and participate within everyday routine potentially leading to depression (O’Connor, et.al, 2013). It is …

Prenatal And Postnatal Experience Focusing On Women’S Mental And Physical Health, Karen Stamper

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone experience was about creating an activity enrichment program for the hospital's swing bed program. This program can easily be transferred to other areas as need be but for this experience it was directed towards an inpatient rehab swing bed program. For the creation of the program data collection was used, a total of three assessments were utilized, the SLUMS a cognitive assessment, the geriatric depression scale to measure depression levels, and an activity interest checklist was used to gather information on meaningful activities that those participating enjoyed. Once data collection was finished, a continued literature search was conducted …

Workplace Analysis And Body Mechanics Education Program For Radiologic Technologists In Acute Care, Katelyn Richards

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My capstone project focused on Workplace Analysis and Body Mechanics Education for Radiologic Technologists in Acute Care. I collaborated with the radiology department at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital to determine current body mechanic practice and education to identify any needs for improvement to address reported injuries within the radiology department. I began my project by completing observations of current x-ray procedures and determining where there was a need for adjustments. This information allowed me to efficiently develop an educational training module and multiple reference guides for safe patient handling and proper body mechanics that can be used to …

Literacy And Language Barriers In Healthcare, Kaylee Cloud

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My name is Kaylee Cloud and I am an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at EKU. I completed my Capstone project with a focus on health literacy and language barriers in healthcare. I completed my project at CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Berea, KY. This hospital is a Critical Access Hospital, meaning it is located in a rural area where patients have difficulty accessing healthcare. I began my project by assessing organizational health literacy and personal health literacy of patients, providers, and resources at the hospital to determine the needs of the hospital. I then worked to create resources and …

Enhancing Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Referral Through Accessible Education For Clinicians And Patients, Madelyn Murphy

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Pelvic floor dysfunction has been identified as a significant public health issue and is estimated to affect around 50% of women. Still, less than 25% seek medical help and only 12% receive subspecialty care (Yohay et al., 2022). Studies show a lack of knowledge among women and their providers and that education programs are necessary to fill this gap (Yohay et al., 2022). After surveying both doctors and patients at Med Center Health, this project aimed to fill this educational gap by developing an educational video program. This program targeted both doctors and patients, aiming to increase awareness about pelvic …

Program Development Of Pediatric Therapy Clinic For Rural Hospital, Mauri Rhodes

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focuses on addressing the critical need for pediatric occupational therapy services in rural western Kentucky. The purpose of this project and experience was to assist in program development of a comprehensive resource for Livingston Hospital to guide the establishment of a pediatric therapy gym including clinic design, equipment suggestions, and various marketing and survey components. The main goals that were completed throughout this experience included: design/develop an outpatient pediatric therapy gym, examine current outpatient pediatric clinics’ practices and procedures, inspect current pediatric therapy clients’ parents and current hospital workers feelings/thoughts/ideas on rural outpatient pediatric therapy, and design …

Implementing Nature-Based Occupational Therapy In School-Based Settings, Megan Evans

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

In school-based settings, Occupational Therapists work with students on various areas related to a student's Individualized Learning Plan (IEP). As technology use increases in academic settings for young students and time spent outdoors decreases, the exploration of a potential solution to this relationship was discovered. Nature-Based Occupational Therapy is an emerging practice area focused on incorporating outdoor play and materials from the outdoors into treatment sessions while still addressing areas of concern to increase a child’s independence in daily occupations.

This capstone project focused on four objectives:

1. Design a nature-based activity guide for students in the school system setting that …

Effects Of Providing A Moho-Informed Education Session For College Peer-Mentor Self-Efficacy, Sarah Roberts

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

As an occupational therapy student, I recognized the support our profession can offer to assist with various student and faculty needs across campus, specifically peer mentor programs. A thorough literature review illustrated limited representation for peer mentor roles, expectations, and potential impact on retention. Along with these findings, it was revealed that academic outcomes improve with involvement in evidence-based interventions as well as support for the Model of Human Occupations (MoHO) to understand and support human well-being.With this in mind, this study sought to develop and implement an evidence-based education session to identify and improve resources for peer mentors and …

Grow As We Go: Education, Efficacy, And Empowerment For Life Skills Trainers, Shelby Mitchell

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

In this ALE experience, I sought to bridge the existing gaps in research pertaining to most effective approaches and methodologies for rehabilitation in an adult day treatment setting, specifically in those with a traumatic brain injury. Fragmented and variable care compounded by poor communication are barriers to rehabilitation. However, it was also noted that traumatic brain injury survivors' long-term recovery was positively impacted by joining a peer network such as NeuroRestorative. Following this analysis, a needs assessment was conducted on-site at NeuroRestorative in Lexington, KY to enable more smooth daily programming and cohesive planning with life skills trainers. Goals included …

Accessible Shores: Promoting Beach Accessibility In Florida, Sara Swartz

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This research experience sought to improve beach accessibility for members of the community facing barriers to occupational participation. Beach accessibility is essential for creating meaningful experiences and improving well-being through exposure to blue spaces. Despite its benefits, numerous environmental and systemic barriers hinder individuals with disabilities from safely accessing spaces. To further research this issue and challenges to participation, survey responses from community members of Jacksonville, Florida were gathered and analyzed for common themes. Conversations with professionals in the area allowed for greater insight on available resources and assistive device technology that could improve beach accessibility. To showcase this information …

The Relationship Between Sleep, Physical Activity, And Musculoskeletal Injury, In Us And Saudi College Students, Abdulaziz Hasan Alameer

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

According to the National Sleep Foundation, individuals should sleep 7-9 hours every night. Recently, insufficient or poor sleep has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular illness, stroke, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. Insufficient sleep for college students can negatively impact academic performance and mental health. In addition, especially for collegiate athletes, there is evidence that insufficient sleep is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury. However, it is uncertain if the link between sleep and injury varies between populations, types of individuals (athletes vs non-athletes), sports or types of exercise, or training volume. Despite the health risks of inadequate sleep, up …

Exploration Of Burn Survivors’ Experiences With Nutrition During The Rehabilitation Phase Of Burn Injury Recovery: A Qualitative Study, Alyaa M. Zagzoog

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Approximately 500,000 people in the United States are affected by a burn injury and seek care every year. With medical innovation, however, the burn injury survival rate has increased to 97% in the United States. Burn survivors undergo two phases of recovery: acute and rehabilitation.With advances in burn treatment and care, the focus has shifted from the expectation of survival to improving outcomes. Nutritional care, including assessment and education, plays a major role in burn survivors’ wellness, facilitating wound healing and promoting recovery, but nutritional guidelines and polices appear limited during the rehabilitation phase,with literature suggesting nutritional assessment has historically …

Exploring The Usefulness Of Pre-Visit Materials For Children With Autism At A Public Museum, Jennifer K. Fortuna, Elaine Chamberlain, Libby Filice, Madeline Kurt, Taylor Porter, Shannon Twichell, Stephanie Ogren

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in community-based settings at lower rates than typically developing children. Museums provide a structured, predictable, and supportive place for children with ASD to learn. Visiting a museum may create unique challenges for children with ASD and their families. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common barrier to participation that makes it difficult to process information coming in through the senses. For children who are easily overstimulated, crowds, noise, and long lines can be a source of anxiety and stress. Providing pre-visit materials such as social stories, accessibility maps, and communication books can …

Routines And Attitudes Of Smartphone And Tablet Use For Social Connection Among Rural Older Adults, Amanda U. Davis, Chelsea Conrad, Maya Dupree, Deja Myers, Monica Le

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Loneliness is associated with negative health outcomes for older adults. Social connection may occur using information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as smartphones and tablets and interventions to increase ICT use have shown positive results. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the routines and attitudes of smartphone and tablet use for social connection and secondarily, determine if there is an association between the routines and attitudes and connection. Methods: Participants completed a survey with questions that included demographics, 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, Brief Sense of Community Scale, and open-ended questions. Results: Participants (N=21, median age of 76-80) report …

The Role Of An Occupational Therapy Practitioner In Professional Advocacy: A Scoping Review, Sarah Mckinnon, Natalie Petrone, Amanda Tarbet

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Participation in professional advocacy amongst occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) is necessary for strengthening the profession. Although advocacy remains essential for practice, specific activities of OTPs in professional advocacy remain inconsistent and unclear.

Purpose: To examine the activities occupational therapy practitioners are engaging in related to professional advocacy. To identify key strategies and future opportunities to strengthen OT practitioner participation in professional advocacy.

Methods: We systematically searched 4 databases and 1 search engine for relevant articles- MEDLINE via PubMed, The Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete via Ebscohost, ERIC via Ebscohost, APA PsycInfo …

Expecting Better When You’Re Expecting: Empowering Mothers Through Occupational Therapy, Ann K. Landreville

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The maternal health crisis of the United States presents an opportunity to improve the level of care provided to the maternal population. A new standard of care must be established, going beyond decreasing maternal mortality and morbidity rates, but instead working to promote the health and well-being of mothers. While many well-recognized health professionals currently play a role on the interdisciplinary care team for postpartum mothers, occupational therapists are emerging in this field, proving they have a vital role in providing services that addresses the current gap in care. Many professions largely address physical health; occupational therapists have a holistic …

Sensory Home Programming Handouts, Taylor Ann Koopmeiners

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory processing is the way the brain and nervous system receive sensory information (Star Institute, 2023). When there are difficulties with processing sensory information, it is called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Consequently, the inability to process sensory input results in affected motor and behavioral responses (Star Institute, 2023. This creates difficulty in participating in necessary tasks such as activities of daily living (ADLs), social participation, and school (Lane et al., 2019; Star Institute, 2023). Occupational therapists address these challenges by providing sensory activities in therapeutic sessions and as part of home programming (Gabriele, 2020). The goal of this scholarly …