Digital Commons Network^™

Hamstring Tendons Don’T Lie #Eccentricsdontexist, Alec Espinoza, Chris Garcia, Enoch Ho, Ian Rousseau, Joel Centeno, Robin Dorociak, Tyler Cuddeford

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Research done on the plantarflexor MTU have shown the degree of achilles tendon and muscle fascicle shortening/stretching is specific to demands of the activity. To expand on this principle, we wanted to explore if a similar relationship exists with the Biceps Femoris MTU. We predict that the biceps femoris (long head) muscle tendon unit (MTU) will behave similarly to the Achilles tendon complex exhibiting the 80/20 principle during dynamic activities (jogging, walking) and the muscle fascicle will lengthen more than the MTU during stationary exercise (Nordic hamstring curls, Romanian deadlifts).

Does The Size-Weight Illusion Exist During Deadlift?, Dakota Kerbow, Luke Mallory, Robin Dorociak, Peter Jang, Andrew Meszaros

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Purpose:

to assess whether the SWI exists during deadlift (whole body loading), and identify the mechanical factors that explain or overcome the illusion

Fatigue Changes Biomechanical Variables In Drop Vertical Jump Performance In Competitive Basketball Players, Isabella Bruno, Caroline Linardos, Michala Rennels, Kristina Williams, Robin Dorociak, Jaydee Romick, Jason Brumitt

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The drop vertical jump (DVJ) has been used as a tool to identify athletes at risk for injury. Initial studies have suggested an association between biomechanical variables and injury (1); however, subsequent research has demonstrated no relationship (2-4). Evaluating variables in fatigued athletes may help clinicians identify athletes at risk. Advances in motion capture technology now allow for assessment of variables after a fatigue protocol.

Comparing Self-Reported Sleep Quality And Sleep Disturbance With Physical Activity In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Sophie Larue, Morgan Hendley, Brandon Tandecki, Kirsten Cabrera, Faerynn Tilgner, Brad Higa, Christen Johnson, Cindy Zablotny, Theresa Raudsepp, Jeff Houck

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Purpose:

To evaluate physical activity and sleep health in community dwelling older adults through use of activity monitors, physical capacity tests, self-reported sleep health, physical health measures, and participation in social roles. We wanted to know how these measures may or may not play a significant role in future physical therapy treatment. Our hypothesis was that self- reported sleep quality and sleep disturbance is correlated to physical activity in community dwelling older adults.

Supporting Interoceptive Learning Across Environments: A Guide For Educators And Caregivers, Jamie M. Steinhoff

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Children aged four to six experience rapid brain development, advancing language skills, and understanding of the human body (Schaan et al., 2019). This developmental stage highlights the importance of educators and caregivers teaching interoception to improve preschool-aged children's occupational engagement and emotional regulation. Children lacking developed interoceptive skills may encounter difficulties regulating their emotions, impacting activities such as play, social participation, education, and health management (Arnold et al., 2019). This product was developed to offer caregivers and educators a comprehensive understanding of interoception through a handbook and training sessions containing strategies, exercises, tools, and activities to facilitate interoceptive development …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy To Support Engagement In Activities For Adults Throughout The Cancer Continuum, Alexis Brolsma

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: More than 18 million people currently living in the United States have received a cancer diagnosis sometime throughout their lives. Advancements in treatment for cancer are increasing the livelihood of those surviving cancer, but there are lasting challenges. More than 40% of individuals within the cancer continuum continue to experience performance challenges with their daily tasks. Occupational therapy can target these challenges, but this profession is underutilized within cancer care. The purpose of this project was to increase awareness of occupational therapy’s role in cancer care, educate providers, and create a resource to address the needs of the cancer …

Current Clinical Concepts: Nonoperative Management Of Shoulder Instability, Margie K. Olds, Timothy L. Uhl

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Nonoperative management after shoulder dislocation or subluxation remains a challenging and complex task. Accurate diagnosis of the condition and shared decision-making regarding operative and nonoperative management and timing of return to play is required. In this Current Clinical Concepts paper, we introduce a shoulder instability framework that addresses these fundamental clinical dilemmas. Valid clinical prognostic tools that can be used to predict recurrent shoulder instability are reviewed. The process of shared decision-making in the realm of shoulder instability is presented. Finally, a framework for progressive rehabilitation that addresses deficits in motor control, strength, and endurance in scapular and shoulder musculature …

Effectiveness Of Education-Based Programs And Preventative Strategies On Oral Health Outcomes For Older Adults In Rural Communities: A Critically Appraised Topic, Meagan Barnes Pearson, Abby Ellenberger, Becca Valdez

Critically Appraised Topics

Elderly adults in rural populations are facing difficulties with oral health due to accessibility difficulties, lower socioeconomic status, and decreased OHL. Limited research has been conducted on occupational therapy interventions within this specific occupational domain, or with this particular population. This CAT investigates the positive impacts oral health education programs that incorporate preventative strategies have on the oral health outcomes of the aging population living in rural locations when implemented by occupational therapists alongside an interdisciplinary team.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Transitioning & Community Integration, Payton Baumann, Madison Thomas, Anna Voegel

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper will concentrate on the most effective formatting of transition programs necessary to improve a sense of community belonging and overall quality of life (QOL). The main factors to consider in the scenario are accessibility to programs, funding for programs, social stigmas and attitudes, and mental health of individuals who are experiencing a transition. Populations experiencing a transition may include those transitioning from incarceration, experiencing homelessness, educational programs, employment opportunities, hospital care settings, active-duty status, and migration. To develop a sense of community belonging, social participation will be an important aspect to integrate into interventions, which …

Contexts Contributing To Burnout And Potential Coping Strategies To Support Work-Life Balance And Health Management Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Nora Duren, Kearyn Nelsen, Jada Welke

Critically Appraised Topics

The focus of this critically appraised topic paper is the aspects of burnout that occupational therapy (OT) practitioners face in a professional capacity, as well as environmental and personal contexts (AOTA, 2020) that have been shown to reduce the intensity of burnout within the profession. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), context can be described as the “broad context that encompasses environment and personal factors” (p. 36). “Environmental factors are aspects of the physical, social, and attitudinal surroundings in which people live and conduct their lives” (AOTA, 2020, p. 36). Additionally, the AOTA defines personal factors as the …

The Role Of Occupational Therapists Working With Adults With Substance Use Disorder In Rural Areas, Kyra M. Jessen, Jackie M. Middendorf

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper focused on the availability of occupation-based interventions for adults (18 years and older) faced with substance use disorders in rural areas. The main factors to consider in this scenario were the population of rural areas, substance use services in rural areas, and the role of occupational therapy. The U.S. Census Bureau did not directly define rural but instead considered rural to be any area that is not urban, while urban areas were considered to have more than 50,000 people and urban clusters were stated to have between 2,500 and 50,000 people (U.S. Department of Agriculture, …

Empowering Caregivers: A Training Manual For Supporting Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alicia Buhnerkemper

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often require specialized support to navigate daily activities, yet respite and Community Living Support (CLS) workers frequently lack adequate training to address the sensory and behavioral challenges these children face. This project aimed to address these gaps by developing a comprehensive training manual grounded in evidence-based practices and occupational therapy (OT) principles, including the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model and Sensory Integration (SI) Theory. Surveys and interviews with families, respite workers, and CLS workers identified critical training needs, such as understanding sensory processing, managing challenging behaviors, and effective communication strategies. The manual includes practical modules, embedded …

Dance Intervention For Stroke Rehabilitation: Restoring Occupational Performance Through Creative Movement, Olivia Paige Allen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Thousands of individuals are affected by cerebral vascular accidents, (CVA), also known as strokes in the United States each year, (CDC, 2023). Cerebral vascular accidents are one of the leading causes of death among the elderly population in the U.S. each year, (NIH et al., 2023). The deficits caused by a CVA can be global, from hemiparetic limbs and sensory loss to psychosocial impacts on an individual and their support system. In occupational therapy, the goal is to regain as much function and independence as possible for the individual who has experienced a CVA. Although many evidence-based intervention tools are …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Low Vision Throughout The Lifespan, Ka Ki Tse

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Low vision and blindness significantly affect individuals' engagement in occupational performance. While West Virginia (WV) offers low vision rehabilitation programs to enhance occupational performance, several challenges remain unresolved. This doctoral capstone project aimed to collaborate with low vision professionals to deliver comprehensive low vision services and advocate for the integration of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in the low vision field. A needs assessment and literature review were conducted to identify gaps and develop strategies for addressing the gaps. A qualitative study design was chosen to explore the perspectives of current low vision providers regarding the role of OTPs. The study …

Humor Matters: An Adapted Multiple Case Study Exploring Music Therapists’ Perspectives Of Humor With Older Adults, Caleb M. Posey

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Humor is a ubiquitous human experience and a skill retained in older adulthood. It is also an integral but elusive therapeutic tool with numerous benefits and risks to well-being. Therapeutic humor – the application of humor to client well-being – is an emerging area of study. However, scant music therapy literature on humor is available. The purpose of this qualitative thesis was to explore the use and function of humor in music therapy with older adults from the perspectives of experienced music therapists. There were three research questions: (1) how do music therapists describe their use of humor with older …

Clothing Design Solutions For Children With Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review Protocol, Nagaveni N. Nayak, Shristi Shakya, Nachiket Gudi, Sonia Khurana, Sivakumar Gopalakrishnan, Veena Rao, Bhamini Krishna Rao

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Children with Developmental Disabilities (DD) often face significant challenges in performing dressing task, fundamental activities of daily living. Inability to accomplish this task independently significantly impacts participation in social and recreational activities, affecting Quality of Life (QoL). Additionally, burden on caregivers increases which in turn leads to stress and burnout. Addressing dressing-related challenges through innovative clothing designs enhances self-independence, alleviate caregiver burden, and improve QoL. However, studies published in this focused area are quite heterogeneous resulting in lack of comprehensive understanding of different clothing solutions that exist for children with DD. Therefore, this scoping review is undertaken to map clothing …

Prediction Of Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain And Ankle Pain Using Applied Care Strategies And Patient-Reported Outcomes, Ryan S. Mccann, Elisabeth Ohrnberger, Kyle B. Kosik, Phillip A. Gribble

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Patients with lateral ankle sprains (LASs) often have deficient patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at return to activity (RTA), potentially increasing risk for recurrent LAS and ankle pain. Additionally, applied care strategies are known to correct impairments, but their ability to mitigate risk for long-term consequences remains unknown.

Objective

To determine if applied care strategies and PRO scores at RTA and 6 months after RTA predict recurrent LAS and ankle pain 12 months after an acute LAS. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Online survey.

Patients or Other Participants

We enrolled 63 individuals within 1 week of sustaining an acute LAS.

Main …

Retention And Transfer Of Fractal Gait Training, Logan J. Frame, Nikita A. Kuznetsov, Louisa D. Raisbeck, Christopher K. Rhea

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Purpose: Fractal gait patterns have been shown to be modifiable, but the extent to which they are retained and transferred to new contexts is relatively unknown. This study aimed to close those gaps by enrolling participants (N = 23) in a seven-day fractal gait training program. Methods: Building on related work, the fractal gait training occurred on a treadmill over a 10-min period. Before and after the treadmill training, each participant walked for 10 min overground without the fractal stimulus used during training. The daily post-test was used to examine immediate retention and transfer of the fractal gait patterns from …

Lecture-Based Instruction On Salary Negotiation For Professional Athletic Training Students: An Educational Technique, Julie M. Cavallario, Thomas R. Campbell, Cailee E. Welch Bacon

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Low salary is a frequently cited reason for attrition from the athletic training profession. Researchers have determined that athletic trainers (ATs) entering the first hiring process, usually newly credentialed graduates of professional athletic training programs (ATPs), are the least likely to negotiate, resulting in lowered earning potential across their careers. It is necessary to instruct athletic training students on the importance of salary negotiation before the completion of their professional preparation.

Objective

Describe a lecture-based approach to include salary negotiation content into ATPs.

Background

Employing constructivist learning theory, didactic lecture content with applicable strategies for salary negotiation is sufficient …

Perceptions And Use Of The Athletic Training Milestones In Education: A Report From The Aate Research Network, Cailee Welch Bacon, Barton Anderson, Julie Cavallario, Bonnie Van Lunen, Lindsey Eberman

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

The Athletic Training Milestones (AT Milestones) were developed as an evaluation tool to capture the breadth and depth of athletic training knowledge, skills, and behavior. However, it is unclear whether athletic training programs are implementing this tool or how they are implementing it to gauge the athletic training clinical progression of students or residents. We aimed to explore the perceptions and use of the AT Milestones among educators in athletic training programs. We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey with open-ended questions to collect data from athletic training programs on if and how they implement the AT Milestones at a programmatic …

Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk In High-Risk And Low-Risk Older Adults, Amanda Estep, Steven Morrison, Shane V. Caswell, Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, João R. Vaz, Nelson Cortes

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years of age will experience a fall. It is important to identify and address modifiable risk factors that are associated with falls in adults at high and low risk for falls.

Hypothesis: Falls risk improves in both high-risk and low-risk participants with the implementation of Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL).

Study Design: Cohort study.

Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Seventy-eight older adults (age, 70.9 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study and categorized into high risk and low risk for falling based on the …

Promoting Inpatient Mobility To Improve Patient Outcomes: A Quality Improvement Project In A Rural Critical Access Hospital, Chantal Laplante

Master's Theses and Capstones

Background: Although beneficial to patient outcomes, inpatient ambulation is not a prioritized care intervention, and a task often deferred to physical therapy. Patient immobility is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach.

Local Problem: In a rural, critical access hospital, on an 18-bed medical surgical unit, nursing staff lacked ownership of patient mobility. There was no standardized process to document ambulation and mobility tasks were not scheduled, falling to the end of the nursing work list. Many patients did not have activity orders upon admission and nurses lacked resources for ambulation assessment and daily goal setting. There was no …

A Comparison Of Concurrent Training And Moderate Intensity Continuous Training In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease, Amanda Alfaro-Chaverri, John Quindry, Charles Dumke, Brian Loyd

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) is the most studied method in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Traditionally, resistance training has been utilized as a secondary role in CR. Recent interest in the topic suggests that MICT and resistance training should be applied collectively, an approach termed concurrent training (CT). The collective understanding of the potential of CT in CR patients is currently lacking.

Purpose: The aim of this professional paper is to analyze scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of CT versus MICT. The analysis will focus on five primary measurements: exercise capacity, cardiovascular …

Isokinetic Testing: Why It Is More Important Today Than Ever, Kevin E. Wilk, Christopher A. Arrigo, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Isokinetics is a proven method to train and objectively assess the capability of muscle groups, particularly at the knee. The current re-injury rates and less than optimal return to sport percentages seen following anterior cruciate ligament surgery highlights the need for greater focus on what tests and methods are used to make these critical decisions. Isokinetics remains the best single method to objectively determine dynamic muscle strength, power, rate of force development and endurance. These factors make it well-suited to play a crucial role in influencing the appropriate patient progression through a rehabilitation program and assisting in determining return to …

Physical, Emotional, And Occupational Dimensions Of Wellness And Their Applicability: A Feasibility Study, Josephine Savitski

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This feasibility study investigates a health and wellness intervention program based on the 7 Dimensions of Wellness framework, emphasizing evidence-based methods, accessibility, and participant independence. The research combines insights from a comprehensive literature review, which explores resources essential for designing, implementing, and executing health literacy based interventions targeting three dimensions of wellness. The study outlines methods for participant selection, program delivery, and data collection, synthesizing existing research and scholarly works to provide insights into effective strategies, educational tools, and interdisciplinary approaches. Despite the absence of statistical analysis, pre- and post-survey results demonstrate positive trends. Reflections on observed outcomes highlight adaptability, …

Lifestyle Redesign: The Franciscan Sisters Of Little Falls, Mn, Seth Crocker

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have a wide scope of practice due to the versatility of the profession. Some OT practitioners practice in traditional healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools, while other therapists find locations that are considered less conventional. The utilization of OT in nontraditional practices is an opportunity for practitioners to expand their scope of practice and benefit more people within the community. No matter the setting, OT practitioners provide services to promote patient health, independence, and quality of life. A specific factor that can negatively affect these areas is age progression. One way to combat this …

What Are The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of Canadian Injured Workers About The Provision Of Physiotherapy Services Using Telerehabilitation?, Anne Hudon, Maxi Miciak, Teri Slade, Stacey Lovo, Jackie L. Whittaker, Daniel Côté, Debbie E. Feldman, Dahlia Kairy, Marie Laberge, Beverley Mckeen, Lynn Cooper, Douglas P. Gross

Études primaires

Purpose

Despite evidence of efficacy, the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in real-world clinical settings is still largely unknown. Telerehabilitation requires a substantial transformation of the organization and delivery of traditional services. Considering that a virtual setting can create unique challenges for providing physiotherapy services and given the physical and potential hands-on nature of evidence-based assessments and interventions, it is important to investigate what injured workers think of receiving physiotherapy care via telerehabilitation and to examine if rehabilitation needs are adequately met.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive description study was conducted to explore the perspectives and experiences of 17 injured workers receiving physiotherapy …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For School-Aged Children To Improve Handwriting Outcomes: A Systematized Review, Cassidy P. Johnson, Carley E. Leners, Ashley N. Stanton, Nicole A. Wiese, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: The development of handwriting skills builds a child’s confidence, self-esteem, fine motor skills, ability to communicate effectively and overall academic success (Feder & Majnemer, 2007).

Objective: The purpose of this systematized review was to determine which occupational therapy interventions are most effective for improving handwriting outcomes for prekindergarten through 3rd grade students.

Data sources: Searches were performed by a medical librarian in PubMed, CINAHL and ERIC including articles from 2014 to 2024.

Design: Studies were included if they were English-language articles with a level of evidence of I, II, or III that focused on occupational therapy interventions with an …

Ot Interventions For Post-Stroke Depression: A Systematized Review, Jack Cosgrove, Austin Fernau, Christian Kwambamba, Claire Vanderbeek, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Strokes are a leading cause of disability. 35-50% of stroke survivors develop depression, which is the most common physiological impairment post-stroke and associated with less functional independence with activities of daily living (ADLs) (Ezema et al., 2019; Hildebrand, 2014; Wijeratne & Sales, 2021).

Objective: This systematized review addressed interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that are effective for reducing depressive symptoms for adults post-stroke.

Data sources: A medical librarian searched the databases Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Quantitative studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published in English within the last ten years were included.

Study selection and …

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Women's Transition Into Motherhood: A Systematized Review​, Hadley Milks, Jocelyn Anderson, Madison Krueger, Bridgette Quinn, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: The transition to motherhood is difficult for many women due to multidimensional changes including psychological and emotional shifts, evolving social relationships, and bodily fluctuations (Hwang et al., 2022; Marinucci, 2023).

Objective: To synthesize information about interventions within the occupational therapy scope of practice to improve the transition to motherhood.

Data sources: A medical librarian performed searches in PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO from 2014-2024.

Design: The inclusion criteria included pregnant women or women with a baby for up to 1 year of age, OT interventions, quantitative studies, and systematic reviews written in English.

Findings: There were 13 articles ranging from scoping …