Digital Commons Network^™

An Ergonomic Approach For Esport Athletes: The Potential For Less Injury And Increased Occupational Performance, Nicholas Nalic Pierides Jr.

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of developing the case study was to determine the satisfaction of implementing an ergonomic protocol tailored to esport athletes in addition to tracking improvements in performance through KovaaK’s tracking trainer while reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Occupational therapists are trained to assess individuals with a holistic lens while treating the deficits that prevent them from living a meaningful life. Occupational therapists advise ergonomically correct positioning for their clients to decrease the risk of injury and to optimize the person’s performance. There is a need for an ergonomic protocol tailored to esport athletes because of the increase …

Mental Health Education Protocol For Staff Members In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, Charles Nicholas Salvatera

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Mental health illnesses have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and society. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many people with psychosocial issues or cognitive impairments do not receive the right care. This highlights the importance of timely care and effective help-seeking opportunities. Increased mental health literacy and supportive behaviors in the social networks of people with mental health disorders can be achieved by providing hospital staff with education on mental health disorders. It is believed that improvements in these areas increase the likelihood that people will seek effective assistance. When healthcare providers are educated about mental health …

Association Between Rural Background And Physical Therapist Practice Location, Caitlin Parker, Jace-Anne Sharp

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis To examine the association between physical therapists’ rural background and their decision to practice in a rural setting. We hypothesized that years of rural upbringing and size of hometown would be related to rural practice. Number of Subjects 257 physical therapists who graduated from one of two physical therapy programs in the Western United States between 2000 and 2020. Materials and Methods A survey was emailed to 19 physical therapy schools consisting of questions regarding participants’ background, demographics, and job history. We collected total number of years of practice and total years of rural practice. Length of practice varied, …

Creating A University-Based Performing Arts Clinic: Challenges And Lessons, Carissa Limtiaco, Alan Savanapridi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Fine artists performing at the collegiate level are at a high risk for developing performance related musculoskeletal injuries due to the unique physical demands and repetitive nature of their movements. Previous research has reported incidence rates as high as 81% and 62% for student dancers and musicians respectively. Despite the high injury rates, research has shown that student performers underreport injuries and are reluctant to seek medical management from health professionals due to unhealthy beliefs and attitudes often held by this population as well as the lack of specialized healthcare. The goal of the UNLV College of Fine Arts (CFA) …

Effects Of A 12-Week Remote Exercise Program On Balance In Adults With Down Syndrome, Kayla Kotake, Sherwin Cadiao, Nicole Kaes, Jayston Prudencio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis Individuals with Down syndrome (Ds) tend to have deficits in balance and postural control, which negatively affects their ability to perform physical activities safely and independently. Previous research has shown that exercise can improve balance in people with Ds, however, most studies looked at balance in children with Ds. As the average life expectancy for people with Ds has increased, there is a need for research investigating balance in adults with Ds. Also, there is a need to increase exercise opportunities (eg, remote exercise programs) for adults with Ds, as physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are prevalent among individuals …

The Development Of A Pilot Program Related To The Application Of High-Intensity In Occupational Therapy, Philip Lamoreaux

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Among the many diagnoses affecting an individual’s ability to participate in occupation, strokes are among the most common (Tsao et al., 2022). With the decrease in mortality rates by 35.8% due to advancements in medicine (Wolf & Nilsen, 2015), there is a need to remediate, adapt, or modify the life-changing impairments associated with stroke. The most significant evidence for motor learning, which is associated with regaining function, is in relation to high-intensity training in the context of ambulation (Middleton et al., 2015; Moore et al., 2020). By utilizing the neural plastic principles of repetition, salience, task-specificity, and intensity, an individual …

New-R Intervention For Clients With Severe Mental Illness And Obesity: Grant Writing For Implementation Funds Supporting Occupational Therapy Interventions, Kaitlyn Hoffman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Increasing numbers of people suffer from obesity and severe mental illness co-morbidly. If these conditions remain untreated, they can harm an individual's health and well-being. Unfortunately, there are very few programs currently available that target both management and improvement of these conditions simultaneously. Even so, despite the lack of programming options, it must be noted that the NEW-R program strives to reach those goals, although there hasn't been an abundance of literature supporting the effectiveness of this program. This poses a concern for occupational therapy practitioners who hope to assist their clients in managing these conditions as occupational therapy treatments …

Exploring 5-Minute Heart Rate Variability In Spinal Cord Injury During Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation, Argyrios Stampas, Colton Malesovas, Michael Burke, Sahira Farooq, Mani Singh, Radha Korupolu, Sheng Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

To explore the use of 5-minute heart rate variability (HRV) during inpatient rehabilitation in the acute phase of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Longitudinal observational study. Acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR). 10 patients with acute traumatic SCI. 5-minute HRV supine recordings twice daily on three different days per patient. HRV values were evaluated (1) within a single day (Early versus Late); (2) across the inpatient admission (initial, mid, and discharge); (3) by SCI phenotypes and by clinical outcomes (ex. pressure injuries (PI)). Patients had an average age of 38 years, 80% male, and 40% with tetraplegia. There were no HRV differences …

Exploring 5-Minute Heart Rate Variability In Spinal Cord Injury During Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation, Argyrios Stampas, Colton Malesovas, Michael Burke, Sahira Farooq, Mani Singh, Radha Korupolu, Sheng Li

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

To explore the use of 5-minute heart rate variability (HRV) during inpatient rehabilitation in the acute phase of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Longitudinal observational study. Acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR). 10 patients with acute traumatic SCI. 5-minute HRV supine recordings twice daily on three different days per patient. HRV values were evaluated (1) within a single day (Early versus Late); (2) across the inpatient admission (initial, mid, and discharge); (3) by SCI phenotypes and by clinical outcomes (ex. pressure injuries (PI)). Patients had an average age of 38 years, 80% male, and 40% with tetraplegia. There were no HRV differences …

Targeted Alveo-Pleural Fistula Endobronchial Valve Treatment Using Ventilation Scintigraphy, Calvin Sidhu, Shoba Ratnagobal, Rajesh Thomas, Gary Y.C. Lee, Enya Drudy, Roslyn J. Francis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Persistent air-leaks can be difficult to localize in radiology. Bronchoscopic management of air-leaks requires identification of the leak's location to allow suitable targeted treatment. One-way endobronchial valves have become a suitable option for persistent air-leaks. In this report, a combination scintigraphy and one-way endobronchial valve treatment successfully resolved a persistent air-leak.

Meeting, Moving, Mastering - A Text Analysis Of The Aesthetic Attractions Of 'Wild Swimming', Dagmar Dahl, Åsa I. Bäckström

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Why are people fascinated by swimming in nature? This article addresses the aesthetic experiences of wild swimming as expressed by five wild swimming authors in their books. Drawing from aesthetic philosophy, we analyze the ways in which the appeal of wild swimming is described on three levels: the allure of water in the environment, the sensory encounter between water and the body, and the experience of moving in water. Furthermore, with reference to Seel’s concept of nature aesthetics (1996), the experience of wild swimming is analyzed in terms of contemplation, correspondence, and imagination. We can conclude that the special intensity …

In This Issue (14:1), Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In This Issue 14:1 introduces and overviews the research and education articles and position statement associated with the first issue of the fourteenth volume of the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education.

Alzheimer's Dementia And Occupational Therapy, Sofia Demusaj, Averee Ortiz, Laura Swanson

Client Educational Handouts

This handout is an introduction to Alzheimer's dementia and the role that occupational therapy can have in the treatment of the disease. It contains facts, figures, signs, and symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. It also contains examples of occupational therapy interventions and assessments for clients with Alzheimer's disease.

Aquatics For Individuals With Disabilities: An Analysis Of Publication Trends, Susan J. Grosse

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study investigates the published literature in the field of aquatics with disabilities; more specifically, it examines literature published during the most recent two decades, 2000 through 2019. Considerations include the content focus of published articles relating to aquatics with disabilities, distribution of articles over the specified time period, publication opportunities for authors, barriers as well as enhancements to development of literature in the field, and summary recommendations.

Which Stroke Next? All Strokes Next! Part Two: Strokes For Intermediate And Advanced Swimmers, Robert Keig Stallman, Ebbe L. Horneman, Nils O. Vikander, Alexander Mwaipasi, Bente W. H. Laakso, Haakon - Paavo L. Nysted, Toni Ongala

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The primary goal of this two-part project is to answer the rhetorical question of which strokes should be taught first, and which later (Langendorfer, 2013, Stallman, 2014a). As you have seen in Part One, we emphasize (as have many others) the need for a firm foundation before any stroke is introduced. When the learner is ready for propulsive motor competencies, there is no stroke which suits all as their first. In Part One we explored the “beginning strokes” all of which are candidates for any given learner’s first stroke. We also argued that after mastering their very first stroke the …

Employment And Career Planning Opportunities For Young Adults With Disabilities: Advocating For Occupational Therapy, Ashley Jenkins, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: There is greater involvement of OT in transition planning services to provide a unique, client-centered perspective to enable greater engagement in meaningful employment opportunities

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project is to advocate for the role of OT in employment-based training programs for young adults with disabilities following their transition out of high school.

Self-Perceived Well-Being Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students In The United States, David Kietrys, Ellen Anderson, Suchismita Ray

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe self-perceived well-being among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore factors associated with well-being.

Methods: This observational study was cross-sectional, using an anonymous, self-administered, nationwide survey. The survey included questions about an array of factors theoretically related to well-being, and incorporated the WHO-5 Well-being Index, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and the Brief Resiliency Scale.

Results: A total of 1,542 responded to the survey. Data from 1,537 DPT students in the U.S. were included in the analysis. Well-being was positively correlated with resilience …

Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain Prevention: A Collaborative Approach With Nursing And Occupational Therapy In Acute Care, Ebonee V. Cole, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is one of the most common and disabling complications of arm hemiplegia after stroke (Anwer & Alghadir, 2020), with a prevalence as high as 75% of strokes (Xie et al., 2021). HSP can develop as early as the second week (Praveen Raj et al., 2021), may continue several months after stroke in 65% of patients (Kumar, 2019), and is associated with reduced functional arm use (Kumar, 2019). Prevention is the ideal management strategy of HSP (K. Walsh, 2001). Implementing hemiplegic arm management techniques, such as positioning and handling, is key to preventing HSP. In the …

Ot Employment Program Addressing Homelessness For Women Experiencing Homelessness, Amber Hoffman, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Women experiencing homelessness face many barriers to employment participation. Occupational therapy (OT) is a well-suited profession to address employment barriers; however, there is a lack of OT programs that address the unique barriers to employment participation for women experiencing homelessness. The purpose of the capstone project was to develop a program focused on employment obtainment and maintenance for women experiencing homelessness. The employment program was developed based upon the findings from an in-depth literature review and needs assessment.

The Home Modification Process Through The Lens Of An Ot, James C. Nichols

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with FiftyForward and The Home Connection. Both of the organizations serve as a resource for the aging in place population throughout Middle Tennessee. The focus of this project was to provide the OT perspective on the home modification project. Throughout this project, over 15 home evaluations were completed, 1 ramp was built, and 5 homes were modified for increased functionality. Additionally, the creation of systematic guide on how to prepare to age in place, and a 20 page comprehensive resource list was developed with active links to technology, adaptive equipment, DME, and …

Towards A Globalised Vision Of Aquatic Competence, Rita F. Pinto, Juan Antonio Moreno Murcia

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Human interaction with the aquatic environment has always taken different forms to meet the needs of pleasure, survival, therapy or performance. The diversity of existing aquatic spaces presents itself as a challenge, due to their variety, dynamism, unpredictability and unrepeatable conditions. These factors potentiate an infinite number of possibilities for human response in interaction with the aquatic environment, with aquatic competence being the one that will be able to sustain all types of interaction. Thus, the aim of the proposal has been to present a new approach to the contextualisation of aquatic competence. After a literature review on the concept …

Revisiting The Metaphorical Concept Of “No Strokes First - All Strokes First”: Part One - Beginning Strokes, Robert Keig Stallman Ph.D., Alex Mwaipasi, Ebbe Laakso Horneman, Nils Olof Vikander, Bente Wäinösdatter Horneman Laakso, Haakon-Paavo Laakso Nysted, Toni Ongala

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The aim of this article is to address the familiar question “Which swimming stroke should be taught first?” The discussion is usually focused on breaststroke versus crawl. Provoked by these naïve discussions of which stroke should be taught first (as if stroking equals swimming, which it emphatically does NOT), the question was answered metaphorically in an earlier article “No Stroke First – All Strokes First” (Stallman, 2008a). Here in Part I we identify and describe six strokes, all of which might be a candidate for any learners ‘very first’ stroke. We describe them as beginning strokes. Having identified and learned …

Creation Of Occupational Therapy Treatment Protocols For Diagnoses Affecting The Upper Extremities, William Hughes

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project included creation of 20 conservative and post-surgical occupation-based and occupational therapy focused treatment protocols covering diagnoses affecting the upper extremities as well as a comprehensive protocol manual accompanied by a guide for use. This doctoral capstone poster contains a needs assessment, goals of the project, the protocols development process, the occupational therapy perspective, and examples of the protocols created.

Collaboration Between Occupational Therapists And Architects To Incorporate Universal Design To Increase Accessibility, Michelle C. L. Hoff, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The design of the built environment plays a key role in occupational participation. When the built environment is poorly designed, it severely limits accessibility for an individual with a disability. In contrast, when the built environment is well designed, it can support the occupational performance of individuals of all ages and abilities. Interprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists and architects can improve environmental barriers to occupational participation within home and community settings. Interprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists and architects has involved direct input through consultations, interprofessional education experiences, and the formation of interprofessional organizations. However, barriers to interprofessional collaboration have included …

Older Adults And Opioids, Elba L. Scherer

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Arts by Elba L. Scherer on April 27, 2023.

Occupational Therapy Services Has The Potential To Improve The Infertility Experience, Brittany J. Buck

MOT Student Capstones

Infertility has the potential to have a lasting impact on quality of life and well-being, which negatively impacts occupational roles and performance due to the demands required during this stressful life event. Based on the literature review, there is limited research on the impacts of occupational engagement, occupational roles, and performance in relation to the infertility experience. There ls also limited research on the role occupational therapy may provide and the services that may be implemented to improve quality of life. The purpose of the current study is to first determine the limitations in relation to occupations, occupational role and …

Disability Advocacy In Fashion Design, Erin Higinbotham, Susan Macdermott Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Originally marketed towards older adults followed by children, adaptive fashion greatly impacts the everyday independence of all disabled people. Utilizing the Person-Environment-Occupation model and understanding the relationship between the disabled community, clothing, and occupational participation and again with the fashion company, the designer, and their fulfillment of a need or gap in accessibility lead to the purpose of this capstone of identifying occupational therapy’s role in designing ready-to-wear adaptive clothing through understanding and bridging the gaps in fashion education for designers. To address this, advocacy in education and educational materials were created to fill this gap and promote accessibility and …

Exploring Sex As A Moderator Of Other Prognostic Variables In Whiplash Associated Disorder: An Observational Study., Bradford Callan, David M. Walton, Joshua Cleland, Morey J. Kolber, James M. Elliott

HPD Articles

BACKGROUND: Prognostic variables for assessing people with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) have been evaluated in numerous studies. However, there is minimal evidence assessing how these variables may differ between males and females.

QUESTION/PURPOSE: 1) To assess if the sex of a person interacts with known prognostic variables within the development of chronic WAD. 2) To determine if commonly used outcome measures used in the assessment of chronic WAD differ between sexes.

METHODS: The study was a secondary analysis of an observational study with an inception cohort immediately following an MVC in an emergency department …

An Online Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Parkinson's Disease, Abby Hani, Mary Smith, Christienne Parten

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parkinson’s (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting nearly 10 million people and ~1 million Americans (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2022). PD affects motor and nonmotor functions, increasing disability over time (Dutta, 2020). Research shows that yoga improves motor function, balance, and functional mobility, reduces anxiety and depression, and increases QoL for patients with PD (Ban et al., 2021, Green et al., 2019).

Problem/Purpose: Individuals with PD experience decreased function in many areas of occupational performance and lack access to alternative options for yoga, such as a resource for an online adapted yoga program. The purpose of this project was …

Promoting Health Education And Wellness Among Clients Of Nurses For Newborns, Whitney Mitchell

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nurses for Newborns, a nonprofit organization sending specially trained, registered nurses to the homes of babies, moms, caregivers, and teens who face medical, social, or environmental risks. Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee exists as a safety net for families most at-risk in order to prevent infant mortality, child abuse, and neglect by providing home nursing visits promoting healthcare, education, and positive parenting skills. This project was driven by the organization’s need to increase three areas: parent/caregiver participation in physical activity while also bonding with their child, parent/caregiver knowledge of activities …