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The Aquatic Environment As A Tool For Facilitating Sensory Processing And Regulation, Christian Schneider

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Sensory processing disorder makes it difficult for children to maintain a state of regulation and function in everyday life (Kranowitz, 2005). The aquatic environment possesses multiple properties that can aid in providing the sensory input required for regulation (Becker, 2009). This capstone project addressed the use of the aquatic environment as a regulating tool for children with a sensory processing disorder. This project followed four learning objectives with the production of deliverables including sensory-based aquatic therapy manuals, case studies, presentations, and an outcomes report showing the achievement of the learning objectives. The project resulted in showing that the aquatic environment …

Spinal Cord Injury (Sci), Roxana Sanchez, Katherine Misla, Jessica Galewsky

Client Educational Handouts

No abstract provided.

Duchenne’S Muscular Dystrophy & Occupational Therapy, Vanessa Sagredo, Meagan C. Romero

Client Educational Handouts

No abstract provided.

Cardiorespiratory, Hemodynamic, And Perceived Exertion Responses To Seated Chair Exercise, Ryan Khemraj, Cristian Solano, Neesirg Patel, Roger Sacks

Posters

INTRODUCTION
The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its sequelae in the United States population has led to escalating health care expenditures. To favorably modify cardiovascular outcomes, exercise physiologists have developed varied exercise programs that are associated with mortality reduction, symptom relief, improved exercise tolerance, favorable risk factor modification and improved psychosocial well-being. For patients with significant disability and deconditioning, chair-based exercise may provide an alternative method of achieving the relative cardioprotective benefits of traditional exercise.

Insufficient Sleep Following Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Correlates With Neurocognitive Dysfunction, Bailey Hull, Patrick Karabon, Neal Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Sleep disturbance of any nature is reported in more than half of all mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients. The pathophysiology of sleep disturbance following an mTBI is associated with structural and functional disruptions of sleep circuitry and circadian rhythm. Specifically, in the pediatric population, untreated sleep disturbance has been shown to delay mTBI recovery and compound other morbidities including neurocognitive dysfunction. It was our goal to further analyze the impact sleep disturbance has on neurocognitive function in children recovering from an mTBI.

Reporting Of Concussion Symptoms In High School Aged Athletes, Aimee Hite, Patrick Karabon, Neil Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Each year, one to two million concussions occur in the youth populations and constitute 8.9% of all high school athletic injuries. However, current literature lacks studies that focus on concussion symptoms. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence of reporting concussion symptoms and continuing to play while experiencing symptoms in high school aged athletes.

Post-Concussive Visual Symptoms In Teens Undergoing Rehabilitation, Daniel Ludema, Neil Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Visual symptoms are commonly reported in those who have experienced mild TBI. However, there has not been much research on other types of visual disturbances commonly seen in the post-concussive period. The goal of this study was to identify novel visual symptoms seen in post-concussive teens.

The Effect Of A Standardized Training Program To Enhance The Therapeutic Alliance In Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Mixed Methods Analytical Approach, Marino Bucci, Dominick Haynes, Megan Cundiff

UCF DPT Research Capstone

Background: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) affects up to 84% of adults. Evidence suggests a strong therapeutic alliance (TA) enhances care in a variety of ways. While themes associated with strong alliances have been identified, few studies have provided instructions on utilizing this information to craft a strong TA in physical therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to look at the effectiveness and feasibility of a training protocol to enhance the TA in patients with cLBP.

Methods: A total of 19 practicing physical therapists and 16 physical therapy students completed a TA training course with a pre and …

Emg Amplitude During Fatiguing Low-Load Versus High-Load Biceps Curls, Jeremy S. Wydra, Jacob C. Gilbert, Allison P. Mann

UCF DPT Research Capstone

The role of load in strength training is being debated in the literature, with studies reporting similar changes in skeletal muscle size following fatiguing low-load and high-load training. Electromyographic (EMG) signal recording can be utilized to compare muscle activity between fatiguing low-load and high-load training, but little is known about the behavior of the biceps brachii muscle during shortening (concentric) and lengthening (eccentric) muscle actions. We sought to compare changes in EMG amplitude throughout fatiguing low-load versus high-load resistance training during both concentric and eccentric muscle actions.

METHODS: Nine men and eight women, all resistance trained, participated in this study. …

Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy And/Or Music Therapy On Enhancing Motor Skills In Children With Asd: A Systematic Review, Julia Reagan, Lauren Zoller, Michelle Brown

DPT Capstones

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diagnosis that encompasses severa ldevelopmental disorders which present with neurological impairments, developmental delays, and correlates to increased motor dysfunction. Research to date has shown success with the use of music therapy and physical therapy treatment in the ASD population. However, further investigation needs to be conducted to determine which of these treatment options is most effective. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore if music therapy alone, physical therapy alone, or a combination of music therapy and physical therapy elicits the greatest benefit to enhance gross motor skills in children with …

Effective Therapies And Nursing Approaches: Improving Cognition In Older Adult Stroke Patients, Selyna Baltazar

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Ischemic stroke occurs in thousands of older adults throughout the year. Due to the lack of oxygen entering the brain, many patients experience a decline in cognitive function due to ischemic stroke. Cognition is the ability to understand, learn, and remember information which is needed for completing daily tasks. Modern technology has allowed for patients to survive ischemic strokes but has yet to provide proper screening tools and methods for stroke-related cognitive impairment.

Objective

To investigate the best practices for identifying, treating, and caring for patients with a cognitive injury related to a stroke. A review of the research …

Covid-19 Restrictions Decreased Dpt Students’ Health Outcomes, Asha Marchant, Natalie Quesnel, Anja Parikh

DPT Capstones

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented increased constraints on physical activity leading to the adoption of more sedentary lifestyles for populations worldwide, including graduate students. The detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle include increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular (CV) disease has conventionally been a pathology associated with older adults, but recent evidence has shown that younger individuals are developing CV issues. The COVID-19 restrictions created an additional barrier furthering graduate students’ sedentary lifestyles and possibly increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to determine the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on The …

Identifying Motivators, Facilitators, And Barriers To Engaging In An Online Fine Motor Exercise Program, Kristine Ricossa, Kyndra Menefee, Lauren Rally, Mia Do, Charis Chan

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the impact of the motivators, facilitators and barriers for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in engaging in a fine motor exercise program given online. Methods: Using a phenomenological design, a purposive sample of 6 individuals with PD were recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews via zoom with follow up member checks. Data were analyzed through an inductive approach by developing generalizations from themes based on the interview data. Results: Three common themes were developed, ‘integrating and forming habits’, ‘acknowledging participation in exercise can fight the disease’, ‘recognizing improvement in …

Comparison Of Treadmill Training For Individuals Post-Cerebrovascular Accident In Normalizing Reciprocal Gait And Improving Balance: A Systematic Review, Gregory Bell, Kayla Harrell, Alex Loya, Nora Salgado

DPT Capstones

Background. Optimizing rehabilitation techniques for patients with chronic stroke remains an ongoing effort. Previous research has yet to synthesize the effectiveness of underwater treadmill training (UTT) and body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) for improving common impairments in balance and gait.

Purpose. The purpose of this review was to compare the effectiveness of UTT in helping to normalize reciprocal gait pattern and improve balance compared to BWSTT in patients with chronic cerebrovascular accidents (CVA).

Data Sources. CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched over a period of several months from October of 2020 through March of 2021.

Study Selection. …

Implicit Bias Regarding Race In Physical Therapist Students: A Mixed Method Study, Brianna Dawkins, Joseph Kennerly

DPT Capstones

Introduction: Bias is defined as a tendency to show favor for or against something or someone; bias can be implicit or explicit. When their implicit biases are left unchecked, healthcare practitioners are more likely to negatively affect patient health outcomes. The purposes of this study were to examine implicit racial bias among physical therapist students, and explore their perspectives about how cultural competency content regarding race and ethnicity could be improved in their current education program.

Methods: Thirty-three students from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) completed a pre-Implicit Association …

Examining Grit And Social Capital In First-Generation And Continuing Generation Students In A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Maria Isabel Avila

DPT Capstones

Background and Purpose: Decreasing educational disparities experienced by minorities is an important step toward improving diversity in healthcare. The purposes of this study were to identify if grit or social capital is related to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student success, and to identify if First Generation College Students (FGCSs) have different levels of grit and social capital compared to their Continuing Generation College Student (CGCS) peers.

Subjects: Participants were 1st, 4th, and 7th-semester students in the 9-semester DPT Program at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in summer 2020.

Methods: This was an exploratory, non-experimental study employing …

Does Exergaming Improve Physical And Mental Health Outcomes For Individuals Living With Severe Mental Illness Compared To Traditional Treatment: A Systematic Review, David González, James Walther

DPT Capstones

Background: Physical activity improves physiological and psychological health outcomes. Increased research has been dedicated to the effect of physical activity through active video game play. Limited studies have explored active video game play in people diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI). The term “exergaming” is relatively new but describes the current body of research studies that employ active video game play in lieu of traditional exercise. This review focuses on finding the most current available evidence exploring the effects of physical activity through exergaming on the physical and psychiatric health outcomes of people with SMI.

Methods: Articles across 6 databases …

Ultrasound Imaging Can Surrogate Mechanical Skinfold Calipers Assessing Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue And Body Fat Mass When A Standardized Protocol Is Used, Angel Rodriguez, Sebastian Lopez

DPT Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to determine the agreement between ultrasound (US) imaging and mechanical skinfold (SF) caliper measurements using a standardized protocol and 2) to determine the agreement between SF caliper and US imaging inestimating total body fat mass and percent body fat mass using anthropometric formulas for body composition.

Methods: The present study has a repeated measures design where 2 independent testers measured 8 SFs using a mechanical caliper and US imaging, respectively, on 49 volunteers (24 males and 25 females). Anthropometric protocol followed the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry’s (ISAK) standardization …

Efficacy Of 4-D Smart Wireless Motion Sensors For Analysis Of Gait: A Pilot Study, Juan Torres, Jonathan Britton

DPT Capstones

Background: Wearable technology has become a widely utilized method of objective data collection in healthcare. Several barriers currently exist that are limiting their clinical utility. 4-D Smart Wireless Motion Sensors (4-D SWMS) have been developed to offer a less obtrusive wireless sensor that can be used in a variety of settings. The addition of machine learning to captured motion sensor data has the ability to improve classification accuracy in the analysis of gait.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study is to determine whether the 4-D SWMS are sensitive enough to accurately differentiate normal gait parameters in healthy individuals.

Methods: …

Effects Of Neuromuscular Interventions Utilizing External Biofeedback Apparatuses On The Risk And Incidence Of Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Systematic Review., Marisa Olmo, Rebecca Sharp

DPT Capstones

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common orthopedic condition with an estimated rate of 20,000 to 600,000 injuries in the US per year, with higher incidences in athletic and female populations. The rate of re-injury following surgical ACL repair (ACLR)ranges between 13.8-33.3%. Current clinical practice guidelines for ACLR rehabilitation cite inconclusive evidence for definitive outcome measures that accurately determine successful return to sport (RTS). There is a need to establish more effective avenues of rehabilitation interventions to decrease the rate of reinjury, particularly in female athletes. Recent evidence suggests interventions utilizing external biofeedback apparatuses …

Acute Hemodynamic Responses In Women Older Than 40 Years Old Following Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction Compared To Resistance Training Alone: A Systematic Review, Larissa Castro, Roger Castro, Michelle Constante, Seles Lerma

DPT Capstones

Introduction: Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a novel training method that has gained recent popularity given the benefits and similar results to resistance training (RT) with lower intensities. The authors of this systematic review sought to determine the acute hemodynamic effects of BFR plus RT compared to RT alone in women over 40 years old.

Methods: The databases searched included Pubmed, EBSCO (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), SPORTDiscuss, Medline, Academic Search Complete) and Cochrane. Keywords utilized included BFR, occlusion therapy, female, older female, women, older women, RT, hemodynamic, blood pressure, and the boolean phrase utilized was …

Traditional Physical Therapy Versus Traditional Physical Therapy Plus Pain Education For Treatment Of Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review, Jesus Gabriel Altamiranda Molina, Adrian Joshua Llañez, Oscar Martinez, Collin Wigely

DPT Capstones

Objectives: Chronic neck pain, or neck pain that endures for longer than three months, is a very common musculoskeletal condition that affects a large number of individuals annually. Traditional physical therapy interventions used to treat this condition often include manual therapy techniques and neck specific exercises. Pain neuroscience education, which focuses on the pathophysiology of pain, is a method used to treat chronic pain conditions. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine whether the addition of pain neuroscience education techniques to traditional physical therapy interventions improves patient outcomes in those with chronic neck pain.

Methods: An electronic search …

Virtual Visitation: Promoting Social Occupations In Dementia Care, Carly Spina, Lizann Jovanovich, Ashley Jones, Pamela Baraceros, Rena Ribeiro

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Approximately two thirds of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) residents in the United States have some form of cognitive impairment such as dementia (Gaugler, et.al, 2014). Care practices in SNFs highlighting safety and therapeutic exercises may further isolate and decrease social opportunities, which can contribute to sensory deprivation in this population and result in lower quality of life (Haigh & Mytton, 2015; Nakamae et al., 2014). COVID-19 visitation restrictions, as well as ongoing barriers of geographical distance, present additional challenges when seeking to engage PLwD residing in SNFs in meaningful social occupations.

Reminiscence has potential to remediate effects of isolation and …

Batok: The Exploration Of Indigenous Filipino Tattooing As A Collective Occupation, Ana Cabalquinto, Carmela Dizon, Chelsea Ramirez, Mai Santiago

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Batok (also known as Fatek/Burik/Tatak/Batek/Patik) is an indigenous Filipino tattooing practice where the practitioner marks the skin by hand-tapping the ink using bone/wood implements. Previous research on tattooing has explored an occupational science perspective on Western tattooing and its engagement and implication on the individual - recognizing its practice to be considered as an occupation (Kay & Brewis, 2017). Framed in theories of Collective Occupation (Ramugondo & Kronenberg, 2015), Doing, Being, Becoming (Wilcock, 2002), and Belonging (Hitch et al., 2014) the research explores how batok as a collective occupation affects the experiences of Filipino communities. Three individual Filipino people with …

Adults With Sensory Defensiveness And Their Use Of Coping Strategies, Cassidy Mccurdy, Sonia Patiño, Julia Mcmahon, Sophia Hagen

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot a questionnaire examining the relationship between sensory defensiveness and coping strategies, as well as establish typical ratings for sensory defensiveness among the adult population. Methods: Through snowball sampling, 91 participants completed the Sensory Response Questionnaire containing 69 questions. Participants’ responses to questions concerning sensations and coping strategies in various situations indicated levels of sensory defensiveness. Levels of sensory defensiveness were determined by mean ratings: < 2 low sensory defensiveness (Low SD), 2-2.5 some sensory defensiveness (Some SD), > 2.5 moderate sensory defensiveness (Moderate SD). Discussion: Kinnealy et al. (1995), estimates that 15% of the population has some level of sensory defensiveness that impacts …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Restorative Justice Rehabilitative Services Available In Northeast Tennessee For Mothers Diagnosed With Substance Use Disorder, Claire Roberson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) has plagued families of rural Appalachia for many years, perpetuating involvement in the criminal justice system as well as generational trauma for people diagnosed with SUD and their children. This points to the necessity of a trauma-informed, restorative-justice based framework for rehabilitative services to most effectively heal families, address trauma, and re-integrate people diagnosed with SUD into society. A restorative justice-based program would provide health care services for addiction and any comorbid mental health disorders as well as teach parents how to properly provide for themselves and their families, manage finances, obtain employment, and further education. …

Survey Of Confidence And Knowledge To Manage Patellofemoral Pain In Readers Versus Nonreaders Of The Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guideline, Richard W. Willy, Lisa T. Hoglund, Neal R. Glaviano, Lori A. Bolgla, David M. Bazett-Jones

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Objectives: To compare beliefs of physical therapists (PTs) who read the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) to those who have not read the CPG.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Online survey.

Participants: 494 currently licensed/registered PTs or physiotherapists.

Main Outcome Measures: Respondents answered Likert-based or open-ended questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, and management of individuals with PFP, as well as confidence for managing individuals with PFP, especially the ability to identify beneficial and non-beneficial interventions. We dichotomized responses into participants who read (READERS) and did not read (NonREADERS) the CPG.

Results: …

The Typical Toddler: Diet And Approaches To Picky Eating, Carissa Adams

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

To address the contested definition of picky eating, a study was conducted to determine the typical toddler diet, therefore identifying when intervention may be warranted, and further defining picky eating. Out of the 252 responses to a cross-sectional survey, 34.9% of caregivers reported their child was a picky eater, whereas 65.1% were identified as non-picky eaters. The diets and quantity of foods consumed by these groups varied significantly. Picky eaters were less likely to eat foods of potentially polarizing sensory properties or textures that required advanced oral motor skills to consume. Children who were picky eaters consumed only 32 different …

Investigating The Impact Of Parkinson’S Disease On Iadl Performance, Emphasizing The Need For Earlier Diagnosis And The Value Of Timelier Occupational Therapy Intervention, Brittney N. Moser

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) can cause motor and non-motor difficulties which significantly decrease one’s independence and quality of life. Research has shown the earlier these individuals are diagnosed and subsequently referred for more timely therapeutic intervention, the better their health outcomes. This capstone was designed to develop advanced clinical understanding of the deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) performance early on in disease progression and the role of occupational therapy in PD care. Further, it was designed for program development to specifically address the need for increased care for those with PD in rural communities. Four weeks of the …

Promoting Occupational Therapy Involvement In End-Of-Life Care Through Advocacy And Education, Macey Genzlinger

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The end of life is a difficult stage of life to manage, but people who are dying still desire to participate in meaningful occupations. This participation can be negatively affected by the challenges faced at the end of life. Occupational therapy is a profession perfectly fitted to facilitate occupational participation for patients at the end of their lives. However, occupational therapy is underutilized in end-of-life care, and many knowledge gaps exist surrounding its use. Much work needs to be done to solve these problems which this Capstone project begins to address. The theoretical framework underlying this project is the Occupational …