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Developing And Implementing Pediatric Pelvic Health Education Groups For Autistic Youth Focused On Toilet Training, Sasha Poland

Capstone Projects

Occupational therapists (OTPs) have a crucial role in treating pelvic health conditions as toileting is an activity of daily living. However, pelvic health research is primarily focused through a physical therapy lens and doesn’t always address challenges pertaining to children, and even more so neurodivergent youth. Furthermore, there is a gap in the literature in how specifically OTPs can assist in providing pelvic health care to all individuals including neurodivergent youth. The goal of this doctoral capstone was to create and provide educational sessions to educate parents, educators, and BCBAs on the role of pelvic health OT in solving their …

The Importance Of Holistic Care: The Development And Implementation Of Spiritual Resources For Caregivers And Staff At Joni’S House El Salvador, Chloe Veilleux

Capstone Projects

It is within the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice to not only address client needs related to mind, body, and spirit, but also those of caregivers as a means of fostering overall improved quality of life. Additionally, when OTs address spirituality and implement spiritual/spirituality-informed interventions, correlations of improved psychosocial factors such as well-being, motivation, and reduced stress have been shown, as well as improved hope and reduced burden for caregivers. There remains, however, a gap in the research and implementation of spiritually informed care and resources specifically as it pertains to caregivers of those with disabilities. To address this …

Occupational Therapy & Zoo Exhibit Design: Embedding Accessibility Within, Jacqui Randall

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed at the Indianapolis Zoo. Zoos and museums infrequently contract, but very few employ an occupational therapist to assist with exhibit design development. An occupational therapy consultant could assess exhibit accessibility and provide potential solutions to make them more accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. The goal of the project was to create a list of refined recommendations to make the oceans building more accessible and incorporate more multisensory experiences when it is renovated in the spring of 2027. Also, the Accessibility and Sensation Among Zoo Exhibits and Interactives: Checklist and Application Guide was …

Occupational Therapy And Grief: Building Knowledge, Justifying Scope, And Supporting Practice, Jessica Jacques

Capstone Projects

Grief can disrupt individuals’ ability to participate in meaningful daily occupations (Hoppes & Segal, 2010), yet occupational therapy (OT) remains underutilized in grief support. Given OT’s focus on occupational performance, practitioners are uniquely positioned to address the functional and emotional challenges associated with grief. Despite this alignment, a gap exists in structured, occupation-based grief support, as well as limited integration of OT within community-based grief services. This capstone aimed to address this need by developing and implementing grief-informed, occupation-based resources and educational materials. Objectives included revising a grief resource manual, creating evidence-based handouts for community and school settings, promoting sensory …

Sensory Processing At A Children’S Advocacy Center: Staff Education And Resource Development To Support Trauma-Informed Care, Hayley Jackson

Capstone Projects

This capstone addresses a critical gap in understanding sensory processing within trauma-informed care for children who have experienced sexual abuse. Occupational therapy (OT) offers a unique perspective for supporting children’s sensory processing and regulation needs; however, OT is not utilized in Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) settings. This project aimed to enhance understanding of OT's scope within trauma-informed care, provide education on sensory-based strategies, and develop resources to support regulation in clinical, home, and school settings. Project objectives were achieved through the development of caregiver and educator handouts, a SMART room sensory binder, a visual schedule binder, SMART movement cards, and …

Designing Inclusive Dog Training Opportunities For Handlers With Diverse Access Needs: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Lauren Huffman

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone focused on designing inclusive dog training opportunities in the community by integrating occupational therapy approaches to empower meaningful participation and increase carryover of skills into daily life. The project addressed a need for options that are supportive of dog owners (typically referred to as “handlers” in the dog training setting) who experience health and learning barriers impacting human-dog interactions and the ability to attend dog training classes in a group setting. Occupational Therapy’s role in adaptive recreation and use of occupation-based practice guided the development of a foundations-level accessible small group class, individual adaptive sessions, and educational …

Enhancing Feeding Skills: Development And Implementation Of A Pediatric Feeding Group Program In An Outpatient Setting, Alexia Spyrka

Capstone Projects

Children with autism spectrum disorder are five times more likely to present with feeding difficulties when compared to the general pediatric population (Baraskewich,et.al., 2021). Pediatric feeding difficulties can include picky eating, restrictive diets, limited independence with feeding skills, and limited food repertoire. Not only can this effect the child’s nutrition and growth but can affect family members as they are additionally focusing on their child's socialization, communication, and regulation. When addressing feeding difficulties, occupational therapy services are provided 1:1 with clients while educating and supporting family members to improve carry over into the home. However, there is a gap in …

Beyond Baby: How Occupational Therapy Supports Families In The Prenatal And Postpartum Period, Taylor Maysonet

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project focuses on the role of occupational therapy in maternal and infant health, supporting families during the prenatal and postnatal period. While occupational therapy has a strong foundation in promoting health, independence, participation and roles and routines, there remains a gap in community awareness of available support for families during this life transition. Many caregivers report feeling underprepared, overwhelmed, and disconnected from resources that could support their physical, emotional, and occupational wellbeing.

The objective of this project was to identify gaps within the interdisciplinary team during the prenatal and postpartum period. From there, I was able to …

Life Skills To Promote Independence Following Discharge From Inpatient Psychiatric Care, Alli Bammert

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience focused on program development through the creation and implementation of a structured life skills program and the initial planning of a simulated life skills training space within an inpatient psychiatric setting at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. Individuals with serious mental illness often experience barriers to community reintegration following hospitalization and benefit from opportunities to practice daily living skills prior to discharge (Gibson et al., 2011). In response to this need, a 12-week life skills curriculum was developed and piloted to address topics including daily routines, medication management, emotional regulation, grocery shopping, cooking, employment readiness, technology use, and …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Sensory Education: Training Paraprofessionals To Support Students’ Sensory Needs, Sophia Hubber

Capstone Projects

Sensory processing plays an important role in the development and participation across the lifespan and is a key focus of occupational therapy (OT) in school settings. This doctoral capstone project addresses the gap in sensory education and training among paraprofessionals, who spend much of the day supporting students with the highest level of needs. While occupational therapists have extensive knowledge in sensory processing, their large caseloads often limit the opportunities to provide direct education to staff.

To address this gap, the project involved collaborating with the occupational therapy department, conducting research on sensory processing, and developing five educational videos with …

Electromyography, Prosthetic Properties, And Running Biomechanics In Recreationally Active Persons With Lower Extremity Amputation, Paige M. Agnew

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Lower extremity loss affects nearly 150,000 individuals in the United States yearly yielding extreme health care costs annually. Typically, prosthetic devices are prescribed for 5-8 years despite known changes to an individual’s gait as time progresses. Patients can expect to undergo approximately 8-12 weeks of gait retraining to improve their comfort and efficiency. Biomechanical changes occur when running with a specific running prosthetic including considerable biomechanical and neuromuscular interlimb asymmetries and alterations in loading patterns. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the biomechanical demands for lower extremity prosthesis users during running. The first study synthesized peer reviewed evidence …

Chronic Post-Mastectomy Pain: Insights Into Mechanisms, Prevention, And Treatment Approaches, Abdulaziz H. Algain

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Chronic post-mastectomy pain (CPMP) is a prevalent and significant concern for many breast cancer surgery patients, affecting between 25% and 60% of females within the first year after surgery. This multifactorial condition arises from a combination of peripheral nerve injury, central sensitization, and immune-mediated inflammation. Although no single intervention can fully prevent CPMP, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses the biological, psychological, and social aspects of pain is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. It is often underrecognized by clinicians, who may attribute pain to the expected postoperative recovery process, while patients sometimes accept discomfort …

Prevalence And Association Between Major Depressive Disorder And Cognitive Impairment In Hemodialysis Patients At King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Faten N. Alzaben

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Objectives: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis experience a substantial psychological and cognitive burden. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and examine its association with cognitive impairment among patients receiving hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 consecutive patients aged 18–65 years undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Major depressive disorder was diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with cognitive impairment defined as a MoCA score …

Limb Dominance Does Not Affect Single-Leg Hop Performance In Non-Injured Young Athletes, Rawan Aldhabi

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: The concept of leg dominance is important in clinical settings. Single-leg hop (SLH) tests are frequently used to assess injury-risk and guide return-to-sport decision after lower-limb injury, yet the influence of limb dominance on SLH performance in non-injured young athletes remains unclear. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of limb dominance on SLH test performance in young healthy athletes, and to explore the relationships among different types of SLH tests. Methods: Forty-seven healthy collegiate athletes (mean age 21.44 ± 3.5 years; 26 males and 21 females) completed three SLH tests: single hop for distance (SHD), …

Suture Augmentation With Ucl Repairs In Baseball Pitchers As An Alternate To Reconstructions: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Kenneth E. Games

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is sustained through repetitive valgus motions, increasing in prevalence across all levels of baseball due to the increasing workload demands placed on the medial elbow in pitching. Traditionally, UCL tears have been managed through reconstructions followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. In recent years, the UCL repair with suture augmentation has gained favor given the enhanced patient and clinician outcomes in return-to-play timelines, decreased medial gapping, improved Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) scores, and long-term functionality. Utilizing 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Scopus), literature was obtained addressing the …

Relationship Between Immune Profile And Respiratory Parameters In Down Syndrome Children With Acute Pneumonia: Pre-Intervention Analysis, Shehab M. Abd El-Kader, Tamer M. El-Saeed, Marwa M. I. Ismaeel, Mohamed F. El-Banna, Ahmed M. Aboeleneen, Amany G. Atiaa, Fatma A Hegazy, Mona M. Abdelkhalek

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Children with Down Syndrome (DS) exhibit immune dysregulation and increased susceptibility to severe pneumonia. While associations between immune status and infection risk are known, the relationship between specific baseline immune markers and respiratory parameters at the initial presentation of acute pneumonia in this population is unclear. Objective: To investigate the correlation between baseline serum immunoglobulin levels, white blood cell count (WBCs), and baseline respiratory parameters (respiratory rate and arterial oxygen saturation) in children with DS presenting with acute pneumonia. Material and methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data from 40 children with DS and acute pneumonia enrolled prior …

Relationship Between Neck Muscle Cross-Sectional Area With Craniovertebral Angle Among The Subjects With Chronic Neck Pain, Mohamed Faisal Chevidikunnan, Mohammed Sati Alharbi

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Neck pain is a common condition affecting many people worldwide. However, the relationships between neck muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), and craniovertebral angle (CVA), in chronic neck pain patients remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the association between these factors among the subjects with chronic neck pain. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design, where 21 patients presenting to radiology department at King Fahd Hospital, Madina with chronic neck pain were included. They aged between 25–55 years, which includes both male and female subjects, who have not undergone any of neck or shoulder surgery, subjects without previous local …

The Impact Of Non-Technical Skills On Respiratory Therapists' Practice: A Single-Center Study At A Tertiary Hospital In Saudi Arabia, Mohamad A. Abdulsamad, Fadi A. Toonsi

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Non-technical skills (NTS), including communication, teamwork, decision-making, and situational awareness, are increasingly recognized as essential for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Respiratory therapists (RTs) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) frequently face high-stakes clinical situations where NTS are critical, yet limited evidence exists regarding their integration into practice and training. This study evaluated the impact of NTS on RT practice, identified key skill gaps, and proposed recommendations for curriculum enhancement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 RTs with at least six months of experience at KFSH&RC in Jeddah city. Data were collected using …

Predictive Role Of Mindset And Neuroplasticity Knowledge On Epistemological Beliefs Among Academic Doctors, Fahad A Somaa

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Neuroplasticity the brain's capacity for structural and functional reorganization, plays a central role in learning, adaptation, and professional development. Educators' understanding of neuroplasticity, together with their mindset, may influence their epistemological beliefs and teaching practices. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which mindset and neuroplasticity knowledge predict epistemological beliefs among academic doctors working in medical and rehabilitation education. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among the 309 academic doctors working in medical colleges and teaching hospitals. Demographics, neuroplasticity knowledge, mindset and epistemological beliefs were the primary outcome measures and collected data. …

An Exploration Of Therapists' Perspectives On Treatment Approaches And Outcomes For Trigger Finger In Saudi Arabia, Badr F. Alduqsi, Naif B. Abudken, Hatim A. Al-Johani, Ahmed M. Bajunayd

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a common hand condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and locking of the affected digit. Although conservative management strategies, particularly splinting and corticosteroid injections, are widely implemented in clinical practice, there is currently no universally accepted gold standard for the treatment of trigger finger. Furthermore, regional evidence describing therapists' preferences and clinical decision-making processes in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and physicians in Saudi Arabia regarding preferred conservative treatment approaches for trigger finger, and to identify the key factors influencing clinical decision-making and …

Prescribed Aerobic Exercise And Sport-Related Concussion Recovery: A Validation Case Series, Lacy L. Chapel, Tamara C. Valovich Mcleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Active rehabilitation, including prescribed sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise implemented during the acute phase of recovery after sport-related concussion, has been shown to facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of persisting postconcussion symptoms. The purpose of this validation case series was to evaluate currently available external evidence regarding the effects of prescribed aerobic exercise interventions on recovery after sport-related concussion. For this study, the patient population included college athletes diagnosed with a sport-related concussion who participated in at least 5 days per week of supervised, prescribed aerobic exercise, based on graded aerobic exercise testing and heart rate threshold. Our study findings …

A Review Of Mentorship And Recruitment Strategies For Minority Athletic Training Students, Dariana M. Brown

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The underrepresentation of minority athletic trainers remains a critical issue, affecting both the profession and the quality of patient care. While patient demographics continue to diversify, the athletic training workforce has not kept pace, leading to potential communication barriers, mistrust, and inadequate culturally competent care. This review examines whether culturally tailored mentorship programs and targeted recruitment initiatives improve retention, career satisfaction, and diversity in athletic training compared to standard methods. By analyzing studies on underrepresented minority students in athletic training, the review highlights key institutional barriers and systemic factors impacting recruitment and retention. Findings suggest that tailored mentorship and supportive …

Acute Management Of A Hamate Fracture In A Collegiate Baseball Player: A Disablement Model Case Study, Kayleigh A. De Koker, Cory E. Barton, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this disablement model case study was to outline a collegiate baseball player with an isolated hamate fracture including the injury evaluation, diagnosis, and acute management. During a tournament game, the collegiate career of the patient ended abruptly following an injury sustained while at bat. The patient attempted to bat again but encountered significant difficulty due to the increasing pain in his hand. Consequently, the athletic trainer was called out for an on-field examination. The patient presented with no edema or ecchymosis but severe pain in the hypothenar eminence. This patient also presented with decreased grip strength with …

Evaluating Forearm Strength Variability In Collegiate Tennis Players Over The Course Of A Competitive Season, Jeffrey Williams, Payton Jensen, Kevin Laudner

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The muscles of the forearm undergo routine, forceful, and repetitive contractions while playing tennis and may experience adaptive changes that can precede injury. An understanding of forearm strength profiles of tennis players following a competitive season would assist clinicians’ evidence-based management of the forearm’s readiness for training, competition, and return-to-sport participation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a competitive tennis season on forearm strength among collegiate tennis athletes. A prospective, case-series design was used to examine a convenience sample of 15 asymptomatic NCAA Division I tennis players (males = 10, height = 182.88 [SD …

Quality Of Athletic Training Services For Lower Extremity Injuries, Katie Sniffen, Michael Rozier, Katherine Stamatakis, Paula Buchanan, Janet E. Simon, Leslie Hinyard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The use of patient-reported outcomes in athletic training is inconsistent, limiting the ability to communicate service quality and value to key stakeholders. The objective of this study is to calculate meaningful quality outcome measures for athletic training services for lower extremity injuries in high school student-athletes. Data were collected from a subset of the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program and a convenience sample of high school student-athletes with patient-reported outcome measures for lower extremity time-loss injuries. Failure-toprogress proportions (FTPPs) were calculated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for knee/thigh injuries and the Foot …

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In An Elite Level Diver: A Disablement Model Case Study, Matt O'Sullivan, Dominique M. Stevens, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This article presents a case of complicated and recurrent pyelonephritis, an infection of 1 or both kidneys, in an elitelevel diver. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common outpatient infections in the United States; most are uncomplicated and resolve without significant mortality or morbidity. However, UTIs have the potential to present significant clinical challenges if the UTI becomes complicated or recurrent. Additionally, recurrent UTIs can carry a significant burden to both the individual patients and the larger healthcare system. The current paper reviews the epidemiological literature surrounding UTIs, the significant impact they have on a patient’s health-related quality …

Comfort Level Of Collegiate Student-Athletes In Opposite And Same-Gender Patient/Provider Relationships In Athletic Training, Samantha Dickie, Yashu Tang, Sydney Nelson, Emily Madrak

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Gender-based comfort in patient-provider relationships is a vital aspect of athletic training care. As the profession continues to evolve—particularly with a growing number of women athletic trainers (ATs) and progression of athletic training curriculum—it is essential to understand how gender dynamics influence the comfort of collegiate athletes when receiving care. This cross-sectional survey study examined how athlete comfort varies when treated by same- versus opposite-gender ATs in general patient care and in pathology-based scenarios. Ninety-six collegiate student-athletes (62.5% female) with the mean age of 20.26 (SD 1.7) years from NCAA and NAIA institutions completed the Gender Comfort with Athletic Trainer …

Comparison Of Vibrating And Non-Vibrating Foam Roller On Hamstring Range Of Motion, Rakhoon Sung, Portia B. Resnick, Karen G. Roos, Mimi Nakajima

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Tightness in the distal hamstring is a common complaint among active individuals. While a foam roller is used to release muscle tension, there are limited studies about the effect using a vibrating foam roller (VFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee range of motion (ROM). For this reason, the purpose of the research was to compare the effect of a VFR and nonvibrating foam roller (NVFR) on hamstring flexibility and knee ROM in active college students. It was hypothesized that there would be more improvement in hamstring flexibility and knee ROM with a VFR than an NVFR. A randomized controlled trial …

Physical Rehabilitation For Older Patients With Acute Hfpef (Rehab-Hfpef) Trial: Design And Rationale, Amy M. Pastva, Gordon R. Reeves, David J. Whellan, Robert J. Mentz, Haiying Chen, Alain G. Bertoni, Pamela W. Duncan, Mark A. Espeland, Shelby D. Reed, M. Benjamin Nelson, Christopher M. O'Connor, Dalane W. Kitzman

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

RATIONALE: Older patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) experience persistently poor outcomes, including physical disability, cognitive impairment, depression, impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL), rehospitalizations, loss of independence, and mortality. In our previous phase 2 REHAB-HF trial, an innovative physical rehabilitation intervention, delivered across three phases-inpatient, 12-week outpatient, and 3-month home-based maintenance-produced large improvements in physical function and HRQOL, with signals of reduced clinical events among patients with acute HFpEF. These findings provide a compelling rationale for a definitive, event-powered trial to evaluate clinical outcomes.

HYPOTHESIS: Targeting physical frailty and multisystem functional impairments using …

Service Dogs As An Intervention To Improve Sleep: A Systematic Review, Yvonne Monti, Sara Kuiken, Anna Owens, Rachel Madden, Skyler Roote

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Purpose: The use of service dogs as a holistic intervention has grown significantly in the past 10 years. Studies report positive impacts of service dogs on primary and secondary symptoms associated with various disabilities. Dysfunctional sleep is a common symptom among individuals receiving service dog assistance. This study investigates the efficacy of service dogs in improving co-occurring sleep dysfunction in handlers with various conditions.

Methods: A comprehensive search of Science Direct, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and 11 studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by …