Digital Commons Network^™

Occupation-Based Volunteer Training Program To Increase Social Engagement For Residents With Dementia In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Kiyomi Kuroda, Nhat Hoang, Victoria Ramia, Kelsy Wallace

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

The population of individuals with dementia (IwD) is increasing, and IwD are often admitted into skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) due to greater need for care (Alzheimer’s Association, 2020b). Admittance leads to social isolation as a result of decreased engagement in co-occupations. Co-occupations are occupations, or meaningful activities necessary for wellbeing and survival, that are performed with others (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2014). IwD exhibit behaviors and symptoms that create challenges for family caregivers to engage in co-occupations (Ono et al., 2014). Without guidance or support, family members or volunteers may be less likely to visit or facilitate quality visits, …

An Exploration Of Experiences That Influence Occupational Therapy Students' Motivations To Pursue Occupational Therapy As A Career, Kayla-Marie Bartolome Gigante, Alyssa Cantrell, Michelle Nguyen, Garrett Teagarden

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered healthcare profession that uses therapeutic activities to increase an individual’s, group’s, or population's participation in meaningful activities, otherwise known as occupations. The general underlying factors that motivate one’s decision to choose this career path is well established within the existing literature. However, research into the experiences of students working alongside an occupational therapist (OT) prior currently faces a significant gap. The aim of this study is to identify and understand what first-hand experiences of OT brought OT students to pursue a career in occupational therapy. Through the lens of narrative inquiry, participants were given …

Transgender College Student Equity And Inclusion Program, Allison Quintilla, Benji Harrington

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Understanding the inequities experienced by Transgender college students on university campuses is fundamental to promoting the occupational engagement of Transgender individuals. The Transgender community in the United States (U.S.) today is more widely varied and accepted than ever before in the recorded history of post-European colonialization of this country (Beemyn, 2014). Dowers, White, Kingsley and Swenson (2019) explain the risk for increased occupational injustice for Transgender college students due to their complex experience of occupations and the influencing factors. Current research has significant gaps in our understanding of how to counteract the effects of occupational injustice for Transgender college and …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of A Patient With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome And Received A Total Knee Arthroplasty, Jacob Todd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Total knee arthroplasties (TKA) remain the gold standard of surgical interventions to the knee and are often used to treat the knee joint for arthritic changes along with therapeutic exercise.

Case Description. This case report describes the physical therapy rehabilitation of a 48-year-old female post left T KA due to increased instability, afthritic changes, and pain caused by her EDS combined with her high BMI. The patient previously had her right knee replaced with a TKA and was acquainted with the rehabilitation process and familiar with all of the therapeutic exercises and proper progression of …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Rehabilitation For A Patient With Wrist Pathology, Amy Svir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Case Description. This case report describes the physical therapy evaluation and intervention for a 14-year-old female with right wrist pathology. The patient presented with increased pain as well as decreased function, decreased active range-of-motion (AROM), decreased passive range-of-motion (PROM), and decreased wrist strength.

Plan of Care and Intervention. The treatment for this patient was a combination of iontophoresis administration of dexamethasone, manual therapy in the form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and joint mobilization, and therapeutic exercise. Iontophoresis was used to transfer dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory medicine, into the affected area.

Outcomes. After 8 treatment sessions, the patient had decreased …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management For A Full Thickness Sutraspinatus Tendon Tear: A Case Study, Samantha Miller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This article describes the 14-week physical therapy treatment of a pre- and postoperational full thickness supraspinatus tendon tear of a 45-year-old female. The four muscles of the rotator cuff provide stabilization to the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and the subscapularis. ^l In the United States, roughly 460 000 rotator cuff repair surgeries occur each year and they are the second most common orthopedic procedure. ² Past research studies have shown that a full recovery from this surgery takes 3 to 6 months, with factors such as integrity …

Improving Quality Of Life Among Individuals With Neurocognitive Disorders Using Occupational Therapy And A Sensory Integration Approach, Makenzie K. Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Abstract

Currently, 50 million people worldwide are affected by major neurocognitive disorder (MND). Those with MND often exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms that have a significant impact on occupational participation and overall quality of life. Symptoms are frequently treated with anti-psychotics; however, a need for a non-pharmacological approach to alleviate these symptoms is indicated through current research. This 14-week Capstone experience was completed in the memory care neighborhoods at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City, Iowa. Throughout this experience, knowledge related to effective caregiving strategies and sensory based interventions was enhanced, education was provided to memory care staff and occupational …

Acute Effects Of Static Stretching/Foam Rolling On Muscle And Tendon Stiffness, Michaela Lawlor

Honors Theses

There are various ways to decrease muscle and tendon stiffness, including but not limited to: static stretching, ballistic stretching, cycle stretching, passive and active stretching, and foam rolling. The purpose of this paper is to review different studies that focus on the acute effects of static stretching and foam rolling on muscles of the leg including the gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, hamstrings, soleus, etc. Results showed that static stretching and foam rolling decrease muscle and tendon stiffness in the leg while simultaneously increasing their range of motion, flexibility, and muscle fascicle length immediately after exercise.

Improving Cognitive Function In Persons With Dementia Through Music Therapy, Jillian Natividad

Nursing | Senior Theses

People diagnosed with dementia experience cognitive alterations that cause overwhelming challenges and lead to distinctive life changes. Declining cognitive function noticeably experienced in dementia not only inflicts difficulty with achieving independent living but increases feelings of agitation and disturbs quality of life. Advanced medical care is widely available for managing mental conditions but may not always be effective in treating cognitive changes like memory loss and confusion. Because the stages of dementia vary from person to person, medical interventions are often patient centered to effectively focus on an individual’s specific needs. With non-pharmacological methods, flexibility in adjusting to an individual’s …

Development Of A Wearable Finger Exoskeleton For Rehabilitation, Carlos Hernandez-Santos, Yasser A. Davizón, Alejandro Said, Rogelio Soto, L. C. Felix-Harran, Adriana Vargas-Martinez

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This research work shows a new architecture of a novel wearable finger exoskeleton for rehabilitation; the proposed design consists of a one degree of freedom mechanism that generates the flexion and extension movement for the proximal, medial and distal phalange of the fingers to assist patients during the rehabilitation process, after neurological trauma, such as a stroke. The anatomy and anthropometric measures for the hand were used to define the design of the mechanism. In the analytic part, the representative equations for the forward and inverse kinematic analysis of the fingers are obtained, also a dynamic analysis is presented. The …

Complementary And Integrative Approaches For Occupational Therapy Practitioners: An Educational Experience, Wanda Kay Lauer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background and purpose: The use of complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) practices are on the rise in the United States. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports their use as occupations, activities, or interventions to support occupations yet many occupational therapists do not feel comfortable discussing or implementing complementary approaches in their therapy practice. The purpose of this project was to develop a two-day continuing education course to provide occupational therapy practitioners with information to increase their competency and confidence in utilizing complementary and integrative approaches in practice.

Methods: A literature review was completed to determine if there …

Comparative Gait Analysis Of Transtibial Amputees Versus, Charlotte Vitale

Senior Honors Projects

While individuals with lower limb prosthetics make up a very small percentage of the population, their musculoskeletal deformities impair their abilities to produce “normal” biomechanical actions. The deviations in their walking patterns can further inhibit their efficacy in other activities of basic living. Understanding the distinct kinematic comparisons during gait between lower limb amputees and able-bodied individuals is critical for those planning to enter such a field of study working with this specific population. As an aspiring specialized Physical Therapist, it is very likely that I will be assisting clients to regain a healthy walking pattern after a traumatic accident, …

Conservative Treatment And Management Of A Patient With Thoracic Spine Pain And Radiating Symptoms: A Case Report, Brian Illing

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Back pain can occur for several reasons. With the increasing prevalence of smart-device use today coupled with sedentary lifestyles, there is an increasing incidence of back pain related to postural deficits associated with device use and extended periods of sitting or inactivity. The purpose of this case study is to investigate the effects of posture and ergonomics and their role in back pain for an office worker.

Case Description: This case study follows the treatment of a 45-year old male over his 4-week episode of care. The chief complaint of the patient was an acute …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With A Work-Related Hand Contusion, Brianne Halstead

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Work-related traumatic hand injuries can range from minor cuts or burns to more serious injuries involving man and machine interaction. The hands are a vital part of daily life, and injuries to this area may present significant decreases in functional abilities. Because of the variance in severity and lack in specific research, this injury may pose a unique challenge to physical therapists.

Description. This case study describes the six-week outpatient physical therapy management of a 58-year-old male who sustained a hand contusion from a work-related injury. The patient presented with decreased strength, decreased range of …

Outpatient Management Of Low Back And Neck Pain With Radicular Symptoms, Riley Ryan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Neck and back pain are very prevalent in the world today. This pain can range mild to debilitating. The purpose of this case study is to examine the use of physical therapy for patients with neck and back pain.

Case Description. A 49 year old female with neck and back pain with radiculopathy. The patient presented with decreased cervical range of motion, kyphotic posture with rounded shoulders and forward head and was seen for a total of six weeks. (20 visits).

Intervention. The treatment of the patient involved education on posture/body mechanics/exercises, manual therapy techniques, modalities …

Weakness Secondary To Pneumonia/Sepsis In An Elderly Individual: A Case Study, Winter Monette

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Maintaining functional activity is the most important aspect for geriatric patients wishing to preserve their independence. Muscle strength decreases rapidly within the sixth and seventh decade. This is when some older individuals have difficulty with activities such as walking, balance and transfers. Additional issues such as disease, injury or inactivity can increase the speed of this decline. Although functional change is usually observed with aging, hospitalization can cause further complications to function even if the patient’s admitted condition has been resolved. The purpose of this case report is to look at the role of physical therapy in …

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Decompression And The Effect Of Physical Therapy In The Outpatient Setting: A Case Study, Kaiann Arellano

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) includes the signs and symptoms in the upper extremity caused by a compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and/or subclavian artery at the thoracic outlet. The thoracic outlet symptoms may present as pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and early fatigue or heaviness of the arm. Severe and unrelenting symptoms may lead to individuals considering surgical treatment. The purpose of this case report is to present an evidence based strengthening and stretching program for the post-operative care of TOS.

Case Description: This article describes the 10 - week outpatient physical therapy treatment …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Severe Lumbar Derangement Including Relevant Lateral Shift And Radiculopathy, Brita R. Karolus

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose.

This case describes the 5 week outpatient Physical Therapy management of a 65 year old male with a lumbar radiculopathy and a relevant lateral shift. The patient presented with decreased lumbar range of motion, left sided paresthesia, an antalgic gait and severe pain.

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the results of the interventions.

Description. The interventions for this patient included McKenzie techniques as well as some manual techniques.

Outcomes. Following the PT intervention, the patient achieved almost full active range of motion, good …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Postoperative Patellar Tendon Rupture Repair Following Acl Reconstruction With A Patellar Tendon Autograft: A Case Study, Colin Renfandt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes the 3 -month outpatient physical therapy management of a patient who had his left patellar tendon reattached after a rupture and repalr. Patient had a previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a left patellar tendon autograft. Upon physical therapy (PT) evaluation, he presented with decreased left knee ROM, strengths moderate swelling, and pain involved all in the left knee

Purpose: The purpose of this article will be to go into further depth with the interventions utilized for this particular patient. At the end, we will discuss the end results in comparison …

Inpatient Physical Therapy For A Patient That Underwent Chemotherapy Treatment Of Stage Ii Colorectal Cancer, Ellie Hagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Study, Jake Fixell

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain is a condition that affects 70% of the adult population between 18 and 65, as well as the young and elderly. Many people that have low back pain often have recurrent pain episodes. This negatively affects functional activities of daily living and living with chronic pain can take a psychological toll on the individual. The anatomy of the low back and the surrounding musculature play a pivotal role in standing and sitting tasks. The role of the physical therapist in treating an individual with low back pain is to identify the nature of …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Following Rotator Cuff Repair, Brianna Erickson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This case report describes a 12-week physical therapy treatment of a patient that arrived to physical therapy following a rotator cuff repair of the right shoulder. The patient was a 43-year-old male who had a torn rotator cuff of the right shoulder following a farming accident.

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe the presentation, intervention, and outcomes of the 12-week treatment.

Description: Treatment for this patient included soft tissue mobilizations, joint mobilizations, stretching, and strengthening.

Outcomes. Following treatment, the patient gained strength and range of motion, but he was unable to reach full range …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Left Medial Plantar Myofascial Pain, Kayana Trottier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes a 6-week outpatient physical therapy management of a 62 year old female who had a posterior tibial tendon Repair with flexor digitorum longus transfer surgery in 2013 on the left foot following foot pain that worsened over the years. The patient presented with decreased left ankle range of motion, strength, activity tolerance, endurance, marked swelling and sharp pain on the medial and plantar surface of left foot. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions used for this patient and the results from the physical therapy interventions provided.

Description. The …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Left Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Case Study, Mark Geerdes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a motion related clinical disorder of the hip in which there is premature contact between the acetabulum and the proximal femur. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy as a first line treatment for FAI and discusses the patient outcomes based on the chosen interventions. The results can be used to better understand the most appropriate interventions for conservative FAI treatment.

Case Description: The patient was a 15-year-old male student athlete who presented to physical therapy with left anterior and lateral hip pain.

Interventions: The rehabilitation program …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis., Lydia Jacobson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive that affects the central nervous system. This case study discusses the clinical decision making and the effectiveness of treatment of physical therapy for a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Case Description. This case study describes an 8-week outpatient physical therapy episode of care for a 52-year-old patient with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. The patient presented to physical therapy secondary to balance deficits and muscles spasms in her thoracic spine. Physical therapy interventions included resistive, balance, endurance, and gait exercises.

Outcomes. Following 8 weeks of physical therapy the patient's balance, …

Physical Therapy Management In A Patient With A Left Scapular Fracture, Left Three-Through-Eight Rib Fracture And Left Sternoclavicular Ligament Sprain, Morgan Bicker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The case study describes the outpatient physical therapy management used for a patient with a left scapular fracture, left three-through-eight rib fracture, and left sternoclavicular ligament sprain following a motorcycle accident.

Case Description. A 43-yearold man with decreased left shoulder range of motion, decreased left shoulder strength, increased left upper extremity pain, and impaired functional mobility. He received ten sessions over a 13- week period. Intervention. Interventions that were documented into the patient’s plan of care included: evaluation, ASTYM, electrical stimulation, home exercise program, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic activity, therapeutic exercise, and ultrasound. There were …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Postoperative Massive Rotator Cuff Repair, Subacromial Decompression, Distal Acromial Excision And Biciptal Tenodesis, Megan Siebert

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the outpatient physical therapy treatment of a 49-year-old male patient with a left, post-operative, massive, rotator cuff repair involving the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis, subacromial decompression, distal acromial excision and bicipital tenodesis of the long head of the biceps. The purpose of this article is to showcase the importance of physical therapy in post-operative treatment of this patient and other patients with similar diagnosis. The criteria for patient selection included a post-surgical diagnosis with high potential for progression.

Description. The treatment of this patient involved manual therapy including soft tissue mobilization, …

Analyzing The Accelerated Physical Rehabilitation Of A Patient Status Post Periacetabular Osteotomy And Femoral Derotation Osteotomy, Zachary Burtsfield

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case is to analyze the accelerated treatment of a periacetabular osteotomy in a patient who requires up to six surgical corrections to his femoracetabular joint compared to a standard treatment protocol.

Case Description: The patient was a 20 year old martial artist presenting with bilateral hip dysplasia seeking physical therapy following a periacetabular osteotomy with a femoral derotation osteotomy.

Intervention. Therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular reeducation techniques were included in treatment to improve range of motion, strength, balance, and gait.

Outcomes: The patient was able to increase range of motion and strength …

A 70 Year Old Male With Left-Sided Flaccidity Following Right Hemorrhagic Cerebrovascular Accident: A Case Study, Hannah Dekrey

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are a common medical issue addressed by physical therapists. This case study examines the effectiveness of one rehabilitation plan in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, and explores potential improvements in the method of intervention for patients following a CVA.

Case Description: This patient was a 70-year-old male admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility following a right CVA resulting in left-sided flaccidity of upper and lower extremities. He underwent therapy in this facility for five weeks.

Interventions: Conventional therapy interventions were used with this patient. The interventions consisted of a combination of strengthening, …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Kelsey Knutson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Knee osteoarthritis is an increasingly prevalent diagnosis in the aging population and total knee arthroplasty is one of the most common treatment options in the advanced stages. The purpose of this article is to describe the interventions and results with an outpatient physical therapy program based on mobility and gait training.

Case Description. This case study focuses on the intervention and management of a total knee arthroplasty in a 78-year-old female over 8 weeks. She had a typical presentation of restricted range of motion, gait and proprioception deficits, and lower extremity weakness of the surgical …