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Fundamental And Formant Frequencies Of Vowels In Ventriloquial And Normal Speech, Corrie S. Wiesner, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

This study explored the fundamental frequency and the first and second formant frequencies of vowels produced in ventriloquial and normal speech. It tested whether these frequencies differ by speech type and vowels. Voice recordings were collected from a participant who produced words containing ten target English vowels in normal and ventriloquial speech. Digitized recordings were analyzed to determine formant frequencies. A multivariate analysis detected statistically significant differences in the three frequency measures across speech type. Speech type by frequency interaction was examined via overlapping vowel quadrilateral plots that explored differences in formants of vowels across speech type and the vowel …

The Effects Of Chronic Sleep Deprivation On Visuomotor Performance Using Electroencephalographic Measurement, Jaxon Duane Erie

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the impact of acute and chronic sleep deprivation on visuomotor performance using both electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral measures (Senaptec Sensory Station) in a sample of 43 college students aged 18 to 27. Participants were assigned to low or high sleep conditions based on Chronic Sleep Reduction Questionnaire (CSRQ) scores, while acute sleep deprivation was assessed via the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded to support condition placement, but comparisons revealed no significant differences between groups. No significant differences were found in visuomotor control or eye-quickness assessments. However, visual clarity was significantly better …

Perceptions Of Emotional Abuse As A Partial Function Of The Abuser-Victim Gender Dyad, Kaitlyn Kidder

Theses and Dissertations

Emotional abuse affects approximately half of people in an intimate relationship, yet it is often not considered intimate partner violence (IPV) on its own (Dokkedahl et al., 2022; Leemis et al., 2022). Despite the prevalence, there is a lack of consistency on the definition of emotional abuse and IPV as well as a lack of clarity of what acts qualify for these terms. Past research has largely focused on IPV, specifically physical or sexual abuse, in heterosexual relationships with a male perpetrator and female victim. Few studies have explored the interactions of the gender of the victim and perpetrator in …

An Intersectional Exploration And Analogue Investigation Of Transgender And Gender Diverse Bi+ Women’S Preferences For Sexual Violence Vulnerability Reduction Interventions, Sara K. Kuhn

Theses and Dissertations

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) bisexual+ (bi+, e.g., pansexual, polysexual) women disproportionately experience sexual violence victimization and their acceptability of applicable interventions is under-researched. Online self-report data was collected from 240 ethnoracially diverse bi+ adult American women, who identified as TGD (n = 69) or cisgender (cis; n = 171), and who read standardized descriptions of interventions. TGD bi+ women found intervention descriptions inclusive of their sexual and gender identities—and those including in-person active resistance strategy instruction (bystander/self-defense)—more acceptable. Intervention descriptions with alcohol use and/or sexual activity reduction components were largely found to be less acceptable. Intervention elements of importance …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Motivations, Persistence And Challenges Of African Immigrant Adult Learners In Community Colleges In Minnesota, Saah Jackson Delu Kpakar

Theses and Dissertations

African Immigrant Adult Learners (AIAL) are considered an exclusive demographic group who left Africa and obtained permanent residency in the United States. They experience a wide range of challenges in their quest for postsecondary education, which impact their access, persistence, and academic success. The purpose of this qualitative study based on a phenomenological approach was to explore the factors that motivate African Immigrant Adult Learners and enable them to persist and remain resilient in their pursuit of higher education at community colleges in Minnesota. The theories that guided this research are the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (STT). …

Student Participation In Informal Resolution: Examination Of Impact Factors On Recidivism And Student Perceptions Of Institutional Care And Fairness, Linnea Rose Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory case study, conducted at the University of North Dakota (UND), examined factors influencing recidivism and student perceptions of institutional care and fairness among participants in the piloted Informal Resolution (IR) option. A restorative justice (RJ)-informed alternative to the traditional student conduct process, the IR is offered to students charged with first-time, low-level violations of UND’s code of conduct. This study aimed not only to evaluate the new process but also to respond to recent calls from scholars and practitioners for more extensive research on the intersection of RJ and student conduct outcomes. Sherman’s (1993) defiance theory provided the …

Using Machine Learning To Investigate Weather Impacts On Crop Yield For Probabilistic, Climate-Informed Predictive Crop Breeding, Levi Newell

Theses and Dissertations

As the world’s population continues to grow, the importance of food security willonly continue to increase, with some estimates requiring a global increase in food production between 59 and 98% by 2050. The agriculture industry is also a crucial economic driver, with the industry supporting 20% of the state of North Dakota’s workforce, and with a total valuation of $41.3 billion. The economic importance of this industry and the challenges of future growth prompt a need for data driven decision making into the future, particularly with predictive crop breeding. This is the method by which crops are developed that are …

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs: What Influences Students To Apply?, Emily Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are licensed professionals trained to work with various age ranges who have communication, feeding, and/or swallowing difficulties. The entry level education for an SLP to actively practice is a master’s degree. To fill the many vacant and needed SLP jobs across the country, it is necessary for SLP master’s programs to admit highly qualified students into their programs, resulting in many competent SLPs entering the workforce to fill the current job openings. Minot State University’s SLP master’s program has experienced a significant decline in graduate applications over the past decade. There is limited research specific to the …

Stroke Recovery Throughout The Continuum Of Care: A Dual Component Educational Manual, Jordyn Marie Wolff

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: One of the leading causes of death in the United States are strokes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC, 2024]). People who have had a stroke and their caregivers go through various phases of recovery throughout the continuum of care. Therefore, providing education to the individual who had a stroke and their caregiver is a critical component through different phases of recovery. Not only is education an important component, but addressing team communication strategies are critical as well for improved quality of care and team collaboration. The goal of this capstone was to improve the educational need by …

Pain Neuroscience Education With A Veteran Population, Kate Westphal

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: In 2021, upper extremity (UE) injuries accounted for 21.3% of injuries by U.S. active duty service members (Mahlmann et al., 2024). Right or left shoulder pain were the top two diagnoses in active-duty service members between fiscal years 2016 and 2021, with overuse/non-specific injury being the most common UE injury (Isaacson et al., 2024). Pain often follows service members after discharge. It is estimated 66% of the 20 million Veterans in the United States experience musculoskeletal pain, and chronic pain is more intense in a Veteran population, limiting their ability to engage in preferred activities of daily living (Areias …

Rehabilitation Not Punishment: Adults In Custody Learning Skills Needed To Survive In Society, Kaitlyn J. Wanner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The U.S has one of the highest populations of incarcerated individuals in the world and must shift from the use of punishment to rehabilitation for these individuals (Huynh et al., 2015; Muñoz, 2019; Phelps & Aldrich, 2022). While in prison, these individuals are limited in their ability to participate in meaningful activities and lose skills needed to function in society (Lares & Montgomery, 2020). Occupational therapy assists individuals of a variety of populations engage in activities that are meaningful to them. The set of skills that occupational therapy has to offer results in a broad area of settings that …

Brain Injury (Bi) In Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv): The Importance Of Identifying Bi Symptoms And The Impact On Daily Occupations, Alexis Walther

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and resulting brain injury (BI) often experience unmet occupational needs. Specifically, there are barriers to occupations like health management, social participation, work, and education. These barriers occur due to lasting IPV and BI related trauma and symptoms, negative societal views, underreported nature of the injury, and lack of awareness on the topic. This poses a problem, as many service providers may not be educated or aware of the link between IPV and BI, since it is an emerging area of practice. This results in a gap in literature and services related to IPV …

Cultural Competency Of The Interprofessional Team In Burn Care Through An Occupational Therapy Model, Brooklyn Wiest

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Burn injuries are considered one of the most devastating injuries globally (Farzan et al., 2023). Those suffering from serious burns are likely to be affected in all areas of life (physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, intellectual, and psychological) (Abrams et al., 2016). Some of these impacts include changes in appearance, social isolation, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, employment, financial burden, and family problems. These are devastating outcomes are seen throughout diverse populations (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). As diverse populations are rising, an increase in equitable medical care is needed (Peters et al., 2022). Education and increasing awareness of culturally …

Integrating A Canine Comfort Program With Occupational Therapy Services For Emerging Adults With Mental Health Diagnoses, Emily Vieth

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Mental health plays a critical role in the lives of emerging adults (ages 18-29) including how they identify, their coping strategies, and social skills (Matud et al., 2020). Occupational therapists (OTs) can play a vital role in the management of depressive and anxiety symptoms for the promotion of an individual’s well-being (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). OT can address depressive and anxiety symptoms through the incorporation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a therapeutic approach that uses animals to improve overall health and well-being (Pandey et al., 2024). Though still limited in evidencebased research, emerging interventions like canine …

Enhancing Quality Of Life: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Managing Chronic Conditions, Aubrey Rude

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Chronic conditions are among the most common health concerns, and often cause disruption to daily routines, roles, self-identity, and quality of life (Fields & Smallfield, 2022). In fact, they are the leading cause of disability in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). It is estimated that 129 million adults are living with at least one chronic condition as defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Trying to manage a chronic condition is extremely time consuming, with people spending at least two hours every day on health-related activities …

Caregiver Education In Early Intervention, Payton Schilke

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Early intervention services are provided for children ages birth to three years who have identified developmental delays (North Dakota Health and Human Services, n.d.). Services that are provided in early intervention include home visits, consultations, and parent coaching from a multidisciplinary team (North Dakota Health and Human Services, n.d.). The health-related practices of parents during the first two years of their children’s lives plays an important role in terms of influencing children’s health and development (Boelsma et al., 2021). It is the responsibility of the caregivers to utilize the information that is provided and implement within the child’s daily …

Addressing Delirium In The Intensive Care Unit: An Interprofessional Approach, Olivia Grace O'Neill

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Successful recovery from an intensive care stay is influenced by many factors, including length of stay, medical ventilation requirements, and the extent of surgical interventions such as cardiac, intracranial surgery, neurosurgery, and vascular neurosurgery. A major barrier to achieving a full recovery can be delirium, which is seen in 80% of critical care patients. Delirium is described as a severe change in mental abilities and a short-term cause of cerebral impairment that can present as distortion or psychosis and is associated with numerous conditions. While critical care-related delirium typically lasts less than a week, those affected by longer periods …

Chronic Pain Management In Adults In Rural Areas And Its Effect On Health And Well-Being: An Occupational Therapist’S Guide For Clients, Kinley Jo Nordin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Chronic pain is a common problem among individuals in the United States (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). It can affect any area of occupation including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). It can also negatively influence an individual’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address the need for additional resources for individuals living in rural areas who experience chronic pain to help manage their health and …

Pelvic Health Rehabilitation: A Guide For Postpartum Women In Rural Areas To Enhance Occupational Engagement, Joslynn Kay Parks

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Of the over 3 million births in the US each year, 570,000 women experience a birth related injury, leading to pelvic health issues during the postpartum period (DeLancey et al., 2024). Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects 25% of American women, directly impacting quality of life (QoL), psychosocial factors, and the ability to successfully engage in meaningful occupation (Baker et al., 2017; Burkhart et al., 2021; Khan, 2023; Nygaard et al., 2008; Peinado Molina et al., 2023; Synder et al., 2022b). Although PFD has a neuromuscular etiology, the physiological effects can lead to psychosocial impacts, including, but not limited, to …

Nature-Based Practices In Early Childhood Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Angela Mossman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Early childhood experiences are the building blocks for all future behavior and health (Warmbold,2015). These experiences, whether positive or negative, build the foundation of the brain's architecture (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2016). The developing brain comprises neural connections that develop through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2016). This capstone project aims to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of naturebased practices through the lens of occupational therapy. Ginsburg et al. (2007) stated that play is essential for optimal child development. The benefits of …

The Impact Of The Provision Of Occupational Therapy Services For Oncology Care Patients Within The Interprofessional Team, Natasha M. Minar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: There is growing evidence to suggest that occupational and other therapy interventions can play a role in positively affecting the outcomes of individuals with cancer and cancer survivors. Occupational therapists can address peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, pain, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and psychosocial issues (Baxter et al., 2017; Stout et al., 2021; Vining Radomski et al., 2021). Through appropriate assessment, intervention, education, and discharge planning, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation specialties can attempt to collaboratively change the outcome of an individual’s cancer course (Munoz et al., 2015). Individuals with cancer and cancer survivors have difficulty engaging in their own life in …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Vision Rehabilitation In The Rural Outpatient Setting, Hailey Jo Mcguire

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Vision is a complex part of the sensory system that is often overlooked in patient care or mistaken for cognitive impairment (Aravich & Troxell, 2021). As visual disruption often comes secondary to a plethora of physical and cognitive health conditions, addressing the visual system is part of the role of occupational therapy in treating clients holistically. There is a lack of available resources to support practitioners in rural outpatient settings in working with patients who have vision-related complications. Oculomotor skills are one of the three foundational skills considering at the visual system (Warren, 1993) and has multiple subskills underlying …

Acquired Brain Injury And The Impact On Functional Cognition, Jocelyn Rae Kirk

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Occupational therapy practitioners often work with individuals with deficits in cognition due to an acquired brain injury (ABI). Individuals who experience an ABI may have deficits in functional cognition, making it difficult to complete everyday complex tasks, resulting in decreased independence, safety, engagement, health, and wellness (Engel et al., 2019; Erez & Katz, 2018; Klepo et al., 2022; O’Donoghue et al., 2022; Scharaga & Holtzer, 2015). Implementing current evidence-based functional cognition evaluations is difficult for occupational therapy practitioners due to the 17-year lag between evidence and implementation into clinical practice; therefore, practitioners need support in these efforts (Rubin, 2023). …

A Guide To Tier 1 Supports In The General Education Classroom, Aly Levinson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Thirty-two percent of students were estimated to be behind grade level in the 2023-24 school year (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). Many children in the classroom experience barriers to learning. One factor in the decreasing academic levels is the decrease in attention spans (D’Aurizio, n.d.). A student’s education is impacted by a teacher’s ability to keep students’ attention (Hanley et al., 2017). To receive one-on-one occupational therapy intervention, a student must qualify. Many students who may benefit from occupational therapy services will not receive the needed services. The focus of this doctoral capstone experience was to help address …

Incorporating A Facility Dog Into Practice: A Guide For Occupational Therapists In Mental Health Settings, Anneka Harris

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The field of animal assisted therapy (AAT) is growing as the evidence on the effectiveness of incorporating animals into the rehabilitation process evolves; however, there is currently a lack of guidance for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners working with facility dogs in an adult mental health population. In a setting where clients have traumatic brain injuries (TBI), substance use disorders (SUD), and serious mental illness (SMI), it is important to combine best practice for both OT and AAT approaches. The objective of this project was to understand current resources available, conceptualize appropriate interventions, and provide a guide for practitioners using …

Addressing Occupational Challenges Through Multimodal Educational And Training Intervention Approaches To Improve Health Outcomes For Caregivers And Care Recipients, Skye Gross

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Family caregivers represent approximately 20% of the U.S. population (American Association for Retired Persons [AARP], 2020), with a prevalence linked to the rise of conditions and critical care needs among the baby boomer population. Family members are often relied upon to ensure the basic health needs of their loved ones as the complexity of care increases. On average, family caregivers dedicated 24 or more hours a week to caregiving tasks while fulfilling work and other essential functions. Nearly 50% provided high-intensity care to recipients with complex medical conditions with limited formal training (Reinhardt et al., 2019). These extreme levels …

Moving Beyond What Pays The Bills: Implementing New Assistive Technology Outcome Measures, Connor Nathan Fuchs

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The World Health Organization states that measuring outcomes is paramount to understanding the efficacy of assistive technology (AT) intervention (World Health Organization, 2022). Over 1 billion people across the globe use assistive technology, which is expected to double over the next 50 years. Outcome measures such as the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) or Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) provide practitioners with information regarding the efficacy of AT interventions. This product aims to provide practitioners with a comprehensive, quick, and straightforward resource that outlines 14 assistive technology outcome measures for frequent use in practice.

Methods: A needs assessment …

Ot Role In Staff Development In Schools To Promote Continuation Of Care, Elise Gapp

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: School-based occupational therapy practitioners assume various collaborative roles to improve student performance, promote the carryover of student progress, and enhance teacher satisfaction (Frolek Clark & Hollenbeck, 2019; Shepherd et al., 2019). School-based occupational therapy practitioners experience many barriers to collaborative practice, which limits the carryover of interventions and strategies that support students (Benson et al., 2019; Edick et al., 2023; Jeremy et al., 2024; Mowell et al., 2023).

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a product for school-based occupational therapy practitioners and school support staff to use in collaboration to promote carryover of interventions and strategies …

Occupational Therapy’S Role With Caregivers Of Stroke Survivors, Madalyn England

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Caregivers of stroke survivors often report feeling overwhelmed and unprepared to take on such an unexpected role for their loved ones. The purpose of this scholarly project was to support caregivers of stroke survivors by providing them with a self-paced educational program, to ensure caregivers can continue to maintain overall health and well-being while simultaneously caring for a loved one.

Methodology: An in-depth literature review was completed with the use of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to guide the development of the program. The identification of site-specific needs was achieved through a review of literature and an on-site …

Occupational Therapy Best Practices In Maternal Health, Abby Eken

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Maternal mortality and morbidity rates have been steadily increasing in the United States due to health disparities, inadequate care, and lack of recognition of maternal health service gaps. Additionally, interdisciplinary care provided after birth often emphasizes the infant shifting focus away from the mother which impacts health and recovery during the postpartum period. Despite a wide range of maternal health services provided in the acute care setting, inclusion and referrals to occupational therapy are often lacking. Further, occupational therapists play an emerging role in maternal health that is frequently misunderstood and insufficiently recognized.

Purpose: The goal of this project …