Digital Commons Network^™

Developing Fine Motor Skills In Preschool Age Children, Linnea Starkey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Based on the findings of the literature review, fine motor skills are an important skill to develop during the preschool years. Marr, Cermak, Cohan and Henderson (2003) described the importance of fine motor skills to engage in valued occupations in addition to educational activities. A child's occupations that demand fine motor skills may be dressing, tying shoes, play, among other daily tasks. If a child has difficulty with fine motor skills it could have a negative outcome on their daily lives and how they perform in school. Children who have difficulty coordinating the small muscle groups in their hands have …

Motivation: An Occupational Therapists Guide For Motivating Young Male Clients With Spinal Cord Injuries, Michael A. Nelson, Elizabeth M. Schleicher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2010), males account for approximately 80% of those who endure a spinal cord injury (SCI). Most newly diagnosed clients with spinal cord injuries are between the ages of 15-35 years (50%-70%) (CDC, 2010). Occupational therapists often work with clients who have sustained a SCI. It is in the best interest of the profession and our clients to address the psychosocial impact motivation can have on clients' recovery.

According to authors of research, a major problem to participation in treatment with clients who had a spinal cord injury was a lack of …

Ride The Wave: A Guide For Implementing Biofeedback In Occupation-Based Interventions In A Rehabilitation Setting, Sarah Averett, Johanna Meister

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Historical and current research studying EMG biofeedback has shown this method to be an effective adjunct to occupational therapy intervention. Utilizing EMG biofeedback has been shown through research as effective in improving functional gains. The use of biofeedback allows an individual to visualize unseen physiological processes which are unique to each individual and provide better understanding of otherwise unseen functions (Laurenção, Battistella, Moran de Britto, Tsukimoto, & Mayizaki, 2008). An extensive literature review and students’ observations of clinical occupational therapy practice led the investigators to conclude that EMG biofeedback was a viable treatment method which has not been utilized to …

A Lifetime Of Work: A Guide To Health Promotion And Wellness On The Farm, Andrea Hensrud, Gregory Holubok

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide to health promotion, wellness and adapting to life changes on the farm from an occupational therapy perspective to enhance quality of life for aging farmers and rural community dwellers. The authors completed a focused literature review on topics related to health promotion, wellness, adapting to life changes, making changes and aging in place. Data was collected through an extensive study of relevant information through professional journals, clinical text books, class discussion and related state and national associations. Upon completion of the review of literature, it was determined that older adults …

Fiber Type And Cross-Sectional Area Characteristics In Hindlimb Muscles Of The Long-Lived Ames Dwarf Mouse, David Farder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Aging is associated with sarcopenia and a change of composition in muscle fibers. Ames dwarf mice have been found to have a decreased susceptibility to the deleterious effects of the aging process, when compared to a normal mouse counterpart. This study looks at the muscle composition of the Ames dwarf mouse compared to the normal mouse by analyzing two muscles, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (Sol).

Methods: Researchers harvested hind limb muscles from Ames dwarf mice and normal mice. The fours muscles were EDL, Sol, Gastrocnemius/Plantaris, and tibialis anterior (TA). EDL and Sol were sliced and stained with …

Low Back Pain With Psoas Tightness, Trevor Northagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose

Low back pain is a prevalent healthcare issue which has a number of causes. There are many types of treatment with varying levels of success. The psoas is a back muscle which may undergo changes in a patient with back pain. Treatment may have to be modified if changes are seen in the psoas.

Case Description

A 66 year-old woman reported low back and right hip pain, as well as right-sided abdominal pain around a surgical incision. The physical therapy examination revealed adhered scar tissue around the incision, psoas muscle tightness, as well as low back and …

Influence Of Foot Position On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation, Casey Darling

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is often sprained or torn in injuries resulting from jumping, cutting, or hyperextension of the knee. When the knee is put under a valgus, varus, or rotatory stress it can put strain on the ACL. Lower extremity motor control can help control the amount of varus and valgus stress on the knee. Lower extremity muscle control is involved with preventing this stress and resulting injuries. This study was performed to determine whether the position of the foot (neutral, supination, and pronation) has an effect on lower extremity muscle activity during single-leg squats. …

Influence Of Foot Position On Lower Extremity Muscle Activity, Hayley J. Letvin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Being that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly torn ligament, much research has been performed regarding this matter. Females have been found to be more likely to tear their ACL. This may be due to strength, structural (anatomical), hormonal, and neuromuscular differences compared to men. Several studies have also been conducted to help improve preventative measures with using strengthening and neuromuscular training programs. Many speculations have been made about the precipitating factors of an ACL injury. The general consensus in regard to foot placement is that the foot is usually placed in pronation during an ACL tear. …

Effect Of Frontal Plane Foot Position On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation And Limb Positioning In A Single Leg Squat, Marissa N. Laddusaw

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Background: This goal of this study was to reach a bottom up understanding of ACL injury occurrence. Subtalar position during single leg stance may affect the muscles associated with the knee joint and promote ACL injury. The muscle activity of six muscles of the leg, thigh, and hip were analyzed during a single leg squat with the foot on surfaces of 10 degrees decline, five degrees decline, neutral, and 5 degrees incline, and 10 degrees incline.

Methods: Seventeen healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 30 performed five rhythmically timed repetitions of single leg squats on surfaces of 10 …

Charcot Foot Ulceration, Katelin Sievert

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This case report follows the treatment of a 64 year old male with a Charcot foot ulceration of the right foot. The study was conducted to assess the outcome of wound care to the stage three pressure ulcer and the use of a Total Contact Cast (TCC) in the treatment of the Charcot foot ulceration, as well as to present more awareness to the medical field on Charcot foot pathology and diagnosis. The study was conducted over a 16 week time period. After 15 sessions with the patient, the results showed that wound care, the use of a TCC, and …

The Use Of Occupation-Based Interventions In Long-Term Care: A Qualitative Study, Amy Jo. Jensen, Mallory Carlson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: To explore occupational therapists' use of occupation- based interventions in long-term care facilities.

Methodology: A literature review was completed on the use and effect occupation-based intervention has within a long-term care practice setting. Based upon the findings of this literature review, a qualitative research study was conducted using a grounded theory approach adopted from Strauss and Corbin (1998). Six occupational therapists working in long-term care facilities in Minnesota were recruited through purposive sampling using convenience and snowballing techniques. Each participant was interviewed once using a semi-structured interview. Data from the interviews was then coded and grouped into categories. Themes …

Illness Management And Recovery: The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Crystal Brecht, Jenna Mcgregor

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) model is a collaborative program that focuses on living with a chronic mental illness by educating the client on management techniques that will facilitate goal setting toward recovery (Mueser et al., 2006).The purpose of this scholarly project was to review the occupational therapy (OT) literature and determine the role of OT in IMR programs.

Method: A comprehensive review was conducted on occupational therapy interventions appropriate for inclusion in the IMR modules. Sources utilized for the review included: United States and international OT journals, OT textbooks, and other publications authored by OTs from the …

Embracing Life With Als: The Role Of Occupational Therapy From Diagnosis To End Of Life Care, Chelsey Edwards, Amy Ferguson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a comprehensive document that describes the role of the occupational therapist in working with clients and families affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis CALS) from diagnosis to end-of-life care.

Method: A literature review was conducted using the AJOT, PubMed, CINAHL, and OT SEARCH databases. Information was gathered regarding current literature of ALS, the disease process, occupational therapy's role in ALS treatment, caregiver's role in end-of-life care, assistive technology, palliative care options, and additional support strategies. Additional ALS material was gathered from the ALS Association's informational manuals.

Results: Designed from the perspective …

Fiber Type And Cross-Sectional Area Characteristics In Hindlimb Muscles Of The Long-Lived Ames Dwarf Mouse, Kristine Dahlheimer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Ageing is associated with sarcopenia and a change of composition in muscle fibers. Ames dwarf mice have been found to have a decreased susceptibility to the deleterious effects of the ageing process, when compared to a normal mouse counterpart. This study looks at the muscle composition of the Ames dwarf mouse compared to the normal mouse by analyzing two muscles, ELD and Sol.

Methods: Researchers harvested hind limb muscles from Ames dwarf mice and normal mice. The fours muscles were EDL, Sol, Gastrocnemius/Plantaris, and TA. EDL and Sol were sliced and stained with fast and slow twitch and H&E …

Effect Of Frontal Plane Foot Position On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation And Limb Positioning In A Single Leg Squat, Elizabeth J. Kornkven

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Background: Foot positioning during a single leg landing may affect the muscles above the ankle joint and promote positions of increased vulnerability to ACL injury. The purpose of the study was to analyze muscle activity of six muscles in the lower extremity during completion of a single leg squat on the subject’s dominant leg with the subtalar joint in 5 different positions.

Methods: Seventeen healthy males and females (ages 18‐30) performed five single leg squats in five foot positions: neutral, five degrees and ten degrees of declination, and five degrees and ten degrees of inclination. Electromyography data was collected from …

An In Depth Analysis Of Aphasia, Recovery Management, And Therapy Approaches, Andrea Marie Bremer

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

Bioenergy, Resource Scarcity, And The Rising Importance Of Land Use Definitions, Jody M. Endres

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Expert Testimony In Cases Involving Battered Women Who Kill: Going Beyond The Battered Woman Syndrome, Cheryl A. Terrance, Karyn M. Plumm, Katlin J. Rhyner

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Employment Discrimination Against Domestic Violence Survivors: Strengthening The Disparate Impact Theory, Denise R. J. Finlay

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Vol. 37, No. 4: Holiday 2012, School Of Medicine & Health Sciences

North Dakota Medicine Archive

No abstract provided.

An Argument Against Administrative Acquiescence, Drew A. Swank

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

An American Concept With Distinctly Chinese Characteristics: The Introduction Of The Civil Protection Order In China, Robin R. Runge

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Single Layered Periodic Structure Loaded Textile Patch Antennas, Corey Bergsrud

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides an investigation of a Single Layered Periodic Structure Loaded Textile Patch Antenna with probe feed excitation. Specifically, this thesis is concentrated on the application of wearable antenna arrays with space suit, since this thesis has collaboration with the University of North Dakota (UND) Space Suit Laboratory in the Space Studies Department. Topics include; platform interaction and placement of the antenna system. The goal is to increase antenna gain by loading the antenna with periodic cells. First, an introduction to items contained within this thesis will be given. The second chapter introduces microstrip patch antennas, their basic characteristics, …

A Geographic Study Of The Laotian Hydropower Sector, Patrick Neal Bright

Theses and Dissertations

The country of Laos is a developing nation that is geographically endowed with significant hydropower assets. Hydropower represents one of very few quick and profitable, exportable resources for Laos as a least developed country, and is seen as the avenue of escape from poverty for the nation. In the past two decades, Laos has seen both booms and busts in hydropower development, which has raised questions to hydropower's actual contributions to economic growth, and the consequences of large scale hydropower development.

This research examines trends and patterns in Laotian hydropower development in the past two decades. The study analyzes contributing …

Cholesterol Dyshomeostasis And Age Related Macular Degeneration, Bhanu Chandar Dasari

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation work focused on retinal modifications that are relevant to Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in cholesterol-fed rabbit model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as AD and AMD share common features. It is unknown whether cholesterol-fed rabbit model of AD displays any AMD features in retina. Previous research showed 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) involvement in AD like pathology in organotypic hippocampal slices of rabbit brain and human SHSY-5Y neuroblastoma cells. The extent to which and the mechanisms by which 27-OHC may also cause pathological hallmarks related to AMD are not known. Various studies suggested estrogen's (E2) role in AMD development. 27-OHC is a …

The Beliefs And Perceived Experiences Of Preservice And Early Service Teachers Who Use Facebook, Nathan Foss

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to identify commonly held beliefs and perceived experiences of preservice and early service teachers with regard to their use of the social networking site Facebook. This study included recorded and transcribed interviews of 14 participants as well as observations of their Facebook accounts. The participants in this study consisted of six males and eight females who were in various stages of their educational careers. All participants were either members, or recent graduates, of the same Midwestern university. Each was either pursuing a degree in education or had recently received their education degree. …

Workplace Characteristics, Work-To-Life Conflict, And Psychological Distress Among Medical Workers, Marissa S. Gravelle

Theses and Dissertations

The medical industry is the fastest growing job sector and is projected to be the largest job sector by 2018. This group of workers tends to experience heightened stressors in the workplace. The key purpose of this study was to address whether work-to-life conflict mediates the relationship between workplace characteristics and psychological distress for workers in the medical industry. Drawing on data from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce (N = 329), relationships were explored using stepwise OLS regression analysis. Findings from the first model (which excludes the mediating variable of work-to-life conflict) suggest that as both coworker …

Intimate Partner Violence: Implications For Northern Plains And Upper Midwest American Indian Mother-Daughter Dyads' Attachment Relationships, Julii Monette Green

Theses and Dissertations

An established body of research focused on family violence captures the experiences of women impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV), the implications for child witnesses of IPV, and the predictive risk factors of violence toward women. In an attempt to understand the unique experiences of American Indian women and children this study examined the intersection of American Indian identity, attachment relationships, and traumatic experiences to comprehend the short and long-term impact of IPV.

The current research study included 30 American Indian mother-daughter dyads who had a history of IPV. The findings suggested that participants' substance use during IPV episodes was …

Components Of Memory Function And Attentional Biases In Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Contamination Fears And Compulsive Checking Symptoms, Kristin Louise Holland

Theses and Dissertations

Recent research has paid special attention to the memory functioning and attentional abilities of individuals with Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder. The current study recruited 38 participants who possess a significant amount of obsessive - compulsive traits. From those 38 participants, 16 were identified as those whose primary OCD concerns were related to contamination fears, ten were identified as primarily compulsive checkers, and 12 were identified as possessing a significant amount of both contamination fear and compulsive checking symptoms. In addition, 38 participants who reported a low amount of OCD traits were recruited for the control group. Participants were administered a …

The Role Of Endolysosomes In Models Of Neurodegenerative Disorders And In Regulating Levels Of Intracellular Calcium, Liang Hui

Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative disorders are affecting increasingly numbers of humans, especially in our ever increasingly aged population. Here, I attempt to better understand how endolysosomes contribute to pathological features in two neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and to the regulation of intracellular calcium levels in cultured neurons.

According to our previous in vivo studies that elevated circulating ApoB cholesterol per se contributed to the pathogenesis of sporadic AD by affecting endolysosomes, we tested the hypothesis that; ApoB containing cholesterol altered endolysosome structure & function and contributed to AD-like pathological development in primary cultured neurons. Besides, …