Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Intensive, Interprofessional Therapy: A Case Approach, Emma C. Schrotenboer

Honors Theses

This research looks at the impacts of intensive, interprofessional therapy for children with disabilities. There is very little literature currently published on this topic, although what is available generally finds that more intense therapy is more beneficial. The child who was studied was a camper at Adam’s Camp therapy camp, a week-long program that involves six hours of therapy each day with therapists from five different fields. Her progress over the week, as well as her retention of skills several weeks later, were determined by pre- and post-camp surveys sent to the mother and the therapists’ notes from during the …

Enhancing Life: Promoting Meaningful Interventions To Support Individuals With Dementia, Keelan N. Blasius

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project focused on the implementation of meaningful interventions to support the quality of life in individuals with dementia. Those with dementia often lack the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities, leading to increased loneliness and decreased quality of life. Individual and group sessions were administered to eight participants over the course of fourteen weeks. Progress was tracked through feedback surveys and pre-test/post-test assessments. This project found that engaging in meaningful activities helps to support quality of life while also decreasing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

Promoting Engagement In A School Setting, Jordyn M. Sippel

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The sensory system influences development and an individual’s ability to participate in their daily occupations, like education. Many students have difficulty participating in their school environment because they have difficulties processing or integrating sensory stimuli. These children may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimuli which may impact their ability to participate in the classroom. An occupational therapist can implement a sensory integrative approach to enhance the student’s ability to process the incoming information. The purpose of the capstone experience was to develop sensory-based strategies and implement the Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training (SMART) program to improve participation in …

Promoting Mental Health Of Middle And High School Students Using Universal And Targeted Strategies, Alyssa E. Brown

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background. The number of children and adolescents with mental health disorders is continuing to rise. Children with and without disabilities may experience mental health challenges. Children spend a significant amount of time at school, and therefore, it is important to address mental health in this setting. Purpose. My capstone project aimed to promote children and adolescent’s mental health using universal and targeted strategies. Methods. Students in grades six through twelve had the opportunity to participate in a seven-week cafeteria program. Students in grades nine through twelve participated in a seven-week leisure program. I distributed videos and mental health resources to …

An Occupation-Based Approach To Empower Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, Sydney L. Bodensteiner

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals experiencing homelessness often have decreased occupational participation in all domains of occupational therapy practice. The purpose of this capstone experience was to explore the role of occupational therapy among individuals experiencing homelessness. in Rapid City, SD. A Needs Assessment was developed in collaboration with Fork Real Community Café and the HOPE Center in order to identify the occupational needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Rapid City community. With the needs identified, I led holistic, client-centered, individual and group interventions to increase the occupational participation of guests. For individual interventions, guests completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure to determine …

Rehabilitation Through Reintegration: Supporting Survivors Of Stroke, Alexander T. Wiemann

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

After returning home from inpatient care, survivors of stroke have several ongoing needs related to this transition that are not always fully addressed, leading to poor community reintegration and psychosocial well-being. The purpose of this capstone project was to modify a community-based occupational therapy program to improve community reintegration and psychosocial well-being among survivors of stroke. One significant modification was the implementation of a survivor support group focused on psychosocial topics. Interviews and formal assessments conducted with participants indicated several perceived benefits from the support groups as well as a decrease in depression and anxiety and an increase in community …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Sensory Play Education In Daycare Setting, Bianca K. Claussen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Sensory integration involves individuals’ ability to interpret and understand their sensations to optimize their ability to participate in daily activities. Sensory integration begins at the beginning of a child’s life and continues developing and changing as individuals grow. Early childhood education is a crucial part of development, health, and the child’s overall well-being. The purpose of my capstone experience was to explore and educate the staff on the importance of sensory play. Three approaches were utilized throughout this capstone experience to provide the staff with a wide array of activities. These included observations to understand how the center completed their …

Understanding Advocacy For Promoting Occupational Engagement Among Individuals With Disabilities, Rebecca L. Benson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Advocacy can greatly affect many individuals throughout the community in their ability to engage in occupations. Individuals’ with disabilities engagement in daily activities (occupations) is greatly affected by their diagnosis whether it be physical, psychological, or developmental. This population experiences disadvantages due to many barriers in society including physical, sensual, visual, and cognitive barriers as well as societal attitudes, and absence of policy and implementation. These disadvantages are not always recognized or known by the general public despite the number of individuals who are impacted. The lack of knowledge creates a need for advocacy, education, and training of the community …

Application Of Ergonomics In Healthcare Through Environmental Adaptations, Johnny Nguyen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This research study explored the benefits of providing ergonomic education and training within the healthcare setting, targeting certified nursing assistants as the population. The researcher provided the participants with an educational presentation and an in-person 30-minute training session to assist with reducing self-perceived musculoskeletal pain and fatigue while also promoting increased job satisfaction and occupational performance. The study utilizes three outcome measurements including the REBA assessment, weekly Likert scale questionnaires, and workstation analyses. After completing the five-week study, the researcher found that both participants showed reduction in self-perceived musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, improvements in the understanding of ergonomics and implementation …

Hula As A Protective Factor That Improves The Quality Of Life To Those Who Dance In A Hula, Pepper T. Lum-Lung

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This research study investigated hula, the traditional dance of Native Hawaiians as an occupation that promotes health and wellness and improves quality of life. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to gain insight about reasons for dancing hula and if dancers’ viewpoints are a protective factor that promote quality of health for those living on the mainland (continental United States). This work was guided by the Native Hawaiian diaspora and culturally appropriate health and wellness interventions. Qualitative data regarding reasons for dancing hula and experiences with dancing hula revealed general themes: Developing a connection to the Hawaiian culture …

Oral History Service Learning: Veterans Studies And Sosa, Amanda S. Hansford

Veterans Studies Undergraduate Capstones

As professionals, it is important to promote interprofessional education and collaboration among disciplines. This project explores connections between Veterans Studies, Library Science, and Occupational Science / Therapy. An oral history protocol was developed between the student sponsored organization Student Occupational Science Association (SOSA) and the Eastern Kentucky University Veterans Studies academic program. The goal was to promote deeper learning and cultural competency about members of veteran and military communities. Participants also gain leadership and interviewing skills applicable in a variety of career settings.

The model of human occupation (MOHO) guided aspects of the project design is used to discover the …

Ot Entrepreneurship: Perceived Challenges & Resources, Gunnar Daniel Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The focus of my capstone is OT entrepreneurship and management with substantive focus areas including research skills, administration, and education. Ultimately, the dual purpose of this capstone was to investigate the experience of OT entrepreneurship and management through scholarly research and experiential learning and facilitate knowledge transfer through education and future research publication. The former purpose was be met through 1) the design and implementation of a mixed-methods research study investigating the perspectives and lived experiences of current and former OT entrepreneurs and 2) experiences and projects completed at Piller Child Development in Arizona focused on gaining exposure and experience …

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

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

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

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

Client Educational Handouts

No abstract provided.

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

Client Educational Handouts

No abstract provided.

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

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

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

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

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

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

Reminiscence has potential to remediate effects of isolation and …

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

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

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

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

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

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

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

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

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

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

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

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

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

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

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

Occupational Therapy Education To Support Families Affected By Huntington's Disease And Their Care Team, Morgan R. Weber

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Introduction: Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that presents with motor, cognitive, and psychiatric and behavioral symptoms. This project aimed to understand the benefits of incorporating occupational therapy education within an HD clinic, creating educational material to support the HD care team, and advocating for occupational therapy. Methods: The project was created to gain advanced clinical practice skills to understand occupational therapy’s role on an interdisciplinary HD clinic team and to implement occupational therapy education in an HD clinic to support patient and caregiver care. Additionally, it was designed for education to create educational material based on HD to …

Promoting Inclusive Play And Social Skills Development In Sioux Falls And Harrisburg, South Dakota, Madison C. Snelling

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

A lack of inclusive play opportunities hinders children's development and participation in a meaningful occupation. The purpose of this 14-week capstone experience was to advocate for inclusive playgrounds and play spaces in daycares, community recreation centers, and community playgrounds in addition to gaining further clinical skills in pediatrics providing home-based occupational therapy services and social skills interventions. Methods included caseload management, developing and facilitating social skills groups for children 4-5 years, and completing evaluations of current play spaces in Sioux Falls and Harrisburg, S.D.

Meeting Mental Health Needs Of Parents Caring For Children With Disabilities By Facilitating Occupational Balance And Well-Being, Emily J. Heumiller

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Parents caring for children with disabilities experience unique challenges which affects their well-being and occupational balance. The affects can contribute to further limitations within their family systems. The purpose of this capstone project is to explore the need and effectiveness of an occupation therapy-based program to address parents’ mental health needs. Needs assessment results and literary evidence supported the need for the proposed program, titled the Well Parent Program. Program development was guided by occupational therapy models and frames of reference. Three assessments were used to evaluate the effect of program interventions on parents’ perceived stress, perceived well-being, and goal …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Music Student Health, Katie Ericsson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Musicians are at risk of developing playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. Music students are at particular risk due to factors such as instrument type, age, and playing habits. The purpose of my capstone experience was to explore the role of occupational therapy in addressing music student health. Three approaches (research study, clinical experience, and collaboration) were used to complete this capstone experience since the project focused on both education and clinical practice. The education focus resulted in the completion of an institutional review board-approved study, a manuscript reporting the findings of the study, musician health education materials for the University of South …

Occupational Therapy In Oncology Care: Methods For Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue, Marissa Emberly Cardenas

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aided in helping to develop advanced clinical knowledge and skills within oncology care, specifically when treating cancer-related fatigue while advocating for the use of occupational therapy. This project took place within Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. The population for this project consisted of oncology patients within an inpatient and outpatient setting. A total of 12 patients with a diverse set of diagnoses were assessed and treated for cancer-related fatigue within 14 weeks. The Brief Fatigue Inventory scores decreased when patients participated in exercise and psychosocial interventions. Outcomes within this project consisted of a manuscript, advocacy materials, …

Mending The Mind: Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Executive Dysfunction Post-Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury, Shannon E. Hegland

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Executive dysfunction is a common concern for children after experiencing a traumatic brain injury. This can greatly affect occupational performance. Occupational therapists can provide therapeutic services to improve executive function skills, utilize compensatory strategies to restore function over time, and educate parents and caregivers on the expected symptoms and impairments. During this capstone project, I focused on learning how to address executive dysfunction in the pediatric post TBI population and created deliverables to assist future therapists with the same task. Seven children who experienced executive dysfunction post- traumatic brain injury between the ages of two and eighteen were selected as …

Factors Predicting Fear Of Falling Avoidance Behavior In Parkinsonisms, Kameron Eckard, Franjo Vukojevic, Ryan Hammar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) is common in parkinsonisms and results in potentially mitigable downstream consequences.

Objective: Determine the characteristics of individuals with parkinsonisms most associated with FFAB.

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from medical records data of 142 patients with parkinsonisms. These data included: demographics (age, sex), disease characteristics (Movement Disorders Society – Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS III), years since diagnosis), fall history (number of fall injuries in previous year), and gait and balance function (five times sit to stand, MiniBESTest, Timed Up and Go (TUG), dual-task TUG, ten-meter walk test …

Development Of Online Modules To Introduce Prospective Students To The Profession Of Occupational Therapy, Hosia Towery

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Prospective students interested in Occupational Therapy academic programs are subject to the admission criteria of each educational institution, including experiential learning, clinical observation hours, volunteer experiences, or similar prerequisites. There are no standardized criteria established for these prerequisite requirements b the accreditation agency, as it is within the scope of Higher Education. There is no accountability at the regional or local level to ensure educational opportunities for prospective students interested in higher education, creating a gap as highlighted in the recent global pandemic, where student access to education was further challenged. Students are reliant on a variable set of requirements …