Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Aquatic Therapy With Persons Who Have Experienced A Cerebral Vascular Accident, Heather L. Tweedie

Masters Theses

This study examined the effectiveness of using aquatic therapy (AT) as a technique in the treatment of cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). The unique properties of the aquatic environment were manipulated to determine change in range of motion, muscle tone, balance, functional ambulation, and psychological functioning particularly social relationship and positive and negative feelings.

A single subject design was conducted using two subjects that participated in a twelve week aquatic therapy program. Aquatic therapy showed to be effective in treating common symptoms of a CVA. More research needs to be completed to ensure the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in congruency with …

Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Accessibility And Quality Of Services In The Community For Children With Mental Health Diagnoses: A Pilot Survey, Karin E. Brems

Masters Theses

This pilot study was intended to explore caregivers' perceptions of the mental health services available in the community for children with mental health diagnoses. A study-specific survey was developed to look at demographic characteristics, service accessibility, and service quality. This survey was distributed to caregivers through Michigan support groups. Returned surveys were analyzed for themes that could assist in the development of further research to improve community services for children with mental health diagnoses.

This pilot study yielded rich qualitative data. Upon review and analysis, five themes emerged: (1) bureaucratic hassles and getting the runaround, (2) closed doors, (3) support …

Phonological Process Use In The Speech Of Children Fitted With Cochlear Implants, Rhonda Gale Parker

Masters Theses

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of both developmental and non-developmental phonological processes in a group of young children using cochlear implants.

Participants: 6 preschool children with severe to profound binaural hearing loss with cochlear implants

Method: 15-25 minute conversational speech samples from six children were collected at three-month intervals over a period of 12-21 months for a prior study. These samples were then transcribed and analyzed using Natural Phonological Analysis (NPA) and a data collection form created solely for the purpose of this study.

Data Analysis: Pearson correlations were used to determine relationships among …

The Effects Of Brain Gym® Activities On Second-Grade Students' Academic Performance And Handwriting Skills, Kristen Keinath

Masters Theses

Objective: The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effects of Brain Gym® activities on second-grand students' academic performance and handwriting skills.

Method: Results were obtained by administering the Test of Handwriting Skills (THS) to two classrooms in a Northern Michigan Elementary School and having both teachers complete a self-developed Academic Performance Form on each student participating in the study. The data from was analyzed using a t-test for the THS and mean scores for the self-developed Academic Performance Form.

Results: Findings suggest a significant difference (p < .05) in the number of letters produced in 20 seconds and spacing of letters. Non-standardized testing showed a decrease in attention to task scores between pre- and post-testing.

Conclusion: Brain Gym® activities were shown to positively effect handwriting …

Survey Of Current Occupational Therapist Practice In The Emerging Field Of Home Modification And Barrier Free Design, Christian Michael Petrovich

Masters Theses

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a national survey of occupational therapists to ascertain what current trends are taking place in the field of home modification and barrier-free design and to examine how occupational therapists view their role in the practice of home modification and barrier free design.

METHODS

A 16-question survey was developed and included two hundred and fifty US licensed and or registered occupational therapists randomly selected from the AOTA membership listing.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of occupational therapy in the emerging practice of home modification and barrier -free design is regarded as important by occupational therapists in the United States. Many …