Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Healing Horses: An Occupational Therapy Approach In An Equine Environment, Ashlyn Renee Yoder

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Aim: This project focused on the development of advanced clinical skills of OT-based hippotherapy in a pediatric setting and program development of the Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center. Information was gathered from primary and secondary sources to promote student skill acquisition, client goal progress, and parent-caregiver education of at-home interventions.

Objective: Goals focused on gaining knowledge and competencies of OT-based hippotherapy, key clinical information, and interdisciplinary roles. The purpose of this project was to highlight the impact of staff responsibilities and OT-based hippotherapy on physical and cognitive deficits.

Method: OT hippotherapy session observation and facilitation, extensive literature review, and multidisciplinary interviews …

S.M.A.R.T. Program Implementation To Promote Engagement And Participation In A School Setting, Emily Mickelson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project is to educate educational professionals on multi-sensory approaches and to implement the Stimulating Maturity Through Accelerated Readiness Training (S.M.A.R.T.) program to increase students’ engagement in academic learning. This project used pre- and post-tests to determine baseline knowledge. The occupational therapy student participated in S.M.A.R.T. training, and the junior kindergarten students participated in eight-weeks of S.M.A.R.T. program implementation. The students’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the students one-week pre-intervention and following eight weeks of program implementation. The educational professionals’ pre- and post-test assessments were completed by the kindergarten teachers before and after receiving …

Play, Splash, Ride: A Multidimensional Approach To Occupational Therapy Intervention For Sensory Processing Difficulties, Britney A. Bradwisch

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Sensory processing disorder affects between five and 16.5 percent of the population and up to 90% of individuals with disabilities. Occupational therapists are equipped to treat sensory processing difficulties using occupation-based, sensory-based, and client-centered interventions. There is limited evidence on how occupational therapists can use multiple intervention environments including typical sensory gyms, aquatic therapy, and equine-assisted therapy to specifically target sensory processing. Therefore, the purpose of the capstone project was to explore the effectiveness of multiple occupational therapy interventions for children with sensory processing difficulties. The capstone project focused on advanced clinical practice while incorporating education and program development to …

Exploring Occupational Therapy’S Role In Childcare Settings, Makayla Hamling

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This study focused on exploring the occupational therapist's role in childcare settings. The program development, observations, and hands-on activity allowed for first-hand experience of the role occupational therapists could play in a daycare setting. Incorporating meaningful participation, education, and environmental modifications were a part of this study. The study was conducted in Northeast Nebraska, with a total of 31 participants.

Early detection is key to addressing developmental delays in many areas (play, social, leisure, dressing, eating, etc). Developmental screenings can assist caregivers and specialists in knowing and understanding how a child is developing compared to his or her same-aged peers. …

The Relevance Of Sensory-Based Intervention In Improving Occupational Performance In Pediatrics, Jasmine M. Fritzemeier

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The present capstone experience highlights sensory processing differences in relation to occupational performance. Current literature suggests varying evidence on sensory processing differences and effective interventions. This capstone utilizes GAS to measure progress toward functional goals with sensory-based intervention. Results indicate improvements for all five clients in at least one area after 5 to 8 sessions of sensory-based intervention. Improvements noted on GAS demonstrate the effectiveness of sensory-based intervention to address functional differences. The scope of practice for occupational therapy practitioners, therefore, includes sensory-based intervention to improve functional performance and well-being across several settings.

Sensory Integration: Improving Participation, Behavior, And Learning In Individuals With Sensory Processing Disorder, Brooklyn K. Osborne

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project encompassed a two-fold focus on advanced clinical practice in the area of sensory integration and research on the effect of sensory integration on the family dynamic. Ayres Sensory Integration was implemented in clinical practice in order to enhance learning, behavior, and participation in individuals with sensory processing disorder and sensory concerns. The research study examined the lived experiences of parents/caregivers of children with sensory processing difficulties to understand how sensory integration has impacted their family dynamic. Qualitative phenomenological methodology was used for data collection and analysis. Sixteen parents were interviewed, and four major themes emerged including family …

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 …

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 …