Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Work Hardening And Mindfulness Training For Individuals Living With Traumatic Limb Loss, Jayda Gibson, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

About 185,000 amputations occur every year, leaving roughly about 2 million individuals currently living with limb loss in the United States. Within this population, about 45% of these injuries occur from traumatic events (Department of Veteran Affairs, 2022). These events include military veterans injured in combat, civilian motor vehicle accidents, gun shot wounds, industrial incidents, and various other traumatic events (Pomares et al., 2020). Due to the the recent loss of a limb, individuals within this population are at high risk of occupational abandonment secondary to many factors that are discussed within the Model of Human Occupation. Following a traumatic …

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions On Addressing Spirituality: A Cross Sectional Survey, Shannon Metzger, Jeanine Beasley, Jordan Marheineke, Amy Stites, Amy Riley, Christine Byam, Diane Maodush-Pitzer, Dawn R. Devries

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational Therapy (OT) was founded as a holistic profession that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Research indicates that occupational therapists feel uncomfortable incorporating spirituality into practice. Method: This study aimed to identify perceptions of occupational therapists in addressing the spiritual needs of their clients. A cross-sectional Qualtrics survey was adapted from the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Practice Assessment Scale (RSIPAS). The survey was electronically sent out by several professional OT organizations. It was sent to occupational therapists and OT assistants to obtain their perspective of incorporating spirituality in practice. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was completed. Results: Of the 52 …

Self-Regulation And Sensory Processing Education Program For Educators, Julianne Mendivil, Tina G. Bhakta, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with low self-regulation skills may face many challenges in the classroom environment that can impact their performance in school-based activities. As teachers play a vital role in the development of young children, this educational program aims to improve teacher competence (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) in applying sensory processing and self-regulating concepts to the school environment.

Limb Speed Perception Accuracy In Neurodegenerative Disease, Brandmeir Lynn Cheryl

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Movement is a fundamental human activity, enabling us to engage with our surroundings. Consequently, a well-operating neuromuscular system is essential for maintaining quality of life. Motion is not only integral for the basic function of daily living, but also plays a significant role in enhancing our physical, mental, and emotional health. The importance of this system becomes abundantly clear when it is compromised, such as with neurodegenerative disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), followed by Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative diseases that profoundly affect millions of individuals worldwide (Lamptey et al., 2022). Characterized by distinct but sometimes overlapping …

Physicians' Knowledge And Perceptions Of Occupational Therapy Practice, Shivani B. Vij

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered profession vital to an interdisciplinary team. Despite its importance, medical providers have limited knowledge and understanding of OT's scope of practice. This can lead to limited referrals, ineffective teamwork, inefficient therapeutic outcomes, limited OT practice scope, and consumer access to OT services. This study explored physicians' knowledge and understanding of OT to find opportunities and strategies for education and knowledge sharing to improve awareness of OT practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Method: A descriptive online survey was conducted for physicians in a Virginia suburban hospital to obtain knowledge and perception about OT …

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions Of Sensory Processing Evaluation Methods, Grace Hong, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: This study aimed to obtain occupational therapists’ (OTs) experiences and perspectives on current evaluation tools who work with clients with sensory processing challenges in their clinical settings. Method: This research was a mixed-method study. Data was collected from surveys (n = 11) which had a mix of nominal, interval, close-ended, and open-ended questions. Following survey completion, participants were given the option to complete a semi-structured interview (n = 2) consisting of open-ended questions to clarify survey responses and gather additional information about their experiences. Results: The results indicated a high number of various barriers and limitations …

Exploring Jury Nullification: Its Political History, Current, And Potential Impact On Policy, David Harold Penny

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Jury nullification (JN) is when a jury knows a defendant is legally guilty, but states they are not guilty, believing that their verdict better serves justice in that case. The problem is the violation of the Constitution’s equal protection clause for all citizens, caused by the intentional omission in most judges’ instructions to juries of JN. The purpose of the study was to fill the gap in the literature on jury behavior and address the problem of JN. The study framework is chaos theory as applied by Horowitz to jury behavior. It describes judges and lawmakers mistrust of juries associated …

Exploring Jury Nullification: Its Political History, Current, And Potential Impact On Policy, David Harold Penny

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Jury nullification (JN) is when a jury knows a defendant is legally guilty, but states they are not guilty, believing that their verdict better serves justice in that case. The problem is the violation of the Constitution’s equal protection clause for all citizens, caused by the intentional omission in most judges’ instructions to juries of JN. The purpose of the study was to fill the gap in the literature on jury behavior and address the problem of JN. The study framework is chaos theory as applied by Horowitz to jury behavior. It describes judges and lawmakers mistrust of juries associated …

Using Noise For The Better: The Effects Of Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation On The Brain And Behavior, Onno Van Der Groen, Weronika Potok, Nicole Wenderoth, Grace Edwards, Jason B. Mattingley, Dylan Edwards

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV X (X) XXX-XXX 2021.- Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is a non-invasive electrical brain stimulation method that is increasingly employed in studies of human brain function and behavior, in health and disease. tRNS is effective in modulating perception acutely and can improve learning. By contrast, its effectiveness for modulating higher cognitive processes is variable. Prolonged stimulation with tRNS, either as one longer application, or multiple shorter applications, may engage plasticity mechanisms that can result in long-term benefits. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of the effects of tRNS on the brain and behavior and …

Exploring Sensory Processing & Inclusivity Within A Fitness Gym Environment, Deveshma Maharaj, Karen Park, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An individual’s sensory processing involves the reception, modulation, integration, and organization of sensory stimuli, as well as behavioral responses to sensory input (Dunn, 2001). Adults with sensory processing challenges may come across troubles with completing routines and tasks for work, social participation, and leisure (STAR Institute for SPD, n.d.). Since most individuals with these sensory processing challenges have struggled with symptoms continuously, they are likely to encounter secondary effects such as depression, underachievement, and social isolation (STAR Institute for SPD, n.d.). Adults with sensory processing deficits may experience difficulties with establishing their role in society, maintaining social support systems, and …

Analysis Of Occupational Therapy’S Role To Promote Healthy Sleep Participation To Support Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sophia N. Roman

Student Capstone Papers

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face sleep disturbances. Healthy sleep habits are essential for children with ASD and their caregivers to properly engage in their everyday lives. Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate clients in areas that contribute to sleep dysfunction and to focus on promoting optimal sleep performance. There is limited research on caregivers’ perceptions of their child’s sleep disturbances, these disturbances’ influence on occupational engagement, and whether occupational therapists have collaborated with caregivers of children with ASD to treat this area of occupation. Collecting data from caregivers by using a questionnaire can provide occupational therapy (OT) practitioners …

Core Neuropsychological Measures For Obesity And Diabetes Trials: Initial Report, Kimberlee D'Ardenne, Cary R. Savage, Dana Small, Uku Vainik, Luke E. Stoeckel

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty and Staff Publications

Obesity and diabetes are known to be related to cognitive abilities. The Core Neuropsychological Measures for Obesity and Diabetes Trials Project aimed to identify the key cognitive and perceptual domains in which performance can influence treatment outcomes, including predicting, mediating, and moderating treatment outcome and to generate neuropsychological batteries comprised of well-validated, easy-to-administer tests that best measure these key domains. The ultimate goal is to facilitate inclusion of neuropsychological measures in clinical studies and trials so that we can gather more information on potential mediators of obesity and diabetes treatment outcomes. We will present the rationale for the project and …

Perceptions Of Risk For Stress Fractures: A Qualitative Study Of Female Runners With And Without Stress Fracture Histories., Therese E Johnston, Jeremy Close, Phil Jamora, Susan F Wainwright

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into perceived factors related to bone health and stress fracture (SF) prevention for female runners and to understand their experiences within the medical community.

DESIGN: Cohort qualitative study.

SETTING: University health system.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty female runners, 20 who had SF histories and 20 age-and-running-distance matched women without SF.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women participated in audiotaped qualitative semi-structured interviews. For women with a SF history, questions sought their perspectives on factors that they felt contributed to SF, experiences with the medical community, and changes made post SF. For women without a SF history, questions sought perspectives on …

Student Athlete Perceptions Of Athletic Trainers’ Competence Based On Appearance And Dress, Jennifer J. Rogers

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Context: Physical appearance and dress attire may be a major influence on a person’s perception of an individual’s professional competence. Objective: To examine influence of Athletic Trainer (AT) physical appearance and dress attire on student-athletes’ perception of an AT’s competence. Design: Cross-Sectional Study Setting: NATA District 5 Participants: Student athletes (n=156; female: n=71; male: n=78) from NCAA Division III and NAIA institutions participated in the study. Interventions: Participants viewed one of four Body Mass Index (BMI) specific AT images [underweight BMI=18, normal weight BMI=24, overweight BMI=30, or an obese BMI=36] while answering 36 Student Athlete Response (SAR) Form survey questions …

Master’S And Doctoral Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of Research Integration In Their Programs, Jeffrey Sargent, Ashley Wermers, Lauren Russo, Kristin Valdes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This is a pilot study with the intent of identifying occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) and master’s (MOT) students’ perceptions of research in their coursework. A cross-sectional study was conducted through a survey of OTD and MOT students. The Student Perception of Research Integration Questionnaire (SPRIQ) was emailed to graduate occupational therapy programs in the United States. An unpaired single tailed t-test was used to compare the mean scores between the MOT and OTD student responses for each scale and subscale. Two hundred and twenty-six students filled out the questionnaire. Both the OTD and MOT students had a favorable perception …

An Exploratory Study Of The Perceptions Of Footwear For Individuals Who Use Lower Limb Orthotics, Margaret E. Gegen, Teresa Plummer, Nancy Darr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The purpose of this study was to explore individual’s perceptions of orthotics and footwear. A survey was created by the authors with the expert opinions of physical and occupational therapists and was distributed to two therapy clinics in Tennessee that provide both occupational therapy and physical therapy as well as on several online support groups. Seventy-nine (79) caregivers completed surveys. Thematic analysis was performed using Nvivo 10 (QSR International) and descriptive statistics were generated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM International). Ninety percent (90%) of participants report that orthotics affect what type of shoes the user …

Millennial Retail Employees Experiences And Perceptions Of Leaders With Body Image Modifications, Jennifer Mcclure

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Millennials in retail account for a large portion of the U.S. workforce and have the highest number of body image modifications from tattoos, piercings, and/or gauges. Following Moustakas concept of perception, the purpose of this transcendental phenomenology study was to explore how Millennial-aged retail employees describe and experience leaders with body image modifications from tattoos, piercings, and/or gauges. Participants were sought from various retail locations and were required to be born between 1981 and 1996. Data were collected through interviews with 6 participants and the data were analyzed using Moustakas modification of the Van Kamm Method. The results showed that …

Asymmetry After Hip Fracture: A Multi-Factorial Problem, Andrew J. Meszaros, Cindy Zablotny, Paul A. Shew, Bret Reordan

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background and Purpose: Sit-to-stand (STS) and static standing mechanics are related to fall risk and function after hip fracture. Often, these patients avoid weight bearing on the fracture side after rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to use a novel clinically-relevant protocol to examine standing and STS vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) in light of perceptual measures of loading symmetry and muscle torque production in this population. Methods: A person post hip fracture performed 3 different STS conditions and 2 simple load-matching tasks. Motion, force plate, and perceptual data on weight distribution and load were collected. Findings: Standing and …

Overwhelming Research And Clinical Evidence Of Exercise Medicine Efficacy In Cancer Management—Translation Into Practice Is The Challenge Before Us, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The paper “Connecting people with cancer to physical activity and exercise programs: a pathway to create accessibility and engagement”1 is very timely. As the authors have convincingly demonstrated, rigorous clinical and research evidence support something of which most medical and allied health professionals are cognizant: the benefit of physical activity and exercise for people with cancer.

Parents' Experiences And Perceptions When Classifying Their Children With Cerebral Palsy: Recommendations For Service Providers., Natalie V Scime, Doreen J Bartlett, Laura K Brunton, Robert J Palisano

Physical Therapy Publications

AIMS: This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) when classifying their children using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). The second aim was to collate parents' recommendations for service providers on how to interact and communicate with families.

METHODS: A purposive sample of seven parents participating in the On Track study was recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted orally and were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded openly. A descriptive interpretive approach within a pragmatic perspective was used during analysis.

RESULTS: …

Perceived Importance Of Resistance Training In Collegiate Dancers, Kayla Major

Graduate Theses

Dancers are artistic athletes that use their bodies as their instrument. Dance is a sport that requires significant skill and higher levels of fitness. Unfortunately, dancers are not as physically fit as sport athletes. This may not only increase their risk of injury, but also limit their maximum dance performance. Resistance training offers significant physical and psychological health benefits. But, there is very limited research regarding dancers’ resistance training habits. The results of the few studies that exist unanimously suggest that there is no detriment to the aesthetics of dance, rather improvements in dance elements as a result of improved …

Exploring The Critical Thinking Skills Of Respiratory Care Students And Faculty, Bshayer Ramadan Alhamad

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Introduction: Today, with the increased demands in health care, working as a competentrespiratory therapist requires being a highly skilled, critically thinking professional. Although students are expected to learn how to think critically mostly in the academic environment from their faculty, only a paucity of studies has assessed the critical thinking of respiratory care students, with none, to our knowledge, assessing that of faculty. Therefore, the purpose of this mixed method study was to (1) assess the overall critical thinking skill levels of both respiratory care students and faculty, (2) investigate whether respiratory care faculty have stronger overall critical thinking skills …

Predictive Ability Of Emotional Intelligence Scores On Employee Self-Reported Perception Of Comprehensive Organizational Credibility Inventory, Leif Allen Ford

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has shown that emotional intelligence (EQ) is positively related to beneficial outcomes in organizations. Research has also found that negative perceptions of organizational credibility (OC) can result in adverse economic and social costs for organizations and communities. To date, the existing research has failed to examine whether employee EQ might affect employee perceptions of OC. A quantitative, non-experimental study was conducted using a sample of employees in large health and medical organizations throughout the United States. The variables in the study were measured using the Assessing Emotions Scale and the Comprehensive Organizational Credibility Inventory. Multiple regression analyses and Pearson …

Phenomena Correlated To Stroke Patients With Pusher Syndrome, Hung-Che Wang, Ling-Fu Meng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Stroke patients who cannot maintain a balanced sitting or standing position fall toward one specific side. There can be a strong tendency to actively use non-hemiplegic extremities to push the body away from the sound side. As well, patients may resist any attempt to correct their postures and finally fall toward the hemiplegic side. This falling asymmetry phenomenon has been termed ”Pusher syndrome.” The syndrome often occurs coincident with frequent lapses in consciousness, poor motor control, impaired sensory status, spatial neglect, and limited perceptual function. Recent observations have indicated that Pusher syndrome is strongly related to body orientation deficit and …

Function And Body Image Levels In Individuals With Transfemoral Amputations Using The C-Leg®, Erica L. Swanson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: It was purposed that individuals using the Otto Bock C-Leg®, a microprocessor controlled prosthetic knee joint, may experience an enhanced level of functional independence. Secondly, it was hypothesized that with increased functional abilities and independence from using the C-Leg® comes a positive body image.

Methods: Following IRB approval, a purposive sampling method was used to recruit 8 adult volunteers from a regional rehabilitation hospital. Inclusion criteria for participants in this study included individuals who had a transfemoral amputation, were currently using the C-Leg®, were over the age of 18 years, and without cognitive limitations. Subjects were asked to complete …