Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hands-On: Integrating Active Learning Into An Upper Extremity Occupational Therapy Elective, Jennifer Radziak, Katie Jones, Kelsey Picha

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

In an effort to provide students with advanced clinical practice skills, several occupational therapy elective courses were developed. The current article describes an educational innovation that involved an in-person elective course for graduate second year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy students that focused on the upper extremity. The course was team-taught, promoted active learning, and used unique activities to engage students in the learning process. Relevant evidence-based practice literature and clinical guidelines were incorporated into the course to teach students about the treatment of upper extremity conditions. The active learning strategies implemented in the course included fresh donor dissection, …

Service-Learning Clinics: A Pathway To Improve Student Learning Outcomes, Ranelle M. Nissen, Whitney Lucas Molitor, Allison J. Naber

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This article examines the innovative approach of the Community Integrated Learning (CIL) program, with a particular focus on its application within a rural context. Unlike traditional student-run clinics, the CIL focuses on student learning through hands-on experiences with community volunteers rather than providing direct rehabilitative care. The program, linked to adult and pediatric assessment courses, allows second-year doctoral students to develop and implement intervention plans tailored to the needs and interests of community volunteers. This model addresses the challenges of limited resources and client recruitment in rural areas by emphasizing student professional development and clinical reasoning skills. Data collected from …

Promoting Occupational Harmony With High School Students Transitioning To College, Megan Maekawa

Occupational Therapy | OTD Capstone Projects

Background: Many students struggle to balance their occupations, especially in their first year of college. One reason they struggle may be that they are unprepared for the demands of college life as they transition out of high school. They may struggle with adjusting to different academic standards, adapting to their new social life, transitioning to a new environment or living situation, and managing their mental health. Occupational therapists support high school students in learning and implementing occupational harmony. Occupational therapists can support pre-college students in a summer bridge program as students learn to balance their academics, manage their social …

Geniculate Artery Pseudoaneurysm Formation Following Debridement, Antibiotics, And Implant Retention (Dair) For Management Of A Septic Knee, Jennifer Grimm, Anand Shah

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Current Regenerative Injection Treatment For Rotator Cuff Disease: A Review Article And Practical Algorithm, Abdallah El-Sayed Allam, Manal Hassanien, Ahmed Omar Mahmoud Abdallah

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Rotator cuff disease is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting shoulder function and quality of life. Traditional management includes conservative treatments and surgery, but ultrasound-guided regenerative orthobiological interventions have emerged as effective alternatives. This review examines epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches to rotator cuff disease, with an emphasis on the role of ultrasound-guided regenerative injections. Specific techniques such as platelet-rich plasma, alpha-2 macroglobulin, lipoaspirate, and bone marrow concentrate are discussed. Recent human studies highlight the efficacy and safety of these interventions, supporting their integration into clinical practice.

Healthcare Provider Perspectives On A Clinical Decision Tool To Support Individualized Exercise Prescriptions And Discussions For Breast Cancer Survivors, Jinani Jayasekera, Oliver W. A. Wilson, Kaitlyn M. Wojcik, Eleanor M. Kerr, Rachelle Brick, David Berrigan, Jennifer Yeong-Shin Sheng, Takeo Fujii, Kathleen Thomas, Henri K. Parson, Padma Sheila Rajagopal, Richard L. Street Jr.

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: We evaluated healthcare providers' current knowledge, practices, and perspectives on a novel clinical decision tool (beta-version) to facilitate individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions in clinical settings.

Methods: We recruited healthcare providers who had treated or provided care to breast cancer survivors aged >= 35-years in the past 12 months. The participants were presented with a tool to provide individualized exercise recommendations considering women's individual, clinical, and contextual characteristics. Validated and reliable pre-existing instruments were used to survey providers' current knowledge, practices regarding exercise discussions, and perspectives on the beta-version (paper-draft) of the novel tool.

Results: The sample consisted of …

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty As A Bridge Therapy In Acute Valve Syndrome: A Narrative Review Of Evidence Gaps And Future Directions, Omar Saleh, Omar Jafar, Nicholas Valle, Shirish Yasa, Saleh Mostafa, Raymond L. Benza, Deepak R. Talreja, Benjamin D. Peterson, Matthew R. Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Acute valve syndrome (AVS) represents a high-acuity, decompensated presentation of severe aortic stenosis (AS), often manifesting as acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains the only durable therapy for severe AS in patients with prohibitive surgical risk, yet AVS patients may be too unstable for standard preprocedural planning. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has re-emerged as a bridge strategy that can provide rapid hemodynamic stabilization and permit subsequent valve replacement. Registry analyses report lower mortality in emergent TAVR compared with BAV, but these comparisons are confounded by procedural indication and unmatched AS severity. Smaller …

Enhancing Mental Health Through Occupational Therapy, Evelyn G. Garibay

OT Doctoral Capstones

Behavioral health providers may have limited knowledge of occupational therapy and its role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, which can limit opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of occupation-based approaches in practice. This capstone project aimed to increase behavioral health providers’ awareness and understanding of occupational therapy in mental health through an interactive educational program. Following a site needs assessment, an educational series was developed that combined presentations with hands-on, occupation-based activities focused on areas including daily functioning, emotional regulation, social participation, and health and wellness. Implementation also included the development of a comprehensive participant handbook containing …

Planting The Seeds Of Well-Being: Cultivating Student Wellness Through Occupation-Based Environmental Design, Alexis Selena Feliciano

OT Doctoral Capstones

The Rehabilitation Sciences Complex (RSC) at The University of Texas at El Paso provides limited opportunities for students to access outdoor wellness spaces despite the high academic demands experienced by Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy students. A needs assessment of 128 students identified strong interest in a Student Wellness Garden to support stress management, relaxation, studying, and meaningful engagement with nature. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop an occupation-based Student Wellness Garden while creating the resources needed to support its future implementation. Although the garden was not physically installed during the capstone experience due …

Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Ergonomic Approach In Occupational Therapy, Genevieve Daan

OT Doctoral Capstones

Bus drivers experience physical strain in areas such as the lower back, neck, hips, and knees. Long shifts, aging vehicles, and limited opportunities for movement can contribute to this discomfort. Occupational therapy (OT) is underrepresented in workplace ergonomics. However, its focus on the relationship between the person, environment, occupation, and performance provides a broader view of workplace needs. This capstone used the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model to develop an ergonomic toolkit for bus drivers.

A needs assessment was completed through ride-alongs and driver interviews. The toolkit was initially planned as six modules and later reduced to four. Two 1-hour training sessions …

Sensory Journey: Equipping Children’S Museum Staff To Support All Children, Denisa A. Felix

OT Doctoral Capstones

Museums ensure access to important opportunities for learning, exploration, and community participation; nevertheless, limited staff training and sensory-friendly resources may generate limitations for children and families with sensory processing needs. A needs assessment at La Rodadora Espacio Interactivo in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, highlithed limited staff knowledge of sensory processing and sensory integration, lack of formal sensory-related protocols, and limited sensory accommodations. The purpose of this Capstone project was to improve museum staff and volunteer knowledge, awareness, confidence, and preparedness to support visitors with sensory processing needs and foster inclusive museum experiences. An evidence-based educational intervention was developed based on occupational …

Mind Over Matter: Navigating The Psychological Challenges In Prosthetic Adaptation, Jeff Arruiza

OT Doctoral Capstones

My capstone project improves access to local resources that support recreational participation, well-being, and quality of life for individuals living with limb loss in the El Paso community. Limited awareness of available resources and gaps in services can create barriers to accessing care and participating in meaningful occupations. To address these barriers, I developed an accessible, centralized resource that connects individuals with community programs, recreational opportunities, adaptive activities, and support services. By increasing access to resources and education, the project promotes meaningful occupational participation through social and recreational engagement while advancing occupational justice by reducing barriers to community participation.

Supporting Financial Well-Being Through Habits And Routines: An Occupational Therapy Online Toolkit For College Students, Diana Cadena

OT Doctoral Capstones

Purpose: This doctoral capstone project aimed to support financial well-being among UTEP students by providing accessible, occupation-based resources to promote healthy financial habits and routines.

Methods: An occupational therapy-informed financial wellness toolkit, Miner Money Matters, was developed as a website for UTEP students. The website included resources related to budgeting, financial habits and routines, saving money, financial aid, credit and debt, financial stress, family financial responsibilities, and campus support services. The toolkit was disseminated through campus presentations, stakeholder engagement, organizational outreach, and SGA social media.

Results: The website received 155 visitors during implementation. Among 13 students with complete evaluation responses, …

Exploring Pediatric Sensory Processing Challenges: An Easily Accessible Online Resource For Families, Caitlyn Brockway

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with sensory processing challenges often experience difficulties participating in everyday activities while many families struggle to find trustworthy and evidence-based solutions. A needs assessment completed at Daisy Kids Care Pediatric Clinic identified the need for a free, accessible, educational resource to support families and caregivers. In response, Sunny Senses OT educational website was developed to provide evidence-based education, practical sensory strategies, and community resources to improve overall knowledge of sensory processing. The website was implemented with family and caregivers at the clinic and evaluated by using a pre- and post-survey that measured levels of knowledge. Results demonstrated an increase …

Introduction To 3d Printing In Occupational Therapy: Empowering Ots Through Workshops To Design And 3d-Print Assistive Technology, Jose Cano

OT Doctoral Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners may benefit from incorporating 3D printing into practice to create individualized, low-cost, and accessible assistive technology to facilitate patients’ participation in their meaningful occupations; however, limited training and knowledge may present barriers to its use. This capstone project addressed the identified need for increased education and exposure to 3D printing and its potential applications within occupational therapy practice. The purpose of the project was to develop and implement an educational workshop designed to increase occupational therapy practitioners’ knowledge, confidence, and understanding of the 3D printing process and its application to assistive technology. The project included a needs …

Crocheting Through Recovery, Nayeli Acosta

OT Doctoral Capstones

People experiencing post-stroke symptoms and other injuries affecting upper-extremity function may experience deficits such as upper-extremity weakness, paralysis, contractures, and aphasia. These deficits can create barriers to participation in social and leisure activities, as well as engagement in daily occupational activities (Enderby & Sutton, 2020; Harrison et al,. 2022; Gnanaprakasam et al., 2023). Difficulties participating in leisure and daily activities can negatively impact an individual’s overall sense of well-being.

The purpose of the program was to utilize crocheting as an intervention to promote a sense of well-being. The program consisted of crocheting a granny square to support participants’ sense of …

Empowering Youth: Building Life Skills For A Brighter Future, Chastidy S. Urteaga

OT Doctoral Capstones

At-risk youth experience many barriers that may impact their participation in daily life activities, development in life skills, and opportunities for them to create positive social connections. This doctoral capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy within a community- based setting and the development and implementation at the Philosophic Systems Institute/ Alamito STREAM Center in El Paso, Texas. The program's purpose was to provide at-risk middle school youth with practical life skills that can help promote independence and lifelong success in everyday life.

This project was guided by the Person Environment Occupation (PEO) Model. This six-week life skills program …

Optimizing Postpartum Recovery: An Occupational Therapy–Informed Home-Based Education Program, Maria Cristal Sanchez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Postpartum women experience significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes, yet care often prioritizes the infant, leaving mothers with limited recovery education. This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented an occupational therapy (OT)-informed, home-based education program for pregnant and postpartum women, in collaboration with Moonstone Wellness OT, a private occupational therapy practice in El Paso, Texas. The program, guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation model, covered OT awareness, pain education, lymphatic system and swelling management, scar healing, pelvic floor health, energy conservation, body mechanics, and emotional well-being. Sessions were individualized and one-on-one, delivered either in-home or via telehealth, and supported by a Facilitator …

Every Child Deserves To Play: Inclusive Playgrounds In School Settings, Irene Rios

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with disabilities experience barriers that limit meaningful participation and social interaction during school playground play. Despite ADA standards, many playgrounds lack inclusive features that support participation for students of all abilities. YISD identified the need for a comprehensive resource to evaluate playground Accessiblity and inclusivity beyond ADA compliance.

Project Purpose: Develop an Inclusive School Playground Assessment Toolkit (ISPAT), an evaluation criteria and guidelines to assess the Accessiblity and inclusivity of elementary school playgrounds.

Implementation: Evaluate five YISD school playgrounds using ISPAT

Outcomes: Using IPSAT and its scoring system, only one playground achieved a Mostly Inclusive rating (70-85%), one achieved …

Promoting Office Worker Well-Being- An Occupational Therapy Approach To Workplace Ergonomics, David D. Roberts

OT Doctoral Capstones

Office-based employees face an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged sitting, repetitive computer use, static postures, and poorly designed workstations. These risk factors contribute to discomfort, fatigue, and diminished work performance. While ergonomic education and workstation modifications have proven effective, evidence on the long-term impact of occupational therapy-led interventions in office settings remains limited. In response, an evidence-based ergonomic program was developed using an occupational therapy framework to enhance awareness, habits, performance, and overall well-being. The program included individualized ergonomic workstation assessments, tailored recommendations, educational presentations, instructional videos, movement and stretching resources, and ongoing follow-up support. Administrative …

Occupation, Purpose, And Possibility: A Holistic Program For Children Battling Cancer, Ayleen Mena

OT Doctoral Capstones

Pediatric oncology patients often experience disruptions in meaningful occupations due to prolonged hospitalization, medical treatments, fatigue, isolation precautions, and emotional distress. A needs assessment conducted within a pediatric oncology unit identified concerns related to social isolation, limited opportunities for meaningful activity, emotional well-being, and disruptions in play, leisure, social participation, and daily routines. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an occupation-based, family-centered activity program to support the psychosocial well-being and meaningful participation of pediatric oncology patients during hospitalization.

The Next Step: Building Strength Through Life Skills, Victoria Nunez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Adolescents who are at risk or facing mental health challenges often miss out on chances to build the practical life skills they need for everyday life and a smooth transition into adulthood. While traditional rehabilitation programs tend to focus on stabilization and therapy, they frequently fall short when it comes to preparing young people for independent living. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a structured, occupation-based life skills program to promote well-being, independence, and meaningful participation among adolescents. The Life Skills Program (Life Lab) took place at the Alamito STREAM Center in Segundo Barrio, …

Beyond The Game: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Adaptive Sports, Leslie Nicole Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with physical disabilities often experience limited opportunities to participate in meaningful recreational and leisure activities, which may hinder overall quality of life. A needs assessment conducted with staff and parents at Permian Basin Reability Center (PBRC) identified a gap in accessible recreational opportunities for children with physical disabilities, justifying the need for an adaptive softball program. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an adaptive softball program that promoted participation, inclusion, personal skills development, and enhanced quality of life by integrating occupational therapy in adaptive sports.

The adaptive softball program included a parent/guardian education guide …

Thriving Through Occupation: Enhancing Occupational Participation For Cancer Survivors, Leslie B. Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Cancer survivors often experience decreased participation in meaningful occupations, along with physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges (Newman et al., 2024). This capstone project developed an educational series to promote engagement in meaningful occupations and provide strategies to combat the negative physical and mental effects of cancer and treatment. Four classes covering various health topics, including cancer-related fatigue, cognitive impairment, mental health, and nutrition, were implemented for cancer survivors at the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. The classes included an educational portion in which participants were introduced to each topic, followed by interactive learning activities designed to promote the application and …

Promoting Social Participation In Pediatric Behavioral Health, Desirae Gomez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children receiving behavioral health services may experience challenges with social participation, including difficulty communicating, forming friendships, and engaging with peers. A needs assessment identified a need for more opportunities to develop social skills and support emotional well-being within an outpatient behavioral health setting. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an occupational therapy-driven social participation program that promoted social engagement, coping skills, emotional expression, and interpersonal skills among children receiving behavioral health services. Weekly group workshops were implemented using evidence-informed, occupation-based activities, such as art and emotional expression, social stories, board games, and collaborative activities. Pre- …

Navigating Child Development: A Toolkit For Bridging Knowledge And Strengthening Caregiver Confidence, Kristen Sarai Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children involved in the child welfare system are at increased risk for trauma, prenatal substance exposure (PSE), adverse childhood experiences, and developmental challenges that may affect participation and well-being. A needs assessment conducted at CASA of El Paso identified a need for practical resources to strengthen advocates’ knowledge and confidence related to child development, trauma-informed care, PSE, play-based strategies, and communication with caregivers. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement an evidence-based occupational therapy toolkit and educational workshop to increase CASA advocates’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in supporting children and families. The project included a …

Playing In The Zones: Enhancing Executive Function And Self-Regulation Through Play-Based Interventions, Armando Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Executive function (EF) and self-regulation (SR) are essential skills that support children’s participation in school, play, and everyday occupations. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental delays may experience difficulties with working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation. A need was identified for a structured, evidence-informed therapy resource addressing EF and SR within pediatric practice. The purpose of the project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a group program integrating the Zones of Regulation to support EF and SR in children. The program was implemented at an outpatient pediatric clinic with children ages 6-11 …

The Prevalence Of Varus Thrust: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Haonan Shen, Nicole D'Souza, Claire E. Hiller, Marnee J. Mckay, Kun Hu, Zhiyong Wang, Milena Simic

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To determine the prevalence of varus thrust in adults with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA), including across clinically relevant subgroups. A secondary objective was to explore whether varus thrust prevalence varied according to age, body mass index (BMI), and knee pain severity, where sufficient data were available. Design: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Five electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched from inception to January 21, 2025. Studies reporting varus thrust during gait in adults, assessed using clinical observation methods, were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Results: …

Sport Training Day Affects Adolescent Athletes’ Sleep Schedules, Abigail Larson, Jena Heck Street, Roman De Guia, Jacob J. Capin

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Sufficient sleep is integral to overall health whereas suboptimal sleep puts athletes at greater risk for injury, lengthens their recovery time, and decreases their performance. Our purpose was to compare sleep across training days (i.e., competition, practice, and rest) in adolescent athletes, specifically identifying differences between nights before and after training.

Methods: Participants [n = 33 (14 male, 19 female), aged 15.6 ± 1.0 years] wore an activPAL accelerometer continuously for 14 consecutive days and completed a sleep log noting training day status (i.e., competition, practice, rest).

Results: Athletes slept less on the day after competition compared to …

Non-Instrumented Dva: Assessment Of Performance And Clinical Feasibility In Children Ages 2 Through 13 Years, Cathey P. Norton, Nancy S. Darr, Mary Katherine Beshears, Katherine Catalano, Tyra Dillard, Mahayla J.K. Gamble, Magdalene Olerich, Sadie Rodell Rupp

Funded Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Vestibular disorders can have functional consequences for children, including balance and gross motor delays, academic difficulties and behavioral manifestations; however, they are frequently undiagnosed in children. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of performing a non-instrumented dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test as a primary screening tool for children and to examine typical performance on this non-instrumented DVA test in a large sample of children ages 2 through 13 years.

Methods: A clinical DVA test was administered to a convenience sample of 208 children aged 2–13 years. Static visual acuity was assessed using …