Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Using Foot Pressure Analysis To Predict Reoccurrence Of Deformity For Children With Unilateral Clubfoot, Juanita Jean Wallace

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Reoccurrence of deformity can affect upwards of 64% of children with clubfoot. The ability to use foot function as a measure of reoccurrence has not been previously assessed. The purpose of this investigation was to utilize foot pressure analysis to predict the probability of reoccurrence in children with unilateral clubfoot. Retrospective foot pressure data revealed predictive algorithms detecting the probability of experiencing any type of reoccurrence (overall reoccurrence) and for experiencing a tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT). The equation for overall reoccurrence reported sensitivity and specificity of 0.82 and 0.81 and the equation for TATT reported values of 0.81 and …

Design And Analysis Of A 3d-Printed, Thermoplastic Elastomer (Tpe) Spring Element For Use In Corrective Hand Orthotics, Kevin Thomas Richardson

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This thesis proposes an algorithm that determine the geometry of 3D-printed, custom-designed spring element bands made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for use in a wearable orthotic device to aid in the physical therapy of a human hand exhibiting spasticity after stroke. Each finger of the hand is modeled as a mechanical system consisting of a triple-rod pendulum with nonlinear stiffness at each joint and forces applied at the attachment point of each flexor muscle. The system is assumed quasi-static, which leads to a torque balance between the flexor tendons in the hand, joint stiffness and the design force applied to …

Professional Competencies For E-Helpers: A Telepractice Resource, Hannah M. Schlaak

Theses and Dissertations--Communication Sciences and Disorders

The primary purpose of this study was to craft and validate a set of core competencies necessary for an e-Helper to possess. A review of the literature guided the creation of the initial competencies. Following expert review, the competencies were revised and formatted into an online survey which was sent to respondents in four target groups: (a) school administrators who had adopted telepractice as a service delivery model; (b) SLPs experienced in telepractice within a school setting; (c) current e-Helpers, and (d) scholars experienced in telepractice. Sixty percent (21 out of 35) of the competencies were rated as “important” by …

Thrombolysis And Early Speech And Language Recovery After Stroke, Sarah E. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Speech and language impairments after left hemisphere stroke are life altering. Neuroprotective interventions, such as tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, are utilized to diminish the impact of the stroke on functional ability.

The purpose of this study was to examine speech and language recovery in the first three months after stroke in individuals with aphasia and to further investigate any differences between individuals who did and individuals who did not receive tPA, using objective speech and language measures.

Twenty-six individuals, thirteen of whom received tPA and thirteen who did not, suffering from first-ever left hemisphere stroke with resulting aphasia were …

The Role Of Psychosocial Factors On Pre And Postoperative Pain In Patients With Femoral Acetabular Impingement, Kate N. Jochimsen

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) is a bony hip condition that often results in tears to the acetabular labrum. Patients with FAI experience pain, decreased function, and quality of life. FAI and its’ sequela are treated definitively with hip arthroscopy. Hip arthroscopy is being performed with increasing frequency, and while most patients respond favorably, a subset of 10-20% of patients have suboptimal outcomes.

Previous research suggests that mental status may be a primary driver in the way patients with FAI respond to and feel pain. Measures of mental status include the presence of mood disorders and psychosocial patient reported outcomes (PROs). …

Moving Past Homelessness: A Program For Success, Benjamin Becher, Jaime Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Homelessness is a pervasive problem in the United States, and lack of job searching and work skills contribute to the situation (Helfrich, Chan, & Sabol, 2011). Although there are programs available that provide services to the homeless population, these programs typically do not extensively address work-related needs (Herzberg & Finlayson, 2001; Roy et al., 2017). A literature review was conducted using numerous databases and an informal interview was conducted with a key stakeholder at Seton House, a transitional housing program for homeless single parents. With this information, a program was developed to address vocational needs for the homeless, titled Work …

The Experience Of Being A Male Occupational Therapy Practitioner At Varying Points In The Career: A Qualitative Study, Zachary Bohn, John Leclerc

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem Statement: The experience of being a male in a female-dominated profession has not been well researched or documented through either an inductive or deductive lens in regards to how this social context affects the male occupational therapist’s ability to function in his professional role. Subsequently, there are a dearth of guideposts and evidence that male occupational therapy students and practitioners have to understand the influence of their gender in the profession from a professional development standpoint.

Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to understand the experience of being a male occupational therapist amidst the female-dominated …

Secondary Stroke Prevention And Support: An Occupational Therapy Program, Kaitlyn Bosch, Jamie St. Germain

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many individuals in the United States experience a recurrent stroke and evidence suggests that strokes, primary and secondary, could be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The objective of the scholarly project was to develop an occupational therapy (OT) led secondary stroke prevention program to address modifiable risk factors for stroke. A literature review was conducted to identify research to support development of this program. Based on the review of literature and through the use of the Model of Human Occupation, The Secondary Stroke Prevention and Support: An Occupational Therapy Program was designed to address competence in the occupational role of managing …

Occupational Justice Concerns For Muslim Refugees In The United States, Emily Adams, Megan Peterson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Individuals are being displaced at alarming rates and many are from countries with a Muslim majority. Countries are beginning to study the effects of trauma and displacement on quality of life for refugees. The United States however, is lacking in studies involving health care, quality of life, and occupational justice concerns with Muslim refugees.

Objectives: To identify the experiences of Muslim refugees resettling in the United States and the resulting occupational justice issues, using Occupational Perspective of Health (Wilcock & Hocking, 2015) as an overarching theory.

Methods: Participants were obtained through convenience and snowball sampling. Participants …

A Group Protocol For Individuals With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Transitioning Into College, Annika Eckholm, Karol Santistevan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The numbers for young adults with a disability transitioning to college are increasing yearly (U.S. Department of Education, National Center of Education Statistics, 2016). Changes and transitioning to the college context is particularly challenging for individuals with high functioning autism (HFA) (Elias & White, 2017; Wehman et al., 2014). The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a group protocol as a resource for young adult students with HFA to transition successfully in a college setting.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted on topics relating to individuals with HFA, success and barriers to college, effective interventions …

Promotion Of The Village Model In Rural Areas: An Educational Guide, Caitlin Herdrick, Samantha Kraus

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the adult population will double the population of Americans aged 65 years or older during the next 25 years to 72 million (2013). The increasing age of baby boomers will have a significant impact on healthcare resources and available housing options. This will have a drastic effect on rural dwelling elderly individuals and their access to the healthcare and other resources. Many aging individuals want to remain in their homes, communities, and social circles. Remaining in one's home is more cost effective, compared to skilled nursing and assisted living facilities …

Aquatic Therapy For Occupational Therapy Education And Practice, Emily L. Lablanc, Megan L. Lauck

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: With injuries, diseases and various conditions occurring daily among millions of Americans, the need for therapeutic intervention is steadily growing, as indicated by The American Occupational Therapy Association (2017a). Aquatic therapy is a unique practice that may be utilized across multiple healthcare professionals to benefit clients with a variety of conditions. Occupational therapists are qualified to perform aquatic techniques with clients in the pool; however, aquatic therapy is rarely utilized in occupational therapy practice (Franken, Mische Lawson & Santalucia, 2013). The problem may be derived from the lack of knowledge from occupational therapy students and entry-level practitioners regarding …

Experiences Of Occupational Therapists Working In Rural Areas Of Minnesota And North Dakota, Sarah Hanson, Jessica Magee

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is limited research regarding the experiences of occupational therapy practitioners working in rural areas of the United States. The purpose of this phenomenological, qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of occupational therapy practitioners working in rural areas of Minnesota and North Dakota. Many of the occupational therapy practitioners working in these states encounter experiences that are unique to the rural context. These experiences help to form an occupational therapy practitioner’s professional identity. The Professional Identity Model (Tornebohm, 1991) was utilized to further understand the impact of the rural context on a practitioner’s professional identity. The …

The Perspective Of Counselors On Occupational Therapy At A Residential Camp For Children With Disabilities, Erika Moderow, Hailey Tollefson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: By attending summer camps, children with disabilities have the opportunity to retain skills they acquire during the school year in services including occupational therapy (Marr & Dimeo, 2006); however, the perception of occupational therapy services at these camps is limited. Not all children who receive therapy services during the school year are eligible for services in the summer, which means that occupational therapy at summer camps is an opportunity to prevent deterioration of skills in those not otherwise eligible (North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, 2016).

Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological research study was conducted to look at …

The 12-Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Guide For Occupational Therapists, Jena Roeber, Jillian Schaeffer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A 2016 survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 15.1 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder. An estimated 2.2 million people 12 years old or older in 2016 received specialized treatment in the past year, which represents about 10.6 percent of the people in need of treatment (SAMHSA, 2016). Occupational therapy offers a unique role that can be utilized in the treatment of individuals with alcohol use disorder. Wasmuth, Crabtree, and Scott (2014) suggest that occupational therapy can be unique in substance use rehabilitation as real-life activities in natural …

Effects Of Motion Segment Simulation And Joint Positioning On Spinal Loads In Trunk Musculoskeletal Models, F. Ghezelbash, A. H. Eskandari, A. Shirazi-Adl, N. Arjmand, Z. El Ouaaid, A. Plamondon

Études primaires

Musculoskeletal models represent spinal motion segments by spherical joints/beams with linear/nonlinear properties placed at various locations. We investigated the fidelity of these simplified models (i.e., spherical joints with/without rotational springs and beams considering nonlinear/linear properties) in predicting kinematics of the ligamentous spine in comparison with a detailed finite element (FE) model while considering various anterior-posterior joint placements. Using the simplified models with different joint offsets in a subject-specific musculoskeletal model, we computed local spinal forces during forward flexion and compared results with intradiscal pressure measurements. In comparison to the detailed FE model, linearized beam and spherical joint models failed to …

The Effects Of An 8-Week Stabilization Exercise Program On Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Thickness And Activation As Measured With Ultrasound Imaging In Patients With Low Back Pain: An Exploratory Study, Christian Larivière, Dany H. Gagnon, Sharon M. Henry, Richard Preuss, Jean-Pierre Dumas

Études primaires

Background

Lumbar stabilization exercise programs (LSEP) produce positive effects on clinical outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms remain relatively unexplored. Psychological and neuromuscular mechanisms can be involved, such as a better activation of the lumbar multifidus, which represents one possibility.

Objectives

To determine the following: (1) the effect of an LSEP on lumbar multifidus muscle thickness and activation, as measured with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), in patients with low back pain (LBP); (2) the correlation between RUSI measures and any change in clinical outcomes following the LSEP; and (3) the reliability of RUSI measures in control subjects over 8 weeks.

Design …

Trunk Postural Adjustments: Medium-Term Reliability And Correlation With Changes Of Clinical Outcomes Following An 8-Week Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program, Jean-Alexandre Boucher, Richard Preuss, Sharon M. Henry, Marilee Nugent, Christian Larivière

Études primaires

Background

Low back pain (LBP) has been previously associated with delayed anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) determined by trunk muscle activation. Lumbar stabilization exercise programs (LSEP) for patients with LBP may restore the trunk neuromuscular control of the lumbar spine, and normalize APAs. This exploratory study aimed at testing the reliability of EMG and kinematics-based postural adjustment measures over an 8-week interval, assessing their sensitivity to LBP status and treatment and examining their relationship with clinical outcomes.

Methods

Muscle activation of 10 trunk muscles, using surface electromyography (EMG), and lumbar angular kinematics were recorded during a rapid arm-raising/lowering task. Patients with …

Small Business Marketing Strategies For Physical Therapy Practice Owners, Matthew Lane Daugherty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The United States economy depends on small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the United States, yet approximately 50% of small businesses cease operations in the first 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the marketing strategies used by owners of small businesses to develop and maintain their organization through the initial 5 years of business operation. The population included 5 physical therapy business owners in northeastern Florida who had sustained their business for a minimum of 5 years. The conceptual framework for this study was the brand equity model, and data were …

Examining Trauma Exposure, Organizational Climate, And Job Outcomes In Child Welfare, Shano Rodgers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Exposure to traumatic situations is routine for child welfare workers in California, and the attrition rate for newly hired social workers in some states is estimated to be nearly 50% in the 1st year of employment. Prior research has indicated that reasons for dissatisfaction included dysfunctional organizational climate and culture. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which trauma exposure contributed to secondary traumatic stress and intent to quit and to examine the degree to which organizational climate moderated the exposure among direct service child welfare employees. Kurt Lewin's field theory, Figley's theory of secondary traumatic …

Pre-Operative Education For Total Knee Replacement: A Pilot Survey, Renee Causey-Upton, Dana M. Howell, Patrick H. Kitzman, Melba Custer, Emily V. Dressler

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose: The structure of preoperative education programs used nationally for patients prior to total knee replacement (TKR) surgery has not been identified previously, thus hospitals across the United States lack a common standard for this preoperative education to ensure best patient outcomes. The purpose of this pilot survey study was to describe the content, providers, and delivery methods currently utilized to deliver preoperative education for total knee replacement in the United States. Method: Data were collected using an online survey developed by the authors based on review of literature and 3 preoperative programs and was distributed through the Research Electronic …

The S.P.I.R.I.T. Program: Spirituality Promotion Interdependence Resiliency Inclusive Therapy, Alycia Heisler, Brianna Safranski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Native American children and adolescents are some of the most underserved people in the United States (Warzak, Dogan, & Godfrey, 2011). Common mental health problems this population typically experiences are depression, suicidal thoughts or ideation, traumatic experiences, substance use, and results of historical trauma (Brockie, Dana-Sarco, Wallen, Wilcox, & Campbell, 2015). They have the highest rates of these mental health problems, more than any other ethnic group (Evans-Campbell, Walters, Pearson, & Campbell, 2012). There is a need for preventative programs to be implemented with elementary school-aged Native American children and adolescents (Ohl, Mitchell, Cassidy, & Fox, 2008; Stigler, …

Occupation-Based Intervention Tool For Postoperative Upper Extremity Nerve Laceration, Rachel A. Bonneville, Jenna L. Meissner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of the product was to create an accessible resource for occupational therapists to implement occupation-based interventions effectively.

Methods

The results of a thorough literature review on the shared topic of interest supported the therapeutic value of occupation through education and home programming. The literature was used to justify the gap that exists in the need for the implementation of occupation-based interventions in hand therapy. The results from the literature review was synthesized into a detailed narrative that guided the formation of a patient education tool. The product was designed using concepts from the biomechanical frame of reference, …

Pharmacy Personnel Assessments Of Workflow Associated With Medication Therapy Management Conducted During Transitions-Of-Care, Allan W. Tao

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Pharmacists are known for their expertise with medications and are the first medical professionals that many patients seek for their day-to-day concerns. The importance of understanding one’s medication and having appropriate oversight over the regimen cannot be understated. There is exists a method, known as Medication Therapy Management (MTM), with which pharmacists can ensure medication therapy safety and appropriateness via patient interview and receive reimbursement from third-party payers like insurance companies. However despite this, MTM is not a widely known service amongst eligible patients.

This study focuses on the process of MTM in UK Healthcare outpatient clinics and works to …

The Effects Of Descending Resistance Sets Compared To Constant Resistance Sets On The Volume Completed During A High Intensity Free Weight Back Squat Exercise, Jason E. Meyer

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Improving anabolic hormone production is an important training adaptation in resistance training; however, no previous research has developed optimized descending resistance sets to increase training volume. The purpose of this research was to compare two different loading protocols of constant resistance sets (CRS) and descending resistance sets (DRS) on the free weight back squat. Eleven resistance trained male participants (mean ± SD, age = 22 ± 3 yr, and back squat 1RM ratio (1RM/body weight) = 1.65 ± 0.2) completed 4 experimental sessions over 2 weeks, during which 4 sets of the back squat were performed with 85% 1RM and …

An Occupational Therapy Perspective Of A School-Based Suicide Prevention Program With A Peer-Mentorship Emphasis, Maddie Bjornstad, Karyssa Kimery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents today (Pisani et al., 2012; Katz et al., 2013). Zalsman et al. (2016), reported the recognition of suicide prevention as a public health priority has helped to encourage research, detection, treatment, and management of individuals at risk for suicide, however the implementation of proven, evidence-based, and cost-effective strategies are the duty of public health policy makers and healthcare providers. Occupational therapists are trained to help individuals determine what occupations are meaningful and completed in order to feel a sense of self-efficacy, therefore occupational therapy can play a critical role …

Occupational Deprivation In Adolescents From Low-Income And Food Insecure Homes: A Screening Tool And After School Program, Claire Eidenschink

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adolescents who experience food insecurity are exposed to an increased risk of health disparities related to cognitive, psychosocial, and physical functioning (Cook & Frank, 2007). Each of these domains of functioning impacts occupational performance in all roles that an adolescent assumes. Of note, the role of a student is drastically impacted. Therefore, a program to address strategies for meeting basic needs within a familiar setting, such as a school, is relevant and necessary for this population. Such a program would offer an opportunity to close the gap in disparities and increase health outcomes of adolescents who experience food insecurity as …

Role Transition From Student To Occupational Therapist In An Acute Care Physical Dysfunction Setting, Tyler Giegerich, Juan Rosales Jr.

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: There are limited tools to assist new graduates and novice occupational therapist as they navigate their job responsibilities within acute physical dysfunction settings. The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource to address the challenges faced when transitioning to an acute physical dysfunction setting.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted on topics relating to: occupational therapy, role transitioning, job responsibilities in an acute setting, environment of acute setting, readiness skills of occupational therapists, challenges faced in an acute setting, and current tools utilized to assist novice therapists in their work transition. The search …

A Review Of Community Aging In Place Programs To Minimize Social Isolation In Older Adults, Heather J. Goodwater, Joanna M. Yutrzenka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The aging baby boomer population calls for new solutions to enable older Americans to age in place in their communities of choice. Nine out of ten adults age 50 and older prefer to remain in their homes indefinitely as they age, or as long as they possibly can (Gonyea, & Burnes, 2013). However, program funding that supports aging in place does not come close to keeping pace with the rapid growth of the 65 and older population (American Institutes for Research, 2016). There are a limited number of programs in place to address socialization in community-dwelling older adults. The prevalence …

Occupational Therapy's Involvement With The Ymca In Developing A Program To Address Activities Of Daily Living In Those With Parkinson's Disease, Michaela Johnson, Emilea Berhow

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of Occupational Therapy’s involvement with the YMCA in Developing a Program to Address Activities of Daily Living in Those with Parkinson’s Disease was to create a protocol that addresses the needs of those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), specifically focusing on the area of activities of daily living (ADL). Through the use of occupational therapy perspectives and techniques, this program focuses on increasing and/or maintaining independence and safety during daily tasks in those with PD.

This program was influenced by the Person-Environment-Occupation model due to the transactional approach towards occupational performance. This model focuses on finding the best “fit” …