Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ergonomics Within The Workplace: An Occupation Based Injury Prevention Program For Computer Users, Jessica T. Maxwell

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

An ergonomic intervention increased computer workers’ knowledge of ergonomics, and improved their work station, thereby reducing risk for injury. Occupational therapy’s ability to implement ergonomic training programs for computer workers is an effective way to improve worker safety.

Examining The Impact On Praxis For Children With Sensorimotor Deficits, Sara Elizabeth Durham

Online Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to discover how a movement program, utilizing principles of dance and sensory integration, effects motor and sensory outcomes for children with sensorimotor impairments. Participants' motor performance was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency prior to and following participation in the movement program. Additionally, sensory function was assessed using the Child Sensory Profile prior to participation, and sensory modulation was tracked throughout the program. This short-term, intensive program followed a protocol based on sensory integration principles and theories of motor learning. The analysis demonstrated the change in motor performance to be statistically significant, …

Investigating The Effectiveness Of Web-Based Modules Reinforcing Therapy Topics For Caregivers Involved In Early Intervention, Terri L. Beard Ms, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Research questions answered in this capstone pilot study project were two-fold: 1) determine if web-based tutorials are effective for caregivers of children in early intervention (EI) programs to reinforce general topic information and 2) examine caregiver attitudes towards using online training modules.The scientific underpinnings used were the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) (AOTA, 2014) and the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework (Brown & Green, 2011).

The study was created on CourseSites website powered by Blackboard, using technology to reinforce occupation-based EI topics, through tutorial presentations and videos. Quantitative data was collected from caregivers using pre-and post-testing measures including …

Implementation Of Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy In Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital, Umana W. Udoeyop

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Despite increasing and strong evidence of modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) as an effective intervention approach for patients with chronic and subacute stroke in outpatient settings, it is still not widely used for the rehabilitation of patients with acute stroke who are typically admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to implement an evidence-based approach using mCIT in the upper extremity rehabilitation of patients with acute stroke in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital and to demonstrate its feasibility and efficacy in increasing the motor recovery, and the amount and quality of arm use when compared to …

Exploring Fieldwork Educators' Expectations Of Occupational Therapy Students' Professional And Technical Skills, Jessica A. Mason

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: This capstone project focused on professional and technical skills of occupational therapy students beginning Level II Fieldwork. Fieldwork educators are essential personnel to the development of successful occupational therapy students. The education provided by the fieldwork educators is vital to the growth of each occupational therapy student in the profession.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone project was to explore perceptions held by Level II Fieldwork educators of occupational therapy students’ professional and technical skills at the beginning of Level II Fieldwork. By identifying these perceptions, academic occupational therapy educators can assist students to develop these skills while they …

Leadership Roles: Creating Inclusiveness Within A Worship Environment, Susan L. Morreau

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

This Capstone Project sought to investigate and measure the process of social change in the community setting of a Christian church. A committee of stakeholders came together with a common passion to engage and integrate individuals of varying disabilities at all levels of church participation. As a new committee, stakeholders agreed to use the cyclical process of Participatory Action Research (PAR) to guide them in creating an action plan for promoting this congregational change. The occupational therapist served on the committee as both a co-facilitator and researcher.

While the primary purpose of the project was to objectively measure the degree …

Investigating The Effectiveness Of Web-Based Recommended Practice Tutorials For Caregivers Of Children In Early Intervention Programs, Terri L. Beard

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The purpose of this mixed-method investigational pilot study is two-fold: are web-based tutorials effective for caregivers of children in early intervention programs to learn recommended practice content and 2) examine caregiver attitudes towards using online training tutorials. The problem addressed will be “Is using an online learning platform an effective adjunct way for caregivers of young children in early intervention programs to learn recommended practice information?” In early intervention programs, practitioner time, resources, and availability is often limited. Frequently, children in early intervention programs are taken care of by multiple caregivers. To improve carryover, this study focuses on determining if …

Life History Of Dr. Charles Christiansen Edd, Otr/(C), Faota, Jordan Mooney, Ryan Walter

Oral History Posters

The purpose of the project was to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. For this particular life history, a semi-structured phone interview was conducted between the student researchers and Dr. Christiansen.The interview was audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim and coded. In addition to the phone interview, a curriculum vitae (CV) and Biosketch were obtained from Dr. Christiansen to appropriately depict the professional life and contributions he has made to the field of …

Life History Of Joyce Wicklund, Kara Moore, Kasey Nieland

Oral History Posters

The purpose of this qualitative life history study was to explore the evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice through the life history of Joyce Wicklund, a retired occupational therapist who practiced in multiple settings in North Dakota and other states from 1970-2010. The researchers conducted one 1-hour semi-structured interview with Joyce Wicklund. Themes regarding her involvement in continuing education and her perspectives on the profession were synthesized from the interview data and compared with literature about continuing education and specialization in the field of OT. The predominant categories representing the major elements of her career were Maintaining Competence, Changing Demands …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Cassady Hoff, Amanda Callahan, Danielle Chartier

Oral History Student Papers

This life history 1 of 29 life history interviews which is part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individual Who Have Been Influential In Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have influenced the development of OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current and future …

The Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Charles H. Christiansen, Jordan Mooney, Ryan Walter

Oral History Student Papers

The purpose of the project was to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. For this particular life history, a semi-structured phone interview was conducted between the student researchers and Dr. Christiansen.The interview was audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim and coded. In addition to the phone interview, a curriculum vitae (CV) and Biosketch were obtained from Dr. Christiansen to appropriately depict the professional life and contributions he has made to the field of …

The Life History Of Ron Meier, Otr/L, Kylie Browen, Olivia Mayasich

Oral History Posters

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the life history of Ron Meier and his experiences as an occupational therapist. More specifically, researchers explored his roles as a supervisor, manager, and director in the mental health setting in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota.

Method: A semi-structured interview via phone was conducted. Ron was assigned to the researchers from a list developed by the Project Directors through purposive sampling.

Results: the major themes that were prevalent throughout Ron's career included: the many close relationships he formed, the programs he established and administered, the positions he held …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Kathy Bangsund, Jenna Nelson, Rachel Trieff

Oral History Posters

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate the life history of Kathy Bangsund, OTR/L. This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Teresa Dahlstrom, Bobbie Bertsch, Kennedy Bresnahan

Oral History Student Papers

Objective: The purpose of the life history of Teresa Dahlstrom is to gain an insight about her life experiences and leadership throughout her years of work in the profession of occupational therapy.

Method. An in depth, semi structured, 60 minute interview was conducted at the University of North Dakota of School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The interview was transcribed and coded for the emergent of themes.

Results: The predominant themes representing the major elements of her success as a leader were maintaining the integrity of occupational therapy (OT), progressing through major changes in OT, and developing personal relationships with …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Nancy Rentfrow, Maddi Buscho, Emma Lee

Oral History Student Papers

This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. The study took place at the University of …

Promoting A Culture Of Mental Health And Wellness At The Smhs: Smhs Wellness Program, Brian Lefavour, Alexa Martel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

McManus (2007) indicates that healthcare professionals, who are highly committed and involved in their profession, often experience stress and burnout. A multitude of stressors effect health care professionals, including time restraints, workload, multiple roles, and emotional investment in the career (McCann et aI., 2013). Jennings (2009) makes the connection that stress does not begin when medical students enter the workforce, but starts during their academic preparation as well. Allied health profession students and professionals are not exempt from experiencing considerable stress and burnout (Harris, Cumming, & Campbell, 2005; Othman, Farooqui, Yusoff, & Adawaiyah, 20\3). Harris and colleagues (2005) found that …

Conservative Treatment Of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report, Benjamin A. Lofgren

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: This case study provides a description of the outpatient physical therapy management of a 55-year-old female with low back pain and sciatica.

Case Description: Initially, the patient was diagnosed with illiotibial band syndrome (ITB) syndrome. During physical therapy examination, the patient demonstrated signs and symptoms consistent with a lumbar disc pathology. Interventions were designed to address the lumbar disc pathology and included mechanical traction, therapeutic exercises, and patient education for posture, positioning and proper body mechanics.

Outcome: Following 4 weeks of conservative physical therapy treatment, the patient was referred to her primary care physician with a …

Physical Therapy After Anterior Cervical Fusion Of C6-7, Jedrick B. Mazion

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to report one patient's progress while attending physical therapy. This patient had undergone anterior surgical fusion of vertebrae C6-7 two months prior to physical therapy.

Case Description: This case is the story of a 46-year-old right-handed, English-speaking white male who had undergone a cervical fusion of C6-7 after a whiplash type injury. He had symptoms of hand numbness, cramping, and radiating pain with cervical movements. These symptoms caused difficulty for him to work, participate in recreational activities, and interact with his family.

Intervention: The patient was treated …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Catherine Bailey, Mot, Otr/L, Ashley Cambronne, Rachel Fritzler

Oral History Student Papers

Purpose: This project gathered information about the history and evolution of OT practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing occupational therapy (OT) in these two states. Catherine Bailey was selected to participate; she has been practicing for approximately 40 years and has influenced OT practice in the state of Wyoming.

Method: Data was collected through participant interview. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed. Data was then coded and collapsed into categories with corresponding themes. The researchers utilized the Kawa Model (Turpin and Iwama, 2011) and a timeline provided by …

Life History Of Carol Olson, Ph.D., Otr/L, Faota, Laurel Busch, Emily Bachmeier

Oral History Posters

This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evaluation of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Dr. Hanson, Otr/L, Faota, Melissa Groth, Martha Scoby

Oral History Student Papers

Objective. The purpose of this qualitative life history study was to examine the life and work of Dr. Debra Hanson to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy in North Dakota and Wyoming from her perspective.

Method. An audio recorded semistructured interview was utilized to gather information and perspective from Dr. Hanson regarding her involvement in the evolution of occupational therapy practice. Dr. Hanson was one participant selected from a participant list compiled through purposive sampling by the project directors. The interview was transcribed and coded. Categories with corresponding themes and a final assertion emerged through the …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Charlie Baumer, Cota, Bailey Fruit, Hannah Williams

Oral History Posters

Charlie Baumer is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who was interviewed by two year II occupational therapy students at the University of North Dakota at Casper College as part of a life history qualitative study. The interview was a semi-structured interview that lasted two hours with questions that were geared toward the history and evolution of occupational therapy in Wyoming. This single interview is a part of a larger life history qualitative study to gather information in regards to the history and evolution of occupational therapy practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through the life histories of occupational therapy …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Dr. Hanson, Otr/L, Faota, Melissa Groth, Martha Scoby

Oral History Posters

Objective. The purpose of this qualitative life history study was to examine the life and work of Dr. Debra Hanson to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy in North Dakota and Wyoming from her perspective.

Method. An audio recorded semistructured interview was utilized to gather information and perspective from Dr. Hanson regarding her involvement in the evolution of occupational therapy practice. Dr. Hanson was one participant selected from a participant list compiled through purposive sampling by the project directors. The interview was transcribed and coded. Categories with corresponding themes and a final assertion emerged through the …

Life History: Janet Salzwedel, Otr/L, Sadie Larson, Karissa Kempel

Oral History Posters

Objective. This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states.

Method. An in-depth interview was conducted with Janet Salzwedel in the comfort of her home. Categories and themes were synthesized from the interview …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Janet Salzwedel, Karissa Kempel, Sadie Larson

Oral History Student Papers

Objective. This life history is one of 29 life history interviews which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states.

Method. An in-depth interview was conducted with Janet Salzwedel in the comfort of her home. Categories and themes were synthesized from the interview …

Evolution Of Occupapational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Wanda Berg, Tiana Brown, Alli Fox

Oral History Student Papers

This qualitative study was done via a semi structured interview with Dr. Wanda Berg. This paper reflects only a portion of a larger study done to learn about the history of occupational therapy (OT) from the perspective of influential OT practitioners and educators from North Dakota (ND) and Wyoming. From the researcher's interview with Dr. Berg, themes about her life and the profession were discovered.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to learn about the history of occupational therapy from the perspective of influential OT practitioners and educators from North Dakota and Wyoming

Methods: A qualitative study was done …

Life History Of Stuart Kuchel M.S., Ort/L, Michael Black, Ariel Campbell

Oral History Posters

Objective. This qualitative life history was completed as part of a larger sample of 29 participants aimed to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing occupational therapy in these two states and/or nationally.

Method. The participant was assigned by the project directors through purposive sampling. A semi-structured phone interview was conducted with the interviewer and two primary researchers. Data was coded and analyzed, which was then collapsed into categories, themes and a final assertion.

Results. The predominate categories representing the …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Lance Norman, Jade Clement, Miranda Hosking

Oral History Student Papers

Objective. The purpose of this life history study was to gather information regarding the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming. The life history of Lance Norman and his influence in developing OT in North Dakota was one of 29 stories explored.

Method. The qualitative study used a life history approach. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the participant that was assigned to the researchers via a purposive sampling method. The interview was recorded, transcribed, and an open coding process was used for data analysis. To guide the research process the Kawa model …

Low Back Pain And Mechanical Diagnosis Treatment: A Case Report, Alicia Bullinger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Acute low back pain is one of the most common and expensive reasons for adults to see a family physician and is commonly treated by physical therapists. Although most patients recover quickly with minimal treatment, patient education and exercises directed by a physical therapist may decrease recurrent pain and need for health care services. The purpose of this case study is to determine if the McKenzie Method is effective treatment for acute low back pain in the medical workforce using evidence based practice.

Case Description: Patient was a 37-year-old Caucasian female who worked as a registered nurse …

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Case Report, Joseph R. Perry

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is plausible and can be treated through skilled physical therapy. The purpose of this case study is to educate and inform on the treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The patient was an 81 year old female, who was direct access and presented to physical therapy with complaints of left buttock and hamstring pain that was exacerbated with prolonged sitting. Upon physical examination it was determined the patient presented with SIJD which demonstrated a left on left sacral rotation, left ups lip, and bilateral anterior rotation of either pelvis intermittently. Official diagnosis was sprain of the sacroiliac …