Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development Of The Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-Sea), Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, Jacqueline P. Kelleher

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-SEA) allows teachers to examine the sensory aspects of classroom tasks and environments. The purpose is to assist in determining ways to modify tasks and environments to improve engagement and reduce problem behaviors in elementary school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Technology-Supported Art As A "Way To Participation", Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Brianna Vitale provided the painting featured on the cover of the Spring 2014 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Brianna completed the painting, titled “Flamingo,” using a mouth joystick (joust) to draw the image on her computer and an assistive device to translate her computer artwork into the watercolor painting. At 12 years old, Brianna has been living for the past 9 years with tetraplegia, the result of a spinal cord injury (SCI). Through technology and with the support of family, friends, and health care professionals, Brianna energetically engages in a variety of creative, social, and philanthropic activities.

Student Advocacy And Research Regarding Employability With Women In An Addiction Recovery Center, Christine Privott

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article presents a course project that allowed senior undergraduate occupational science students the opportunity to experience advocacy and leadership roles as they prepared to transition to entry-level occupational therapy programs. The students coordinated an on-site employment fair for women residents of one Alcoholics Anonymous-based substance abuse recovery center in Kentucky. This ultimately led to a preliminary qualitative program evaluation study of the participants’ perceptions of employability after participating in the fair. Following a semi-structured interview protocol, nine participants were interviewed by student investigators immediately following the fair. The resulting data were compared within and across transcripts, and coded for …

Establishing Normative Values For The Barnett Balance Assessment Tool: A Preliminary Study, Monica L. Cercone, Katherine M. Grulke-Kidd, Alora S. Haskin, Kyle M. Medearis, Clarissa J. Wegner, Ellen Herlache-Pretzer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for the Barnett Balance Assessment (BBA) for individuals ages 18-70+ years. The BBA is a newly developed assessment tool that may address limitations present in other assessments currently used to detect balance deficits. The BBA was administered to 141 participants who had no history of medical issues that could impact balance. A review of the normative data collected indicated little variation in total assessment scores in the age categories of 18-29, 30-39, and 40-49, due to the presence of a ceiling effect. Variations existed in scores among participants in the …

Visual-Motor Skills Performance On The Beery-Vmi: A Study Of Canadian Kindergarten Children, Melissa Coallier, Natasha Rouleau, Florence Bara, Marie-France Morin

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Beery VMI is one of the standardized assessment tools most widely used by occupational therapists to assess visual-motor integration. Currently, no specific norms exist for Canadian children. This study was developed to assess whether kindergarten children in Canada compared similarly to the norms established in the U.S. sample of the Beery VMI in order to validate its use with Canadian children. Possible gender differences were also examined. The Beery VMI was administered to 151 kindergarten children, aged 5 to 6 years, at the end of the school year. The data collection took place in seven schools, where the participants …

Promoting Client Goal Ownership In A Clinical Setting, Laura H. Vanpuymbrouck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Effective goal setting involves collaboration between the client and therapist and is an important component of occupational therapy practice. However, encouraging involvement and collaboration does not necessarily guarantee that client goals are incorporated into the treatment plan. The purpose of this innovative treatment program was to determine if providing a client with a venue for goal identification, documentation, and maintenance might impact participation and satisfaction in a day rehabilitation setting. Responses to a study satisfaction survey (Ss) were taken at baseline and immediately postintervention from the experimental (N = 11) and control (N = 10) groups and attendance rates were …

Effects Of Cognitive Status On Life Participation Of Cancer Survivors, Mary F. Baxter, Theresa Smith, Jennifer Wahowski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purposes of this study were to identify the cognitive status of cancer survivors, determine the effect of cognitive status on function and participation in daily activities, and explore how cancer survivors perceive changes in their cognition. The study used a quantitative nonexperimental cross-sectional design. The participants included 35 cancer survivors from two different sites. Instruments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Reintegration to Normal Index-Postal Version (RNLI-P) in the measurement of cognitive impairment and functional performance respectively. Data were also collected with a supplemental questionnaire to explore participants’ perspectives on their cognitive difficulties and current function. The …

Technological Guidelines: The Relationship Between Our Expanding Knowledge And Our Philosophical Assumptions, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Walking Performance Over The First 2 Minutes And The Full 6 Minutes Of The Six-Minute Walk Test, R. W. Bohannon, D. Bubela, S. Magasi, H. Mccreath, Y. C. Wang, D. Reuben, W. Z. Rymer, R. Gershon

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Fostering Active Learning Among Student Occupational Therapists Using Lonergan’S Generalized Empirical Method., Robert Faraci

Praxis Presentations

No abstract provided.

Use Of Excimer Laser For Morphea, Samah Hassan Hajjar, Sarah Beggs, Alison Ehrlich

GW Research Days 2014

Background and Objectives:

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a sclerotic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the skin but has the potential to involve fascia, muscle and bones. With no cure for this disfiguring disease, therapeutic modalities including topical regiments, immunosuppressive agents, antimalarial medications, and phototherapy are used to manage the symptoms and progression. While many treatments options are available, they vary in efficacy.

Methods:

We present a case of a 28-year-old woman with active sclerotic plaques distributed along her neck, left flank. She had previously failed therapy with topical steroids and methotrexate, and was started on hydroxychloroquine 400 …

Gender Differences Between Overall Resistance Work And Overall Energy Costs, Stephanie Lomasney, Amanda Lessard, Abby Steitz, Meg Bosse

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

No abstract provided.

Conservative Treatment Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, Brandan Holmquist

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The purpose of this literature review is to present a simple protocol for the treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament deficiency for one plane athletes like some track athletes and baseball and softball designated players whom defer surgical intervention until after the season is completed.

Conservative Treatment For Meniscus Rehabilitation, Nicole Spencer, Julie Willis

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The purpose of this review is to produce a nonsurgical treatment plan for meniscus injuries using therapeutic exercise, to eventually prepare the athlete for return to play after the sustained injury. Using therapeutic exercises, a rehabilitation program can be created for athletes who do not wish to pursue surgery. The treatment plan was designed for a soccer player who had a partially torn meniscus.

A Difference In Aerobic And Anaerobic Energy Costs During Weightlifting, Sarah Shapiro, Deline Dwelly

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Energy expenditure is usually estimated by total oxygen uptake. However, with weightlifting, very little oxygen is utilized during the lift. The majority of oxygen uptake happens during recovery (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, EPOC). The purpose of this study is to determine the significance of the anaerobic and EPOC phases during weightlifting exercises in estimation of total energy cost. We gathered data from 42 subjects (60 averaged trials) aging between 18 and 35 years. Each subject chose a comfortable weight and lifted to a cadence of 1.5 sec up and 1.5 sec down. Tests were given on two different occasions. We …

Integrating The Classroom, Clinic, And Use Of Simulation To Prepare Students For Working With Individuals With Sci, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L, Rob Hargraves, Ba, Gina Cooke, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background Information

• Students learn best through active engagement. Although experiences vary, practicing skills in clinical situations have proven to be an effective method.
• Practicing skills in a simulated controlled environment provides opportunities for students to receive feedback on their skills.
• Standardized patient experiences provide students a safe environment to practice clinical skills in challenging situations. These experiences have been shown to have a positive impact on learning.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, Jacqueline Knowles

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The purpose of this project is to examine an exercise-­‐based approach to rehabilitating an athlete with medial tibial stress syndrome. It presents specific exercises that can be used, and focuses on resolving the core of the problem instead of just addressing the symptom. This review attempts to provide a long-­‐term solution rather than providing a quick fix.

Revisiting Our Roots: Innovative Community-Based Psychosocial Fieldwork Programs: Classroom To Clinic, Susan Santalucia, Ms, Otr/L, Kimberly S. Mollo, Ms, Otr/L, Tina Angelis, Edd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objectives:

1. Understand the core components of a community-based level 1 psychosocial experience that bridge and enhance student classroom learning.

2. Examine strategies to identify, create, and maintain partnerships with community based sites.

3. Explore 2-3 learning activities and/or strategies that facilitate student learning during the Level 1 experience in a community based psychosocial setting.

Avoid, Accommodate, Confront Or Collaborate: Using Simulation To Teach Conflict Resolution Skills, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Deborah A. Hopkins, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objective:

• Interprofessional education competencies include understanding roles & responsibilities of team members, and demonstrating effective communication and team building skills (Pardue, 2013).
• Team conflict impacts patient safety and outcomes (Knickle & McNaughton, 2009; Wagner, Liston & Miller, 2011) so effective team communication and conflict resolution in an important skill for students to develop (Greer et al., 2012; Levi, 2014).
• Simulation is effective in teaching interprofessional communication skills to health profession students (Velde, 2009).

Implementation Of A Four Year Rehabilitation Curriculum For Medical Students, Nethra S. Ankam, Md

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

In 2009 the Vice-Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education modified the 4th year curriculum by eliminating the required clerkship in Rehabilitation Medicine, and the Department was tasked with the creation of a four year curricular thread. While disappointing, this was a blessing in disguise. For years, we attempted to fit a great deal of content into an ever decreasing timespan, to increasingly disinterested students. Our teachers were also burned out with the sheer volume of students.

Through collaboration with other course directors, we inserted content where it fit the developmental needs of the students. We were also able to introduce students …

Bridging The Evidence Gap: The Role Of Fieldwork Students, Tracey Vause-Earland, Ms, Otr/L, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

Understanding and using evidence in practice improves health care delivery (Lugtenberg, Burgers, & Westert, 2009), reduces errors, and increases professional identity. Despite the call for increased use of evidence in occupational therapy decision making and positive attitudes of therapists toward use of evidence in practice), evidence based practice (EBP) is perceived by clinicians as time consuming and difficult due to lack of knowledge and/or resources (Humphries, et al, 2000; Bennett et al, 2003).

Evaluating The Effects Of Grasp Patterns And Grip Strength On Handwriting Skills, Jennifer Bebey, Ots, Kelsey Engelstad, Ots, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background Information

• Handwriting is a critical and complex skill that school aged children acquire over time.
• When a child demonstrates handwriting difficulties, he or she may have challenges with:

Completing written school assignments in a timely fashion,

Taking notes,

Finishing homework,

Completing exams, especially short answer.

• 80% to 85% of occupational therapy referrals in schools are due to atypical grasp pattern, fine motor and handwriting concerns that affect a child’s educational performance.

Evidence-Based Health Literacy Training Program For Occupational Therapy Professionals : Program Development And Evaluation, Cheryl Miller-Scott

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This capstone project is a training program development and evaluation project. The purpose of the project was to develop, pilot, and evaluate an

evidence-based health literacy training program for occupational therapy professionals. Occupational therapy strives to be a science-driven profession, which provides client-centered care. Health literacy is a client-centered factor for which occupational therapy professionals require additional training to best serve their clients in all settings and across the lifespan. A review of health literacy literature was used in this project to develop the training program and offers a science-driven approach to this client-centered factor for occupational therapists to better …

Comparison Of Functional Network Connectivity For Passive-Listening And Active-Response Narrative Comprehension In Adolescents, Yingying Wang, Scott K. Holland

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Comprehension of narrative stories plays an important role in the development of language skills. In this study, we compared brain activity elicited by a passive-listening version and an active-response (AR) version of a narrative comprehension task by using independent component (IC) analysis on functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 21 adolescents (ages 14–18 years). Furthermore, we explored differences in functional network connectivity engaged by two versions of the task and investigated the relationship between the online response time and the strength of connectivity between each pair of ICs. Despite similar brain region involvements in auditory, temporoparietal, and frontoparietal language networks …

Understanding Atp-Mediated Vasodilatation In Humans, Anne R. Crecelius, Frank A. Dinenno

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Negative results, cynicism, the piecing together of puzzles and integrating physiology with experimental approaches are all part of the inspiring and meandering journey on the path to understand ATP-mediated vasodilatation. While it is satisfying to be "right" as scientists, we know sometimes the most important progress occurs when data are surprising or contrary to our original hypothesis. The pursuit of explanations for unexpected findings often leads to the best advancements. The story of how our laboratory came to investigate the underlying vasodilatator pathways of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an example of such a path to our current understanding.

Gdnf Content And Nmj Plasticity In Slow And Fast Twitch Myofibers Follows Recruitment In Exercise, Amy Morrison Gyorkos

Dissertations

Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) supports and maintains the neuromuscular system during development and through adulthood by promoting neuroplasticity. GDNF may play a role in delaying the onset of aging and help compress morbidity by preventing motor unit degeneration. Exercise has been shown to alter GDNF expression differently in slow and fast twitch myofibers. The aim of this dissertation project is to determine if different intensities of exercise can promote changes in GDNF expression and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology in slow and fast twitch muscle fibers. Skeletal muscle fibers were analyzed from adult Sprague Dawley rats aged 4 weeks …

Combination Therapy Of Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapic Injections And Sclerotherapy For Treatment Of Lower Leg Telangiectasia Without Major Venous Insufficiency: A Preliminary Clinical Study, Tommaso Iannitti, Valentina Rottigni, Federica Torricelli, Beniamino Palmieri

Physiology Faculty Publications

Background. Telangiectasia is the dilation of dermal capillaries mainly due to hypertension and vein insufficiency. Treatments of choice for this condition are sclerotherapy with foam liquid or intradermal fiber optic laser energy delivery. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new therapeutic approach consisting in the use of polymerized hyaluronic acid mesotherapicinjections following sclerotherapy in the areas of the skin affected by telangiectasia in patients without major vein insufficiency. Materials and Methods. A total of 20 women, aged between 19 and 64 years, affected by recurrent lower leg telangiectasia, were included in this study. …

Health, Wellness, And The Pursuit Of Happiness: Common Ground For Adults With Cerebral Palsy And Modern Physical Therapists, Lisa Blumberg, Mary E. Gannotti, Diana J. Larocco, Yvette Blanchard

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Health, wellness, and happiness are important long-term goals for adulthood, especially for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Physical therapists (PTs) can assist individuals with CP realize these goals; however it requires PTs to have a greater understanding of how to apply impairment, functional, or contextual interventions to meet these goals. A critical gap in knowledge exists about perceptions of happiness and health priorities of adults with CP. The purpose of this paper is to describe the beliefs, feelings, and perceptions of happiness and health of adults with CP as compared to adults without CP, specifically PTs.

Sex Differences In Human Fatigability: Mechanisms And Insight To Physiological Responses, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Sex-related differences in physiology and anatomy are responsible for profound differences in neuromuscular performance and fatigability between men and women. Women are usually less fatigable than men for similar intensity isometric fatiguing contractions. This sex difference in fatigability, however, is task specific because different neuromuscular sites will be stressed when the requirements of the task are altered, and the stress on these sites can differ for men and women. Task variables that can alter the sex difference in fatigability include the type, intensity and speed of contraction, the muscle group assessed and the environmental conditions. Physiological mechanisms that are responsible …

Sensory Electrical Stimulation Improves Foot Placement During Targeted Stepping Post-Stroke, Eric R. Walker, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Brian D. Schmit

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Proper foot placement is vital for maintaining balance during walking, requiring the integration of multiple sensory signals with motor commands. Disruption of brain structures post-stroke likely alters the processing of sensory information by motor centers, interfering with precision control of foot placement and walking function for stroke survivors. In this study, we examined whether somatosensory stimulation, which improves functional movements of the paretic hand, could be used to improve foot placement of the paretic limb. Foot placement was evaluated before, during, and after application of somatosensory electrical stimulation to the paretic foot during a targeted stepping task. Starting from standing, …