Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Making Moves: Magnifying The Move Inclusive Dance Professional Development Workshop 2025, Abigail G. Smith

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with MOVE Inclusive Dance in Nashville, Tennessee. MOVE Inclusive Dance is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all ability levels to learn life skills through dance. The aim of this project was to create a full-scale professional development program for special education teachers to learn how to incorporate movement into their classrooms. An occupational therapy-based handout was created using evidence-based research and provided to all workshop participants. The project involved planning and executing the workshop, while also providing participants with resources to learn more about to importance of movement in …

An App-Based Education Course Empowering Coaches To Support Neurodivergent Athletes, Caroline Morton, Karen Park

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurodivergent children face significant barriers to participation in youth sports due to a lack of coach education and inclusive practices, which limits access to the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits of recreational activities. This doctoral capstone project aimed to address these barriers through the development and implementation of CoachAbility, an app-based educational course designed to equip youth sports coaches with neurodiversity-affirming approaches. The course includes interactive modules, scenario-based quizzes, and downloadable resources covering key areas such as sensory processing, communication, emotional regulation, inclusion, family collaboration, and motor skill development. Participating coaches at KidStrong Carlsbad completed the course over four …

Opening The Outdoors: Experiences Of Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color (Bipoc) Adults In Outdoor Occupations To Support Mental Health, Jasmine Reynoso, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed methods study explores the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) adults in exploring and engaging in outdoor occupations to support mental health. Through 15 survey responses and 2 semi-structured interviews, data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflective thematic analysis. The findings revealed three overarching themes: Barriers to Outdoor Occupations, Facilitators to Encourage Participation, and Personally Experienced Benefits. Participants explained how outdoor activities contribute to improved mental health, emotional regulation, and a sense of holistic well-being. By addressing the gap in research on nature-based occupations within BIPOC communities, this study highlights the need …

Discovering The Cultural Impacts On Asian American, Pacific Islander (Aapi) Occupations From Adolescent Experiences, Jasmine Chew, Karen Park

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Among the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) population, there is a gap in mental health (MH) utilization and seeking support for anxiety and depression (Wu et al., 2021). Adolescents experience a higher risk for self-isolating behaviors and struggle to find appropriate support (Ai et al., 2022; Santos & Kawabata, 2023). Based on cultural and socio-political contexts, what is the occupational impact on AAPI adolescents? How do cultural factors impact the utilization of community-based MH services?

Method: A convergent mixed methods study of unobtrusive data (n = 14), surveys (n = 29), and interviews (n = 4) was …

Family-Centered Care In Pediatric Oncology, Olivia B. Hope, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pediatric cancer is a medical condition defined by the development of cancerous cells in children and adolescents. Play is a child’s job; it creates a sense of belonging, fills their internal desire to participate in various environments, and allows them to develop sensory, motor, and cognitive skills. The PEOP model further structured this study by providing a comprehensive framework that considers the interactions between the child, their environment, and their occupational participation. This research project used a qualitative, exploratory design to understand how play-based interventions may enhance FCC in the pediatric oncology setting. Thematic analysis was utilized to create five …

Exploring The Benefits Of Nature-Based Occupations And Transition Into Retirement, Kelly Gorton, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster outlines a doctoral capstone project that explores how nature-based occupations can support older adults transitioning into retirement, addressing their unique needs and improving their overall quality of life. The transition into retirement can be a challenging time, often accompanied by anxiety, loss of routine, and social isolation. Nature-based occupations offer significant benefits, such as improved mood, reduced stress, a sense of purpose, and increased social engagement. This poster emphasizes the importance of understanding older adults' attitudes and behaviors toward nature-based occupations to maximize their benefits. It also examines how occupational therapists can integrate nature-based interventions to help older …

Employee Wellness In Acute Mental Health Settings – An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Ethan Gross, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster outlines a doctoral capstone project focused on addressing the holistic factors influencing patient recovery and well-being in acute mental health settings. A comprehensive needs assessment was conducted to identify knowledge gaps, sources of staff stress, and environmental barriers impacting occupational performance. Findings informed the development of a staff-focused program aimed at mitigating stressors and enhancing therapeutic engagement. In addition, a report will be created with evidence-based recommendations for physical environment modifications to support both patient and employee well-being and occupational participation

Live Music Events: The Lived Experiences For People With Disabilities, Miya Y. Rodriguez, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Live music events present barriers to people with disabilities, limiting participation and full engagement at these events. This capstone project aimed to understand the lived experience of people with disabilities at live music events. A mixed methods research study and optional interview to gather data were used. Through thematic analysis, three themes were presented: physical barriers, more than just music, and the lack of education on invisible disabilities. These outcomes from the research express additional accommodations centered around physical barriers, an understanding that there are more occupations at these events besides just the music, and a need for more inclusion …

Promoting Occupational Balance For High School Student-Athletes Transitioning To College, Angilea Foster, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this proposal is to outline my vision of my capstone project focused on the transition of high school athletes to their first year of collegiate sports while maintaining occupational balance. The average high school student who is beginning their transition into their first year of college can find this journey to be difficult and come with a lot of new responsibilities. There are changes within their current roles, routines, and habits that affect their ability to be successful within the first year of college, which can result in not returning to the college or university the second …

Lived Experience Of Caregivers Of Individuals Labeled With Schizophrenia, Nicolette C. Hamilton, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the capstone project was to explore the experience of caregivers of an individual labeled with schizophrenia and create educational materials beneficial to caregivers at partnering site. Caregivers of individuals labeled with schizophrenia can face mental health concerns, such as anxiety, stress, or depression, which may or may not be due to the demands of being a caregiver. The occupational impact of these mental health concerns is noted in literature, but the potential for occupational therapy to address these occupational concerns has not been identified for this caregiver population specifically. The purpose of the project was to learn …

Exploring The Lived Experience Of Growing Up With A Neurodivergent Sibling, Madison Hall, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurotypical siblings of neurodivergent children often experience unique roles, responsibilities, and emotional challenges within their family systems, yet their needs are frequently overlooked in service delivery models. This mixed methods study explored the lived experiences of individuals who grew up with neurodivergent siblings, focusing on the occupations, routines, and play experiences that shaped their development. Four themes emerged through thematic analysis of survey responses and semi-structured interviews: (1) play as a reconstructed experience, (2) role imbalance in daily life, (3) environmental influences on occupational engagement, and (4) navigating emotional demands. Findings highlight the need for occupational therapists to include neurotypical …

Promoting Participation In Preferred Leisure Activities At Bridges For Parkinson's, Amy J. Griffin

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed in partnership with Bridges for Parkinson’s, a local nonprofit offering specialized fitness classes for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. The goal of this project was to promote participation in preferred leisure activities, including pickleball, golf, and hiking, and provide education to care partners. Programming was developed with adapted preparatory exercises and activities corresponding to leisure activities in fitness classes. Clients were provided with the opportunity to participate in leisure activities at an off-site location at the end of the week. Participants engaged in pickleball, golf, and hiking while socializing with others with …

From Data To Impact: Integrating Research, Data Analysis, And Data Visualizations To Shape The Future Of Stroke Rehabilitation, Abigail Mcnaughton

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project highlights the essential role of research in advancing occupational therapy (OT) practice and underscores the importance of data analysis and visualization in enhancing the communication and dissemination of research findings. Grounded in the Myers and Lotz Framework for Evidence-Based Practice and the CO-OP approach to problem-solving, the experience was structured around three core pillars: (1) gaining hands-on experience as a research therapist, (2) conducting in-depth data analysis, and (3) creating effective data visualizations to support scientific communication.

As a research therapist, I contributed to two ongoing studies: the Cognitive Priming (Cog-P) study and the Patient Quality Rating …

Critical Time Intervention For People Experiencing Homelessness At Room In The Inn, Kristen N. Hocklander

OTD Capstone Projects

Room In The Inn is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization serving people experiencing homelessness in Nashville, Tennessee. Their services include a day center where participants have access to essential needs, classes through Hope University, the lunch program, transitional and permanent housing, the winter shelter program, and guest house and recuperative care beds. The purpose of this capstone experience was to collaborate with Room In The Inn staff and participants to increase efficiency from intake into the guest house to housing readiness. Room In The Inn’s services were presented in a flow chart and prioritized based on participants’ levels of …

After-School Program For Teens With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Hayden E. Davis

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2023) with 31% of children with ASD having an Intellectual Disability (ID) (Autism Speaks, 2023), and 1 in every 700 babies are born with Down Syndrome (CDC, 2023b). According to the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (Shattuck et al, 2011) nearly 40% of individuals with ASD after exiting high school were not receiving any services, such as occupational therapy, case management, medical assessments, etc. The purpose of this capstone is to implement an after-school program for teens with Intellectual and Developmental …

Raising Awareness Of Visual Impairments And The Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid (Naveg), Molli Wilkins

OTD Capstone Projects

Blind Early Services Tennessee (BEST) is a nonprofit organization providing early intervention services to children with visual impairments and their families. Through a partnership with BEST, this doctoral capstone project aimed to raise awareness of visual impairments and promote the use of the Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid (NAVEG). The NAVEG is a validated, non-invasive screening tool designed to identify neurological risk for Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) in infants. The project aimed to educate healthcare providers and establish partnerships with Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), to ultimately increase early referrals to ophthalmology and early intervention services. A secondary focus of …

Promoting Safe Caregiving For Parents With Cognitive And Intellectual Challenges At Nurses For Newborns, Jaimie Thomison

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee. Nurses for Newborns is a nonprofit organization that provides critical healthcare services to infants, new mothers, and expecting mothers who experience a wide range of medical, economic, environmental, and social risks. Registered nurses serve families using an evidence-informed, home visiting model. The aim of this project was to increase support for new mothers who have cognitive or intellectual challenges by providing resources and training staff on how to best serve these clients. The resources included customizable visual schedules, a safe sleep checklist, sensory modifications for …

The Center For Courageous Kids Universally Designed Pre-Recorded Dance Program, Amanda L. Parsley

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was created to serve the children, families, and volunteers at The Center of Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY. The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) is an accessible medical camp that provides children with serious illnesses the opportunity to attend camp at no cost. This allows the campers to have fun, create community and escape their everyday challenges. The camp hosts weekend retreats for families throughout the school year and offers population-specific week-long independent camps during the summer. Due to the structure of the camp, it relies heavily on volunteers to operate. With that in mind, this …

Psychological Treatment Behind The Walls:Insights From The Inside, Rogelio Serrano

Psychology Division Scholarship

Repeated eras of mass incarceration, criminalization of marginalized communities, and substance use policies have created a revolving door of justice involved populations. The ever-increasing prison population has repeatedly become the largest contingency of mental health clientele for an overburdened mental health system. Those who work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the community often don’t know the unique set of challenges faced by practitioners within the system. Increased understanding and coordination of care can offer opportunities for sustained recovery and reduced levels of recidivism. In this presentation participants will learn about the unique insights on mental health treatment that can be …

Gray Matter Morphology And Pain-Related Disability In Young Adults With Low Back Pain, Jo Armour Smith, Rongwen Tain, Isaac Chrisman, Kelli G. Sharp, Laura M. Glynn, Linda R. Van Dillen, Jesse V. Jacobs, Steven C. Cramer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Structural neuroplasticity in the brain may contribute to the persistence of low back pain (LBP) symptoms and the disability associated with them. It is not known if structural adaptations are evident early in the lifespan in young adults with LBP. This study compared gray matter in cortical sensorimotor regions in young adults with and without persistent LBP and identified gray matter and clinical predictors of pain-related disability. Eighty-two individuals with and without a history of LBP participated. Peak and average gray matter density in cortical sensorimotor regions of interest was quantified using voxel-based morphometry. Pain-related disability, pain intensity, pain duration, …

Advancing Scoliosis Care Through Pilates Training, Certification, And Outreach Initiatives, Jaryn Toms

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP), a Pilates studio specializing in scoliosis that serves clients from adolescents to older adults. SSP offers virtual and in-person private lessons, group classes, teacher training, and a scoliosis-focused retreat. These services are designed to educate individuals with scoliosis and movement practitioners on evidence-based, functional correction movements that support daily living. The primary objective of this project was to expand SSP’s educational reach through the development of new Pilates training, certifications, and outreach efforts. The primary outcome included the creation of an online certification program eligible for continuing …

Impact Of A Case-Based Learning Module: Integrating Authentic Treatment Videos, Electronic Documentation, And Hands-On Simulation, Emily Martin

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Developing student confidence and competence is essential for effective fieldwork preparation in occupational therapy (OT) education. Educators use diverse instructional methods to foster clinical readiness, including case-based learning (CBL), video cases, documentation practice, and simulation. CBL enhances critical thinking, clinical reasoning, self-awareness, and confidence. With advancements in technology, video CBL has become more accessible, using authentic patient videos to promote higher-level clinical reasoning, documentation, and communication skills, especially when paired with complementary learning activities. CBL video cases offer a logical opportunity to incorporate structured documentation training, an area in which health professions students often report feeling underprepared. Simulation …

An Exploration Of The Use Of Tier I Occupational Therapy Services In An Elementary School, Emilee Schumacher

Honors Theses

This project aimed to explore how and to what extent school-based occupational therapists implement Tier 1 interventions within an elementary school setting. The research involved conducting interviews with occupational therapists and observing their interactions with students to better understand the scope and nature of the services they provide. During the project, several Tier 1 services were identified, with a particular focus on addressing fine motor skills, social-emotional development, and gross motor skills. Several benefits of implementing tier 1 services in the school setting were identified. The challenges school-based occupational therapy practitioners face when implementing Tier 1 services in the elementary …

Development Of A Scale To Evaluate Key Attributes Of Academic Advisors Essential To Physical Therapy Students, Robin M. Baker, Jamie L. Greco

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Acknowledging the crucial role of academic advising in enhancing student success, professionalism, and personal growth, this paper advocates for a shift from traditional reactive methods to proactive, personalized advising strategies that have been shown to improve retention and satisfaction rates in higher education. Our study highlights the development of a comprehensive scale through rigorous validity assessments to measure key attributes of academic advisors essential to physical therapy students (PTS). This scale, refined through extensive feedback from faculty and PTS over two development phases, consists of 18 items on a 4-point Likert scale, which together map the complex landscape of effective …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Firefighter Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Prevention, Scott Richardson, Andrew Haight, Kassandra Sanchez, Madison Jepperson, Kelsey Houston, Lauren Schembs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Organized firefighting began in ancient Rome in 300BC, with the first fire engines in the 17^th century. Modern firefighters face extreme personal risk, responding to emergency situations and providing life-saving public support. Cardiovascular disease events account for 45% of on-duty fatalities among firefighters. Cardiovascular health in firefighters is not only important for immediate job performance but also for long-term health. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an educational intervention to influence firefighter knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention. Method: A literature review determined that cardiovascular health was the leading knowledge deficit among firefighters …

Exploring Clinical Instructors' Views On Effective Role Modeling In Physical Therapy Education: Insights From A Qualitative Study Through The Lens Of Social Cognitive Theory, Brittney M. Gunterstockman, Kellee Harper-Hanigan, Andrew Bartlett, Ian Rheault, Karen Menard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acting as a role model is an essential competency and requirement for physical therapy clinical instructors. The social cognitive theory may explain how physical therapy students learn from clinical instructors during clinical education experiences. This theory suggests that individuals learn through observation of models who are competent, credible, enthusiastic, and similar to the observer. This study aimed to explore clinical instructors’ perceptions of effective role modeling. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study used one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews with clinical instructors (n=7) to explore effective role modeling in physical therapy clinical education. Inductive coding was used to develop codes and themes …

An Exploration Of Student Experiences And Perceptions Of A Physiotherapy Student-Led Clinic, Donna Wynne, Elizabeth Hancock Professor, Emma Stage, Kay Cooper Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Student-Led Clinics (SLCs) offer a structured, real-life learning environment for healthcare students, where they provide services under supervision. SLCs can facilitate increased confidence with clinical reasoning, improve skill development and enhance leadership skills. Existing research has generally captured students' experiences at the end of their SLC participation, lacking a longitudinal perspective and therefore, little is known about how students’ perceptions develop over time. This study aimed to explore physiotherapy students' experiences in a neurological rehabilitation SLC, with a focus on participants’ perceptions captured after attending specific SLC sessions and over the course of multiple SLC sessions. Methods: Using interpretative …

Feasibility Of A Prescribed Walking Program In Older Adults With Dizziness: Challenges And Recommendations From A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial, Amie Jasper, Mary T. Blackinton, Joann Gallichio, Anne Galgon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Walking for endurance is a component of vestibular rehabilitation (VR); however, there is no study on increasing the physical activity of older adults with peripheral vestibular hypofunction through a prescribed walking program. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic randomized controlled trial on a prescribed walking program in a clinical environment; specifically, to determine recruitment, data collection retention, and adherence, and to estimate the variances of treatment outcomes. Method: Seventeen patients were randomly assigned into vestibular rehabilitation with walking with pedometer (VRWP), vestibular rehabilitation with walking without pedometer (VRW), and VR only. Recruitment, data …

Simulation Based Learning And Development Of Clinical Decision-Making Skills, As Perceived By Dpt Students, A Qualitative Analysis, Fabian Bizama, Kristy Demers, Mansoor Alameri, Derrick F. Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been shown to help Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students transfer academic skills to a range of clinical settings. However, the perceived beneficial and not beneficial elements of SBL have not been fully explored. While most research has focused on acute care settings, previously published findings demonstrated that an SBL course with outpatient-based scenarios can have a significant impact on the development of clinical decision-making (CDM) skills in DPT students; however, details on perceived successful elements were not explored. The purpose of this study was to explore what factors DPT students perceive as helpful and …

Quantifying Afo Use, Fit, And Function Via Outcome Measures By Physical Therapists, Jennifaye V. Brown, Julie Suhr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: For individuals with cerebrovascular accident (IwCVA), there is no outcome measure considered as the gold standard to justify ankle foot orthosis (AFO) use, fit, and function and that takes into consideration inherent properties of the AFO. Data is lacking indicating AFO effectiveness, which can be used to justify insurance reimbursement for the cost of more efficient mechanisms to produce person-centered AFOs using scanning and 3D printing technology, as is commonly done for individuals with lower extremity amputation requiring a prosthesis. Methods: This study surveyed physical therapists (PTs) via electronic medium to inquire about their knowledge and use of AFO-specific …