Creating Caregiver Education Resources Forcaregivers Of Adults With Alzheimer’S And Dementia, Mary C. Upton

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This project addressed the significant issue of caregiver burden experienced by individuals caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop simplified and easy-to-understand educational resources for these caregivers, focusing on strategies for managing loved ones, community resources, and physical and emotional wellness. The project aimed to enhance the caregiving experience and reduce caregiver burden by increasing their knowledge of physical and cognitive changes, available resources, and self-care strategies.

The project involved caregivers and staff at a dementia-specific medical-model day memory care program. The primary deliverable was a four-part “Caring …

Examining The Features Of Former Research Regarding Substance Abuse Treatment, Autumn Gonzales

Posters - 2025

“Drug misuse is one of the major social, legal, and publichealth challenges in the modern world” (Nutt et al., 2007). This study explored the characteristics of former research on substance abuse treatment approaches and treatment settings. Past literature showed short-term treatment can be beneficial depending on what works best for the individual and studies have shown short-term treatment has helped individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). However, long-term treatment is the preferred method for individuals as it has a lower chance of relapse. A small systematic review was conducted from which data were coded of former published articles. A frequency …

The Acute Effects Of High-Intensity Functional Training On Inhibitory Control, Julia Daniel, Amaryllis Rubalcaba, Brianna Valadez

Posters - 2025

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), such as CrossFit®, integrates high-intensity, multi-joint movements and has gained attention for its potential to enhance both physical and cognitive performance. While acute resistance exercise (RE) is known to influence physiological responses like heart rate variability (HRV) and cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, the specific effects of CrossFit®—a structured HIFT program—on cognitive outcomes remain underexplored, particularly when comparing trained CrossFit participants to untrained or non-CrossFit populations. HIFT’s unique combination of cardiorespiratory and muscular stress may uniquely enhance cognitive processing speed and response stability, especially in individuals with chronic CrossFit® experience. However, it is unclear how …

Understanding The Challenges And Opportunities For Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy In Filipino Physical Therapy Practice: An Exploratory Survey, Oliver Ang, Lily Ann Bautista, Maria Carmela Gerella, Roly Dimol, Arvie Vitente, Ulysses Juntilla, Michael Brian Gasidan

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) is renowned for its positive biophysical and psychosocial effects, making it an important tool in clinical practice. Although OMPT has long been a stable intervention used in developed countries, its adoption has spiked in developing countries, including the Philippines. Despite this progress, no comprehensive study has explored the factors that may hinder or enable Filipino physical therapists (PTs) from utilizing OMPT into their daily clinical practice. The aim of this study was to conduct a thorough behavioral analysis to determine Filipino PTs' capabilities, opportunities, and motivations for using orthopedic manual therapy in their clinical …

A Wellness And Social Engagement Program For Post-Lower Limb Amputees, Graciela Gonzalez, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

A wellness and social engagement program was developed and implemented to provide education relating to the mental health impacts, decrease in health management, and lack of social participation after a lower-limb amputation amongst adults, 18 years or older. The program provided a manual with educational information, external resources, and visual aids to enhance independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Clinical Case Study: The Effects Of Saltatory Pneumotactile Stimulation Of Glabrous Hand And Perioral Face On Cerebral Oxygenation, Cognitive Performance, And Sensorimotor Function In An Adult Following Left Hemorrhagic Stroke, Tara L. Hull

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Stroke remains a leading cause of adult disability and a significant global health concern. Effective rehabilitation strategies for cognitive and communicative impairments following stroke are limited (Kuhn & Sharman, 2023). One emerging approach involves repetitive somatosensory stimulation to drive cerebral hemodynamic changes, potentially offering a novel rehabilitative method. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive, accessible tool for monitoring these changes during stroke recovery. Prior studies suggest tactile stimulation rapidly affects brain hemodynamics (Custead et al., 2015; Oh et al., 2017). This clinical single-case study explored the use of GALILEO saltatory pneumotactile stimulation applied to the face and hand in …

Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, And Perspectives Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Hispanic Populations, Karla C. Vidaurri, Ruth Crutchfield, Jessica R. Stewart

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

Purpose: With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations.

Method: A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored …

Physical Therapy Outcome Measures Used In Persons With Long Covid: A Systematic Review Of Interventional Studies Up To 1-Year Postglobal Health Emergency, Andrea Lopes Sauers, Liana Johnson, Marissa Mortensen, Laura Bianca Dorásio Da Silva, Luciana Angélica Da Silva De Jesus, Jaime González, Cristino Oliveira

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose:

To identify the most frequently used outcome measures in interventional studies for Long Covid in outpatient, home-based, and telerehabilitation physical therapy settings.

Methods:

Registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021286714) and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, this review included interventional studies performed in outpatient, telerehabilitation, or home-based physical therapy settings, assessing adults with persistent Long Covid symptoms in at least 3 months post-COVID-19 infection and published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. A comprehensive search strategy was executed across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PEDro, SciELO, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Data were managed via Covidence, with studies independently screened and extracted by …

A Collective Approach: Enhancing Population Health And Social Drivers Of Health Through Interprofessional Education And Collaboration, Arvie Vitente

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Interprofessional Education And Collaboration In The Philippines: Current Landscape, Gaps, And Propositions, Arvie Vitente, Michael Sy, Reeva Ann Sumulong, Anna Karerina Causapin, Jocel Regino

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a forward-looking strategy in healthcare education that unites students and professionals from various disciplines to enhance interprofessional collaboration (IPC). IPE is designed to prepare future health and social care professionals to navigate and address the complexities of modern healthcare systems. In the Philippines, despite being a developing country with a fragmented healthcare system, there have been efforts over the last 15 to 20 years to introduce and institutionalize IPE and IPC in both higher education and healthcare settings. However, significant challenges persist, including the dominance of medical professionals, inadequate regulatory mechanisms, and a lack of strong …

Invited Commentary On Interprofessional Education And Collaboration In The Philippines: Current Landscape, Gaps, And Propositions, Naomi De Aro, Ma. Cecilia Licuan

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Physiotherapy In Community-Based Rehabilitation In Middle And Low-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Er D. Petil Jr., Napoleon R. Caballero

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation.

Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the …

The Contribution Of Individual Movements To The Learning Of A Movement Sequence, Hannah K. Ammons

Senior Theses

This thesis explores how the overall learning of a motor sequence through repeated practice is impacted by the individual movement’s components. Changes seen in the response time, peak velocity, and the hand path distance were examined whilst considering the Fitts’s ID and inertial demands of the individual movements. During data collection, twenty-four right-handed participants completed a series of repeated and random reaching movements that varied in direction and distance in a 3D virtual environment. When considering only the repeated sequences, the results indicated significant improvement in both the hand path distance and response time across all target combos, specifically Target …

The Benefits Of Blood Flow Restriction Training Combined With Low-Load Resistance Training In Arthritis Treatment: A Scoping Review, Maya L. Butcher, Dr. Christine Pellegrini, Kailyn Horn

Senior Theses

Background: Arthritis is a condition affecting millions worldwide, with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being the most common forms. Resistance training is a widely accepted intervention to strengthen muscles and support joint function, however, high-load resistance training may exacerbate joint pain. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training, which involves applying controlled vascular occlusion during low-intensity resistance exercises, has gained attention as a potential alternative to promote muscle growth and strength with minimal joint stress. Objective: This scoping review aims to explore the benefits of BFR techniques in conjunction with low-intensity resistance training for the treatment of arthritis. Methods …

Traumatic Brain Injury And Substance Use Disorder: A Clinic Based Exploratory Study, Steven Daniel Wheeler, Amanda Acord-Vira, Cecelia Simons, Kaleigh Papez, Jeremy Dixon, Cortland Nesley

Graduate Student Scholarship

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance use disorders (SUD) are common co-occurring conditions that have been investigated in isolation over the past several decades. Research regarding the conditions in unison have yielded conflicting results; however, there is a clear correlation linking negative implications of one condition on the other.

Objectives: To explore factors contributing to SUD among persons screening positive for a history of TBI and to validate the importance of screening for TBI as part of the SUD treatment program intake process.

Setting: Outpatient SUD treatment programs across West Virginia.

Design: Exploratory Study.

Methods: Those who screened positive …

I Couldn't Change His Nappy: New Mothers' Experiences Of De Quervain's Tendinosis And Its Impact On Occupational Performance, Caroline Khama, Marina Ciccarelli, Julie Brayshaw, Megan Hatfield, Thuy Tran

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: De Quervain's stenosing tendinosis (DQST) is common in new mothers because of awkward wrist postures during repetitive mothering occupations such as nursing and lifting their baby. However, little is known about how DQST affects occupations of first-time mothers. This study aimed to explore the experiences of first-time mothers living with DQST and how it affects performance of their motherhood occupations. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study design was used. Participants were 15 first-time mothers of a child aged ≤24 months, with a current or previous diagnosis of DQST, and/or non-trauma-related symptoms of pain, tenderness, and/or swelling near the base of …

Evaluating Asthma Education: A Comparison Of Whatsapp-Based Digital Interventions And Traditional Techniques, Rama Parthasarathy, Jayakumar Rajagopal, Sona Primuha Sugumaran, Sharon Angelin Johnson, Sai Shyam Kumar Nappa Selvam, Karthikeyan Ramaraju

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background and Aims: Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all age group, which is characterized by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airway. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are the symptoms. The main complication faced by asthma patient is poor medication adherence; to overcome this patient counseling was performed. In this patient education was given through both digital and direct approaches. It is important to find out whether the above-mentioned approaches improve medication adherence. This research specifically investigates whether digital approaches through WhatsApp can directly improve asthma control compared to traditional methods. Methods: A prospective …

Bridging Resources For Occupational Therapists And Children At Mckenna Farms, Audrey S. Morris

OTD Capstone Projects

Mckenna Farms Therapy Services is a therapeutic riding center that offers hippotherapy and therapeutic riding services. They also offer therapy services such as: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as well. This project focused on creating online occupational therapy resources (e.g., activities, worksheets, handouts). This project also included making a pamphlet that provided inclusive experiences in the Northwest Georgia area for children/families. The deliverables of this project are the online occupational therapy resource binder easily accessible in a google drive, and the physical pamphlet with information on inclusive experiences.

Women’S Health Considerations In Traumatic Brain Injury, Sindhoori Nalla

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

Purpose of Review: Biological sex differences are an important factor to consider when treating TBI, as there can be a disproportionate manifestation of symptoms and recovery process when comparing females to males. Historically, these differences have not been well studied, and there is still much to be understood as to why these differences exist. Recent Findings: A number of factors are thought to contribute to disparities with women who have a TBI, including lack of well-designed research studies focused on women, hormonal fluctuations at the time of and as a result of a TBI, psychosocial comorbidities, and societal norms/expectations. While …

Ai Made Simple: A Practical Guide For Pt Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Brad Dexter, Megan Frazee

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

The 4-Element Movement System Model, Applications For Clinical Instructors And Novice Clinicians, Elizabeth Wellsandt, Sara E. Bills, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Proximal Hamstring Strain - Current State Of Practice, Mike Wellsandt

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Connecting Disciplines: Dermatologists Discuss Skin Cancer Screening In Physical Therapy, Michael T. Robinson, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Background: This study aims to explore dermatologists’ perspectives on the integration of skin cancer screening within physical therapy practice. The hypothesis is that insights from dermatologists can enhance the efficacy and accuracy of skin cancer screening by physical therapists (PTs), thereby improving early detection rates and patient outcomes. Methods: A total of five dermatologists participated in this study, each with between 5 and 18 years of experience and a diverse range of expert opinions and insights. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with participating dermatologists. The interview questions focused on their knowledge of skin cancer screening, perceptions of its implementation …

Optimizing Interventions For Major Depressive Disorder And Provider Burnout: Self-Speak Exercise Dosing (Sed), Laureen Maloney-Gepfert

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is ranked highest among mental illnesses in the United States (US) and significantly contributes to the mental health care crisis. Patients experience resistance to pharmacologic interventions, side effects, co-morbidities, and mental health provider shortages. Subsequently, 33 % of Serious Mental Illnesses (SMIs) are being redirected to Primary Care Providers (PCPs). Concurrently, prescriber mental health is in crisis. Growing workloads for physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) have increased provider burnout syndrome (BOS). Major Depressive Disorder and BOS are positively affected by exercise, Cognitive Restructuring (CR), and Behavioral Activation (BA). Sports medicine and psychology research shows …

Operating Room Acquired Pressure Injury Prevention, Audrey E. Dillon, Lexi K. Johnston, Grace L. Johnston, Amy N. Cochran

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Our change project focuses on preventing pressure injuries in OR patients using an alternating pressure overlay and gel pad system during surgery and recovery. Pressure injuries cost the healthcare system upwards of $26 billion annually, and surgery patients are at high risk due to prolonged immobility, constant pressure on one area, hemodynamic changes, and excessive moisture. Nurses can play a critical role in reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes by utilizing proper training and outcome tracking. The estimated cost of implementing this system is $37,000, significantly lower than the long-term cost of pressure injuries. Key
stakeholders include nurse managers, …

Spasticity And Pain And The Improvement Of Muscle Strength In Athletes With Partial Spinal Cord Injury, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Kinga Łosińska, Magdalena Prończuk, Alicja Markiel, Jarosław Markowski, Jan Pilch, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Spasticity and chronic pain are common secondary complications following spinal cord injury (SCI), significantly impacting functional recovery and quality of life. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Lokomat has been proposed as an effective rehabilitation method to improve motor function and reduce these symptoms. However, the impact of training frequency on rehabilitation outcomes remains unclear, particularly in athletes and physically active individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lokomat training on spasticity reduction, pain alleviation, and improvements in gait function and lower limb muscle strength in athletes and physically active individuals with partial SCI. A total of 45 …

Effect Of Prehabilitation On Functional Outcomes And Hospital Length Of Stay Following Total Joint Arthroplasty, Kristin Nicole Kaplewicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine how prehabilitation effects functional outcomes and length of stay in patients that have undergone total joint arthroplasties. Patients have continued to report being unhappy with their results of surgery and a large majority of the time is secondary to patients not being appropriately prepared for what to expect during their surgical recovery period. This information is important because occupational therapists and physical therapists continue to strive to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. One of the ethical principles that healthcare providers commit to achieving is that of beneficence which means the clinicians must …

Using The 5ms Framework To Advance Aging-Responsive Care For Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, Abigail Latimer, Debra K. Moser, Jia-Rong Wu, Kim K. Birtcher, Malachy J. Clancy, Jennifer D. Portz, Joanna Paladino, Daniel D. Matlock, Christopher E. Knoepke

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Complexity of care is the inevitable consequence of an aging population and is particularly true in instances where patients are managing chronic conditions such as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). HFrEF itself is complex, with an undulating course of illness, increased risk of sudden cardiac death, and myriad accompanying treatment considerations. Generalist management of HFrEF among older patients is further complicated by competing comorbidities, potential for financial toxicity, potential for mental health symptoms, and risk of care with does not align with goals and preferences. The 5Ms (multicomplexity, mind, mobility, medications, and matters most) is a holistic conceptualization …

Generative Artificial Intelligence In Education: Insights From Rehabilitation Sciences Students, Robert Dekerlegand, Alison Bell, Malachy Clancy, Erin Pletcher, Travis Pollen

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Little is known about how students in rehabilitation sciences accept and use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their educational endeavors. We explored student perceptions, acceptance, and utilization of GenAI in school and their beliefs about its usefulness and ease of use. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted of adult students enrolled in rehabilitation sciences programs within a private urban academic university. The survey was based on the Technology Acceptance Model with questions specific to the use of GenAI in school. A total of 196 responses were included in the analysis (32.9% response rate), with responses received across all rehabilitation sciences …

Rethinking Systematic Review Assignment Design In Graduate Health Science Education: Librarians' Perspectives, Laura Lipke, Carrie Price Mls

Library Scholarship

Background: This article examines the problematic phenomenon of faculty assigning graduate health science students systematic reviews as semester-based assignments while expecting a health science librarian to be a willing support system for those students. Despite published conduct and reporting guidelines establishing that systematic reviews require a team, time, and methodological expertise, some faculty still turn to full systematic review assignments in the classroom. The authors propose applying cognitive load theory and chunking the systematic review process into manageable steps, allowing both faculty and students to better understand the required methodologies and to enhance educational outcomes.

Experience: The authors have often …