Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Inclusiveness With Sensory Maps; Enhancing Engagement In A Children's Museum, Victoria E. Davila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sensory processing challenges can affect a child’s ability to engage in play, especially when participating in community activities. When a child feels overwhelmed by sensory features in an environment, such as noise or bright lights in a community space, they may experience sensory overload. Caregivers often observe this behavior but may not have access to resources to help their child navigate these challenges. This capstone project aimed to implement a program development initiative at the Discovery Children’s Museum focused on developing sensory-inclusive resources for caregivers visiting the museum with a child. The role of occupational therapy in this project is …

An Occupation-Based Protocol For Mobile-Gaming Ergonomics, Lan Doan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The increasing prevalence of mobile gaming has introduced unique ergonomic challenges that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate the practicality and preliminary effectiveness of an ergonomic protocol designed to improve posture, reduce pain, and maintain gaming performance among mobile gamers. A pre-post design was implemented with two participants aged 18–34 years. The six-week intervention included ergonomic education, postural training, scheduled breaks, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. Quantitative data on gaming performance using Call of Duty Mobile Scores, pain assessed through the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire …

The Lotus Project: An Occupation-Based Online Module To Support Healthy Matrescence, Virginia Genato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Becoming a mother is a meaningful life event that occurs amid complex physical, psychological, and social changes. During this period, individuals undergo an occupational role transition as they assume new caregiver responsibilities while navigating contextual demands. The ease of this transition influences overall maternal adjustment. The dominant sociocultural model of intensive mothering promotes child-centered caregiving, often at the expense of maternal well-being and adjustment. Efforts to meet these expectations may disrupt an individual’s transition into motherhood and place them at risk for developing postpartum mental health challenges.

The concept of matrescence provides a developmental framework that views motherhood as an …

Promoting Classroom Management Through Elementary Teacher Education On Movement-Based Social-Emotional Learning, Daija Renee Georgette

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project addressed a knowledge gap among K–5 th–grade teachers at Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) regarding the purpose, benefits, and educational value of movement-based brain breaks. Although CCA currently incorporates social–emotional learning (SEL) frameworks such as the Zones of Regulation, teachers have received limited training on how structured movement opportunities can enhance student engagement, attention, and regulation. This program aimed to strengthen teachers’ understanding and confidence by providing a series of evidence-informed workshops that explored the connections among movement, self-regulation, and classroom management.

The project consisted of orientation, teacher recruitment, needs assessment, workshop development, and program delivery over …

The Impact Of Youth Sport On Occupational Balance: A Survey Study, Sean Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Youth sport has been highly researched, exploring both positive and negative health impacts (Adetunji & Akendutire, 2017; Brengtsson et al., 2025; Conway, 2024; Hoffman et al., 2022). Despite the high prevalence of youth sport participation, and variability of health-related outcomes, there has been no research regarding the impact youth sport participation has on occupational balance, an occupational therapy concept that has been linked with overall health and well-being (Park et al., 2021). A mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey study was used to gain better insights into the impact youth sport participation may have on occupational balance. A sample size of 466 Nevada …

The Exploration Of Leisure Occupations For Older Adults, Chloe Jisoo Kang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: This capstone project involved the development and implementation of a community-based program for the exploration of leisure occupations for older adults. The program aimed to increase the life satisfaction and occupational balance of participants. A manualized program was created for the capstone site for potential continuation of the program.

Methods: The program was developed with the support of evidence-based research and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4). Two-hour events were held once a week for four weeks in a community area of the senior living community. A modified version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11) and the Satisfaction with …

Efficacy Of Dorsal Application Kinesio® Tex Tape On Esports Performance, Charlie Moua

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This mixed-methods pilot study examined dorsal Kinesio® Tex Tape as a nonrestrictive occupational therapy intervention for adult PC gamers with carpal tunnel–type symptoms. As gaming participation increases, players may experience repetitive wrist and hand movements, prolonged postures, and high performance demands that contribute to discomfort, overuse symptoms, and reduced participation in meaningful gaming occupations. Four adult PC gamers completed five in-person sessions and were assigned to either dorsal wrist taping or sham scapular taping. Quantitative outcomes included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire– Symptom Severity Scale, visual analog pain ratings, and Kovaak’s Aim Trainer performance scores and accuracy. Qualitative data were …

Addressing Sleep Health In The Fire Service: A Sleep Hygiene Education Program, Alyssa Elizabeth Neal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project implemented an occupational therapy sleep hygiene program tailored to the unique occupational demands of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue (LVFR) firefighters. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation theory and the CALMS Framework, this project conceptualized sleep as a meaningful occupation essential to health, safety, and functional performance. The project’s aim was to assess the feasibility of a sleep hygiene program designed for the fire service using standardized measures, including the Sleep Hygiene Index. The methodology incorporated a structured educational session focused on educating firefighters on the importance of sleep, modifying routines and environments to support restorative sleep, implementing …

The Impact Of Language-Concordant Diagnosis Education On Discharge Readiness For Spanish-Speaking Patients, Jorge Noel Perdomo Rodriguez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Current language service practices fail to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) resulting in decreased satisfaction with care, understanding of diagnosis education, and increased risk of post-discharge health disparities. Language-concordant care has been found to improve patient satisfaction with care and increase quality of transition from hospital to home. Research on language-concordant OT care is scarce and current studies suggest that language discordance leads to decreased quality of OT care for Spanish speakers. Problem: Language discordance leads to poor understanding of OT’s role and decreases patient-centered care for Spanish-speaking patients. Purpose: This project aimed …

Movement-Based Program To Support Quality Of Life For Adults With Down Syndrome, Jillian Sanalila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral project focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a community-based movement program designed to support quality of life (QoL) among adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities at GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas. Adults with Down syndrome often experience significant health and participation disparities that negatively impact quality of life. These disparities include reduced physical activity, limited opportunities for social engagement, and barriers to engagement in meaningful occupations. Grounded in occupational therapy principles, this project introduced a structured intervention integrating dance, Pilates, and yoga to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. A program development design …

Exploring Lifestyle Habits Between Gamers And Non-Gamers: A Survey-Based Approach, Janavi Sathappan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Video gaming is a prevalent and meaningful occupation for a growing number of young adults, yet its relationship to health behaviors is inconsistent and unclear in literature. This cross-sectional survey-based study examined the differences in nutritional pattens, sleep hygiene, and physical activity between self-identified gamers and non-gamers in a sample of young adults aged 18-34. Recruitment occurred primarily through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and associated networks. Participants were asked to complete the Mini Eating Assessment Tool, Sleep Hygiene Index, and the International Physical Activity- Short Form. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson’s chi-square tests, and …

Efficacy Of The Dorsal Application Of Kinesiotape For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome On Sleep, Alyanna San Pedro

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common upper-extremity condition among university students who frequently engage in prolonged computer and device use. CTS symptoms, specifically in nocturnal pain, tingling, and numbness, often disrupt sleep quality, which can lead to negative effects on daytime functioning and participation in meaningful occupations. Despite growing interest in conservative management strategies, there is limited research on the potential role of kinesiotape (KT) in addressing sleep-related symptoms of CTS. This study aims to examine changes in sleep quality, nocturnal symptoms severity, and participation in meaningful activities in university students experiencing mild to moderate CTS symptoms. Participants were …

Exploring A Boxing Community Exercise Porgram For Women With Parkinson's Disease, Emily Truong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this capstone project was to explore the lived experiences of 10 women with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who participate in the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program, an exercise community-based non-contact boxing program. Because women remain underrepresented in PD research and exercise-based interventions, this project aims to better understand how women perceive the physical, emotional, and social impacts of participating in RSB.

Methods: This qualitative case series included 10 women diagnosed with PD that participate in RSB at the Tony Cress Training Center. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and audio recordings. Interviews were consented, transcribed verbatim, …

Development And Evaluation Of A Training Program On Pain Assessments For Pediatric Care Teams In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Rudy Velasquez-Correa

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project was a program development and quality improvement initiative at Silver State Pediatrics focused on improving consistency and confidence of pediatric care staff in assessing and documenting pain in children, particularly those who are non-speaking and medically complex. Although validated tools such as the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC), revised-FLACC (R-FLACC), and Non-communicating Children’s Pain Checklist-Revised (NCCPC-R) exists, inconsistent training and limited interdisciplinary communication have led to variability in clinical practice. This project involved implementing a brief, 20-30-minute interdisciplinary training session for nursing and rehabilitation staff on the use of validated pediatric pain assessment tools and collaborative …

Examining The Effects Of Tailored Ergonomic Interventions On Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders For Taxi Drivers, Amal Youssouf

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Taxi drivers are frequently exposed to prolonged sitting, whole-body vibration, limited rest opportunities, and psychosocial stressors, placing them at increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This can be mitigated with the use of ergonomics, which changes one's environment to match an individual's needs within the context and demands of the job. Although ergonomics is a recognized area of occupational therapy (OT) practice, current research is limited to office-based or computer-related settings, leaving a gap in OT-led ergonomic interventions tailored for professional drivers. This capstone project aimed to determine whether OT-based ergonomic strategies, along with an ergonomic checklist as a guideline …

Pre-Chiropractic Student Organization At The University Of Mississippi: Education Of Future Chiropractic Students And Empowerment Of The Public With Chiropractic Knowledge, Avery E. Lirette

Honors Theses

The chiropractic profession continues to grow within the allied health community, yet public understanding of its scope remains limited. Prior to the creation of the Pre-Chiropractic Student Organization (PCSO) at The University of Mississippi, students interested in pursuing chiropractic education lacked a structured support system in comparison to those available for other health professions on campus. This thesis documents the foundation, development, and impact of the PCSO as a registered student organization that was designed to educate undergraduate students about the chiropractic profession, connect them with mentors and graduate programs, and promote public awareness of chiropractic care.

This project builds …

Turf Toe And Sesamoid Fracture Case Study, Mason Cannon

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE This case presents the evaluation and management of a 15-year-old male multi-sport high school athlete. The athlete initially sustained a turf toe injury that progressed into a sesamoid fracture. This report showcases the clinical findings, treatment progression, and outcomes within a disablement model framework.

Prevalence Of Low Energy Availability (Lea) Risk In Division Iii Female Distance Athletes, Ciara Murphy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of LEA among division III female distance athletes.

The Effectiveness Of An Educational Program On Young Swimmers Water Consumption And Dry Land Exercises, Maria Thibodeaux, Shelby Bay, Maddie Hoyt, Elizabeth Starns, Elizabeth Nix

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/CONTEXT Although shown to improve performance, many young swimmers are reluctant to participate in dry land exercises.¹ They are also more likely to become dehydrated than their non-swimming counterparts, suggesting they are not adequately hydrating during activity and throughout their day.² Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of a four-week educational program on dry land exercises and water consumption.

From Focal Chondral Defect To Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation In An Active Adult: A Case Study, Zoey Scott

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Present a clinical case detailing the undetermined consequential factors associated with FCD progression  in athletic populations, and the subsequent challenges.

Post-Surgical Dislocations: A Latarjet Procedure, Brianagh Dean, Kimberly S. Peer

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

BACKGROUND The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, with an incidence rate of 40.4 per 100,000 in men and 15.5 per 100,000 women. Recurrence rates following a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation range from 33-40%, particularly among adolescent collision-sport athletes. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is performed to address anterior instability, however recurrent instability may occur in the presence of glenoid bone loss. The Latarjet surgery is indicated in cases of recurrent anterior instability with significant bony deficiency, functioning through a triple-blocking mechanism increasing glenoid surface area via coracoid transfer, creating a dynamic sling effect from the conjoined …

Oral Contraceptives Rate Of Reduction On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Females: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paige Trent, Sara Stiltner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur more frequently in females than males, with estimates suggesting a 2-10 greater likelihood of females to sustain this trauma.3 FIFA issued a recent call to action encouraging further investigation into why females are still predisposed to this trauma.2 ACL incident rate is highest amongst females between 14–18-years-old with approximately 227.6 exposures per 100,000 persons per year.1 Multifactorial influences are suggested as predisposing risk factors including anatomical or hormonal components.1 Growing interest in hormonal contributions has led researchers to examine how fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact ligamentous integrity.8

Estrogen receptors are …

Case Report: Chronic Peroneal Subluxation, Natalie Weissman, Morgan Cooper Bagley, Colin Reidy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The case study presented explores the sign, symptoms, and unique treatment of a patient with a chronic peroneal subluxation of the right ankle. The clinical evaluation showed full range of motion with visible peroneal tendon movement over the right lateral malleolus. Surgery was not done or recommended; a four-phase rehabilitation with a return to play protocol was used. This case showed how rehabilitation through a non-surgical approach is still achievable.

The Effect Of Taper On Scapular Positioning In Division Iii Collegiate Swimmers, Maddie Hoyt, Elizabeth Starns, Andrew Busch

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Scapular asymmetry and lateral translation are prevalent in competitive swimmers due to the repetitive overhead nature of the sport.^1,2 Additionally, ambiguity exists in the reliability of non-invasive scapular assessments. First, this study aimed to compare differences in scapular positioning during the competitive swimming season to the tapered season. The tapered season is marked by a significant decrease in intensity.^3,4,5 Second, this study aimed to determine the reliability of three commonly used scapular assessments.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Autograft Reconstruction Outcomes In Adolescents And Young Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic, Klevione D. Brown, River A. Hamilton, Elizabeth A. Starns

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common serious knee injuries seen in high school and college-aged athletes.¹ Many athletes opt for surgical reconstruction because ACL injuries often result in knee instability and impair their ability to return to play in their sport.² There are three primary types of autografts used in reconstruction: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts.³ It is important to determine if a graft type has better return-to-play outcomes for adolescent and young adult athletes.

Sport-Related Concussion Incidents Across Sports, Surfaces, And Injury Mechanisms: A Retrospective Analysis Of A Digital Concussion Database, Justin Belle, Jay Alberts, Jason Cruickshank, Richard Figler, Kelsey Owen, Sami Rifat

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/CONTEXT Sport-related concussion (SRC) represents a significant injury burden in youth athletics. Advances in digital injury surveillance platforms allow for large-scale clinical databases that may provide insight into injury mechanisms, sport distribution, and management patterns. The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution of concussion-related incidents across sports, playing surfaces, and mechanisms of injury using data from a prospectively maintained clinical concussion database.

Dysautonomia In Adolescent Athletes With Persistent Post‑Concussion Complaints, Jason A. Cruickshank

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Dysautonomia is dysfunction in autonomic nervous system manifesting following concussion, contributing to Persistent Post‑Concussion Complaints (PPCC).^1,5 Patients with dysautonomia may present with dizziness, tachycardia, postural intolerance, headaches, cognitive fog, and activity/exercise intolerance.^1,5 Recognition of autonomic involvement is essential to recovery and preventing prolonged symptoms^.1,5

The Effectiveness Of A Mental Health Literacy Webpage For Parents, Coaches, And Athletic Trainers, Mackenzie Warner, Kimberly Peer, Hannah Harnar, David Dees

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

INTRODUCTION Mental health illnesses continue to emerge as a major public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Secondary school student-athletes face unique pressures related to academics, athletic performance, time management, injuries, and social expectations, all of which may contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health conditions. However, there is limited research that explores secondary school student-athletes and how mental health affects their everyday lives. This could be due to the lack of mental health literacy in the individuals who surround secondary school student-athletes, including parents, coaches, and athletic trainers. Increasing their understanding of mental health literacy …

Understanding Athletic Trainer's Knowledge And Perceptions Of Mental Health Best Practices: A Mixed-Methods Study, Chelsea Pasukinis, Yvette Ingram, Malissa Martin, Robert B. Krueger

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Mental health disorders are increasing in our society. Research on athletic trainers' (AT) knowledge and perception of mental health disorders, and whether policies are developed and used, is limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate AT’s knowledge of mental health illness, current policies and procedures, and the perceptions ATs have of mental health.

A Case Report Of Blunt Renal Trauma In A High School Football Athlete, Mariah Reeder

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Blunt abdominal trauma in football athletes is uncommon but carries significant risk for internal organ injury and hemorrhage. Although sport-related renal injuries are rare, a significant portion of them are high-grade (IV-V) and may require advanced medical intervention if not recognized promptly.¹ Symptoms may initially appear benign, such as “having the wind knocked out,” increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis. Athletic trainers often serve as first responders and play a critical role in early recognition, on-field management, and prompt referral for advanced medical care. This case highlights athletic trainer led clinical decision making and interdisciplinary coordination following blunt …