Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does The Frequency And Number Of Eswt Sessions In Patients With Heel Spurs Affect The Final Result Of The Therapy?, Anna Karafová, Daria Budnicka, Barbara Duda-Biernacka, Wioletta Mikuľáková, Marian Karafa

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: In the literature, the effectiveness of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with heel spur was confirmed, but the therapy protocol has not been established when used as monotherapy. The aim of the study was to verify whether the frequency of ESWT and the number of sessions used as monotherapy in patients with heel spur have an impact on the final result of the therapy. Methods: 85 patients were divided into three subgroups. All patients were treated 5 times with different intervals between ESWT sessions, in the group I, ESWT was administered every day, in group II …

The Doing, Being, Becoming, And Belonging Of Intergenerational Collective Occupations, Gladys Garcia, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Older adults have been globally recognized as a vulnerable population. Literature has indicated that intergenerational engagement can decrease social isolation for older adults, but there is a gap in understanding intergenerational co-occupational engagement and how these engagements can improve quality of life and fulfillment of self-identity. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to generate knowledge of how relationships and occupations performed with individuals from a younger generation impacted sense of well-being. Through the lens of Doing, Being, Becoming and Belonging (Wilcock, 2006), the study sought to increase understanding of this lived experience to promote intergenerational practice within …

Understanding The Lived Experience Of Outdoor Camping, Marisa Snyder, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity that allows individuals to connect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and engage in physical activity. For aging adults, camping can be a way to improve their quality of life, fulfill their roles as grandparents and parents, and maintain independence. However, there was a lack of awareness and education about the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor camping, limiting the recreational exposure and experiences for the aging population. Additionally, campgrounds are typically in unpredictable environments that may require additional resources for aging adults to confidently engage in an enjoyable camping experience. …

Supporting Leisure Exploration And Participation For Older Adults To Improve Occupational Performance, Jack Fong, Karen Park, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to develop a program advocating for leisure exploration and participation among older adults to address functional decline and improve quality of life. The program utilized a comprehensive needs assessment, including interviews, interest screening, and observations, to identify participants' preferences and barriers to participation. Through education and advocacy, the program encouraged engagement in meaningful leisure activities tailored to individual interests and abilities. Participants reported satisfaction with their leisure participation, emphasizing the importance of socialization and maintaining physical and cognitive health. Modifications, such as activity adjustments, enabled participation despite health-related challenges. This project highlights the value of responsive …

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

Department of Exercise Science Posters

Background

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) creates original, contextually relevant outputs that mimic human-like creativity and reasoning.
• GenAI promises to reshape health care from student and clinician education to comprehensive patient management in rehabilitation sciences.
• Insight into students’ perceptions and use of GenAI in education can help guide instructional strategies to facilitate its responsible implementation.

Enhancing Dignity Amongst Persons With Dementia Through Occupational Engagement, Habeeba Ahmed, Amy Lyons-Brown Ms, Otd, Otr/L

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dementia is a cognitive impairment that impacts an individual's memory, judgement, safety awareness, and emotions which can interfere with their activities of daily living. As the condition progresses, the person living with dementia (PLWD) may require a care partner to help them complete their daily tasks. Having a care partner and being a care partner can be challenging for both, the PLWD and their care partner, as there begins to be a shift in their independence. The PLWD must rely on their care partner to help them throughout their day, leading to a decrease in independence and occupational engagement. When …

Conceptualization, Measurement, And Contributors To Participation Among People Living With Parkinson’S Disease, Moon Young Kim

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Participation is a key outcome of rehabilitation and key to successful aging. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience significant challenges in maintaining participation in meaningful activities and roles. This dissertation examines the influence of living with PD on participation by integrating findings from three studies: a systematic review, a cross-sectional study, and a longitudinal study.

The systematic review synthesized the existing quantitative research on participation in people with PD, revealing inconsistencies in the conceptualization of participation. While the evaluation tools aimed at assessing participation in PD showed acceptable coverage of domains of participation, the assessment of the aspects of …

Remote Functional Assessment: Experiences Of People Living With Spinal Cord Injury, Adrian David, Mot, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Background: As telerehabilitation gains traction in occupational therapy, validating functional measures is crucial. Understanding clients' views on telehealth is essential, yet literature on spinal cord injury (SCI) in this context is sparse.

Objective: This study aims to describe the experiences of people living with SCI regarding remote and in-person functional testing.

Methods: A qualitative design was used, involving participants from a previous study validating the GRASSP, SCIM, and SCI-MovIN for remote use. Semi-structured interviews explored experiences, and transcripts were coded for thematic analysis. Twenty-five individuals with SCI, aged 18-80 and at least nine months post-injury, were included.

Results: Four themes …

Facilitators And Barriers For Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration® (Ot-Asi) For School-Aged Autistic Students: Special Education Team Perspectives, Brooke E. Loughery, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® (OT-ASI) is an evidence-based approach that addresses sensory integration differences to support participation for autistic students in daily occupations, including education (Hume et al., 2021; Schaaf & Mailloux, 2015). However, its evidence for its use in school-based practice is still emerging (Whiting et. al., 2023; Whiting et al., 2025). A recent study showed that occupational therapists feel this approach is valuable and are interested in using it in schools (Cerase McKeon et al., 2024), but more information is needed to explore teacher and school administrators’ perception of its use.

Objectives: To explore the …

Development And Content Validation Of A Social-Emotional Learning Workshop Series For Teachers Of Preschool English Language Learners And Newcomers From The Middle East, Linda M. Lilly, Otd, Mot, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

The United States is the destination for many individuals to take refuge from the Middle East (Arab American Institute Foundation, 2021; Shryock & Abraham, 2000). Many of the refugees and immigrants (newcomers) have fled war and political oppression (Mossad, 2016; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2016), and thus may be at higher risk of developing adverse mental health outcomes (Mawani, 2014). Core stressors related to the newcomer status for many students in a metro-Detroit public school district can contribute to the overall mental health needs and interfere with performance in the educational setting. Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs are a typical …

The Development Of A Self-Reflection Training Module For Enhancing Students Professional Behavior Growth During Level Ii Fieldwork, Tarah Romano, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Occupational therapy students are expected to demonstrate competence in professional behavior skills, such as communication and incorporating constructive feedback, to be considered ready for entry-level practice. Poor professional behavior skills have been linked to challenges and failure during level II fieldwork (Gutman et al. 1998; James & Musselman, 2005). A growing body of research has supported the importance of students’ professional behaviors during fieldwork (Andonian, 2013; Brown et al., 2021; Jensen & Daniel, 2010; Mason & Mathieson, 2018); however, there is a gap in the occupational therapy research on effective methods for teaching professional behaviors to support fieldwork performance. …

Perceived Facilitators And Barriers To The Implementation Of Ayres Sensory Integration® In South African Primary School Settings, Celiané Van Der Westhuizen, Bot

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction

Ayres Sensory Integration^® is a highly preferred evidence-based occupational therapy approach that is utilized worldwide (Benson et al., 2019; Cerase et al., 2023; van der Merwe et al., 2011). However, more data is needed on its application and utilization in school settings (Schaaf et al., 2018; van der Merwe et al., 2011), which is a major working environment for occupational therapists (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2023; Frolek Clark & Hollenbeck, 2019; Jackson, 2007; Sonday et al., 2012).

Objectives

This study assessed the use of OT-ASI intervention in South Africa and explored the perceived facilitators and barriers of South …

Training Staff Members And Caregivers On Utilizing Allen Cognitive Levels To Aid Individuals Living With Alzheimer's And Dementia To Maintain Activities Of Daily Living, Kristy Boyd

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone is about training caregivers and staff members on utilizing the Allen Cognitive Levels to help individuals living with Alzheimer's and Dementia to maintain their ADLs.

Utilizing Pupper, A Social Robot Dog, To Increase Happiness And Improve Mood In Pediatric Patients Of A Cardiac Step-Down Unit, Angela Feng Wu

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective The usage of social robots in pediatrics is an emerging field of study. Preliminary research shows that they are effective at improving the psychosocial well-being of pediatric patients. This quality improvement project focuses on Pupper, a newly developed quadruped social robot dog, and its ability in improving mood and happiness in pediatric patients of a cardiac step-down unit. Aim The aim of this project is to increase average mood scores of pediatric cardiac patients aged 3-25 years by 50% from their baseline of 3.75 to 5.63 on a six-point scale within a one-month time frame. Methods Before intervention and …

Nursing Home Staff Perspectives Of The Benefits And Challenges Of Providing Dementia Care, Carin M. Wong, Dominique H. Como, Cara Lekovitch, Felicia Chew, Natalie E. Leland

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: To capture nursing home staff perspectives on the benefits and challenges related to caring for residents living with Alzheimer disease and other related dementias. These perspectives will inform the initial development of strategies to help with staff retention.

DESIGN: A secondary qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews conducted with nursing home staff, which was embedded within a pragmatic clinical trial.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Purposive sampling was used to capture perspectives of staff spanning across job roles from 23 nursing homes.

METHODS: During the parent study primary analysis, staff experiences providing dementia care were consistently described. In response, this study completed …

Development Of Financial Management Skills: A Guidebook For Caregivers Of Autistic Children, Marcie Balleza, Steven M. Gerardi, Angela Blackwell

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Autistic children face challenges to living independently, including learning to manage finances. Caregivers of autistic children must develop in their care recipients the financial skills to live independently. A lack of educational resources on how to teach financial management skills can impede the development of independent living skills in autistic children. Caregivers of autistic children lack the education and training that is necessary to teach financial management skills to autistic children to prepare them for transition to adulthood. Caregivers of autistic children do not know how to help their child learn money management skills in preparation for the transition to …

An Educational Video Guide To Aging In Place, Cecilia Ramos, Steven Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg Otd, Otr, Caps

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. faces numerous challenges in maintaining independence while aging in place. Key findings from the needs assessment and literature review underscore the importance of accessible resources, health promotion, and health literacy in fostering autonomy and well-being among older adults. Occupational therapy addresses individual needs, educates on resource availability, and promotes interventions to enhance older adults' independence and safety. The purpose of this project was to create an educational video guide aimed at empowering older adults and their families with the knowledge and tools to overcome barriers to aging in place. This project …

Enhancing Fall Prevention: Prioritizing Postural Health And Monitoring Falls Among Persons With Parkinson's Disease (Pwpd) And Care Partners, Kara Day, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr, Karen Aranha Phd, Ot

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Falls are a significant concern for persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) that can lead to injury, occupational deprivation, and poor quality of life (QoL). This capstone project addressed the gap in resources related to fall prevention by focusing on postural health and fall monitoring for PwPD, their care partners, and community organizations. The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive guidebook for PwPD and care partners, as well as a handbook for community organizations to enhance postural health literacy, increase fall monitoring, reduce the risk of falling, and overall improve the QoL for PwPD and their care partners.

Lower Limb Prosthetics Impact On Social Participation, Kayla Jones, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amputations can cause a lack of motivation which will hinder occupational performance and participation after limb loss (Şimsek et al., 2020). The fit of an individual’s prosthetic is crucial to allow for an increase in participation (Diment et al., 2022). Occupational therapists treat the limb loss community but there is little evidence in the literature to support social participation with the use of a prosthetic limb. There is a need for new research to better understand how the use of a prosthetic can impact an individual’s social participation.

Self-Perceived Well-Being Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students In The United States In 2022 Compared To 2021, David Kietrys, Ellen Zambo Anderson, James S. Parrott, Suchismita Ray

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore well-being in a cohort of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in 2022, and compare factors related to well-being to a cohort of DPT students from 2021.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study combined data from a self-administered survey of participants who had participated in a well-being survey in 2021 (and agreed to be contacted for follow-up one year later) with survey data from first year DPT students during the fall of 2022. The survey included the WHO-5 Well-being Index, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, the Brief Resiliency Scale, and an array of …

Exploring Patients' Views Regarding The Support And Rehabilitation Needs Of People Living With Myocardial Ischaemia And No Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A Qualitative Interview Study, Helen Humphreys, Danielle Paddock, Sarah Brown, Aynsley Cowie, Colin Berry, Susan Dawkes, Simon Nichols

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to generate new qualitative insights to understand the rehabilitation needs of people living with a confirmed or presumed diagnosis of ischaemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA), explore which aspects of current cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes could meet the needs of people with INOCA and where adjustments (if any) may be appropriate. DESIGN: Semistructured qualitative interview study. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were undertaken (n=17; 88% female, age range 31-69 years) with people with a confirmed or presumed diagnosis of INOCA. RESULTS: Findings highlighted concerns around a lack of evidence-based guidance for cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes for …

The Physical And Psychological Impacts Of Exercise On Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Study, Savannah Posey

Honors Projects

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a subtype of a series of connective tissue disorders identified by joint hypermobility and multisystemic symptoms. It is caused by a lack of collagen production affecting the body’s ability to support important structures such as muscle, bone skin, and other connective tissues. To study the physical and psychological impacts of exercise on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a seven-week, phased exercise intervention program was implemented for a nineteen-year-old male with the disease. The program consisted of three phases focused on the strengthening of the surrounding musculature of the glenohumeral joint, along with improving muscular endurance and proprioception. …

A Multifactorial Fall Prevention Program, Virale Patel, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Falls among older adults are a pressing public health concern, leading to significant physical, psychological, and economic consequences. This capstone project aimed to design and implement a multifactorial fall prevention program to address unmet occupational needs and enhance safety and occupational participation among long-term care residents at a skilled nursing facility. The six-week program included targeted weekly sessions focusing on behavior modification, footwear safety, adaptive equipment training, strength and balance exercises, toileting strategies, and environmental modifications. Pre- and post-program assessments utilized the Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) and participant surveys to evaluate changes in confidence, fear of falling, and satisfaction …

Training Staff Members And Caregivers On Utilizing Allen Cognitive Levels To Aid Individuals Living With Alzheimer's And Dementia To Maintain Activities Of Daily Living, Kristy Boyd, Cassandra Nelson, Jennifer Summers

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project is about training staff members and caregivers on utilizing the Allen's cognitive levels to aid individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia to maintain their activities of daily living by creating a program that consists of modules, physical demonstration, and a deliverable for staff members and caregivers as well as therapeutic activities and sensory regulation activities for the participants.

Physical Fitness And Nutrition In Collegiate Musical Theater Programs, Alexis Ochi, Amy Morgan Ph.D, Mary-Jon Ludy Ph.D.

Honors Projects

BACKGROUND: Athleticism and physical fitness are often not the first characteristics one identifies when visualizing someone in musical theater. Watching just one performance can make it clear that dancing, acting, running, all while singing and keeping near perfect pitch requires a theater actor to be extremely fit. As well as fitness, nutrition considerations and injury prevention should also be considered due to the high physiological demand placed on these performers. Minimal research has been conducted regarding the fitness and nutritional habits of musical theater performers. PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of discussions about fitness and nutrition in collegiate musical …

Wearable Surface Electromyography System To Predict Freeze Of Gait In Parkinson's Disease Patients., Anna Moore, Jinxing Li, Christopher H Contag, Luke J Currano, Connor O Pyles, David A Hinkle, Vivek Shinde Patil

Neuroscience Articles

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling yet poorly understood paroxysmal gait disorder affecting the vast majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as they reach advanced stages of the disorder. Falling is one of the most disabling consequences of a FOG episode; it often results in injury and a future fear of falling, leading to diminished social engagement, a reduction in general fitness, loss of independence, and degradation of overall quality of life. Currently, there is no robust or reliable treatment against FOG in PD. In the absence of reliable and effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, alleviating the consequences …

Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Tdcs) Modulates Quadriceps Motor Cortex Inhibition And Facilitation During Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (Acl) Reconstruction: A Triple-Blind, Randomised Controlled Proof Of Concept Trial, Myles Calder Murphy, Colin Sylvester, Casey Whife, Peter D'Alessandro, Ebonie Kendra Rio, Ann Maree Vallence

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), maladaptive changes occur in the motor cortex representation of the quadriceps, evidenced by increases in intracortical inhibition and facilitation. The primary objective of this proof-of-concept study was to determine if anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can alter quadriceps intracortical inhibition and facilitation in an early-ACLR population after 6 weeks of application during exercise. Methods We performed a randomised, triple-blind controlled trial for proof of concept comparing anodal-tDCS to sham-tDCS following ACLR. Anodal-tDCS or sham-tDCS was delivered to the primary motor cortex for 20 min, three times per week, for 6 weeks from …

Do New Mothers In Their First-Year Postpartum Feel Prepared To Return To Daily Occupations?, Kim Rose, Jane L. Donat, Cedrica Durham, Bianca Haddock, Danyl Litumbe, Julia Otoski, Katsia Renaud

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose: Our research aimed to explore if new mothers felt prepared to return to their daily lives and the role occupational therapy could have in helping prepare women to transition into their new role as mothers. Previous literature has found that limits to occupational engagement and occupational balance have adversely affected the well-being of new mothers.

Methods: This sequential, exploratory mixed methods study employed the RedCap survey platform to collect demographic information, information regarding women’s birth experience and to obtain consent. Twenty-two women who filled out the survey met the inclusion criteria, and ten were selected to proceed with the …

Benefits Of Multisensory Rooms In Schools To Control Behaviors In Children With Disabilities, Kye Smith, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explores the benefits of implementing multisensory rooms in schools to manage challenging behaviors in children with disabilities. Conducted at the Barack and Michelle Obama Ninth Grade Center in Lancaster, TX, the program involved participants aged 13-15 diagnosed with disabilities. A comprehensive needs assessment identified gaps in behavior management and overstimulation challenges. The program was designed using evidence-based strategies, including the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, and incorporated techniques such as the Take Five Breathing Strategy, deep pressure input, chair yoga, and meditation.

Through pre- and post-surveys with students, parents, and teachers, the study evaluated the program's impact on functional independence …

Pre-Sleep Routines Affecting Sleep In Adults, Diana Navarro, Rebecca King, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project examines the impact of pre-sleep routines on adult sleep quality, emphasizing the role of consistent habits, reduced technology use, and stress management. A six-week intervention incorporating evidence-based strategies such as sleep hygiene education, environmental adjustments, and relaxation techniques was conducted. Results revealed significant improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and enhanced physical and emotional well-being among participants. These findings highlight the importance of tailored pre-sleep routines in addressing sleep disorders and provide a foundation for broader implementation and future research.