Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupational Therapy's Role For Individuals With Long-Term Neurological Conditions, Courtney Ahle

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Long Covid Rehabilitation, Lisa H. Hamilton

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project explores the integration of Occupational Therapy (OT) into primary care settings, focusing on chronic conditions such as long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). These conditions are often misunderstood by both healthcare providers and the broader community due to their complex and multifaceted symptoms, which necessitate specialized care. The project aimed to create resources and educational materials tailored to the needs of patients and rehabilitation professionals, to enhance the management of these challenging conditions. Additionally, the project placed a strong emphasis on advocacy for individuals with "invisible disabilities," aiming to raise awareness and improve accessibility to …

Remote Work Ergonomics: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Kaynath Bhamani

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, ensuring effective ergonomic practices in home-based work environments has emerged as a critical concern. This paper attempts to explore challenges that are associated with remote work and proposes solutions for creating healthier home office environments.

Increasing Parent Participation In Nicu Care And Preparation For Discharge, Biancah A. Derival

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone project aimed to understand the current evidence that examines the benefits of NICU parental participation to increase preparedness for discharge and provide educational resources to parents and professionals. The first half of my project entailed a revision of hospital provided material to create a weekly developmental timeline that parents can understand. During the second half, educational materials were collected to address parental concerns including early intervention resources, sensory activities/strategies, and age-appropriate toys, safe sleep, and tummy time. Families can incorporate this information in the NICU and the home environment. The resources were revised into physical handouts to take …

Understanding Occupational Therapy’S Role In Injury Prevention For Pickleball Players And Communities, Kelly Lambert

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

An Anxiety And Coping Mechanism Educational Program For Children And Adolescents, Amanda Garrett

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The following capstone project encompassed creating and implementing an educational program focusing on anxiety and coping mechanisms for adolescents 12-15 years of age at the YMCA in Largo, Florida. The academic program focuses on six different types of anxiety, which are generalized anxiety, social anxiety, test anxiety, feelings of panic, feelings of stress, and health anxiety, all in a PowerPoint format. Each of these topics also included a coping mechanism that the teens completed after learning about each different type of anxiety. These coping mechanisms included journaling, creating a stress ball, participating in a yoga class, completing a scavenger hunt …

Development Of An Intensive Outpatient Program (Iop) For Adolescents Of American Military Members Deployed Overseas To Support Mental Health, Aaron N. Brion, Tyler J. Russo

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Trauma Informed Care In Hippotherapy, Erin M. Deren

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Advocating For The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Community-Based Setting Through The Use Of Journaling For Individuals With Chronic Mental Illness, Taylor Muzik-Eversdijk

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Individuals who battle severe mental illness (SMI) experience a range of deficits that affect various aspects of daily life, including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), social participation, sleep and rest, education, work, leisure, and play. Research suggests that journaling can help individuals with SMI express their emotions and provide a healthy outlet for coping with symptoms. This doctoral capstone project aimed to identify the unique needs of individuals with SMI and explore how journaling and other occupational therapy (OT) interventions could expand the scope of practice within Boley Centers' assertive community treatment (ACT) teams …

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Planning: Integrating 2023 Standards Into Curriculum, Samantha Edwards

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy With Refugees And Asylum Seekers, Hana Listes

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The capstone project aimed to define the role of occupational therapy in the reintegration of refugee families in Jacksonville, Florida, in collaboration with Muslim American Social Services. The project focused on utilizing occupational therapy to identify and address barriers faced by refugees during their resettlement process. Following assessment of barriers, culturally sensitive intervention strategies were implemented to improve independence and participation in meaningful daily activities. Interventions focused on the development of targeted programs that addressed challenges such as language barriers, access to resources, and cultural adjustment. Implications of the project aim to advocate for occupational therapy as a stakeholder in …

Overuse Injury Prevention Program For High School And College Flutists, Judy Kim, Cassandra M. Nelson

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

College and high school flutists face significant health risks, including a high prevalence of playing-related injuries and associated psychological stress and social pressures to perform despite the pain. The asymmetrical posture and specific hand and arm positions required for playing the flute increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive, non-ergonomic movements. This program addresses these unique health challenges by integrating occupational therapy (OT) principles, providing comprehensive education, and injury prevention and management strategies. The program seeks to raise awareness of overuse injuries, enhance self-confidence in managing stress, and implement injury prevention techniques. Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding …

Measuring Program Effectiveness Of The Assistive Social Skills And Employment Training, Alyssa A. Chappel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy & Postpartum Care, Paula A. Rodriguez

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The aim of this study involved researching the role of occupational therapy in the transition into motherhood. The Scale of Occupational Disruption (SOD) was used to gather data about which occupations were the most and least disrupted, as reported by the research participants. Participants were recruited to complete the SOD anonymously through RedCap and were recruited through social media platforms and mom groups. In total, 142 participants participated in the study. Of the total 142 recruited participants, 117 completed the SOD in its entirety, and their data was able to be used for this study. The participants had a mean …

Sensory Processing Assessment In Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias: A Research Capstone Experience, Clarissa Benzarti

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Yoga-Based Occupational Therapy For People With Upper Extremity Dysfunction: An Educational Video Series, Bianca Salgado, Steven Gerardi, Mary Smith

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The upper extremity (UE) is essential for daily activities and occupational tasks. The inability to perform these tasks can negatively impact self-efficacy and hinder injury recovery. Current hand therapy often focuses on biomechanical approaches, neglecting these psychosocial aspects and deviating from core occupational therapy (OT) principles. Integrating yoga into OT for UE injuries and disorders can fill the gap in hand therapy needed to address psychosocial factors. However, Certified hand therapists who are occupational therapists lack the knowledge to integrate yoga-based interventions into OT practice for clients with UE conditions. The purpose of this project was to create an educational …

Melodic Memories: A Guidebook To Enhance Dementia Care Through Music, Sofia Phillips, Mary Smith, Angela Blackwell

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focused on developing a guidebook titled Melodic Memories, designed to help occupational therapy (OT) practitioners incorporate occupation-based musical interventions into their practice. The guidebook aims to enhance occupational engagement (OE) and quality of life (QoL) for individuals with dementia residing in long-term care facilities. The presentation explores the impact of dementia on individuals, including how it affects their OE and QoL, and highlights the challenges posed by long-term care environments. It also emphasizes the therapeutic potential of music in improving dementia care for OT practitioners. The development of Melodic Memories was based on the Lived Environment Life …

Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis For An Individual With An Intellectual Disability That Interferes With Communication And Compliance To Home Program: A Case Report, Ryan J. Ostermeier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. Approximately 10% of Americans deal with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can lead to negative impacts on quality of life. Furthermore, treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities affecting communication presents a unique set of difficulties. This case study summarizes the evaluation process and treatment of one female patient with bilateral plantar fasciitis who also has an intellectual disability.

Case Description. This specific patient was diagnosed with intellectual disability secondary to a carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS) deficiency at birth. She presented to physical therapy at age 35 with bilateral plantar heel pain of 6 months following an increase in activity …

The Effect Of Phonomotor Treatment In A Telepractice Model: An Experimental Study, Jessica Mulch

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study provides an investigation into the effectiveness of a modified version of Phonomotor Treatment (PMT) for treating apraxia of speech (AOS) in a telepractice model. A single-subject design was utilized to provide treatment to a participant with post-stroke apraxia of speech and aphasia. Treatment occurred two hours a day, five days a week, for four weeks. Targets were selected specifically for the participant after initial probing and testing. Data was taken to measure the chosen targets for acquisition, maintenance, and generalization. The data collected includes pre-treatment (before starting treatment), post-treatment (directly after treatment), and follow-up (10 weeks after the …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Recovery High Schools For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorder And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders, Taylor P. Buono

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Substance use is a public health crisis, and adolescents struggle the most with substance use disorder (SUD), which often persists into adulthood and even until midlife (Estreet & Privott, 2021; Mattila et al., 2022; Rothman & Jimenez, 2023; Volkow & Blanco, 2023). School performance is often affected by the adverse effects of drug and alcohol use among adolescents, and multiple risk factors for substance use occur in the school context, such as drug-using peers, availability of substances, and academic challenges (Finch et al., 2017). Recovery high schools (RHSs) are safe and supportive alternative educational environments that provide additional support not …

Transitioning From Inpatient Rehabilitation To Home In Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries, Alexis Tucci

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to develop a comprehensive guide to support Veterans transitioning home from inpatient rehabilitation, enhancing their quality of life. The guide provides educational materials, recommendations, and valuable resources for clients and their families to utilize both during their hospital stay and after discharge. The primary objective was to understand the ongoing needs of veterans with spinal cord injuries post-discharge and to help bridge the gap between the SCI inpatient unit and home.

Occupational Therapy’S Role Within The Foster System, Cassidy Solomon, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster will discuss the development of an occupational therapy program to support the needs of youth within the foster system to prepare this population to live independently. Background information including statistics, the need for occupational therapy, and the program specifics such as rationale, significance, and objective are displayed. The development of an occupational therapy program to aid in the success of children within the foster care system helps to close a gap in research that will contribute to the success and positive outcomes of this population. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a program for children in …

The Effects Of Anchor Scheme On The Central And Peripheral Contributions To Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses And Sensations, And Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks To Failure, Robert Walker Smith

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The Effects of Anchor Scheme on the Central and Peripheral Contributions to Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses and Sensations, and Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks to Failure Robert W. Smith, Ph.D. University of Nebraska, 2024 Advisor: Terry J. Housh This study assessed time to task failure (TTF), performance fatigability (PF), neuromuscular responses, central and peripheral measures of fatigue, and perceived responses including sensations and psychological factors that contributed to task termination during sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the torque corresponding to RPE. Fifteen men (age = 21.5 ± 2.3 yrs; …

Acute Effects Of Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation Measured During Land And Water Walking, Brayden Worley

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Although prior literature has established the preliminary clinical benefits of aquatic exercise across various clinical populations, there is a need to explore the potential for including aquatic-based movement as a key component of a multi-modal approach toward improving mobility and reducing fall risk. Eccentric exercise may complement aquatic exercise given that movements performed in water immersion tend to be low impact. Eccentric exercise may also improve the passive stiffness of lower extremity extensors, which gives an additional rationale for the potential of eccentric exercise to reduce fall risk when combined with aquatic exercise. There may also be an acute response …

A Recreational Therapy-Based Bibliotherapy Program For Perceived Stress And Coping Among Siblings Of Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Lindsey Kirschbaum

All Dissertations

Siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face unique challenges and experiences different from their peers who do not have a sibling with IDD. These challenges can include increased sense of responsibility at home, decreased attention from parents, and feelings of social isolation; all of which can increase stress. While sibling support groups offer opportunities for siblings of individuals with IDD to connect with other siblings, these groups do not formally focus on improving participants’ stress-coping outcomes. Bibliotherapy has been shown to help youth express stress-related feelings and learn stress-coping strategies. However, no known research has assessed the …

Positive Association Between Patients’ Perception Of Chronic Pain Rehabilitation As A Personally Meaningful Experience And The Flourishing Aspect Of Well-Being, Katrina J. Liddiard, Cary A. Brown, Annette J. Raynor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Chronic pain rehabilitation helps to reduce pain and restore valued life roles. Patients may have more positive outcomes when they perceive rehabilitation to be personally meaningful. This study examined associations between self-reported, personally meaningful rehabilitation and well-being. A pilot study was conducted using an online survey of people with chronic pain and experiences of rehabilitation. The PROMIS Pain Interference Short Form 8a and The Flourishing Scale were used to explore well-being. A modified self-report measure, the Meaningfulness in Rehabilitation Scale, was pilot-tested for construct validity and used in the survey. Of the 48 participants (81% female; 19% male), most attended …

Impacts Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction On The Occupations Of Postpartum Women, Julia Hernandez, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This study investigates the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) on the daily activities of postpartum women. Eleven women participated in an online survey, with four engaging in follow-up interviews via Microsoft Teams. The survey indicated that 91% of respondents experienced at least one symptom of PFD, including urine leakage, difficulty reaching the toilet in time, unexpected passing of wind, decreased vaginal sensation, a bulge at the vaginal opening, pelvic heaviness, and vulvar pain during sex. Despite these prevalent symptoms, 82% had not been offered pelvic floor therapy.

Participants rated their awareness of pelvic floor health topics predominantly as "Less …

Validation Of Scores From A Telephone Administered Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis, Robert W. Motl, Prudence Plummer, Deborah Backus, Jeffrey R. Hebert, Whitney N. Neal, Alexander V. Ng, John Lowman, Francois Bethoux, Hollie Schmidt, Robert Mcburney, Kevin K. Mccully, Gary R. Cutter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) has typically been delivered through paper-and-pencil or computer-based administration.

Purpose

This study examined the validity of inferences from scores derived via a telephone administration of the MSWS-12 applied as part of screening of participants with walking dysfunction into a clinical trial of exercise training in MS.

Method

The MSWS-12 was administered on two occasions separated by approximately 2 weeks through the telephone and then in-person (i.e., computer-based administration). Participants further completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), six-minute walk (6MW), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Multiple Sclerosis …

Influence Of Stimulation Frequency On Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor And Cathepsin-B Production In Healthy Young Adults, Yuichi Nishikawa, Hiroyuki Sakaguchi, Tatsuya Takada, Noriaki Maeda, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been shown to stimulate the production of myokines (i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), but the most effective EMS parameters for myokine production have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to quantify the optimal EMS frequency for stimulating myokine production. This study included sixteen young adults (male, n = 13, age = 27.3 ± 5.5 years). Participants underwent four EMS interventions (20 min each) with the following conditions: (1) 4 Hz, (2) 20 Hz, (3) 80 Hz, and (4) control (no intervention). Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after EMS. For …

African American Patients Have A Higher Probability Of Cognitive Impairment After Incident Stroke: An Analysis Of National Electronic Health Record Data, Alicia Zha, Chenguang Zhang, Gen Zhu, Xinran Huang, Sahar Anjum, Yashar Talebi, Sean Savitz, Hulin Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) and stroke are diseases with significant disparities in race and geography. Post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) can be as high as 15-70 % but few studies have utilized large administrative or electronic health records (EHR) to evaluate trends in PSCI. We utilized an EHR database to evaluate for disparities in PSCI in a large sample of patients after first recorded stroke to evaluate for disparities in race.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of Cerner Health Facts® EHR database, which is comprised of EHR data from hundreds of hospitals/clinics in the US from 2009-2018. We …