Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Healthy Seniors: Supporting Chronic Condition Management Through Educational And Motivational Materials., Megan Wiggs, Helen Carey

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Within the United States, the older adult population is rising and facing a growing number of chronic conditions (Mirza et al., 2020). Chronic conditions are associated with an increase in hospitalizations, functional decline, and healthcare spending. Largely, chronic conditions are managed under primary care physicians and treatment is not put into place until an exacerbation and hospitalization occurs (Mirza et al., 2020). Thus, a cruel cycle is created in which an individual undergoes functional decline, worsening of the condition, and decreasing quality of life and well-being. The older adult population wishes to age in place and manage their health; however, …

Building Resilience To Treat Trauma And Improve Social Participation With Youth In Foster Care, Rachel Greene, Keisa Boykin, Dana Madalon

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Childhood trauma is classified by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that caused the trauma. An ACE is a traumatic event that an individual has observed from birth to 18 years old (Atchison & Suarez, 2021). ACEs include but are not limited to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, and neglect. ACEs also include household dysfunctions such as domestic violence, divorce, incarceration of family, substance abuse, food scarcity, poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Building resilience promotes healthy coping skills, the ability to trust and engage with support systems, and the prevention of retraumatization (Bethell et al., 2017). Trauma and resiliency are invertedly related, …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy And The Use Of Physical Agent Modalities And Occupational Therapy Interventions To Decrease Pain Associated With Endometriosis To Provide Increased Occupational Performance In Leisure Activities, Ciara Autumn Pearce, Keisa Boykin

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Endometriosis is a condition that can affect women of reproductive age (Kalaitzopoulos et al., 2021). This condition causes endometrial-type tissue to grow outside of the uterus (Kalaitzopoulos et al., 2021). Women diagnosed with endometriosis often have difficulty participating in their daily responsibilities and leisure activities. In a study completed by Lozano-Lozano et al., 2021, 22.6% of women reported limitations in at least one activity of daily living and instrumental activity of daily living. Other limitations include incontinence, meal preparation, leisure activities, and household chores (Mundo-López et al., 2020). Symptoms of endometriosis often include chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, sexual dissatisfaction, and …

An Occupational Therapy Assessment Guide For People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Cynthia Sakian, Steven M. Gerardi

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents development of an occupational therapy assessment guide tailored for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder. Motivated by the lack of standardized assessment protocols in the field, the initiative seeks to mitigate inconsistencies among occupational therapy practitioners and propel advancements in treatment. Key objectives include a comprehensive review of pertinent literature on occupational therapy and posttraumatic stress disorder, identification of functional impairments associated with the disorder, and the formulation of an assessment framework. Rooted in the Model of Human Occupation, the guide underscores the significance of volition, habituation, performance capacity, and environmental influences, accommodating individual preferences and disruptions while …

Advocating For The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Burn Population, Jordan Faircloth, Keisa Boykin

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

In 2018, around 450,000 individuals in the United States (U.S.) suffered from severe burn injuries (ABA, 2018). The largest burn center in the U.S. is the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital, located in Augusta, Georgia. This location is where the capstone experience was completed. Individuals who suffer from severe burns are at risk for developing contractures. Scar contractures can impact an individual during ADL participation, limiting their independence and causing a disruption in daily routine, habits, and roles (Oosterwijk et al., 2017). Five main components of scar management focus on compression gear, sun protection, appropriate positioning/splinting to …

Establishing A Transformative Social Emotional Learning Evaluation Plan To Support All Students Within A Targeted School District, Tia Coleman, Angela Blackwell, Tiffany Lee

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Social and emotional learning (SEL) refers to the process through which individuals acquire social and emotional competencies (Geesa et al., 2022). This capstone project aimed to enhance education by developing a transformative SEL evaluation plan in a school district. The school district presented a commitment to fostering SEL but recognized the need for more targeted and transformative actions. This initiative arises from the acknowledgment that the existing SEL program did not meet the district's specific needs of inclusivity and equity, potentially impacting overall student performance, participation, and well-being. To address this gap, the district incorporated insights from occupational therapy practice …

An Activity Program For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Rebecca Wright, Keisa Boykin

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are characterized by onset in the developmental period and include both intellectual and adaptive functioning deficits in conceptual, social, or practical domains that limit functioning in one or more areas of daily life (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Occupational therapists provide interventions for individuals with IDD however there are gaps surrounding occupation-based leisure and recreation activities (Kalijaca, et al 2019). Purpose: The purpose of this project is to create an activity program for individuals with IDD to increase participation and performance in leisure and recreation …

A Occupational Therapy Guidebook For Teachers On Sensory Processing And Sensory Integration, Kaitlyn Stanley, Keisa Boykin, Heidi Woolley

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with sensory processing (SP) challenges find simple classroom tasks overwhelming and can present with deficits in behavior management, emotional regulation, and occupations due to the inability to self-regulate the sensory input from their environment. In addition, deficits in SP may impact a child's ability to maintain engagement and participation in the learning process. If these SP needs are not met through the school, the child lacks the adequate tools to be successful in learning, which is considered occupational injustice (AOTA, 2020). By providing teachers with the adequate educational tools to understand sensory processing and sensory integration (SP-SI), identify and …

Force Plate Methodologies Applied To Injury Profiling And Rehabilitation In Sport: A Scoping Review Protocol, Francisco J. Robles-Palazón, Paul Comfort, Nicholas J. Ripley, Lee Herrington, Christopher Bramah, John J. Mcmahon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Musculoskeletal injuries are a common health problem among sporting populations. Such injuries come with a high financial burden to the involved organisations and can have a detrimental impact on the career attainment of injured individuals. Force plates are now a common tool available to sport and exercise science and medicine professionals to enable them to profile injury risk predisposition and modulate the rehabilitation process within sporting environments. This is because contemporary force plate technology is portable and affordable and often comes with software that enables the automatic and immediate feedback of test variables to key stakeholders. However, to our knowledge, …

Underrepresentation Of Women In Exercise Science And Physiology Research Is Associated With Authorship Gender, Jessica J. James, Emilie A. Klevenow, Mira A. Atkinson, Emma E. Vosters, Elizabeth P. Bueckers, Meagan E. Quinn, Samantha L. Kindy, Azara P. Mason, Sophia K. Nelson, Kennedy A. H. Rainwater, Petra V. Taylor, Elena P. Zippel, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Historically, low representation of women participants in exercise science and physiology studies has led to a lack of understanding in the response of women to exercise and therapeutic interventions. We hypothesized that 1) the number of women authors, participants, and editorial board members increased over 30 years (1991–2021) and 2) larger representation of women as editors and authors is associated with more women participants. Gender (man/woman) of editorial board members (n = 394), authors (n = 5,735), and participants (n = 2,984,883) of 972 original research articles with human participants published in 1991 and 2021 …

The Biological Basis Of Sex Differences In Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement For The American College Of Sports Medicine, Sandra K. Hunter, Siddhartha S. Angadi, Aditi Bhargava, Joanna Harper, Angelica Lindén Hirschberg, Benjamin D. Levine, Kerrie L. Moreau, Natalie J. Nokoff, Nina S. Stachenfeld, Stéphane Bermon

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%–30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, …

Does Implementation Of A Lifestyle Medicine Curriculum Affect Student Wellness During Doctor Of Physical Therapy Education?, Betsy J. Becker, Kathleen G. Volkman, Tessa Wells, Nicole M. Sleddens, Teresa Cochran

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Background

Current healthcare environments amplify the need for educational systems to forge healthy workforces to withstand stressors. Our study examines the effects of embedding a lifestyle medicine curriculum on student wellness in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, simultaneously preparing students to implement lifestyle medicine with future patients and communities.

Methods

In a DPT program, we implemented a lifestyle medicine curriculum grounded within the Social-Ecological Model. This framework emphasizes student success in the program’s pre-clinical phases, creates a purposeful “ripple effect” threading wellness strategies among peers, patients, and communities, and emphasizes wellness as a clinician over the 32-month curriculum. …

Neurology Within Occupational Therapy., Emma Price

Honors Theses

Occupational therapy is a field of study that can have the potential to greatly impact various conditions within the neurological field. The ones discussed in this paper include spinal cord injuries (SCI), strokes, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Within this, research was completed to see various assessments and interventions that can be used with these conditions within occupational therapy. This includes assessments such as the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) or Assessment of Motor and Process skills (AMPS). Then when it comes to specific interventions that can be used this can range from strengthening exercises, working on activities of daily …

Remote Ischaemic Conditioning Combined With Bimanual Task Training To Enhance Bimanual Skill Learning And Corticospinal Excitability In Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol Of A Single Centre, Phase Ii Randomised Controlled Trial, Swati M Surkar, John D Willson, Jessica M Cassidy, Shailesh Kantak, Charity G Patterson

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) have difficulty in bimanual coordination that restricts the child's independence in daily activities. Although several efficacious interventions to improve bimanual coordination exist, these interventions often require higher training doses and have modest effect sizes. Thus, there is a critical need to find an effective priming agent that, when paired with task-specific training, will facilitate neurobiological processes to enhance the magnitude of training effects and subsequently improve functional capabilities of children with UCP. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of a novel priming agent, remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC), combined with …

The Effectiveness Of Temporary Deafferentation For Upper Limb Rehabilitation, Chelsea Erazo Macias, Daniel Salinas, Monica Lozano Garcia, Victoria Cuello, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Temporary deafferentation (TD) is an approach that has been investigated in rehabilitation practices to improve motor function in people with spinal cord injuries. The overall goal of temporary deafferentation is to voluntarily reduce sensory input into the nervous system to improve efferent output. Temporary deafferentation is typically achieved using either topical or injectable anesthetics. Recently, our group sought to optimize a protocol for temporary deafferentation using topical anesthetic cream, and results suggested that temporary deafferentation was achieved 50 minutes after anesthetic cream application. Here, we aimed to determine if our optimized protocol impacted limb electromyography (EMG) after the intervention. …

Effect Of Action Observation Therapy On Pain, Kinesiophobia, Function, And Quality Of Life In Adhesive Capsulitis Patients, Prachita Walankar, Dhruvi Shah

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Adhesive capsulitis is a common musculoskeletal health problem. Cortical changes along with maladaptive pain behavior has been reported in literature. There is a need to implement biopsychosocial rehabilitation approaches to achieve successful outcomes. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effect of action observation therapy (AOT) on pain, kinesiophobia, function and quality of life in adhesive capsulitis patients. Methods: This single-center, prospective study was conducted in a group of 30 persons diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis patients (19 males, 11 females). Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Patients in one group were given AOT along with conventional exercises, while …

Student Perceptions Of Reading Preparation And Textbook Use In Professional Allied Health Programs, Laura Stimler, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Melba G. Custer, Shirley P. O'Brien

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In professional allied health education, textbooks are central to developing course content, student learning and certification exams, but little is known about the graduate student’s perspective. This study was intended to describe current trends in graduate students’ point of view, habits and opinions related to buying and using textbooks and other resources in allied health education. Methods: This was a multi-site collaborative research project. An electronic survey was developed to gather data on student habits and perspectives regarding textbook preferences including digital texts, academic reading, exam preparation, and obtaining course materials. The survey was distributed across four academic institutions. …

The Use Of Dynamic 3d Printed Cervical Spine Models In A Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Course, Cassandra I. Ciorciari, Dallas A. Rynda, Christina L. Fojas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: While mass-produced anatomical models are commercially available, many models are inflexible and static, and may not meet the needs of health professions students. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have demonstrated tremendous potential for enhancing student learning. This study uses 3D printed cervical spine models to explore whether use of dynamic, flexible models improve student learning in a cohort of physical therapy students. Methods: 3D printed models of the cervical spine and occiput were printed using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer and polylactic acid filament, and augmented with hook and loop fasteners, foam sheets, and cords to simulate structures …

The Impact Of Experiential Learning In A Pro Bono Ot Clinic On Clinical Reasoning Development, Julie Sandvig, Debra Hanson, Paula Kitzenberg

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Fieldwork educators have expressed concerns about the readiness of occupational therapy students for clinical reasoning in the practice setting. Experiential learning involving face-to-face personal interactions with clients facilitates the application of theoretical knowledge, and the development of professional skills, competence, and self-confidence. Having the opportunity for extensive hands-on time working with clients, such as is offered in a pro bono clinic structure, may positively impact student clinical reasoning development of occupational therapy students.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of participation in a student-run occupational therapy pro bono clinic on student perceptions of clinical …

Effect Of Posterior Leaf Spring And Carbon Composite Ankle Foot Orthosis On Gait And Functional Mobility Of Stroke Survivors With Hemiplegia: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Zidikheri B. Msechu, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Tim Drew

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The study was carried out as a randomized clinical trial to assess the effect of posterior leaf spring ankle foot orthosis (PLS-AFO) and carbon composite ankle foot orthosis (C-AFO) on functional mobility, walking speed and satisfaction among stroke survivors with hemiplegia. Methods: Twenty-seven ambulatory stroke survivors with hemiplegia who had completed a rehabilitation program and were already using an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) were included in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned either PLS-AFO or C-AFO and assessment was done with and without their AFOs. Functional mobility, walking speed, and satisfaction were assessed using the Timed Up and …

Occurrence Of Temporomandibular Disorder In Subjects With Low Back Pain And Spinal Postural Deformities: An Observational Study, Vijay Kage, Aarti Welling, Richa Desai

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Back pain and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are two predominant illnesses that affect the human motor system. Literature has stated significant associations between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and TMD. Global postural deviations cause body adaptation and realignment, which may interfere with the function of TMJ. However, the possibility of TMD in subjects with CLBP associated with spinal postural deformities has yet to be completely explored. Method: This was an observational study carried out among 65 people having CLBP with co-presence of any spinal deformities. Forward head posture (FHP) was assessed using the On-Protractor application and thoracic kyphosis and lumbar …

Influence Of Apathy And Grit On Exercise Adherence For Persons With Parkinson’S Disease: A Cohort Study, Erica J. Kiernan, Evan M. Pucillo, Christopher M. Wiedman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. A preponderance of evidence supports exercise and physical activity as an effective intervention to slow the progression of motor symptoms in persons with PD. However, less study has been given to the influence of non-motor symptoms of PD, such as apathy and grit, on adherence to therapeutic exercise programs. The primary aim of this study was to characterize levels of apathy and grit in individuals with PD and explore any relationship to adherence in a community exercise program. Due to the importance of caregiver interaction, …

Training And Instruction Of Learning And Study Strategies Improve Academic Performance In Rehabilitation Students, Evan M. Pucillo, Gabriela Perez

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Prior study has demonstrated that certain learning strategies can be improved with training and instruction. As a result, downstream academic success may be potentiated. However, it is unclear if instructional intervention can influence academic outcomes among rehabilitation students. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in grade point average (GPA) after exposure to a set of standardized self-paced training modules on the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in Physical therapy (PT) and Occupational therapy (OT) students. Methods: A causal-comparative design was used, and a multi-center convenience sample collected N=75 entry-level PT and OT students [PT: 41(55%); …

Improving Hand Recovery In Tetraplegia Through The Use Of Meaningful Occupations: A Qualitative Case Series, Amanda C. Glueck, Casey E. Humphrey, Elizabeth Salmon Powell, Cassandra Catherine Ginn, Melba G. Custer, Camille L. Skubik-Peplaski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This qualitative descriptive study explored participants’, with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), experiences with meaningful intensive task specific training (ITST). Methods: Three participants completed 24-ITST upper extremity motor therapy intervention sessions. Qualitative interviews were completed at three time points for a case series: baseline, within 7 days of the completion of the final ITST intervention session, and within one month of the final ITST intervention session for a total of 9 interviews. Results: Three themes were identified including: Quality of Movement Enhances Normal Use of Hands, Empowering Through Education and Motivation to Participate and Enhance Quality of Life. Through …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Doctor Of Physical Therapy (Dpt) Students Through Computer-Based Simulation, Denise Romano, Alyson Pasquale

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is a critical skill required to be an effective clinician in today’s dynamic and complex healthcare environment. Reflective ability is considered foundational for building clinical reasoning skills. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the clinical reasoning strategies used by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students during a computer-based simulation and the relationship between the quality of reflection and clinical reasoning strategies used. Methods: Forty-five first (n=15), second (n=23), and third (n=7) year DPT students enrolled in six professional DPT programs in the United States participated in an asynchronous computer-based simulation designed to …

The Ventilatory Management Of Paediatric Central Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review, Kane A. Hodge, Anne Jones

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Paediatric central sleep apnoea (CSA) occurs more frequently in the presence of another medical condition. This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for children with CSA and additional underlying comorbidities. Method: A search was undertaken of CINAHL Complete, Emcare, Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed with forward and backward citations for studies published between database inception and the 5th of May 2022. Articles of any study design or quality were included, excluding systematic reviews, letters, or study protocols. Articles had to involve only paediatric patients with a diagnosis of CSA with …

Trends In Length Of Stay: Experience From A Tertiary Care Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit In Saudi Arabia., Sami Ullah, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Waqas Sami, Amara Ilyas, Sherif Samir Abdelmaksoud Tantawy, Sarah Samir Abdulakarim Alqatari, Hasan Shacfe, Colleen Ann Wunderlich

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pediatric rehabilitation units offer unique challenges due to complex rehabilitation needs of children based on their age group and diagnosis. Length of stay (LOS) is an indirect measure of hospital cost and efficiency of a clinical service and it is important to determine the factors affecting LOS in hospitalized children undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: Record of 350 children (males: 222, female: 128) who underwent inpatient pediatric rehabilitation program at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Saudi Arabia during 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. Diagnoses were categorized into cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic brain injury and others. …

Effects Of A Multi-Modal Gait Training Program In An Individual With Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Anne Boddy, Lindsay A. Perry, Chitralakshmi K. Balasubramanian

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Multi-modal gait training (MMGT) may improve impairments and functional limitations in individuals’ post-stroke. The purpose of this case study was to investigate effects of MMGT on gait and balance outcomes immediately post-intervention, 30-day short term (ST) and 1-year long term follow-up periods. Method: A 63-year-old patient, eight years post-stroke, participated in a MMGT program that included evidence-based gait interventions: unilateral treadmill training, inclined treadmill training at 8%, and over-ground fast walking. The eight sessions lasted 45-minutes each and consisted of the three interventions lasting 10-minutes each with rest breaks. Results: Self-selected (SS) and fastest comfortable gait speed revealed meaningful …

Low-Rate Tens As An Effective Treatment For Pelvic Pain - A Retrospective Case Report, Michelle Allyn, Ryan Kamieneski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects 27% of the world’s female population. The purpose of this case report was to investigate the use of low-rate transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in a woman with CPP. Few studies have investigated the effects of low-rate TENS on gynecological-related pelvic pain. Methods: A 21-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of pelvic pain and decreased quality of life. Persistent pain led the patient to seek physical therapy treatment. Single-channel low-rate TENS (five hertz frequency, 250 microseconds phase duration) was provided for 30 minutes daily at the maximum tolerated intensity, for …

The Level Of Functionality Of The Affected Upper Limb In Stroke Patients Depends On The Type Of Therapy Used And The Lateralization Of The Subjects' Body - A Randomized Observational Study., Anna Olczak, Marcin Dornowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Impairment of the functions of the upper limb and hand is a major problem in stroke patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate various therapies in terms of their influence on changes in the activity of the affected, dominant, and non-dominant upper limb in patients after ischemic stroke. Material/Methods: This is a randomized, double-blinded study. The research was carried out in a rehabilitation clinic on a group of 60 stroke patients who were randomly assigned to groups differing in the rehabilitation program. The study group had physiotherapy based on the NDT Bobath concept and the control group …