Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Nutrient Supplementation For Pre- And Post Acl Operation & Rehabilitation In Female Basketball Players, Mackenzie Steele, Joshua Munoz

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Understanding how nutrition and dietary protocols can help female athletes in the process of “returning to sport” after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgery should be discussed amongst interprofessional post-operational care teams. Amongst athletes, female counterparts experience ACL injuries at a higher incidence rate than males, this is due to a variety of biological factors while returning to sport at a lower rate. Due to this, it is important to analyze and evaluate the data available from sports journals on the effects diet and supplements may have on the musculoskeletal system. ACL grafts are often taken from a donating …

Form, Function, And Meaning Of Hiking In Bipoc Communities, Karen Rosales, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presentation is about understanding the form, function, and meaning for hiking in BIPOC communities. This study used a mixed methods approach to obtain quantitative data through a survey and qualitative data through an interview. Through the use of an Occupational Science approach this study aimed to capture the lived experience of those participating in hiking. Understanding the knowledge of individuals occupations is beneficial for Occupational Therapist when working with versatile populations to understand their motivation and culture.

Community Reintegration Of Formerly Incarcerated Persons: An Occupational Therapy Guidebook, Shauntrice Woodberry, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr, Steven Gerardi Phd, Otr

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The recidivism rates in the US are the highest, as the current research suggests the majority of offenders (two-thirds) released from prison in any given year will be reincarcerated within three years (Eggers et al., 2006). The high rates of recidivism suggest that the criminal justice system has not been able to successfully identify the needs of incarcerated individuals necessary to support the success of their community integration process.

Since there are no published guidelines available to OT practitioners to guide their provision of community reintegration services to formerly incarcerated persons, the product of this capstone was a guidebook.

Exploring Occupational Therapy’S Role In Foster Care: A Mixed Methods Study On Financial Literacy Education For Foster Youth, Ashley Carmichael, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Foster youth are children under 21 years old who have been removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse and are susceptible to early adversity and trauma (Alternative Family Services, n.d.; AOTA, 2017). Financial literacy is the knowledge and skills to take control of finances (National Financial Educators Council, n.d.). In the foster care setting, occupational therapists (OTs) provide client-centered care that traditionally focuses on transitional life skills, such as seeking employment (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2017).

Problem/Purpose: The lack of resources for foster youth to gain financial literacy skills leads to a disadvantage in …

The Form, Function, And Meaning Of Creative Expression, Sierra Strain, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project consists of school site observations and needs assessment data used to gain a better understanding of the various types of creative expression engaged in during the school day and to determine the form, function, and meaning of creative expression to students at a school for students with learning differences. This study discusses to the creation of a creative expression program created to help meet the sensory need demonstrated by this population of students on campus throughout the school day. The importance of zentangle based art use as a sensory regulation strategy in a school setting is discussed as …

Exploring The Post-Surgical Needs Of Guatemalan Children And Their Families From Low Socioeconomic Status (Ses) Communities Using An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Diana Del Carmen Tojin Romero, Karen Aranha, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Despite a decline in infant mortality rates in the Global South (GS), there has been a rise in congenital and developmental disabilities. International short-term medical (ISTM) missions in Guatemala seek to address the surgical needs of children from low SES communities, but the understanding of the impacts of such assistance and the post-surgical needs of these communities remains limited. Embracing the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to healthcare as a foundation for this study recognizes health as a fundamental human right. The main tenets of this approach will guide this investigation to understand the post-surgical needs of children and their …

Analyzing Experiences With Context-Based Physical Activity Coaching (Cb-Pac) In Caregivers Of Children With Visual Impairments: A Pilot Study, Mary Godman, Angela Blackwell, Eric Hicks

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Caregivers have faced many barriers in providing equitable physical activity (PA) opportunities for their children with visual impairments (VI) (Armstrong et al., 2018; Columna et al., 2017; Sterbova & Kudlacek, 2014). This pilot study focused on two female caregivers of children with VI to understand their experiences and perceptions related to providing PA for their children along with a context-based coaching program to improve their child’s participation in PA. The study utilized a mixed methods design and concluded that support, motivation, strategies for participation, and equipment were important areas to address for caregivers to engage their children in PA.

Occupational Barriers In Attendance Of Diabetes Prevention Programs In Adults Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Kendra Green, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to meet the needs of adults of low socioeconomic status that are at risk for developing diabetes due to multiple occupational barriers through evidence-based interventions developed by Occupational Therapists. Reflecting on current literature on the social determinants of health can help clients achieve a better quality of life. It addressed the specific barriers in an individual’s lifestyle and community resources faced daily in occupations such as managing finances, shopping, sleeping, cooking, and eating healthier, along with utilizing physical activity to prevent diabetes. OT is underutilized in this area even though the expertise is needed …

A Manualized Occupational Therapy Module On Cognitive Defusion For People With Ptsd, Joshua Mimun, Steven M. Gerardi

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

CD has been identified as a treatment module that should be included in a manualized OT protocol for people with PTSD but had not yet been developed. Thus, the purpose of this capstone project is to create a manualized OT treatment module on CD for people with PTSD.

Creciendo Y Floreciendo Dentro De Nuestro Ambiente: A Contextual Intervention With Latino Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Jocelyn Urbina, Erik Pérez, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2021), 1 in 44 children has been identified with autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD experience challenges in participation that is characterized by difficulties in areas of social communication, social interaction, repetitive behavior, and a range of impairing sensory interests or aversions (Pasco, 2018). These challenges can limit their participation in occupations if not addressed within time as well as put stress on the child’s parents or caregivers. Parents who have children with ASD experience higher elevated levels of parental stress and psychological distress when compared to parents who have …

The Perceived Benefits Of Belonging To A Community Organization For People With Parkinson's Disease (Pwpd): An Ethnographic Study, Alexis Fortes, Mary Ann Smith, Karen Aranha, Kelli Cabrera

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Persons with Parkinson’s (PwPD) seek to age in place and slow the functional decline that comes with the disease process. Membership in community-based and fitness programs provides a social safe environment that significantly impacts an individual’s psychological well-being and occupational independence. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports and promotes partnering with community organizations that promote and valuemaintaining occupational independence for community dwellers.

Objective: This study investigated the perceived benefits of belonging to a community organization that supports health management and well-being for PwPD.

Methods: A qualitative ethnographic study used immersive participant observation, and conducted two …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Providing Gender-Affirming Care For Transgender And Gender Diverse Individuals, Anna Rhodes, Mary A. Smith, Kristin Willey

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

There is limited information, education, and training available on providing care for the transgender and gender-diverse population, and many healthcare providers lack the specific knowledge needed to provide adequate, culturally competent care. A needs assessment was conducted to better understand what healthcare practitioners wanted to know regarding this topic, as well as what trans and gender-diverse individuals wanted their healthcare practitioners to know about their care. This needs assessment was anonymous and answers were not published. The responses were analyzed by the author to identify themes and develop learning objectives for the creation of educational materials. Five educational modules were …

Evidence Based Practices To Guide Practitioners On Providing Racially Informed Care (Ric): A Scoping Review, Veronica Ajose, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Charae Mcconnell

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

All forms of racism impact the health, well-being, safety, and occupations of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). There is a gap in Occupational Therapy (OT) curricula and literature on how practitioners should address the issue of racism. This presentation presents the background, problem, purpose, methods, results, and implications for occupational therapy practice for a scoping review that sought to review sought to identify and synthesize interventions that align with Racially Informed Care (RIC).

The Occupation Of Surfing By Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color Communities As A Form Of Resistance, Emily Robleza, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study explores the concept of resistance through a qualitative research study by focusing on the occupation of surfing by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The concept and acts of resistance have seldom been discussed in occupational science literature in addressing these communities' barriers. The frameworks include occupational justice, postcolonialism, and collective occupations that provide a layout of why and how current grass-roots efforts of communities marginalized from a meaningful activity utilize the meaningful activity as a vehicle for liberation. Eight participants were interviewed to understand their individual experiences in surfing in Southern California. Themes include Race, Class, and …

Leisure Exploration For Individuals Recovering From Substance Use Disorder, Laura Head, Susan Macdermott Otd, Otr/L

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder often report feeling the desire to fill their time with meaning and that time they spent misusing substances was unfulfilling. This poster provides background on what a substance use disorder is and the effects it may have on a person's life. It also dives into the methods used to create, propose, and implement a creative expression group for homeless transitional-aged youth, 18-25, and an exercise group for individuals in recovery from SUD. Finally, this poster discusses the implications of implementing and maintaining programs occupational therapist lead programs in community mental health settings.

Enhance The Use Of Arts, Crafts, And Creative Expression Within Ot Practice, Genevieve England, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Through the evolution of occupational therapy, the presence of arts and crafts within the profession has decreased. It is a possibility that the cause stems from lack of exposure to crafts, decreased craft related coursework within OT school programming, as well as the shift towards medical model-based OT interventions. The purpose of this project was to gain an understanding of arts and crafts and/or creative expression within OT practice in order to create an effective program.

A Dance Program Focused On Health Promotion, Nadalie Valdez, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to develop a dance program focused on health promotion, with the intent to encourage physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being. In response to the rise in childhood obesity and associated comorbidities, especially among underserved communities, the goal of this project was to provide opportunities for children of all backgrounds to establish healthy habits and routines.

Transforming Perspectives: Identifying And Addressing Disparities In Sexual Health Education In Occupational Therapy Education Programs, Devon C. Wilson

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone project aims to address the lack of sexual health education in Occupational Therapy (OT) curricula and improve OT practitioners' ability to address sex and sexuality in 5 their practice. The research sought to understand the practices and attitudes of OT educators and educational programs in the United States concerning sexual health and sexuality within their curriculum. The study employed a survey-based approach, gathering data from a diverse group of OT educators and program directors through an online platform before and after participating in an educational presentation on the subject matter. The results revealed positive views of sex and …

Improving Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Through Rehabilitation And Biomaterial-Based Drug Delivery Strategies, Yunfan Kong

Theses & Dissertations

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common problem worldwide, with trauma being a common cause. PNI can lead to loss of sensory and motor functions, chronic neuropathic pain, and mental health issues, significantly impacting patients' family life, work, and social situation. Recent studies revealed that beyond the topical injury site at peripheral nerves, PNIs can also induce dysfunctions in the central nervous system (CNS) by causing maladaptive plasticity, which will result in exaggeration and exacerbation of the pathological condition caused by primary injuries. The common therapy strategies for PNI treatment are using sutures, nerve autografts or conduits in cases requiring …

The Influence Of Personality Type On Patient Outcome Measures And Therapeutic Alliance In Patients With Low Back Pain, William J. Hanney, Fahim Dhalla, Chase Kelly, Alicia Tomberlin, Morey J. Kolber, Abigail T. Wilson, Paul A. Salamh

HPD Articles

Background: Low back pain (LBP) has been shown to have various biological, psychological, and social factors that affect prognosis. However, it is unclear how personality may influence self-reported outcome measures and therapeutic alliance (TA). Methods: Eysenck’s personality inventory was used to assess personality, while the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Global Rating of Change (GROC), and the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) measured patient progress and relationship strength. All outcome measures were formulated in a single survey that both the therapist and patient completed electronically. Results: Sixty-seven patients with LBP and twenty-two …

Novel Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway Reduces Length Of Stay And Postoperative Opioid Usage In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion, Kristen Spisak, Matthew Thomas, Zachary J. Sirois, Alvin Jones, Lucinda M. Brown, Andrew W. Froehle, Michael Albert

School of Health and Exercise Sciences Faculty Publications

Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare our institution’s recently implemented enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol to previous post-operative management for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion, specifically assessing length of stay, opioid consumption, and pain scores.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis that compares the length of stay, opioid consumption, and pain scores of patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients were analyzed prior to the implementation of our ERAS protocol, deemed the traditional pain pathway (TPP), to those who underwent the ERAS pathway. All patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for …

Addressing Psychosocial Client Factors In People With Cancer: An Occupational Therapy Guidebook, Hannah Marlette, Steven M. Gerardi, Tiffany Bystra

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

People with cancer have an increased risk of impaired occupational engagement and occupational performance due to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impacts of cancer and cancer treatment (Duker & Sleight, 2019; Pergolotti et al., 2016; Polo & Smith, 2018).

The involvement of occupational therapy (OT) in the care of people with cancer remains limited, resulting in a finite amount of literature on OT interventions to address this population (Pergolotti et al., 2016). The primary focus of OT for people with cancer has been on physical client factors and interventions, and people with cancer report that their psychosocial factors are being …

Occupational Therapy For Perinatal Women: An Online Educational Course, Rachel Killorin, Steven M. Gerardi, Sabina Khan

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A freely accessible website and online educational course was developed to inform occupational therapy practitioners and maternal healthcare professionals about the role that occupational therapy has on the perinatal healthcare team. Perinatal Occupational Therapy. https://www.perinataloccupationaltherapy.com/

Addressing Psychosocial Client Factors In People With Cancer: An Occupational Therapy Guidebook, Hannah Marlette

Student Capstone Papers

People with cancer experience a variety of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impacts that affect their quality of life, occupational performance, and occupational engagement. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are well-equipped to address these impacts, however, OT is an underused service in the cancer population, resulting in a limited amount of literature addressing OT interventions in cancer care. OT interventions in the literature are focused on addressing an individual’s physical client factors. The focus on physical client factors is causing people with cancer to report that their psychosocial client factors are not being addressed. The literature demonstrates that OT practitioners do not …

Education And Training For Clients And Caregivers Related To Assistive Technology, Tristin Jones, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Lee Ann Hoffman

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Education and training are extremely important element when prescribing assistive technology of any kind. Often, clients and caregivers return home with unanswered questions related to said devices. For the client to return home and be successful appropriate and adequate education and training is required for both the client and caregiver. The goal of this project was to ensure that clients returning home experienced increased independence and decreased assistive technology abandonment. This poster presentation outlines the benefits of increased education and training prior to discharge throughout an occupational therapy capstone program.

Lymphedema Management For Those Living With Spinal Cord Disorders To Address Caregiver Burden, Nia L. Bolen-Daniels

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The following capstone project focused on the creation of a booklet that identified the needs determined by caregivers and providers. The booklet includes beneficial resources to aid in reducing caregiver burden for those with spinal cord injuries (SCI) with lymphedema needs with a concentration of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) population. This capstone project’s primary goal was to understand the caregiver’s perspective and their needs to assist with any gaps identified to further aid them and their providers.

Accommodated Gymnastics Program For Atypically Developing Children, Ashtin Callahan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Incorporating An Occupational Therapy Perspective In A Pediatric Early Developmental Clinic, Olivia Mahoney

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Clinical Research Capstone At The National Institutes Of Health Clinical Center, Deborah J. Kofsky

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Fall Prevention & Vision Therapy Program For Inpatient Rehab, James P. Ryan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Falls and vision impairments are common areas of concern for many adult and geriatric individuals currently residing in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. While most facilities have a fall prevention program in place, many are inadequate at determining a patients true fall risk and reducing the number of falls sustained by these populations. Through the creation and consistent implementation of an evidence-based fall prevention and vision therapy program via screenings, assessments and patient specific interventions the number of falls sustained by these populations within an inpatient rehab facility was reduced over a three month period compared the three months prior to the …