Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Cognitive And Mental Health Challenges: Addressing The Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Adults, Hannah E. Smith, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Anne Mcdonnell, Mpa, Otr/L, Cbist

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone examined the challenges adults face following traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and explored interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive functioning and mental health. This capstone also aimed to reduce caregiver stress and burnout by expanding knowledge and resources focused on cognitive and mental health within the population. TBIs can result from a variety of causes, affecting cognitive abilities, mental health, and functional outcomes. This capstone shows evidence-based interventions designed to improve cognitive functioning, facilitate engagement in meaningful activities to improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life for adults recovering from TBI. This also will demonstrate potential for occupational …

The Necessity Of Adaptive Sports: Addressing Financial Barriers To Participation In Children With Spinal Cord Injuries, Megan G. Wells, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with spinal cord injuries (SCI) face significant financial barriers that limit access to adaptive sports, despite the physical and psychosocial benefits of participation. This capstone project aimed to address this gap by developing a comprehensive financial resource guide for families. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, a needs assessment was conducted through semi-structured interviews, clinical observations, and stakeholder input, revealing a lack of accessible and centralized funding information. In response, a guidebook was created that includes educational content, local and national funding opportunities, and practical tools for navigating financial aid and grant applications. The guide was piloted and refined …

Bridging The Gap: At For Those With Physical Or Intellectual Disability, Rebekah Nesbitt

The 2026 Assistive Technology for Persons with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities Conference

No abstract provided.

Challenges And Opportunities To Access Assistive Technology In The Americas Region, Yasmin Garcia Mendez

The 2026 Assistive Technology for Persons with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities Conference

No abstract provided.

Developing A Community Partnership Toolkit To Expand Vocational Opportunitiesfor Adults With Disabilities In A Day Program Setting, Bonnie Chapman

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to address the gap in community-based vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities within a day program setting. It was identified that participants lacked consistent opportunities to engage in real-world work experiences, which limited their ability to develop vocational skills and explore meaningful roles within the community. This gap was further compounded by a limited number of local businesses willing or prepared to establish partnerships with the program. Additionally, staff reported having insufficient resources and tools to effectively develop and sustain these partnerships, creating a significant barrier to expanding vocational opportunities.

The purpose of this project was …

The Mommy Wine Culture: A Scoping Review Using The Person-Environment-Occupational Model., Sabina Khan

Student Dissertations

Maternal alcohol use as a coping response to parenting-related stress has received growing attention in public health and psychology but remains underexplored within occupational therapy. This gap limits understanding of how daily role demands, environmental pressures, and individual vulnerabilities combine to shape drinking as a functional coping behavior. This dissertation aimed to identify and synthesize factors associated with maternal alcohol use in the context of parenting stress and interpret these determinants using the person–environment–occupation model. A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched without date or …

Improved Child Participation And Performance At Saddle Up!, Maya Pakulski

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was created in partnership with the staff at Saddle Up! in Franklin, TN. Saddle Up! is a PATH accredited non profit organization that offers hippotherapy, adaptive riding and various horsemanship lessons and opportunities for children and youth with various disabilities to learn and engage with horses. The primary goal of this project was to address a need for improved child and family participation in various aspects of lessons and therapy sessions. The focus was to develop a functional communication and visual schedule system that was accessible and easily understood by all staff. This system included a wide …

A Systemic Review Of Functional Outcomes And Patient Satisfaction Across Lower-Limb Prosthetic Types In Military Personnel And Veterans, Emma Ho Harris, Amir Ghafarian, Sen Gao, Khaled Saleh, Jason Pasley

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Military personnel and veterans are at increased risk of lower-limb amputation, often due to combat-related trauma such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as secondary factors including tobacco use, peripheral artery disease, and diabetes. This study systematically reviews and compares lower-limb prosthetic technologies in military personnel and veterans, focusing on functional outcomes, mobility, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed MeSH terms to identify studies examining lower-limb prosthetic use and outcomes among military personnel and veterans. The final MeSH-based search yielded 27 results.

Results: The review included 27 studies on lower-limb prosthetic use …

The Effect Of Cerebral Somatosensory Network Priming On Language Function In Chronic L-Mca Ischemic Stroke: A Companion Case Study, Mandelin E. Wollesen

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chronic aphasia following a left middle cerebral artery (L-MCA) stroke is often associated with limited recovery beyond the acute phase, necessitating interventions that target neuroplastic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of somatosensory pneumotactile stimulation paired with cognitive-linguistic tasks on functional language performance in an individual with chronic aphasia. Using a single-subject pre-post design, the participant completed a 10-week intervention protocol involving repeated pneumotactile stimulation via the GALILEO system combined with language and motor tasks. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures, discourse-based language samples, oral reading, repetition, and phonemic verbal fluency. Discourse was analyzed using Correct Information Units (CIUs), words …

Effects Of Static Ankle Stretching On Balance And Gait: The Roles Of Age And Parkinson's Disease, Taylor M. Gauss

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation involves the effects of static ankle stretching on balance and gait in adults of different ages and with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A brief introduction in Chapter 1 precedes a detailed literature review in Chapter 2, in which we identify gaps in research on balance and gait following ankle stretching and explain why ankle stretching may serve as a predominant strategy for improving motor performance in aging and PD populations. In Chapter 3, we present the first study identifying whether muscle group selection or stretch duration influences balance in young adults. Results showed that longer durations …

Evaluating Clinical-Academic Partnerships In Physical Therapy Education: A Critically Appraised Topic On Available Assessment Tools, Jocelin Friedman, Hannah Bennett, Rachel Atkinson, Leona Hidalgo

Pacific Journal of Health

Scenario: Physical Therapy Clinical Education represents a significant component of curricula and requires cooperation between academic institutions and clinical education sites (CES). Curriculum structure variation, clinical instructor availability, and student internship demands impact the academic institutions and CES partnership. For stakeholders, communication of expectations and the individuality of the student placement workflow can strain partnerships. Longevity of the clinical-academic partnership depends on effective evaluation incorporating perspectives of both parties. Question: Are there bi- directional assessment tools or protocols available to help academic institutions and CES to evaluate each other in the areas of administrative and collaborative performance? Methods …

Supporting School Readiness: A Visual-Motor Integration Program For Children Ages 2.5-10, Bailey Williams, Wendy Tremaine, Carla Hamilton

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on supporting school readiness through the development and implementation of a visual-motor integration (VMI) program for children ages 2.5–10 with developmental delays. A needs assessment was conducted to identify gaps in caregiver knowledge and resources related to VMI development. In response, a 6-week educational program was created, incorporating targeted activities and caregiver education to promote VMI skill development. Findings indicated improved caregiver understanding of VMI concepts and increased confidence in implementing strategies at home. These results highlight the importance of early intervention and caregiver involvement in supporting children’s academic readiness and overall developmental outcomes.

Program Development For Maternal Mental Health During The Transition To Motherhood, Lindsey A. Lindsley, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The transition to motherhood can be both rewarding and challenging, with many women experiencing increased vulnerability to postpartum depression (PPD). This capstone project focused on developing and implementing a six-week maternal mental health program designed to support postpartum women through education, occupational engagement, and peer connection. Grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), the program used a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual sessions to improve accessibility. Program outcomes were evaluated using surveys, the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA), and participant feedback. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge of postpartum mental health, greater confidence in their maternal roles, and improved ability to …

Occupational Therapy For People With Internet Gaming Disorder: A Concept Paper, Samuel R. Bender, Steven Gerardi

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with occupational imbalance and disrupted routines, contributing to challenges in occupational participation and performance. Due to there being a gap in occupational therapy-based research and guidance for people with IGD, this capstone project focused on the development of a concept paper informed by The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) that frames problematic video gaming as an occupational issue. The concept paper organizes assessment strategies, identifies problems, outlines intervention ideas, and discusses potential next steps for assisting people with IGD within occupational therapy. This capstone project is intended to help current occupational therapists more effectively …

Integrating Maternal Pelvic Floor And Mental Health In Occupational Therapy, Diana S. Theodore, Lesley Sally Khan-Farooqi, Amanda Ciecior, Teresa Martinez, Brooke Caldwell

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster highlights an integrated occupational therapy approach to maternal pelvic floor and mental health. Postpartum recovery is often addressed in fragmented ways, separating physical symptoms from emotional and functional impact. This work emphasizes the connection between pelvic floor function, nervous system regulation, and daily activities. Drawing from clinical experiences across acute, outpatient, and community settings, this project presents practical, client-centered strategies to support recovery. Key areas include breathing, bowel and bladder health, and functional movement. By focusing on occupational performance, such as toileting, mobility, sleep, and caregiving. This approach demonstrates the role of occupational therapy in supporting whole-person postpartum …

Pathways To Independence: A Transitional Education Program For Adults With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Joseph Ribaudo, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pathways to Independence is a transitional education program implemented into the young adult program of a school for individuals with neuro developmental disabilities (NDD). The objective of program implementation was to progress the skills of the adult with NDD students to promote increased independence upon the transition out of IDEA services. The program was delivered to 20 adult with NDD students ranging from 18-21 years old.

Supporting School-Based Adaptive Movement: Developing Resources For The Flip For Function Program, Isabel C. Creasey

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Flip for Function, an adaptive gymnastics program that incorporates occupational therapy principles to serve children with and without disabilities. The primary aim of this project was to facilitate the expansion of adaptive movement programming into school-based settings through the development of structured resources, evaluation tools, and educational materials. A comprehensive literature review was completed to examine the relationship between physical activity, executive functioning, self-regulation, and school-related outcomes in children with disabilities. Guided by these findings, key deliverables were developed, including a school-based implementation guide, outreach materials for school personnel, a teacher-reported …

Electromyography, Prosthetic Properties, And Running Biomechanics In Recreationally Active Persons With Lower Extremity Amputation, Paige M. Agnew

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Lower extremity loss affects nearly 150,000 individuals in the United States yearly yielding extreme health care costs annually. Typically, prosthetic devices are prescribed for 5-8 years despite known changes to an individual’s gait as time progresses. Patients can expect to undergo approximately 8-12 weeks of gait retraining to improve their comfort and efficiency. Biomechanical changes occur when running with a specific running prosthetic including considerable biomechanical and neuromuscular interlimb asymmetries and alterations in loading patterns. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the biomechanical demands for lower extremity prosthesis users during running. The first study synthesized peer reviewed evidence …

Aligning Clinical Documentation With Payer Requirements To Improve Wheelchair Access, Alexandria Morales

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The wheelchair acquisition process is complicated and requires an interdisciplinary team of Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP) and either Occupational Therapists (OT) or Physical Therapists (PT). Without a proper mobility device, many wheelchair users report frustration due to decreased participation in work, school, medical appointments, and social events. Improper documentation of specific wheelchair needs contributes to payment authorization denials, causing long delays in the approval process and the timeliness of patients receiving their devices. (Nancy R. Mudrick, April, 2025). According to the 2024 reporting period for Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), “insufficient documentation accounted for 79.7% of improper payments …

Wellness In Action: Implementation Of An Experiential Wellness Elective For Occupational Therapy Students, Heather Short

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Wellness In Action: Implementation of an Experiential Wellness Elective for Occupational Therapy Students

Graduate student mental health is a growing concern in higher education, highlighted by the student experience of high levels of stress, burnout, and declining well-being that impair academic and daily functioning (SenthilKumar et al.,2023; Bullock et al.,2017). Research highlights the need for proactive, holistic interventions that provide education and support skill development (Henrico, 2021; Van Oss et al., 2025). To address this need, this capstone project aimed to design, implement, and evaluate an experiential wellness elective for occupational therapy (OT) doctoral students within a graduate health professions …

Fostering Engagement In Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A Health Management Curriculum For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Gabriela Kay

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The older adult population continues to grow, necessitating intentional efforts to support health maintenance and independence within this group. Current literature emphasizes that healthy aging requires a multifaceted approach, including consistent engagement in a range of health-promoting behaviors. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop an educational and interactive program for community-dwelling older adults aimed at increasing knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices and promoting active participation in these behaviors. The overarching goal was to empower older adults to better manage their health and reduce the risk of functional decline and loss of independence.

A needs assessment was conducted …

Advancing Health Equity In Women With Sci Through Ob/Gyn Provider Education, Nethra S. Ankam, Md, Amanda Parezo, Otd, Otr/L, Beth I. Schwartz, Md, Trisha Hicks, Lsw, Med

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Training Videos and Materials

Background

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience persistent disparities in reproductive healthcare access. OB-GYN providers often report limited training and discomfort in addressing these needs. These gaps contribute to inequitable care, reduced patient satisfaction, and missed opportunities for patient-centered care.

Purpose

To develop, implement, and disseminate an evidence-informed educational module aimed at improving OB-GYN provider knowledge, confidence, and clinical competence in delivering accessible, inclusive, and patient-centered reproductive healthcare for individuals with SCI.

Methods

• Community Advisory Board (CAB) engagement 
• Needs assessment survey (SCI population)
• Iterative module development
• Articulate Rise module creation
• Implementation across interdisciplinary providers

Results/Outcomes

Reach & Implementation

• 18 …

Optimizing Makeup Application Techniques For Women With Tenodesis: Adaptations And Ergonomic Solutions, Ashley J. Medina, Wendy Tremaine, Lee Ann Hoffman

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

To enhance independence in makeup application for women utilizing a tenodesis grasp, Ashley Medina, OTS, in collaboration with Able Faith, Inc., developed and presented a capstone poster outlining a targeted program of adaptive strategies and ergonomic solutions. This program was designed to address the unique functional challenges experienced by women with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) while promoting autonomy and confidence in daily self-care routines.

The experience objectives included: (1) identifying existing adaptive equipment that supports individuals with SCIs in completing makeup application tasks; (2) examining and understanding the roles of interdisciplinary team members working with individuals with SCI in comparison …

Start With What They Know: Using Motivational Interviewing To Create A Cooking Class, A Culinary Intervention For Teens (Autistic And Non-Autistic), Gwendolyn S. Tedder

LEND Trainee Presentations

Autistic teens are at greater risk for having heart disease and diabetes as adults. Food particularity, sensory issues, fixed mindset, and anxiety over trying new things can slow down their interest in preparing food for themselves. Nurturing basic cooking skills and gently encouraging trying new foods would provide more nutritional options to teens as they move into adulthood. A cooking class preceded by Motivational Interviewing (MI) developed further interest in preparing food afterward in teens, both autistic and non-autistic, and in trying new foods for autistic teens with food concerns.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Supporting Caregivers Of Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes, Ania G. Millan

Student Capstone Papers

Caregivers of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) often experience increased stress, occupational imbalance, and challenges related to maintaining their own health and wellness while managing their child’s complex daily care needs. Despite the significant impact caregiving responsibilities may have on daily routines, self-care, and overall quality of life, occupational therapy’s (OT) role in supporting caregivers within endocrinology settings remains underrecognized. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore caregivers’ perceptions of their health and wellness and examine the differences and similarities between caregivers’ and occupational therapy practitioners’ (OTPs) perspectives regarding OT’s role in supporting caregivers of …

Building Caregiver Capacity: Sensory Processing Education And Practical Strategies For Supporting Children In Residential Care, Karissa J. Varner

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes Brentwood. Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes is an organization with 3 campuses across Tennessee with the purpose of providing Christ-centered homes for children in hard places through compassionate on-campus homes. The goal of this project was to create informative and practical resources for staff to increase knowledge and confidence in supporting the children in their care. Two live staff trainings were conducted, introducing trauma-informed sensory processing and advocacy. Additionally, a 25-page evidence-based resource guide was developed, detailing sensory processing supports and occupational therapy strategies to assist house …

Promoting Mental Health And Wellness For Adults With Developmental And Intellectual Disabilities, Tristen Six Caceres

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program. This community-based program provides recreational, social, and wellness opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Nashville area. The purpose of this capstone project was to address a need for increased mental health support, education, and accessible resources for adults with IDD participating in the day programs, as well as for the staff who support these participants. Adults with IDD often experience barriers to receiving mental health care, including limited access to providers with appropriate training and confidence in working with this population. …

Interventions For Geriatric Patients With Dementia In Inpatient Psychiatric Settings, Kenya Raybon

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Geriatric patients with dementia in inpatient psychiatric units are admitted with cognitive and behavioral challenges that often lead to increased agitation and greater reliance on 1:1 support, limiting participation in group therapy. While evidence supports structured, activity-based and sensory-informed interventions to promote regulation and engagement, implementation is often inconsistent due to workflow barriers, staffing limitations, and lack of structured guidance for staff, especially if cognitive impairment is not immediately recognizable.

This quality improvement capstone project aimed to develop and implement an evidence-informed staff training program, along with a structured activity binder system with adaptable, unit-specific interventions to support consistent activity-based …

Effects Of Ndbi With Just-In-Time Programming Of Vsds On Communication Of Children With Asd, Jenna M. Rogers

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prominent neurological and developmental disability that often requires communication support, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Visual Scene Displays (VSDs) are an AAC support that directly immerses in the user’s life, using images from real environments the user has or may experience. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) is an evidence-based approach to early intervention that targets social communication during naturalistic routines, including those who rely on AAC support to communicate. Despite recent research indicating that combining NDBI and AAC is a promising approach (Pope et al., 2024), no studies to date have examined …

Bridging Cultures: Developing A Culturally Responsive Educational Website For Pediatric Service Providers, Aimun Aziz, Wendy Tremaine

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The increasing cultural diversity of the pediatric population in the United States highlights the need for culturally responsive, family-centered care. However, many providers report limited training and practical resources to support the integration of cultural humility into clinical practice. This capstone project aimed to develop and evaluate an evidence-based educational website to support pediatric service providers in delivering culturally responsive care.

A program development framework was used, incorporating family needs assessments, pre- and post-intervention surveys of pediatric therapy staff, and thematic analysis of key factors related to communication, trust, and provider preparedness. Community field visits with diverse populations informed the …