Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Relationship Between Sensory Integration And Occupational Participation For School-Aged Children, Natalie Piwinski, Jordan Hoss, Rebecca Velasco, Victoria Jess

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Given the wide-spread use of sensory integration intervention for the pediatric population in occupational therapy practice, it is necessary to explore the connection between sensory integration and children’s participation in daily occupations. Although there is a wide breadth of knowledge examining the impact of sensory integration intervention, there is currently a gap in the literature establishing the underlying relationship between sensory integration and children’s occupational participation. This study recruited 22 children, ages 5-12 to examine the relationship between sensory integration and occupational participation by utilizing two parent report measures: Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) and Participation & Environment Measure- Children and …

Adaptive Video Gaming In The Classroom, Lauren Ferrell, Daniela Mari Recinto, Desarae Finck-Fugazi, Christine Angela Manalang, Noémie Von Kaenel

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: Limited resources exist to support adaptive gaming in school programming using Microsoft® Xbox Adaptive Controller for children. On the other hand, there is abundant evidence supporting motor, cognitive, and social benefits to gaming in rehabilitation.

Objectives: The goal of this program development project was to create a virtual gaming toolkit to support the interdisciplinary team’s use of adaptive gaming during school programming.

Methods: Through our needs assessment and collaboration with our community partner, we discussed the parent and caregiver need for guidance in order to use the Microsoft® Xbox Adaptive Controller and facilitate gameplay with peers. Through an extensive …

Imposter Phenomenon: The Occupational Experiences Of First-Generation College Students, Jamie Zabat, Jacqueline Salas, Yashi Severson, Kevin Chavez, Krysta Gastelum, Javier Gomez

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Background: First-generation college students (FGCS) represent an underserved population navigating through higher education and therefore receive less support. There is a current gap in the literature that overlooks the interactions of occupational experiences, imposter phenomenon (IP), and first-generation college students. The purpose of this study is to use grounded theory to observe the impact of IP among FGCS enrolled in a four-year university in California.

Method: This research is a qualitative study using thematic analysis grounded theory. Data was collected through a screening survey and follow-up interview via video chats and in-person sessions, and a live transcription software …

Adaptive Gaming As An Occupation: Motor Phenomena And Lived Experiences, Christina Floyd, Melanie Blaisdell, Madeleine Pope, Audrey Metzger, Donna Chen Tubig, Lauren Andaya, Christine Vincent

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Purpose: This qualitative study examined the lived experience and motor phenomena that occur in people with disabilities during the occupation of video gaming. Historically, the occupation of video gaming, also referred to as gaming, has not been inclusive of individuals with disabilities due to the design of traditional video gaming controllers. Typical gaming controllers require fine motor control, finger dexterity, and in-hand manipulation to grasp and use the controls on the device. Although, many people with disabilities do not have the fine motor skills required to access these devices, creating a barrier for this population to engage in …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Clinical Setting, Madison Mccall

Honors Theses

Blood flow restriction (BFR) refers to a relatively new training/rehabilitation method consisting of a tourniquet system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the muscles distal to the tourniquet. Though much research has been conducted concerning its use, there is little information addressing why clinicians may or may not implement it. Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory explains how a product or idea can spread to specific population groups, ending in adoption of it. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) consists of a set of constructs which can be used to determine the specific factors involved in …

An Examination Of Articulatory Precision In Children And Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Elizabeth R. Josephson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The speech of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been perceptually judged as less clear and articulate than the speech of their typically developing (TD) peers. Some evidence suggests that reduced articulatory precision may contribute to negative listener impressions of individuals with ASD. Using an objective, holistic measure of articulatory precision, findings from a corpus of 900 semi-structured speech samples indicate that individuals with ASD produced speech with reduced articulatory precision compared to TD peers. In both TD populations and populations with ASD, children were less precise than adults. While more research is required to substantiate these preliminary findings, …

Electroencephalography Resting-State Networks In People With Stroke, Dylan B. Snyder, Brian D. Schmit, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Scott A. Beardsley

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to characterize resting-state cortical networks in chronic stroke survivors using electroencephalography (EEG).

Methods

Electroencephalography data were collected from 14 chronic stroke and 11 neurologically intact participants while they were in a relaxed, resting state. EEG power was normalized to reduce bias and used as an indicator of network activity. Correlations of orthogonalized EEG activity were used as a measure of functional connectivity between cortical regions.

Results

We found reduced cortical activity and connectivity in the alpha (p < .05; p = .05) and beta (p < .05; p = .03) bands after stroke while connectivity …

The Effectiveness Of The Schroth Method In Treating Idiopathic Scoliosis In Pre-Adolescent, Adolescent And Adult Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review, Dave Bancuk, Jacob Nutter, Jessica Ramos

Masters Projects

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a spine condition affecting 1-3% of the adolescent population in the United States. Of this group, approximately 0.5% require surgical intervention to correct the curvature.This results in approximately 29,000 surgeries performed in the United States each year on adolescents to treat AIS. This represents a considerable financial burden along with the risk of surgical complications, so exploring conservative alternatives to surgical treatment is a worthwhile area of research. The literature is lacking on the conservative treatment of scoliosis regarding the Schroth Method as a primary intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine …

“Adulting” The Life Transition Program For The Typically Developed Highschool Population, Gabriella Bologna

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Opioid Use And Harm Reduction, Elise Bourassa, David Lee, Jason Rogers, Christian Silverthorne

Thinking Matters Symposium

Calls for various harm reduction approaches to the opioid epidemic are increasing in activist communities (Chapkis, 2020; Kennedy-Hendricks et al., 2019; Sederer & Marino, 2018). Given that harm reduction approaches, if implemented, will be provided by people in various helping professions, the current study investigates the relationship between choice of human service-focused college major and level of support for harm reduction interventions for people who use opioid drugs. A quantitative survey that aims to measure knowledge and perceptions of harm reduction strategies has been disseminated to students in social work, counseling, public health and nursing departments at the University of …

The Effects Of Glute Strengthening And Hip Mobility On Patellar Tendinopathy – A Case Study, Jessica Stephenson

Senior Honors Theses

Patellar Tendinopathy is a chronic condition that effects a large number of the athletic population. There have been many treatments used for this condition, yet few of them are acceptable for an athlete placing a large amount of stress on the lower extremities. This case study examines the effects of glute strengthening and increasing hip mobility on a track and field athlete suffering from Patellar Tendinopathy. Many measures including health-related questionnaires, pain-rating scales, and performance were evaluated to determine the outcome of the treatment. After a two-week treatment time, the athlete exhibited lower pain during rest and performance, better quality …

Patient And Provider Perspectives Regarding Criteria For Patient Prioritization In Two Specialized Rehabilitation Programs, Julien Déry, Angel Ruiz, François Routhier, Marie-Pierre Gagnon, André Côté, Daoud Ait-Kadi, Valérie Bélanger, Marie-Eve Lamontagne

Patient Experience Journal

To increase fairness and equity in access to rehabilitation services, a strategy emerging from the literature is patient prioritization. Selecting explicit prioritization criteria is a complex task because it is important to simultaneously consider the objectives of all stakeholders. The of this study was to compare service users’ and service providers’ perspectives regarding patient prioritization criteria in two rehabilitation programs. We conducted a multiple case study in two rehabilitation programs, i.e., a driving evaluation program and a compression garment manufacturing program. We sent a web-based survey asking two groups (patients and providers) to individually produce a set of criteria, then …

The Impacts Of Occupational Therapy And Assistive Technology In The Lives Of Alzheimer's Patients, Hannah Wilson

Honors Theses

Occupational therapy and the assistive devices that are recommended provide an outlet to a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s as well as increases safety and independence in the individual. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects an individual’s memory, physical functioning, safety, and cognition. As the disease progresses, it decreases an individual’s level of independence in their environment and often calls for outside care to successfully complete the daily skills and activities needed to age successfully. The practitioners that work with individuals who have Alzheimer’s aim to improve the completion of activities of daily living …

Zero Balancing In The Chiropractic Practice, Michele Doucette Dc

Journal of Transformative Touch

Discovering the profound gifts of the leading-edge structural and energetic manual therapy Zero Balancing (ZB), and adding it to my chiropractic and nutrition practice, has unified my personal growth with the sustainability of my professional practice. Much of humanity is starving for wholeness, authenticity, and meaningful connection with ourselves, others, and something greater. Chiropractors are well positioned to be leaders in a true evolution of healthcare, especially if, as we continue to explore the various branches of our therapeutic repertoires, we stay connected to our vitalistic roots that are now more supported than ever by new findings in the fields …

Culminating Project In Clinical Practice Skills And Program Development: Nova Southeastern University, Grace Chang

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Simulation learning is an online resource that is currently being used in healthcare graduate school programs. It does not replace real-life experience but can provide a controlled environment for students to learn from their mistakes and be better prepared for their rotations. There is a greater need for pediatric simulation learning opportunities, especially during a pandemic. This capstone final culminating project describes how an outpatient pediatric clinic and Simucase, an online simulation video resource, collaborated to create more simulation and video library recordings. Online evidence-based resources can help create better opportunities for students to observe, assess, and analyze during therapy …

Culminating Project In Clinical Work And Home Programs: Nova Southeastern University, Katelyn Hannigan

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Culminating Project In Program Development: Resources For Occupational Engagement For Families And Educators Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Catherine Lane

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Transgender Ce For Ot Practitioners And Students, Kalie Fagins

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Introduction/Rational:

The population of individuals that identify outside of the gender binary social constructs is increasing and becoming more visible. Therefore, it is important for healthcare practitioners to be well equipped to provide affirming care for patients in the LGBTQIA+ community. Findings show that transgender patients have higher incidences of negative experiences with healthcare workers despite healthcare workers having more affirming attitudes. Other studies found healthcare practitioners lacked training and knowledge to provide the best quality of care.

Objectives:

To educate occupational therapy practitioners on gender affirming care related to daily activities, health, and well-being.

Method/approach:

Content from articles, videos, …

Culminating Project In Hippotherapy And Program Development, Taylor E. Bobo

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this Capstone experience was to gain clinical skills for Hippotherapy and to develop a new program for a nonprofit organization to that allows people with disabilities an opportunity to acquire work or life skills while performing equine-related tasks, under the supervision of an occupational therapist. The student provided evidence-based research and formally conducted all of the necessary materials to initiate the program, however due to Covid-19, the student was unable to employ said program.

Doctoral Capstone Experience In Academia – Brenau University, Amanda Watkins

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The final requirement for degree conferral in Nova Southeastern University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program is a 16-week doctoral capstone experience to enhance skills beyond those of an entry-level occupational therapist. During the doctoral capstone experience, students are required to complete a final culminating project that is unique to their chosen focus area which includes the development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of their work. The focus area that I chose was academia in an occupational therapy program. I was given the opportunity to work with Brenau University’s Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) program in Norcross, Georgia. I was under …

Graded Motor Imagery In Hand Therapy Practice, Alexis Brackins

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Yoga For Traumatic Stress: An Occupation, Morgan Farris

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Physicians in the medical field are beginning to dive deeper into the effects of trauma experienced by individuals of all ages. The effects of trauma can mask itself in a plethora of undesirable or debilitating behaviors. The word, trauma, can now be heard in relation to military veterans, throughout courtrooms and in hospitals, and even in classrooms of even the youngest of populations. Trauma can result from a single distressing event, to years of abuse, neglect, or stressful events. Undoubtedly, any traumatic event can have an impact on a person’s ability to function and cope with daily life. Whether the …

Doctoral Capstone Experience With A Neurological Population, Courtney E. Groce

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Through the completion of a doctoral capstone experience, an entry-level occupational therapy doctoral student is able to further develop advanced skills. The doctoral capstone experience is during the student’s last semester in the program and is 16 weeks long. The doctoral capstone experience consists of both a culminating project and the experience itself. The capstone project is “comprised of a literature review, needs assessment, goals/objectives, and an evaluation plan based on specific focus areas” (ACOTE, 2020). The Nova Southeastern University Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Manual states that “the goal of the doctoral capstone project and experience is …

The Effects Of Combining Relaxation Strategies With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Insomnia On Sleep, In Service Members With A History Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Tamatha A. Gallegos

MOT Student Capstones

Objective: To determine if combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia with Relaxation Strategies is effective on sleep disorders in military members after sustaining a traumatic brain injury or concussion(s). Methods: 17 Needs Assessment Surveys were distributed, 13 pre-surveys, 13 post-surveys, and an electronic educational session was created and distributed. The educational session was created after conducting extensive research on evidence-based practices. Methods of Analysis incorporated quantitative data to be gathered from the surveys to identify recurring themes or patterns. Participants were identified as Occupational Therapists or Occupational Therapy Assistants. Results: The Needs Assessment revealed very few occupational therapy professionals used …

A Workout A Day Keeps Depression Away, Hannah Voss

BU Well

The issue of mental health in adolescent females is vastly growing in America, especially depression. Depression is largely treated by pharmacologic therapy, but that can result in many side effects and is associated with a harsh stigma that can deter the patient from continuing their medication regimen. With this said, it remains important to look at other means to treat depression, and one of the best alternative solutions right now is exercise. This article presents research that shows how exercise can greatly improve and prevent depressive symptoms, while also decreasing the stigma associated with treating depression, particularly among adolescent females.

A Capstone In Education: Current Challenges For Occupational Therapist Clinicians Transitioning To Role Of Academician, Jacie Schneider

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The doctoral capstone I participated in for my entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program was in a focus area of education with a mentor who was a professor in a master’s program. I supported my mentor in her role as a professor of a physical dysfunction intervention course and had the opportunity to present a module to students on wheelchair seating interventions. Using experience gained during my capstone as well as information learned during the review of literature, I created a guide for OTs interested in making the transition into academia to meet the capstone project requirement.

Doctoral Capstone Experience In Program And Policy Development- Selah Freedom, Ashley N. Jones

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Child trafficking has been reported in all 50 states and affects more than 2 million children each year (Guardian Group, 2021). Involvement in human trafficking at a young age induces trauma that has a lasting effect on the victim’s personality and coping skills. A review of literature confirmed a need for more support of the use of occupational therapy with sex trafficking survivors. Despite support for the implementation of occupational therapy in similar trauma populations like domestic violence, homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and disaster survivors, there is limited literature supporting the use of OT with human trafficking survivors (Gorman & …

The Influence Of Technology On A Child's Mental And Physical Functions, Rhonda Steere

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this project was to research and analyze various literature to determine the strengths and weaknesses of how the use of technology affects the child's occupational performance. This was done by creating a pre-questionnaire to learn about a child's daily use of technology and about a child's non-use time with technology. Results showed that the majority of children utilized some form of technological device or devices between six to nine hours a day with the majority of time being used for educational content. However, the majority of children were either not supervised or had supervision no longer than …

Pain Response Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation To Different Grades Of Knee Osteoarthritis, Emily Beer

Honors Theses

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is diagnosed worldwide and affects nearly 250 million people (Wallace et al., 2017, pg. 1). Additionally, people who are 45 years and over are prone to this degrative disease (Wallace et al., 2017, pg. 1). Knee OA can be graded into five categories (0-4) levels associated with the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scales (Kellgren & Lawrence, 1957, pg. 494). Symptoms will develop overtime; thus, it is important to find non-pharmacological ways to help alleviate pain for individuals affected. A non-pharmacological modality of interest is the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units, which can be tailored to a patient’s specific …

Doctoral Capstone Experience In Academia And Policy Development: Nova Southeastern University, Melanie Mariani

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

An exceptional amount of literature points to the benefits of hands-on learning experiences for students enrolled in healthcare programs (Coker, 2009; Doucet, 2012; Thomas et al., 2017 & Velde, 2009). Goals of my doctoral capstone experience (DCE) included: 1) Develop the foundational requirements for Nova Southeastern University (NSU) to increase hands-on experiential student learning and potentially develop an on-site clinic in the future, and 2) Create and deploy educational materials for the students in the class of 2022 to increase their hands-on learning while taking the course virtually. The results include the creation of three sets of clinical reasoning guides …