Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Balance And Bloom: Encouraging Self-Regulation And Resilience Through Yoga And Mindfulness, Kayla Previti

OT Student Capstones

The experiences an individual has throughout their childhood sets the foundation for their overall life trajectory. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) leave a lifelong impact on a person's mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. It is estimated that the impact of ACES on an individual leads to an economic burden of $830,928 in terms of such services as law enforcement, child welfare, medical treatment, hospitalization, and loss of productivity and wages (Fang, Brown, Florence, & Mercy, 2012; Peterson, Florence, & Klevens, 2018). Occupational therapists and other health professionals have the ability to develop programs that fill the gaps in preventing and …

Development Of Clinical Practice Guidelines For Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Rehabilitation, Rikki Silver

OT Student Capstones

In the past four decades, there have been significant improvements in early cancer detection and efficacy of cancer treatments, resulting in a growing number of cancer survivors. People diagnosed with cancer are now living longer than ever before; while lifespan after cancer is increasing, cancer survivors are experiencing health and functional challenges due to the persistent effects of curative therapy (Rowland et al., 2018). One of these effects includes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Approximately 70% of patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy experience CIPN, an uncomfortable and sometimes painful sensation in the hands and feet (Seretny et al., 2014). The likelihood of …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Multidisciplinary Outpatient Concussion Setting: Persistent-Post Concussion Symptoms, Lina Rivera

OT Student Capstones

Background and Purpose: Nearly 15%-20% of individuals with a concussive or mTBI experience persistent residual cognitive, psychosocial or physical symptoms (Cogan et al., 2019). Majority of patients who sustain a concussion recover within 10 days, however, 15-20% of individuals experience prolonged recovery lasting longer than 10 days or suffer from post concussive symptoms affecting one’s participation in daily occupations (Patricios et al., 2015 & Harris et al., 2019.) With increased awareness of concussions, concussion management approaches have shifted from complete rest to a holistic, whole-body approach and graded return to activity to improve functional outcomes. The purpose of this study …

Scoping Review Of Female Sex Workers Risk Factors And Interventions, Colleen White

OT Student Capstones

A considerable amount of the stigma surrounding sex work can be contributed to the misconception of why women enter or do not exit sex work. The purpose of this research was to summarize the current knowledge of sex work using the scope of occupational therapy to enhance sex workers health and well-being. To achieve this, a scope of the literature for interventions that address this issue and their effectiveness, as well as literature that addressed risk factors for entering and remaining in sex work was conducted. The original search was conducted in June of 2021 and yielded a total of …

Effectiveness Of An Injury Prevention Program On Division I Track & Field Runners, Courtney Almendinger Spt, Aaron Lemon Spt, Brooke Ireland Spt, Anna Sudbeck Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Competitive Aging Cyclists: Variables Associated With Successful Performance, Alana Hall Spt, Cayla Hirsch Spt, Kelsey Knecht Spt, Miranda Ristau Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Cycling On Bone Health In Senior Athletes, Micah Hettinger Spt, Chesney Nagel Spt, Ember Newman Spt, Ashley Wilson Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Hop Width During The Crossover Hop Test, Jon Albright Spt, Barry Ehlers Spt, Taylor Glasoe Spt, Shanna Selby Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Congenital Muscular Torticollis On Postural Control Among Four To Six - Year - Old Children, Josh Henderson, Spt, Alyssa Matson Spt, Nicci Mcguire Spt, Brett Steffen Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

A Cross - Sectional Observational Study Testing Reliability And Validity For Tactile Acuity With Grid Localization In Healthy Patients, Molly Horning Spt, Luke Laycock Spt, Leslie Terwilliger Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Knowledge Of Pelvic Health Among Undergraduate Students, Taylor Hovaldt Spt, Kelsey Grosshuesch Spt, Erica Thyen Spt, Lexie Weier Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Resilience And Burnout: Students Vs Practicing Clinicians, Chloe Cornemann Spt, Sydney Giese Spt, Abby Mettler Mettler Spt, Hannah Wolzen Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Critically Appraised Topic Paper: What Is Motor Learning Theory? How Can It Be Implemented Into Occupational Therapy Interventions For Individuals With Cerebrovascular Accidents?, Allyson Bourque, Alison O'Sadnick, Alexis Skogen, Callie Vold

Critically Appraised Topics

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) paper was to determine if motor learning theory guides interventions that are considered to be best practice for individuals with CVAs. We want to determine what is best practice for this population to provide practitioners with synthesized research allowing practitioners to implement the most effective, client-centered, evidence-based interventions possible.

Critically Appraised Topic: The Use Of Interprofessional Practice In Occupational Therapy, Rachel Cheatley, Jaecy Giegerich, Paige Mann

Critically Appraised Topics

The theoretical lens of the Ecological of Human Performance model (EHP) (Dunn et al., 1994) was used to understand why interprofessional collaborative practice is essential to occupational therapists and other health sciences across various settings. The EHP model is an occupational therapy theory model that emphasizes the importance of context on an individual’s occupational performance and their range to perform in (Dunn et al., 1994). EHP is used to describe the environmental effects on performance range, in this case, effective interprofessional practice used by occupational therapists and other healthcare stakeholders, to identify the factors that limit and support quality care. …

The Use Of Sensory Processing Interventions To Improve Academics And Social Participation For Adolescents With Trauma, Michayla Burckhard, Austin Ellis, Michael Helgeson

Critically Appraised Topics

Childhood and adolescent trauma are defined as psychological, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as household dysfunctions that include substance abuse, criminal history, mental illness, and witnessing violence or abuse against a parent (Felitti et al., 1998; Noel-London et al., 2021). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a form of trauma for those under the age of 18 involving neglect and abuse (Elmore & Crouch, 2020). ACEs have been shown to have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, including violence, behavioral disorders, and mental health disorders (Noel-London et al., 2021; Sigurvinsdottir et al., 2021). ACEs and trauma can impact all …

Prevention Of Falls In Adults Older Than 60 Years Through Therapeutic Riding: A Critically Appraised Topic, Isabella Johannes, Dominique Menard, Alicia Young

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper will address the focus question relating to the intervention of therapeutic riding. A critically appraised topic (CAT) is an overview of scientific literature about an intervention or practical issue and how it relates to practice (Barends et al., 2017). The use of the Ecological Human Performance (EHP) model is to guide this CAT research with a theoretical basis. EHP was chosen for its emphasis on the person, environment, and tasks. The person is described in EHP as including their experiences, sensorimotor, cognition, and psychosocial abilities (Dunn et al., 1994). The use of EHP provides a …

Integrating Assistive Technology Into Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs To Increase Independent Living In Older Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic (Cat), Josie Anhorn, Kenadee Eyre, Tiana Griffith

Critically Appraised Topics

In the United States, older adults account for about “16% of the population” (Administration on Aging, 2020, p.5). Older adults are defined as anyone aged 60 and older. There has been a steady increase in the number of older adults living in the United States, and that number is expected to continue growing at a rapid rate as it is predicted that by 2040, older adults will make up approximately “21.6% of the population” (Administration on Aging, 2020, p. 5-6). The majority of this population does not reside in assisted living facilities or nursing homes but instead lives in the …

Lower Extremity Strengthening, Neuromuscular Re-Education And Graded Activity For A Runner With Distal Hamstring Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Tara Oyasato

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Hamstring injuries are common injuries athletes face with high recurrence rates. Many hamstring injuries, including hamstring tendinopathy are caused by non-contact mechanisms like running due to its role in eccentrically controlling rapid knee extension and hip flexion. Despite its prevalence, there is controversy surrounding the optimal treatment of a hamstring strain. The purpose of this case study was to document the physical therapy (PT) interventions for a runner with an acute distal hamstring injury and tendinopathy. Case Description: The patient was a 23-year-old active male referred to outpatient PT with a diagnosis of patellar tendinitis. The procedural …

Occupational Therapy's Approach To Implement A Kangaroo Care Program, Marvieann Garcia-Rodriguez

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Kangaroo care is considered best practice in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), though sadly is not implemented routinely in many units. The benefits of kangaroo care are well documented and include increased weight gain, thermoregulation, improved sleep, brain growth, decreased stress, improved oxygenation, and self-regulation. This project was initiated to develop, execute and evaluate a comprehensive kangaroo care program in a level 4 NICU. The nurses were interviewed within the NICU where the program was implemented to discover that many nurses did have some knowledge of kangaroo care but did not feel confident or comfortable supporting kangaroo care practice …

Inferior Shoulder Dislocation With Anterior Bankart Tear, Anfernee Powell

Graduate Research Showcase

Inferior Shoulder Dislocation with Anterior Bankart Tear in Multi-Sport Adolescent Athlete Powell AM*: *Georgia College & State University

Background: During football practice, a 16-year-old male multi-sport athlete hit another player with his right shoulder and immediately felt discomfort and stated that it felt like it was “out.” The involved athlete was hit in the top of his shoulder when the injury occurred. The AT observed an obvious dislocation of the right glenohumeral joint in an inferior direction. A reduction of the joint was performed, and neurovascular vitals were within normal limits. The athlete was provided a sling and referred to …

The Effects Of Concussion On Quantity Of Sleep And Quality Of Sleep, Taren Asheton Bone

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study observed how a concussion's effects change the quantity and quality of sleep in collegiate athletes. There is a lack of research pertaining to this topic, explicitly involving collegiate athletes and the changes in sleep outcomes during concussion recovery from a concussion. The study design is a convenient cohort in the field involving athletes from two local universities. Participants wore a Readiband™ device for seven to ten days or throughout their concussion recovery. There were differences in total minutes in bed and calculated minutes in bed between concussed and non-concussed participants. This study indicates that concussion affects the quantity …

The Effect Of Scapular Dyskinesis On Army Combat Fitness Test Scores And Shoulder Function In Army Rotc Cadets, Kirstin Ann Schwart

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The increasing rate of shoulder pain and injury in the US military can cause an impact on a soldier’s ability to pass their fitness tests, affect their overall combat readiness, and lead to an increasing amount spent on medical treatment. Recently, the US Army changed their physical fitness test to the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) which is a more full body, functional, and fatiguing test.¹ Fatigue of the shoulder and scapular musculature has been reported to lead to alterations in scapular kinematics. Alterations to normal scapular kinematics have been connected to shoulder pain/injuries. ²

Purpose: …

Side-To-Differences Of Medial Elbow Anatomy Adaptations In Youth Throwing Athletes, Rudolph Matthew Morrow

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Injuries to the medial elbow are common in overhead sports, with the most common occurring at the medial/ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Injury to the UCL is associated with elbow joint laxity which tends to develop over time in athletes who place their elbows under chronic valgus forces like those present during throwing. ^{27, 37} This instability is well documented in professional, collegiate, and high school athletes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the medial elbow joint width and common flexor tendon thickness in the arms of youth baseball players. The hypotheses were (1) the …

Identifying Relationships Between Upper Extremity Function And Army Combat Fitness Test Scores In The Reserve 'Officers' Training Corps Population, Lianne Marie Shroba

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The United States Army is implementing the Holistic Health and Fitness program (H2F), intending to transform the Army's culture of health and fitness. It aims to optimize soldier readiness by improving physical and non-physical performance, decreasing injury rates, and improving rehabilitation after injury. A part of that program includes replacing the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). The ACFT consists of six functional events that gauge combat readiness. There is already established literature regarding injury epidemiology as it relates to the previous APFT, but little published work on the ACFT …

Perceived Stress And Burnout In Athletic Training Students, Desiree Nicole Daniels

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Athletic training students can experience stress and symptoms of burnout and there is empirical support for a relationship between stress and burnout in health professions students in fields such as medicine and nursing. ^1-3 However, prior research on the relationship between stress and burnout has been limited in athletic training students. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived stress and symptoms of burnout in athletic training students. Two hundred thirty athletic training students from 61 institutions completed an online questionnaire consisting of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire - Student …

The Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Injuries Within The Center For Wellness In The Arts At Marshall University, Colin John Wakeman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The demands on successful performing artists are two-fold. First, they have to perform at a high skill level for their specific art, such as theater, marching band, dance, and color guard. Second, they need to achieve the aesthetic demands of their discipline. Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries can impact either or both of these elements and affect their overall performance. If MSK injuries are not addressed early in a performer’s career, they can develop into chronic problems that take performers out of rehearsals, practices, and performances.

Purpose: This epidemiological study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MSK injuries within …

Ankle Muscle Activation And Mechanics During The Ebbet's Foot Drills, Quentin Adam Archuleta

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The ankle is a complex structure of three joints that allow multiplanar motion (Brockett & Chapman, 2016). Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the most common injury seen today in both the general and athletic populations and have a high recurrence rate. When left untreated or mistreated, it often leads to developing chronic ankle instability or osteoarthritis, which a lower quality of life. Dr. Russ Ebbets created a set of foot drills with the claim that they can strengthen the muscles of the lower leg, lessen lower leg aliments, and the chances of a severe ankle sprain (Ebbets, 2011a). …

Fatigue-Related Jump Landing Knee Injuries In Dancers, Megan Holton

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Non-contact knee injuries are prevalent in dancers and have great financial and social costs. These injuries may be prevented with training that modifies jump landing movement patterns and improves lower body strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. Identifying the movement-based risk factors that are most strongly related to injury mechanisms allows healthcare providers to create effective training interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between multivariate risk factors and injurious knee forces as a dancer lands from a jump. Twenty female dance students with at least eight years of experience were recruited. These dancers were injury-free and actively …

Lower Extremity Strengthening, Neuromuscular Re-Education And Graded Activity For A Runner With Distal Hamstring Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Tara Oyasato

Case Report Presentations

Research presentation slides:

Background and Purpose: Hamstring injuries are common injuries athletes face with high recurrence rates. Many hamstring injuries, including hamstring tendinopathy are caused by non-contact mechanisms like running due to its role in eccentrically controlling rapid knee extension and hip flexion. Despite its prevalence, there is controversy surrounding the optimal treatment of a hamstring strain. The purpose of this case study was to document the physical therapy (PT) interventions for a runner with an acute distal hamstring injury and tendinopathy. Case Description: The patient was a 23-year-old active male referred to outpatient PT with a diagnosis of patellar …

The Association Of Self-Reported Physical Activity On Human Sensory Long-Term Potentiation, Damien Moore, Paul D. Loprinzi

Faculty and Student Publications

Exercise has been shown to enhance synaptic plasticity, therefore, potentially affecting memory. While the mechanism(s) responsible for this relationship have been explored in animal models, current research suggests that exercise may possess the ability to induce synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP). Most of the LTP mechanistic work has been conducted in animal models using invasive procedures. For that reason, the purpose of the present experiment was to investigate whether self-reported exercise is related to human sensory LTP-like responses. Nineteen participants (MAGE= 24 years; 52.6% male) completed the study. Long-term potentiation-like responses were measured by incorporating a non-invasive method that assess the …