Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development And Evaluation Of A Collaborative Model Level Ii Fieldwork Program, Annmarie T. Kinsella, Catherine V. Piersol

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This project developed a Collaborative Model Level II Fieldwork (CM-FWII) program to evaluate the effect of the program on fieldwork educator and student understanding of the model and changes in knowledge, perceptions, and satisfaction. Four fieldwork educators (FWEd) were recruited from two pediatric and two adult practice settings. Eight occupational therapy (OT) students met participation criteria and agreed to participate. A pre/post design was used to evaluate change in knowledge and perceptions. Satisfaction with the collaborative model (CM) was examined after the 12-week fieldwork rotation. Analysis procedures included a priori coding, calculation of frequency distributions, and thematic analysis of transcribed …

Sexual Functioning In Occupational Therapy Education: A Survey Of Programs, Kate Eglseder, Sheridan Webb, Miranda Rennie

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Despite the importance of sexuality to overall quality of life and well-being for individuals with disabilities, occupational therapy practitioners continue to under-address this issue. One possibility for the lack of attention in this area is the comfort and knowledge level of practitioners. In their seminal work, Payne, Greer, and Corbin (1988) surveyed occupational therapy programs in the United States in an effort to identify the amount of sexuality education provided. This study was aimed at identifying current trends in the provision of sexuality education for occupational therapy students. Despite the nearly 30-year gap in this area of research, and the …

How Service Dogs Enhance Veterans’ Occupational Performance In The Home: A Qualitative Perspective, Terry K. Crowe, Mylinh T. Nguyen, Brenda G. Tryon, Stephanie Barger, Victoria Sanchez

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This qualitative study explored the lives of veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how the partnerships with their service dogs supported improved occupational performance in their homes.

Method: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with six veterans with PTSD and/or TBI who graduated and received their service dogs from the Paws and Stripes Program in Albuquerque, NM. Home activities of daily living (self-care, household tasks, leisure activities, and family and friend relationships) guided the interview questions. The individual interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using qualitative data analysis software. Preliminary themes were …

Levels Of Arousal In Positive Moods: Effects On Motor Performance, Carolina Valencia, Krista Currier, Sarah Lindsay, Pamela Lemperis, Titus Hughes, Jeanne Sowers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The use of simple preparatory methods, such as listening to relaxing music, may decrease negative emotions and enhance performance. The purpose of this research was to explore whether certain types of music, as a preparatory task, could enhance motor performance.

Method: Fifty-six participants were randomly assigned to a condition before completing a pre and postdexterity test using the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT). Performance was assessed with the PPT and arousal of mood was assessed with the Affect Grid. During the postdexterity test, the participants heard no music or specific music based on their condition. The experimental conditions …

Use Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation In The Treatment Of Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Literature Review, Denise Justice, Jonathan Awori, Spencer Carlson, Kate W-C Chang, Lynda J-S Yang

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of current literature on the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for restoring motion and function in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).

Method: A database search was conducted for NMES articles published between 1947 and 2015. Pre and posttreatment data were extracted for muscle power, active range of motion (AROM), and morphometric measurements.

Results: An initial search yielded 2,721 articles. A further title/abstract review produced 27 articles; of these, four met the inclusion criteria. Treatment protocols varied. There were no changes in average Medical Research Council …

Increasing Competency For Parents Of Adolescents With Executive Functioning Deficits: Enhancing Occupational Performance With Mindfulness, Kimberly S. Mollo, Bernardo A. Merizalde, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Executive functions are higher order cognitive processes occurring in the frontal lobe that influence cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. Adolescents with executive functioning deficits are at risk for difficulties in all domains of occupational functioning. Parents of these adolescents often live in a persistent state of stress that leads to highly reactive exchanges with their children. Studies have shown that a mindful approach to parenting can enhance a parent’s caregiving ability and self-awareness in the family unit.

Methods: A pretest/posttest study evaluated the effectiveness of a 6-week mindful parenting program. Four parents of adolescents with executive function deficits participated …

Women Family Members’ Experiences Of Involvement In Adult Inpatient Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Isabelle Savage, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation is an intensive process aimed at reducing disability. The experience of care is lived not only by the patient with TBI, but by the family as well.

Methods: Five women family members of patients with TBI were interviewed. Based on a descriptive qualitative approach informed by phenomenology, thematic analysis was completed to draw a general sense of family members’ description of their involvement.

Results: Two themes were identified: Wearing different hats and a balancing act, that highlight the many roles undertaken by the women family members as well as the difficulties …

Journey Interrupted: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Miscarriage, Marit A. Watson, Vanessa D. Jewell, Sarah L. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Miscarriage is a significant life event that impacts occupational performance, identity, and competence and that influences perceptions of motherhood. Because of the lack of social rituals often attributed to the death of a loved one, miscarriages may result in disenfranchised grief, which impedes coping.

Methods: This phenomenological study explored the impact of miscarriage on relationships, perceptions of motherhood, and the meaning of occupation in the context of grief. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews (N = 4) and completion of a brief demographic questionnaire. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed to ensure accuracy. Using inductive thematic …

Considering Technology In The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, Cara E. Masselink

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 3rd edition (2014), presents an incomplete infrastructure of assistive technology’s role in occupational therapy. Assistive technology and device use is currently defined in “Preparatory methods” (AOTA, 2014, p. S29); however, this categorization presents conflicting information to readers. This article aims to analyze assistive technology in the definition logic rules of precision and parsimony. The classification scheme will be assessed in the logic rules of exclusivity and exhaustiveness. The results of the analysis guide the placement of assistive technology in the profession’s guiding document. This may protect coverage and reimbursement, the education of clinicians, and best …

Ecological Momentary Assessment: Enriching Knowledge Of Occupation Using App-Based Research Methodology, Niki Kiepek

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper introduces occupational therapists to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and outlines factors that guide the process of designing a project. EMA methodology is a research methodology that uses electronic devices and specially designed software, or Apps, to collect real-time data. This methodology may enhance the ecological validity of research by collecting data about daily occupations in situated contexts. EMA data collection provides access to highly detailed and specific data and has the potential to reveal longitudinal patterns of change over a short period of time. It is valued as a means to examine events, precursors, and consequences. EMA methodology …

The Impact Of Online Video Cases On Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Education: A Quantitative Analysis, Lynne F. Murphy, Wendy B. Stav

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Clinical reasoning, the cognitive process of a skilled occupational therapist, is a complex and necessary component of evaluating clients and implementing interventions that facilitate each client’s achievement of relevant and meaningful participation in daily occupations. Clinical reasoning encompasses a set of skills that must be integrated into college curricula for the preparation of occupational therapists, but it is not easily taught in a classroom setting. This quasi-experimental, quantitative research explored how specific instructional techniques, constructed on the tenets of case-based reasoning, influenced the development of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students. The experimental group with video cases improved significantly in …

Perceptions Of Older Adults On The Use Of An Interactive Video Game In Promoting Health And Well-Being, Maria Cruz, Julie D. Kugel, Liane Hewitt, Arezou Salamat

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study explored the perceptions of older adults on the use of a custom built interactive video game (IVG) in promoting health and well-being among the older adult population.

Method: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach and enrolled 10 older adults over the age of 65 years in a client-centered, custom-built interactive video game program. This program was designed to promote activity tolerance, balance, range of motion, cognitive skills, and enjoyment through physical activity. The participants completed up to 12 Coin Catcher IVG sessions over a 4-week period. A postprogram, semi-structured, and audio-recorded interview explored their perceptions and …

They Said: A Global Perspective On Access To Assistive Technology, Angela K. Boisselle, Lenin C. Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

International experts in assistive technology from five global regions (South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Australia) and with affiliation to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) community were invited to share their perspectives on the delivery of assistive technology and provision of assistive products in their regions. Four common topics emerged from the experts: (a) user and environmental barriers; (b) policy, funding, and product access; (c) professional training, collaboration, and service delivery; and (d) occupational justice (i.e., empowerment, participation, and progress).

Infusing An Occupational Justice Perspective To Technology Use In Occupational Therapy Practice, Lenin C. Grajo, Angela K. Boisselle

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Vital to building best and evidence-based practices in technology use in occupational therapy is the understanding of technology access, the lived experience of clients from diverse backgrounds who use technologies every day, and the understanding of many various factors (e.g., socioeconomic, political, geographical) that may influence the use of and access to technology. In this Letter from the Editors, we want to infuse the notion of occupational justice in the way that we, occupational therapy practitioners, understand and assess the impact of technology use in daily occupational participation.

Three Professions Come Together For An Interdisciplinary Approach To 3d Printing: Occupational Therapy, Biomedical Engineering, And Medical Librarianship, Joan Wagner, Laurel Scheinfeld, Blanche Leeman, Keith Pardini, Jamie Saragossi, Katie Flood

Library Faculty Publications

Background: Although many libraries have offered 3D printing as a service or available technology, there is a lack of information on course-integrated programs for 3D printing in which the library played a primary role. Therefore, librarians at the Touro College School of Health Sciences began exploring 3D printing for inclusion in the occupational and physical therapy curriculum. Case Presentation: The goal of this project was to educate occupational and physical therapy students and faculty about the potential applications of 3D printing in health care and provide hands-on experience, while increasing collaboration between librarians and faculty. Students’ tasks included designing and …

Test Performance And Test-Retest Reliability Of The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening And King-Devick Test In Adolescent Athletes During A Competitive Sport Season, Phillip R. Worts, Philip Schatz, Scott O. Burkhart

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

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Combined Dry Needling And Ccft Biofeedback Training For A Fireman With A Two-Month History Of Cervicogenic Headaches: A Case Report, Jared Commander, Jim Viti

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to show that by combining the use of the CCFT as an exercise and trigger point dry needling, clinicians can effect significant improvement in their patients.

Marfan Syndrome, It Doesn’T Have To Be A Pain In The Back, Carolyn Sims, Jim Viti

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this study is to describe a rehabilitation program for low back pain in an individual with Marfan syndrome and surgical history of aortic root repair with mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and Harrington rod placement to correct spinal scoliosis.

Complicated Rehabilitation Status Post Total Knee Arthroplasty For A 26 Year Old Female Presenting With Psychosocial Dysfunction: A Case Report, Lindsey Atkins, David Kempfert

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to look at the post-TKA surgical outcomes of a 26-year-old patient who had multiple variables that increases the risk for poor outcomes.

Joint Mobilizations And Paraplegia: A Curious Pairing, Preston Tam, Matthew L. Daugherty

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to explore the effectiveness of joint mobilizations at the knee on gait and pain in a patient with ambulatory paraplegia.

It’S Not Supposed To Hurt: Pelvic Floor Soft Tissue Massage And Vaginal Dilator Implementation, Kaila Klibert, Lisa Chase

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to show the effectiveness of pelvic floor manual therapy implemented via the use of internal and external soft tissue massage as well as the use of vaginal dilators.

Elbow Joint Manipulation And Exercise For Post-Operative Medial Epicondylectomy: A Case Report, Kelsey Newman, Eric Chaconas

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe joint manipulation and exercise progressions post-medial epicondylectomy.

Application Of Forced Use In A Traditional Acute Hospital Setting With A 77-Year-Old Female Post Left Cva, Jimmie Parten, Anne H. Boddy

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to look at the positive outcomes following the application of forced use physical therapy techniques in the traditional acute hospital setting with a 77-year-old female post left CVA.

Post-Surgical Resection Of T7-10 Av Malformation Mimics Brown-Sequard: A Case Report, Lindsey Pauley, Lisa Chase

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case study is to describe the methods of treatment and outcomes for a patient with a thoracic AVM presenting with spinal cord symptoms mimicking Brown-Sequard syndrome, by focusing on the primary impairments and improving functional mobility.

Shock And Awe: Functional Strength Training To Improve Balance And Function In A Patient Post Electrocution, Amanda K. Boone, Anne H. Boddy

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case study is to study the effects of functional strength training rehabilitation in a patient post electrocution suffering from a concurrent stroke.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Hypermobility Type: Can We Use Physical Therapy Manipulation?, Greg Kareis, Lindsay Perry

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case is to describe the clinical treatment plan for a patient diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome hypermobility type and determine the benefits of low grade physical therapy manipulation as an intervention.

Effect Of Comprehensive Physical Therapy On A 25-Year-Old Pregnant Female With Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report, Maryann Tadros, Amanda Grant

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to examine the benefits of multifaceted physical therapy interventions in a pregnant adult female with EDS.

Therapeutic Exercise And Vibration Training For A Military Veteran Mimicking Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, Lauren Elizabeth Miller, Laurie Shimko

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe the combination of therapeutic exercise and vibration training to improve stair navigation for a patient with mimicking RRMS.

Effects Of Lsvt Big Concepts On Patients With Low Back Pain And A Concomitant Diagnosis Of Parkinson's Disease, Alana Mckinney, Erica Kiernan

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report is to identify the effects of LSVT Big concepts on low back pain in individuals with Parkinson's Disease classified as stage I on the Hoehnand Yahrscale.

Scapulothoracic Stabilization To Reduce Cervical Pain And Headaches: A Case Report, Bethany June Law, Shannon Logan

St. Augustine, Summer 2018

The purpose of this case report was to describe the outcomes of a scapular stabilization program in an adult female with cervical neck pain and headaches.