Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Neuromuscular Impairments Designed To Improve Balance, Mood, Quality Of Life, And Engagement In Daily Occupations, Hayes Miller, Mary Smith Otd, Otr/L, Christienne Parten Otd, Med, Otr

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neuromuscular impairments such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affect an individual's balance, mood, and ability to engage in daily occupations, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Yoga is a practice that is adaptable to any level of function and is holistic in its goal of mind-body unity. However, there has been minimal research regarding yoga's efficacy as a modality for populations with neuromuscular impairments. This study aimed to improve these factors as well as proprioception and interoceptive awareness through the delivery of a 6-week community-based yoga program. The program involved 5 participants, 4 with PD and 1 …

A New Lease On Life: The Occupational Impact Of Adaptive Skiing, Caitlin Tetherow, Amy Lyons-Brown, Amy Griswold

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study focuses on understanding the occupational impact of adaptive skiing on well-being and identity to promote lifelong occupational engagement, representation, and inclusion within current ski culture. A mixed-method research study utilized a 25-question online survey and an optional one-time virtual interview. 50 adaptive skiers and/or snowboarders participating in a winter adaptive program between 18-65 years old completed this study. This study found positive evidence supporting outcomes related to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being and positive identity formation from adaptive skiing.

Wellness Research & Programming For Bodybuilders, Victoria Castillo, Karen Park, Kersten Laughlin

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explores the occupational impact on bodybuilders and wellness & program development for competitive bodybuilders. Phase one focuses on research to understand the occupational impact on bodybuilders during competition. Phase two, which focuses on program development, highlights the alignment to the objectives as they allow for the development of an educational program intended for bodybuilder coaches to help with health prevention and wellness with their bodybuilder clients.

The Occupational Performance Of Student-Athletes Post-Concussion: A Guide For Coaches And Athletic Trainers, Baylee A. Felts, Mary Ann Smith, Danielle Cade

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a rising concern amongst the sports community. Student-athletes with concussions can exhibit deficits in physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and visual-perceptual abilities (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Occupational therapists are equipped to address the impacts of those deficits to improve occupational engagement and performance but are often overlooked in concussion management teams (Finn, 2019). A concussion management team typically consists of coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), physicians, and sometimes physical therapists, depending on the severity of the concussion. Due to growing concern and continued research, the concussion management team must be current with new information. Coaches and ATs may not keep …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Enhancing Adaptive Golf, Jessica A. Garday, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project is focused on advocating on behalf of golfers with disabilities by providing an educational resource for golf administrators on enhancing adaptive golf at their facility. The project's deliverable was an in-service presentation highlighting the importance of adaptive golf and its positive impact on community, state, and national individuals. The in-service was delivered through the Southern California Professional Golf Association SCPGA Catalyst webinar series. The topics included grants for adaptive equipment, the financial impact of adaptive golf on the industry, community partnerships, and golf course design modifications utilizing the most cost-effective approaches. The student found that more education can …

Disabling Conditions Of Para-Alpine Athletes: An Education Series For Ski Instructors, Meghan Hawes, Steven M. Gerardi, Heather Rennerfeldt

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Para-alpine ski instructors in the United States need more training on disabling conditions and their definition, deficits, and adaptations for para-alpine skiing; This capstone closes the gap. Para-Alpine skiing is discussed in detail, highlighting instructor training, adaptive equipment, and para-athletes. The disabling conditions of para-athletes are identified along with details related to their para-alpine skiing experience. The methods of this capstone consisted of creating an educational series of videos highlighting five disabling conditions: Autism, spinal cord injuries and conditions, vision impairments, cerebral palsy, and progressive neurodegenerative disorders. The product was presented following a 14-week experience with the National Sports Center …

Accessing Outdoor Recreation For Persons With Physical Disabilities (Pwpd), Molly Lindquist, Mary Smith, Emily Brent

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

To contribute to a website that would be a one-stop location for PWPD who wish to engage in sports and outdoor recreational activities.

The Effects On Occupations And Quality Of Life After A Sports Injury In Adolescents: Emphasis On Psychosocial Factors, Mikaela Hajjar, Lindsey Williams, Monica Watford

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone project was designed to develop educational handouts for adolescents who experience psychosocial factors after an injury, using the PEOP and Biopsychosocial models. The project addressed the need for more resources to target this population's psychosocial aspects of injuries. The handouts supported existing literature on recommended coping strategies, techniques, leisure exploration activities, and additional resources for OT treatment. The project aimed to provide accessible education to OTs, coaches, parents, and athletes on the role of OT in treatment and the importance of addressing psychosocial factors. The project successfully provided background information, analyzed methodology, summarized handout development, and highlighted the …

Effectiveness Of Using Exercise App In Improving Exercise Adherence And Aerobic Endurance Of Football Players, Cheryll D.N.N. Obra, Agatha C.S. Quidilla, Rome J. Cajigal, Jannah K.A. Jerez, Shiela M.A. Ramos, Reyma J.C. Malabed

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction. The use of mobile apps known as mHealth is starting to shape the delivery of physical therapy care not only in patients but also to the healthy population. Using an exercise app is a potential strategy to promote physical activity among individuals. Thus, this pilot study examined the utility of the Nike® Training Club app in increasing exercise adherence and enhancing aerobic endurance.

Methods. The study utilized one-way repeated measures over time quasi-experimental design. It used purposive sampling to select 10 college football players aged 18-25 years old. After downloading the app, the participants were required to perform a …

Mental Health In College Athletes: An Ot Perspective, Olivia Sarik, Lakeisa Boykin, Susan Didino

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: There is often increased stigma surrounding college athletes in the spotlight, thus preventing them from seeking help with their mental health (Kaier et al., 2015). There are currently no known programs that offer resources specifically for college athletes (Sudano & Miles, 2016). It is important for occupational therapists to advocate for mental health resources for student-athletes to create healthy habits and routines within the athletic environment.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone was to increase awareness of mental health resources that are available to student-athletes and coaching staff at Baldwin Wallace University to improve mental health in athletics and …

Adaptive Sports Equipment: A Resource For Clinicians, Coaches, & Athletes, Allison Chown, Steven M. Gerardi, Christopher Ebner

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

About 61 million adults who live in the United States (US) have a disability, which equates to about one in four adults in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Unfortunately, only one out of every ten people who need assistive technology (AT) have access to the proper equipment, with lack of awareness of the devices being one of the causes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). It has been noted in literature that a lack of awareness exists amongst clinicians, coaches, & athletes regarding available adaptive equipment (AE) to support participation in adaptive sports ([AS] Bergem, 2020). …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Student Athlete’S Transition From High School To College, Justus Basinger, Keisa Boykin, Mary Shotwell

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the project is to identify the issues facing student-athletes as they transition from high school to college and to determine occupational therapists’ role in the transition for student-athletes. To allow for specialized help in the transition process from high school to college, this research project will provide greater detail about the areas in which student-athletes experience stressors.

Effectiveness Of Vacuotherapy And Dry Needling As Adjunct Treatment For Musculoskeletal Cases: A Cohort In A Pt Clinic., Adnan N. Balisi, Vince Paul Lobaton, Dane Debulgado, Jhonas Jegira, Mae Adrinne Tumonong, Christian James Brillas, Ritchie Belle Gelito, Mychelle Rae Marasigan

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Usage of vacuum therapy and dry needling in physical therapy management of musculoskeletal cases have gained increasing usage but the literature regarding their effects is limited. This study determines the effect size of the interventions, which are vacuotherapy and dry needling as adjunct treatments to exercises, performed in a local PT clinic to musculoskeletal cases in three different treatment sessions with a week gap in between.

Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort where sampling was purposive in gathering historical patient charts. The numerical pain rating scales and relevant range of motion (ROM) in the musculoskeletal cases …

Exploring Occupation-Based Practice For Athletes With Sports-Related Injuries, Brett Taylor, Susan Macdermott, Jay Gerzmehale

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The profession of OT has yet to be widely acknowledged and recognized within the world of sports (Reed, 2011). There is currently a lack of research related to OT's role in working with athletes who have sustained sports-related injuries. Although occupational therapists are currently working with athletes on sports rehabilitation and recovery, there is uncertainty within the profession regarding the presence of occupation-based practice (OBP) in the population of athletes and within the sports rehabilitation setting. The project aims to advocate for the profession of OT in sports rehabilitation and recovery and increase awareness of the importance of OBP when …

An Exploration Of The Lifestyle Of Rodeo Athletes, Brooke Tunnell, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Rodeo is considered one of the most rapid-growing sports across many nations and consists of highly talented, tough athletes (Haney & Pearson, 1999). There is a gap in the research that examines the occupation of rodeo through an occupational therapy and occupational science perspective. Occupational science, the study of human occupation, focuses on how the form, function, and meaning of daily activities influence health and well-being (Larson & Zemke, 2003). Form, function, and meaning guided the mixed-method research study utilizing survey, interview, narrative prompt, and photo elicitation. Three themes were extracted from the data and embodied the personal and occupational …

The Role Of Ot In Adapted Crossfit, Emily Adams

Student Capstone Papers

Background: A quarter of adults are diagnosed with a disability in the United States, with almost half considered being inactive (CDC, 2020). The population of persons with disabilities (PWD) are at higher risk for secondary health concerns due to a sedentary lifestyle (Diaz et al., 2019). CrossFit recently implemented their first adaptive division in 2021 (CrossFit, LLC, 2022), however there continue to be barriers preventing PWD from participating in CrossFit.

Problem/Purpose: PWD may experience limited access to CrossFit due to structural and social barriers to access equipment and participating in movements. The purpose of this project was to …

Barriers And Resources For Competitive Adaptive Rock Climbing, Amy Griswold, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to (1) identify barriers to participation in competitive adaptive rock climbing for adults with a physical disability and (2) create and distribute virtual educational resources to meet identified barriers. The need for this project was highlighted by athlete and coach self-report of limited ability to engage in competitive adaptive rock climbing, also known as paraclimbing.

The sample consisted of 108 adaptive athletes, adaptive rock-climbing coaches, staff members in rock climbing gyms, and volunteers at adaptive rock climbing events. Participants anonymously completed a ten-minute mixed methods virtual survey using Microsoft Forms.

Statistical analyses suggest recurrent …

An Online Educational Resource On Adaptive Sports For People With Spinal Cord Injuries, Rachel Morgan, Steven M. Gerardi

Fall 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A spinal cord injury (SCI) has a serious impact on an individual’s participation in everyday life activities, leading to a high risk of a sedentary life-style. There is a paucity of research pertaining to adaptive sport participation post-injury and the role of occupational therapy (OT). Additionally, there are limited resources available that inform people with SCI on the benefits of adapted sports or where to go to engage in them. As such, this paper describes the development of a doctoral capstone project to address this need. The purpose of this capstone project was to create an educational web page that …

Prevalence Of Soccer Heading In Middle School American Youth Club Soccer Players, Pedro Gonzalez-Cabrera, Mohan Ganesan, Julie Jameson, Deanna M. Hughes

Physical Therapy Collection

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of soccer heading during a season in a youth soccer club competitive team

Heading events were recorded real time using a recording datasheet for a single team and their opponent teams during the 2014 season of a youth soccer league. Position on the field at the time of the heading event was also documented.

Mean heading events were 35.5 events/match. A paired sample t-test showed no statistically significant difference between observed team and opponent teams. Mean standardized assessment of concussion (SAC) score for the observed soccer team was 24.9±2.6 (out …

Exploring The Form, Function, And Meaning Of Esports, Kyle Fitzstevens, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Esports has become an internationally recognized occupation that is continuing to grow in popularity. The discipline of occupational science with a qualitative, phenomenological approach was used to study the occupation of esports. Larson, Wood, and Clark’s (2003) framework of form, function, and meaning was applied to study to explore the occupational experience of esports with five participants. Form, function, and meaning guided the methods utilized through semi-structured interviews and observation. Eight sub-themes were extracted from the data and embodied the personal occupational experiences of esports. The findings support the importance of understanding the complexities of occupations such as personal experience …

Exploring Sensory Processing & Inclusivity Within A Fitness Gym Environment, Deveshma Maharaj, Karen Park, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An individual’s sensory processing involves the reception, modulation, integration, and organization of sensory stimuli, as well as behavioral responses to sensory input (Dunn, 2001). Adults with sensory processing challenges may come across troubles with completing routines and tasks for work, social participation, and leisure (STAR Institute for SPD, n.d.). Since most individuals with these sensory processing challenges have struggled with symptoms continuously, they are likely to encounter secondary effects such as depression, underachievement, and social isolation (STAR Institute for SPD, n.d.). Adults with sensory processing deficits may experience difficulties with establishing their role in society, maintaining social support systems, and …

Exploration Of Aerial Arts As An Occupation, Kristine De Guzman, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Introduction: Aerial arts is a performance art with acrobatic and dance principles that includes a variety of apparatuses, such as silks, hammock, and lyra. Aerial arts has been transforming over the years; it was once a form of entertainment and is now utilized in occupational therapy interventions. Occupational science, the academic discipline of studying occupations, has emerged to inform occupational therapy practice. Understanding the occupation of aerial arts through an occupational science framework, Doing, Being, Becoming, and Belonging, and Model of Human Occupation offered an in-depth description of the occupation that can provide more knowledge on how to use occupations …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Reducing Barriers For Team-Based Sports Participation For Adolescents, Dennis Nguyen, Karen Park, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Participating in team-based sports has numerous benefits that includes not only increased physical fitness, but also cognitive abilities and academic performance. With the many benefits of participating in team sports can provide, it will be significant to understand adolescents' specific barriers and assist in reducing the barriers for successful participation. The purpose of the capstone project was to identify and understand adolescent barriers to bridge the gap between conventional rehabilitation and team sports participation. Multiple barriers and motivators were identified including financial management, time management, and physical/athletic skill. Facing these determinants may possibly support in increasing team sports participation and …

The Development And Implementation Of An Inclusive Community Sports League For Children With Disabilities, Delnai Filip, Angela Blackwell

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Many developed sports leagues are tailored toward non-disabled children and adults, even though, in the United States, about 26 percent of the population live with a disability and one out of every three people within this population want to participate in sports (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020a; Activity Alliance, 2018). This ultimately leads to decreased sporting opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This higher rate of development of sports leagues for children without disabilities is due to the competitive environment of sports. This competitive environment leads to the marginalization of children with disabilities who want to participate in …

Exploring The Form, Function, And Meaning Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Alvin Ma, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art derived from Judo and primarily uses chokeholds and joint locks to incapacitate an attacker. These techniques require little strength and can apply tremendous amounts of force to anatomically weaker areas of the body. BJJ is a growing martial art due to its popularity in self-defense and its effectiveness in sports like mixed martial arts (MMA). This study uses a phenomenological approach and aims to increase the understanding of the form, function, and meaning of BJJ through the lived experiences of BJJ practitioners from different experience levels. Participants will be recruited and interviewed …

An Occupational Therapy Practice Guide For Sport-Related Concussion In Student Athletes, Jenny Park, Steven M. Gerardi, Mary Ann Smith

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a prevalent injury that affects millions of youth and young adults every year (McKeithan et al., 2019). The sequelae associated with an SRC can interfere with a student athletes’ ability to participate in school, return to play, and perform daily tasks (DeMatteo et al., 2018). Common practice in concussion management highlights the significance of getting individuals back to engaging in all areas of their lives; and this is consistent with the emphasis on participation by occupational therapy (OT) practitioners (DeMatteo et al., 2018). Despite the beneficial role that OT may offer, not only is there limited …

Exploring The Benefits Of Adaptive Baseball From The Parent Perspective / Exploring The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Athletes, Kristen Yee, Karen Park, Becki Cohill, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sports can be an integral part of a child and adolescent’s life; however, those with disabilities, regardless of severity, are less likely to participate in organized sports compared to their peers. Adaptive sports accommodate the varying ability levels of individuals through environmental modifications or the use of specialized equipment.

The purpose of this project was to understand the benefits of participation in adaptive baseball from the parent perspective to increase awareness of the sport and better inform the role occupational therapy has in helping individuals engage in meaningful occupations that promote health and well-being, social participation, and a sense of …

Management And Rehabilitation Strategies Following Ied Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In Civilian Settings - What To Expect And How To Optimize Recovery From Mtbi, Stefanie Podlog (Nee Schulte), Leslie W. Podlog, Wesley C. Kory Tsgt, William J. Brown Ltc

Athletic Training Collection

The wide array of psychological and physical responses following an IED bombing may reduce the likelihood that appropriate assessment and recovery from mTBI occur. Such a situation is problematic as mTBI itself may negatively influence the recovery from the traumatic event or associated injuries if not diagnosed and managed properly. Consequently, the overall aim of this article is to better inform healthcare practitioners, patients, and patients’ social support networkabout the nature of IED-related mild traumatic brain injuries. In so doing, we hope to facilitate enhanced assessment, management, and rehabilitation of this injury. In particular, the specific goals of the review …

Utilization Of The Clinical Laboratory For The Implementation Of Concussion Biomarkers In Collegiate Football And The Necessity Of Personalized And Predictive Athlete Specific Reference Intervals, Stefanie Podlog (Nee Schulte), Natalie N. Rasmussen, Joseph W. Mcbeth, Patrick Q. Richards, Eric Yochem, David J. Petron, Frederick G. Strathmann

Athletic Training Collection

Background: A continued interest in concussion biomarkers makes the eventual implementation of identified biomarkers into routine concussion assessment an eventual reality. We sought to develop and test an interdisciplinary approach that could be used to integrate blood-based biomarkers into the established concussion management program for a collegiate football team.

Methods: We used a CLIA-certified laboratory for all testing and chose biomarkers where clinically validated testing was available as would be required for results used in clinical decision making. We summarized the existing methods and results for concussion assessment across an entire season to identify and demonstrate the challenges with the …

Power Development For Golf, Scot D. Morrison, Eric Chaconas

Physical Therapy Collection

Golf is a popular sport attracting participation from all age groups. The strength and conditioning professional will often encounter golfers who are looking to improve their game through rotational power development. By gaining a sound understanding of the development of rotational power in the golfer, the exercise professional will be better able to address this need. The purpose of this article is to discuss power development principles, address golf-specific power development, and give some specific exercise options that can be implemented.