Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Presenting With Double Crush Syndrome: A Case Study., Nicholas G. Hatfield

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in the treatment of a patient presenting with a potential Double Crush Syndrome.

Case Description. This patient was a 59-year-old male with reports of right shoulder pain and right upper extremity paresthesia, numbness, and tingling affecting his ability to perform daily tasks at work and at home.

Interventions. The physical therapy interventions given were all based on findings from the initial evaluation and included a mixture of manual therapy techniques such as shoulder mobilizations, therapeutic exercises/activities such as stretching, resistance training, and carries, and …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Treatment Of Patient With Spondylosis: A Case Study, Paige B. Kropuenske

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: In the United States low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes for individuals to reach out to health care professionals. LBP is often associated with a diagnosis of spondylosis. Spondylosis is present in about 80% of peoples in the United States. The prevalence of spondylosis continues to increase without a definite cure or form of treatment. Overall, exercise and intervention have proven to decrease symptoms of pain of those with spondylosis. However, success of treatment may see large variables in success. Further research into specific treatment interventions may be warranted to decrease chronic …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Electromyography Activity Of Proximal And Distal Upper Extremity Musculature, Nicole Mazour

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR) has become a popular means of strength training and intervention used by physical therapists, athletic trainers and body builders. BFR allows for high intensity resistance training at a low intensity training level. It has been shown that BFR increases muscular hypertrophy and strength due to the vascular occlusion that occurs during BFR application. When performing BFR a pressurized tourniquet cuff is applied to the proximal portion of the selected limb. Individuals complete exercise between 20-40% of their 1 repetition maximum (RM) while utilizing the BFR cuff for improvements in muscular strength. Most BFR …

Reading The Warning Signs: Preventive Mental Health Youth Education Program, Cammy Cate Robertson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Wyoming is the third leading state in suicide related death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018; Wyoming Department of Health, n.d.). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2022), suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals aged 10-14. One in six youth experiences a mental health disorder yearly, while 50% of individuals aged 14 begin to have lifelong mental health concerns (Kessler et al., 2005; Whitney & Peterson, 2019). Students who experience depression are twice as likely to drop out of school, and students with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are three times more …

Occupational Therpay’S Role When Treating Pediatric Feeding Disorders, Callie Vold

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Feeding and eating are required occupations that all humans must engage in to meet one of their most basic needs (AOTA, 2020; Maslow, 1943). While feeding and eating allows humans to meet their most basic physiological needs it also allows them to meet other needs of Maslow's Hierarchy along with engaging in valued occupations (AOTA, 2020; Maslow, 1943. Children with Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) have difficulty with one or more areas of feeding which are medical, nutritional, feeding skill and/or psychosocial dysfunction (Fleet et al., 2022; Goday et al., 2019; Howe & Wang, 2013; Marshall et al., 2015; Sharp et …

Fostering Early Literacy Skill Development In School Aged Children, Jaden Pikarski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to foster early literacy skill development for children within the school system. The materials created are intended to enhance the context and promote learning in a way that is meaningful and developmentally appropriate.

Disability Awareness To Promote Inclusivity For Children In The Educational Setting, Abby Bauman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A large barrier to an effective and successful educational experience is the stigma and perceived judgment surrounding a child’s disability (Fontil et al., 2020). Implementing disability awareness materials into young classrooms is a way to prevent the development of stigma towards disability. Children who received disability awareness programming in the past have shown improved attitudes towards disabilities as opposed to those who have not (Chae et al., 2019). The purpose of this scholarly project is to assist teachers with implementing disability awareness materials to increase encouragement for young peers to accept, include, and support young individuals with disabilities.

Transitioning A Hand Therapy Clinic From Traditional Paper Home Programs To An Electronic Platform: A Quality Improvement Project, Megan Raissa Fuka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with upper extremity conditions who receive occupational therapy within the hand therapy context are often provided with paper or electronic home programs (HPs) as part of their rehabilitation protocol. Electronic HPs may promote greater adherence and functional improvements than paper handouts, as they can accommodate various learning styles and address patient barriers (Chung et al., 2020; Harte & Law, 2019; Lambert et al., 2017; Nussbaum et al., 2019; Toci et al., 2021; Valdes et al., in press). Despite evidence showing positive patient satisfaction and outcomes as a result of using electronic HPs, some occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) may be …

Best Practice Occupational Therapy Interventions For Addressing Trauma And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Practitioner Guide, Madison Kay Ertelt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts approximately 3.6% of adults and 5% of adolescents in the United States and has pervasive impacts on occupational performance (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) likely encounter clients with PTSD frequently due to this widespread prevalence in addition to trauma being comorbid with a variety of mental and physical health conditions. Despite the widespread prevalence of trauma, many OTPs find that trauma-informed care is not adequately implemented in practice (Holman et al., 2022). There is a gap in the literature regarding occupational performance deficits experienced among clients with trauma, knowledge of …

Becoming An Occupational Therapy Advocate: A Toolkit For Practitioners, Tiana Jo Griffith

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Advocacy is an important component of the occupational therapy profession. Advocacy helps advance the profession, promote client well-being, and ensures access to services. Although practitioners are aware of the importance of advocacy, there is still a lack of involvement in advocacy efforts. There are several reasons for the lack of involvement, including insufficient knowledge and preparedness, limited discussion of advocacy, and lack of time to interact with the policy process (Dhillon et al., 2010; Marfeo, 2020; Osman et al., 2020). A toolkit was developed to address the identified barriers by providing occupational therapy practitioners in Wyoming with information and resources …

Submitting Research Grant Applications To Fund A Study Examining The Effect Of Equine-Assisted Therapy On Compassion Fatigue In Caregivers, Briana Minette Kent

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Caregivers are expected to provide the best care possible to their patients, no matter the circumstances. Depending on the need of the individual being cared for, a caregiver’s job can cause an abundance of stress at various levels and can even lead to decreased mental health. This is often accompanied by a lack of self-care, poor health, and overall diminished wellness, otherwise known as compassion fatigue. Occupational therapists can address poor mental health due to compassion fatigue in caregivers by introducing a variety of important skills, habits, routines, and activities that patients need or want to engage in on a …

How Adaptive Sports Promote Occupational Engagement And Quality Of Life For Individuals With Disabilities In A Rural Community, Michael Helgeson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Health management, play, leisure, and social participation are all valued occupations related to sports. However, individuals with physical disabilities face many barriers that inhibit them from engaging in sports, depriving them of these occupations. Some of these barriers include a lack of adaptive sports resources, adaptive equipment, adaptive sports programs in rural communities, and knowledge of how to include individuals with disabilities (Obradovic et al., 2021). The purpose of this scholarly project was to address these barriers through the development of adaptive sports programs; hereby, increasing occupational engagement, quality of life (QOL), and life satisfaction for individuals with disabilities. To …

An Occupation-Based Approach To Chronic Pain In Rural Alaska, Emma Elizabeth Lehman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Adults with chronic pain living in rural communities experience occupational deprivation due to a lack of access to healthcare resources. While chronic pain is multifaceted and treated by multiple professions, occupational therapy (OT) can have a significant role in treating adults experiencing chronic pain with occupation-based interventions to improve their daily complications (Lagueux et al., 2018). The role of OT with chronic pain management is reflected in the evidence-based program entitled Lifestyle Redesign®, which offers effective strategies to improve quality of life, selfefficacy, and daily functioning for those who experience chronic pain (Uyeshiro Simon & Collins, 2017). However, there are …

Sensory-Based Universal Design Strategies For Head Start Students To Optimize Educational Engagement, Lexi Elizabeth Zahn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

This scholarly project aims to educate and enable early childhood education teachers on how children’s sensory systems can be positively or negatively influenced to improve overall classroom experiences for all children. A teacher’s resource guide was developed to inform early education teachers about the sensory system and sensory regulation so that they can better understand the sensory needs of their students. The guide provides them with universally designed, sensory-based strategies to implement in the classroom to increase the performance ranges of students in their educational pursuits.

A Proactive Approach To Lymphedema Treatment: A Patient’S Educational Guide, Bridget Jae Reuss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Lymphedema affects between 90 and 250 million people worldwide, yet there is little information about it, and it is poorly understood by the medical community (Manrique et al., 2022). This too often results in patients not receiving proactive treatment for their symptoms. Proactive intervention increases the patient’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations, socialization, quality of life, mobility, and confidence (Dominick et al., 2014; Lu et al., 2015; Warren et al., 2007; Yarmohammadi et al., 2021).

Program Structure For Children And Adolescents With Disabilities To Increase Participation In Physical Activity, Abbigail Mackenzie Smith

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents with disabilities face barriers and are often excluded from engaging in daily activities such as physical activity and social participation (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019; Hocking, 2019). Activities such as physical activity and social participation not only increase children's and adolescents' sense of belonging, mental health, and quality of life but also impact the development of skills needed to fully engage in society (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019). Opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities to engage in physical activity and social participation are commonly seen in the form of programs supported by nonprofit organizations. These programs …

A Guide For Occupational Therapists: Utilizing Equine-Assisted Therapy For Children In The Foster Care System Dealing With Trauma, Alexis Skogen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In 2015, over three million children who were affected by trauma or abuse were reported to Child Protective Services (Papovich, 2019). “Children in the foster care system have often been exposed to traumatic experiences such as violence, illicit substances, and neglect” (Crabill & Hanson, 2018, p.8). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be similar to experiencing trauma; children, prior to entering the foster care system, often experience ACEs (Craig, 2020). Children in the foster care system face hardships such as being taken out of their homes, passing through multiple homes, in addition to other childhood traumas they experience prior to their …

A Holistic Approach To Promote Sleep For People Emerging From Homelessness: A Good Night’S Rest In Your Nest Sleep Toolkit, Anna Burggraf

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Background: Sleep deprivation has been linked to chronic health issues, decreased physical and cognitive functioning, and overall decreased quality of life, which limits the ability to engage in desired tasks and occupations (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020). Obtaining restful sleep serves as a foundation for optimal cognitive and physical functioning during daily tasks, roles, and activities (AOTA, 2017). Individuals who have experienced homelessness consistently demonstrate higher rates of sleep inadequacies compared to the general public, highlighting the need for service providers to address the quality of sleep participation for this population (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020).

Purpose

• Promote sleep participation for …

The How To’S For Engaging With Medically Complex Children: A Resource Guide, Allyson Bourque

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to identify and address the factors that serve as barriers to engagement in valued occupations for children with serious or life-threatening illness.

Background: Children with serious or life-threatening illness are at great risk for occupational deprivation due to their complex medical needs as well as the inhibiting physical symptomology that may accompany their diagnoses (Doukkali et al., 2013; Kasven-Gonzales & Miale, 2010). Individuals working with this population have reported a need for more specialized education for working with children with medically complex needs (Gysels et al., 2005; Whiteford et al., 2020). It …

How Adaptive Sports Promote Occupational Engagement And Quality Of Life For Individuals With Disabilities In A Rural Community, Michael Helgeson

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to address the barriers individuals with physical disabilities face through the development of adaptive sports programs; hereby, increasing their occupational engagement, quality of life (QOL), and life satisfaction.

Background: Individuals with disabilities, compared to the general population, have diminished health and QOL due to limited community participation and occupational engagement (Yazicioglu et al., 2012). Adaptive sports have shown to increase QOL and well-being for individuals with physical disabilities (Brown et al., 2021; Yazicioglu et al., 2012). Although, this population, specifically in rural communities, face many barriers to adaptive sports engagement including …

Program Structure For Children And Adolescents With Disabilities To Increase Participation In Physical Activity, Abbigail Smith

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Background: Children and adolescents with disabilities face barriers and are often excluded from engaging in daily activities such as physical activity and social participation (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019; Hocking, 2019). Activities such as physical activity and social participation not only increase children's and adolescents' sense of belonging, mental health, and quality of life but also impact the development of skills needed to fully engage in society (Bundy & Du Toit, 2019). Opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities to engage in physical activity and social participation are commonly seen in the form of programs supported by nonprofit organizations. These …

An Occupation-Based Approach To Chronic Pain In Rural Alaska, Emma Lehman

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Background: Adults with chronic pain living in rural communities experience occupational deprivation due to a lack of access to healthcare resources and tend to report higher levels of pain compared to urban areas [4, 8]. Chronic pain is multifaceted and managed by many professionals. Occupational therapy (OT) has a significant role in offering effective strategies to improve quality of life, self-efficacy, and daily functioning for those who experience chronic pain [5, 7].

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to advocate for the profession of occupational therapy within rural Alaska areas as well as develop an evidence-based, model-driven, culturally …

Development Of Wellness And Nutrition Through The Use Of Gardening, Josie Anhorn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The population of older adults has been rising exponentially in recent years (Duffin, 2022), leading to an influx in people moving into retirement or independent living communities. This transition may cause many changes in the new residents’ occupational participation and overall well-being. Research has shown specific areas of concern in socialization, nutrition, self-esteem, physical abilities, and continued participation in meaningful occupations (Holland et al., 2017; Knecht-Sabres et al., 2020; Smith, 2015; Sommerfeld et al., 2018; Swann, 2006; Swann, 2010). Gardening has been shown to positively impact these areas of health and well-being and ease some of the negative symptoms (Thompson, …

Social Skills Development: A Program For Pediatric Occupational Therapy Group Sessions, Kenadee Eyre

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children with a neurological disorder often demonstrate delays in social skills development (Glenn et al., 2020; Goldingay et al. 2020; & Tanta & Kuhaneck, 2020). This delay in development impacts their participation in meaningful occupations as optimal performance range includes an element of social interaction. The purpose of this product is to provide pediatric occupational therapists with the resources necessary to build social skills groups following a hierarchy of social skills development.

The Ambassador Program: Improving Functional Community Participation For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Kathryn Elizabeth College

Occupational Therapy Capstones

This scholarly project aims to create more functional engagement opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in a community setting. Individuals with ID/DD experience a multitude of barriers when attempting to become active members of the community and engage in meaningful opportunities and social interactions (Doerpinghaus et al., 2022; Trembath et al., 2010). These barriers can include a lack of individualized support, low self-esteem, difficulty finding valuable volunteer experiences, and a prejudice in community settings (Milot et al., 2020; Trembath et al., 2010).

Life Skills Training Resource For Individuals Aging Out Of The Foster System, Stephanie Coauette

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to create a training resource for foster families regarding life skills for the population of individuals aging out of the foster care system. There is an identified need for resources for individuals who age out of the foster system for life skills training and basic activities of daily living (ADL) training (Paul-Ward & Lambdin- Pattavina, 2016). Aging out of the foster system means that an individual has turned 18 years old without a legal adoptive family taking responsibility for them (Scannapieco et al., 2007). There is a need for the individuals who are preparing …

Acting On The Need Of A Client, Caregiver, And Practitioner Seating And Mobility Guide, Aleksander Robert Kohn

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is a significant need for individuals with a disability and specific mobility limitations to require a wheeled mobility device. Wheeled mobility devices allow individuals to gain and/or maintain independence and engagement in occupations. The evaluation, prescription, and fitment of wheeled mobility devices are complex, requiring clients and caregivers to use and maintain these devices in specific ways. Barriers caregivers face can include not positioning the client properly in the wheeled mobility device, damaged or missing wheelchair parts, or improper positioning of the straps and belts, affecting posture, which could lead to secondary complications.

The Impact Of Trauma On Occupational Performance For People Experiencing Homelessness, Isabella Jeanette Johannes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

People transitioning from homelessness experience trauma at three times the risk than the general population (McCurry, 2021). Occupational therapy can provide trauma-informed services that helps people that have experienced homelessness transition to supported housing by addressing occupational competence and identity formation through meaningful activity (McCurry, 2021). Occupational therapy can address this area by educating staff and students that work with this population to be more trauma- informed. It is important to utilize a trauma-informed approach to avoid retraumatization to people that have experienced homelessness (AOTA, 2021). There were two purposes of this project: a) develop advanced knowledge in trauma-informed care, …

Improving Occupational Engagement For Children With Executive Dysfunction, Autumn Hopkin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A person's ability to successfully perform complex tasks requires a higher level of thinking made possible through the successful use of executive functions. Executive functions develop over time, but typical development begins in early childhood. When children experience interruptions to development, executive dysfunction can inhibit their ability to reach their full occupational potential with play, academics, and social skill development. This scholarly project aims to promote executive function using an evidence-based approach to support occupational therapy practitioners and the children they serve with executive dysfunction.

An Occupational Therapy Perspective On Health And Wellness: A Step Toward Prevention, Olivia Grace Myers

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop a group protocol that addresses the primary prevention of obesity through an occupational therapy lens within a community setting.