Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Feasibility Of High-Intensity Training (Hit) For Academic Engagement In Young Adult Women, Raleah Tenorio Kastner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: This feasibility study aimed to identify the impact of a high-intensity training (HIT) exercise protocol on healthy behaviors related to academics to decrease stress levels and enhance academic engagement and overall quality of life in young adult female students, measured by a modified version of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the Occupational Experience Profile (OEP).

Methodology: One young adult female student enrolled at UNLV who is 18-25 years old was recruited via convenience sampling to engage in a 12-session HIT exercise program, developed by a certified personal trainer and licensed occupational therapist, with the participant’s target …

A Comparison Of Changes In Vertical Cephalometric Measurements In Patients Treated With Invisalign And Traditional Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Retrospective Study, Shayna Mesko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Since their introduction into the field, clear aligners have significantly grown in popularity in orthodontics as they offer enhanced esthetics, improved oral hygiene, and patient comfort. Clear aligners have allowed clinicians to simulate treatment outcomes, streamline treatment with reduced office visits, control force and movement per tray, and provide more precise control of focal tooth movements. This can enhance efficiency in achieving specific and very finite orthodontic goals. Since their inception, clear aligners have evolved from only accomplishing simple tooth movements to achieving more complex and comprehensive mechanics. While they have significantly advanced, there are still limitations in efficacy …

Postpartum Depression Protocols In A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Benefits And Outcomes, Myrnnda Miller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project aimed to reduce postpartum depression symptoms in mothers with infants admitted to the University Medical Center (UMC) of Southern Nevada’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by integrating early screening with occupation-based, trauma-informed support. The intervention combined the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for early detection with occupational therapy–facilitated maternal support sessions, providing emotional validation, education, and strategies for coping and parent–infant bonding. Guided by Trauma-Informed Care and Backwards Design frameworks, the project prioritized maternal safety, empowerment, and confidence. A paired sample t-test was conducted to compare pre and posttest EPDS scores and showed that the participant’s EPDS …

Supporting Staff Social-Emotional Learning Through An After-School Program, Alexis Monique Molina

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop and implement an occupational therapy- informed social-emotional learning (SEL) training program for after-school staff at the Hollywood Recreation Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The project addressed a critical gap in the skills and competence of staff needed to manage emotional and behavioral challenges in community-based youth programs. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, adult learning theory, and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, the fourteen-week program incorporated weekly lessons to enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relational competence among staff. Through interactive lessons, reflection promotion, and feedback surveys, participants engaged …

A Warm Welcome: Developing Strategies And Tactics To Address The Resolution Of Neonatal Hypothermia, Sarah J. Musovski

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Aim:

This project aimed to promote the use of a standardized checklist for newborn care that incorporated evidence-based practices. The goal was to maintain newborn temperatures in the normothermic range of 36.5–37.5 °C while receiving care in the hospital setting.

Purpose/Aim:

This project aimed to promote the use of a standardized checklist for newborn care that incorporated evidence-based practices. The goal was to maintain newborn temperatures in the normothermic range of 36.5–37.5 °C while receiving care in the hospital setting.

Description of the Undertaking/Best Practice:

The checklist that was provided included a series of evidence-based actions to promote and advance …

Addressing Sleep Health In The Fire Service: A Sleep Hygiene Education Program, Alyssa Elizabeth Neal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project implemented an occupational therapy sleep hygiene program tailored to the unique occupational demands of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue (LVFR) firefighters. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation theory and the CALMS Framework, this project conceptualized sleep as a meaningful occupation essential to health, safety, and functional performance. The project’s aim was to assess the feasibility of a sleep hygiene program designed for the fire service using standardized measures, including the Sleep Hygiene Index. The methodology incorporated a structured educational session focused on educating firefighters on the importance of sleep, modifying routines and environments to support restorative sleep, implementing …

The Impact Of Language-Concordant Diagnosis Education On Discharge Readiness For Spanish-Speaking Patients, Jorge Noel Perdomo Rodriguez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Current language service practices fail to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) resulting in decreased satisfaction with care, understanding of diagnosis education, and increased risk of post-discharge health disparities. Language-concordant care has been found to improve patient satisfaction with care and increase quality of transition from hospital to home. Research on language-concordant OT care is scarce and current studies suggest that language discordance leads to decreased quality of OT care for Spanish speakers. Problem: Language discordance leads to poor understanding of OT’s role and decreases patient-centered care for Spanish-speaking patients. Purpose: This project aimed …

Empowering Educators: Transforming Online Classrooms Through Interactive Training, Jodie Peterson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Faculty teaching in online nursing programs must continually adapt to evolving educational technologies and pedagogical methods to ensure high-quality learning experiences. However, nursing faculty may lack the resources, knowledge, and skills needed to effectively implement technology-driven, learner-centered strategies that facilitate engagement in virtual classrooms. Supporting faculty development in available interactive technologies is essential to enhance instructional effectiveness and improve student engagement and learning outcomes. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project focuses on strengthening faculty knowledge and competence in using interactive, learner-centered strategies in online education. The project was implemented within a southern Nevada university’s school of nursing and provided an …

Correlation Between Maxillary Sinus Volume And Maxillomandibular Size, Position, And Dental Occlusion: A Cbct Retrospective Study, Philip Villanueva Punzalan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This investigation used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) based three dimensional imaging to evaluate correlations between maxillary sinus volume and maxillomandibular skeletal size, position, and dental occlusion in an adult orthodontic population. A retrospective sample of 107 pretreatment CBCT scans (40 males and 67 females), aged 18–59 years, was analyzed. Right and left maxillary sinuses were segmented independently using semi-automatic volumetric segmentation in ITK-SNAP software, and total sinus volume was calculated in cubic millimeters (mm³). Linear and angular skeletal measurements of the maxilla and mandible were obtained using Anatomage TxSTUDIOViewer application software. Patients were categorized according to anteroposterior (A-P) skeletal …

Psychological Impact Of Nexus Program On Persons Living With Mild Dementia, Kaleigh Gailynn Quinlan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: Dementia is a global health concern due to the rapidly growing aging population (WHO, 2023). A wealth of evidence exists to support the notion that lifestyle interventions not only slow cognitive decline but improve cognition (Ngandu et al., 2015; Rosenberg et al.., 2018; Meng et al., 2022). However, there is a distinct lack of qualitative evidence examining the experience of being in a lifestyle redesign program. Lifestyle interventions require a large overhaul of an individual’s habits and performance patterns, and as such, there must be a subjective experience attached. Methodology: Through convenience sampling of the residents participating in the …

Identifying Well-Being Factors For At-Risk Young Adult Women: A Scoping Review, Carolina A. Quinonez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

This scoping review has systematically explored and mapped the range of literature that pertains to the influences of well-being for at-risk young adult women, to inform occupational therapy practice, guide future research, and enhance the knowledge of holistic well-being.

Methodology

Four online databases, including Google Scholar, were searched to identify publications, in the past 20 years, on relevant data for at-risk women and their well-being levels. Data was tracked using a PRISMA-ScR diagram with guidance from JBI protocol.

Results

There were 39 studies that met all the inclusion criteria. The studies were categorized into the types of well-being and …

Expanding Neurological Interventions: An Aquatic-Based Occupational Therapy Toolkit For Inpatient Rehabilitation, Kate Jannelle Rye

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The objective of this project was to develop an evidence-informed aquatic therapy toolkit aimed at improving occupational therapy practitioners’ self-efficacy in planning aquatic interventions for individuals with neurological injuries.

Methods: This project utilized a quality improvement approach, involving the development of a toolkit, an in-service educational training, and a hands-on skills session. Practitioner self-efficacy was measured using a modified General Self-Efficacy Scale, which was administered before and after the educational training and hands-on skills session. Guided reflections and feedback from occupational therapy practitioners were also utilized to evaluate self-efficacy and the applicability of the toolkit.

Outcomes: Participation in the …

Movement-Based Program To Support Quality Of Life For Adults With Down Syndrome, Jillian Sanalila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral project focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a community-based movement program designed to support quality of life (QoL) among adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities at GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas. Adults with Down syndrome often experience significant health and participation disparities that negatively impact quality of life. These disparities include reduced physical activity, limited opportunities for social engagement, and barriers to engagement in meaningful occupations. Grounded in occupational therapy principles, this project introduced a structured intervention integrating dance, Pilates, and yoga to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. A program development design …

Efficacy Of The Dorsal Application Of Kinesiotape For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome On Sleep, Alyanna San Pedro

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common upper-extremity condition among university students who frequently engage in prolonged computer and device use. CTS symptoms, specifically in nocturnal pain, tingling, and numbness, often disrupt sleep quality, which can lead to negative effects on daytime functioning and participation in meaningful occupations. Despite growing interest in conservative management strategies, there is limited research on the potential role of kinesiotape (KT) in addressing sleep-related symptoms of CTS. This study aims to examine changes in sleep quality, nocturnal symptoms severity, and participation in meaningful activities in university students experiencing mild to moderate CTS symptoms. Participants were …

Examining Demographic And Contextual Differences In Stress-Related Sport Interference Among U.S. Collegiate Sport Participants, Heather Tran

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Collegiate athletes experience a range of stressors that may interfere with sport performance; however less is known about how stress-related sport interference varies across demographic groups and contexts. Guided by the transactional model of stress and coping, this study examined differences in stress-related sport interference by gender, race/ethnicity, and year in school, as well as across situational contexts (training, competition, and life outside of sport). Data were drawn from a secondary dataset of 288 collegiate sport participants who completed the Sport Interference Checklist (SIC). Independent samples t-test and analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to examined demographic differences, and a …

Treatment And Recovery Of Mucoceles In Brass Musicians: The Performance Trap And Its Consequences, David D. Torres

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation examines the treatment and recovery of oral mucoceles in professional brass musicians through a qualitative case study combining personal narrative, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of medical and pedagogical literature. I interviewed four professional trumpet players who experienced mucoceles and lip trauma, and three medical professionals with relevant expertise. My own case serves as the primary study, documenting 15 years of scar tissue management following surgical excision and an immediate return to demanding performance. Medical literature treats mucocele excision as a routine procedure with recovery measured in weeks. Brass pedagogy literature assumes healthy lips and offers no guidance for …

Exploring A Boxing Community Exercise Porgram For Women With Parkinson's Disease, Emily Truong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this capstone project was to explore the lived experiences of 10 women with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who participate in the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program, an exercise community-based non-contact boxing program. Because women remain underrepresented in PD research and exercise-based interventions, this project aims to better understand how women perceive the physical, emotional, and social impacts of participating in RSB.

Methods: This qualitative case series included 10 women diagnosed with PD that participate in RSB at the Tony Cress Training Center. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and audio recordings. Interviews were consented, transcribed verbatim, …

Development And Evaluation Of A Training Program On Pain Assessments For Pediatric Care Teams In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Rudy Velasquez-Correa

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project was a program development and quality improvement initiative at Silver State Pediatrics focused on improving consistency and confidence of pediatric care staff in assessing and documenting pain in children, particularly those who are non-speaking and medically complex. Although validated tools such as the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC), revised-FLACC (R-FLACC), and Non-communicating Children’s Pain Checklist-Revised (NCCPC-R) exists, inconsistent training and limited interdisciplinary communication have led to variability in clinical practice. This project involved implementing a brief, 20-30-minute interdisciplinary training session for nursing and rehabilitation staff on the use of validated pediatric pain assessment tools and collaborative …

Application Of Occupational Therapy Task-Oriented For Chronic Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study, Gia Nghi Vu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disability, with persistent upper extremity (UE) impairment limiting engagement in daily tasks, reducing quality of life and contributing to learned non-use in the chronic stage among stroke survivors. The Occupational Therapy Task Oriented (OTTO) approach is proposed to optimize occupational performance through the use of meaningful, functional and highly individualized tasks that enable clients to fulfill their valued roles and participate in desired daily activities. The purpose of this capstone project was to advance clinical skills by applying the OTTO approach to examine its effect on occupational performance and UE motor function in …

Examining The Effects Of Tailored Ergonomic Interventions On Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders For Taxi Drivers, Amal Youssouf

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Taxi drivers are frequently exposed to prolonged sitting, whole-body vibration, limited rest opportunities, and psychosocial stressors, placing them at increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This can be mitigated with the use of ergonomics, which changes one's environment to match an individual's needs within the context and demands of the job. Although ergonomics is a recognized area of occupational therapy (OT) practice, current research is limited to office-based or computer-related settings, leaving a gap in OT-led ergonomic interventions tailored for professional drivers. This capstone project aimed to determine whether OT-based ergonomic strategies, along with an ergonomic checklist as a guideline …

Disparities Between Rural And Urban Patients With Epilepsy In Oregon From Time Of Seizure Onset To Genetic Testing And Surgical Treatment, Bahar Madani

University Honors Theses

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is associated with significant morbidity and worsened outcomes when access to specialized epilepsy care is delayed. Rural populations may face additional barriers to neurological evaluation, genetic testing, and epilepsy surgery due to geographic and healthcare access limitations. This retrospective cohort study evaluated disparities in epilepsy care timelines among rural and urban patients treated at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), one of Oregon's two Level 4 epilepsy centers. Electronic health record data were reviewed for 110 patients, including 80 urban and 30 rural patients. Variables included age at seizure onset, age at genetic testing, age at epilepsy …

College Of Fine Arts Outreach And Health Promotion For Injury Prevention: A Service Learning Project, Andrea Bejaran-Choto, Emily Horner, Marlene Quirarte, Shaye Robles, Dora Segura, Duc Tu, Trevor Williams

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: This community-based academic initiative targeted a significant deficiency regarding rehabilitative care and wellness assets for Southern Nevada's fine arts practitioners. Despite possessing trauma frequency rates similar to those of collegiate-level athletes, this demographic lacks sufficient infrastructure for health support. The endeavor sought to bolster the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the regional performance art sector utilizing the UNLV College of Fine Arts Physical Therapy Clinic (CFA-PTC).

Description: The initiative focused on three essential objectives: (1) augmenting student consciousness and utilization of therapeutic care at the CFA-PTC, (2) broadening health-related guidance for the artistic …

Assessing The Reliability And Minimal Detectable Change Of Frontal Plane Projection Angles During Functional Tasks In Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain, Isabella Keefer, Derrick Smith, Brendan Yawn

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Single-limb dynamic weight-bearing tasks are frequently used to evaluate lower extremity and trunk movement patterns in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP). These individuals frequently exhibit abnormal frontal plane projection angles (FPPAs) at the trunk, pelvis, and lower extremities, indicative of altered movement patterns such as knee valgus, pelvic drop, and lateral trunk lean. While test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) values for various FPPAs have been established in pain-free individuals, comprehensive data for individuals with PFP remain limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate test-retest reliability, as well as the standard error of measurement (SEM) …

Enhancing Psychosocial Well-Being And Quality Of Life In Parkinson’S Disease: Integrating Patient Experiences And Physical Therapists’ Expertise, Adetayo Adeoti Babarinde

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a wide range of non-motor symptoms that often affect the quality of life of persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) even more profoundly than the motor symptoms typically associated with the condition. These non-motor symptoms include olfactory and gastrointestinal dysfunction, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, and psychological and social concerns. Psychosocial concerns include the mental, emotional, and social impact of PD on an individual’s functioning and, overall well-being. They reflect the interplay between symptoms of the disease, psychological development and functioning, personal relationships, and environmental factors. Mental health and psychosocial concerns such as depression, anxiety, fear …

Resilience Of Orthodontic Sealants Against Degradation And Microbial Adhesion: A Comparative Study, Michelle X. Cui

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background:

White spot lesions are one of the most common complications encountered during orthodontic treatment. These lesions begin as demineralization of enamel around the appliance due to plaque buildup, resulting in compromised aesthetics. As they continue to develop, white spot lesions progress to cavitation, potentially threatening pulpal vitality, resulting in an increased financial burden for patients. Preventative strategies include patient education, consistent oral hygiene protocols, and the use of fluoride-releasing agents. Orthodontic sealants such as Opal® Seal™ (Ultradent) (OS) and L.E.D. Pro Seal® (Reliance) (PS) have been developed to release and recharge fluoride, thereby reducing the incidence of white spot …

An Occupation-Based Protocol For Mobile-Gaming Ergonomics, Lan Doan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The increasing prevalence of mobile gaming has introduced unique ergonomic challenges that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate the practicality and preliminary effectiveness of an ergonomic protocol designed to improve posture, reduce pain, and maintain gaming performance among mobile gamers. A pre-post design was implemented with two participants aged 18–34 years. The six-week intervention included ergonomic education, postural training, scheduled breaks, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. Quantitative data on gaming performance using Call of Duty Mobile Scores, pain assessed through the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire …

Correlation Of Buccolingual Angulation Of Posterior Teeth And Transverse Skeletal Width In Adult Orthodontic Patients: A Retrospective Cbct Study, Anya T. Hatfield

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective:

Accurate evaluation of transverse skeletal relationships is essential for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Dentition may compensate for skeletal discrepancies through buccolingual tipping of posterior teeth, potentially masking underlying transverse imbalance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between transverse skeletal width and posterior tooth angulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

Sixty-six pre-orthodontic adult CBCT scans were analyzed. Maxillary and mandibular transverse skeletal widths were measured at the level of the first molar furcation using buccal cortical plate– to–buccal cortical plate landmarks. Buccolingual angulation of the first and second premolars and first and second molars …

Developing A Health Education Program For Adults Reentering The Community After Incarceration, Tiffany Ayame Kinugawa-Larsen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Justice-impacted adults often experience challenges in confidently managing their health due to limited autonomy, disrupted health routines, and limited access to health education during incarceration. Studies have shown that incarcerated adults have a higher likelihood of developing chronic health issues, yet have limited access to resources that promote health and well-being after release from incarceration. Given that health management falls within the scope of occupational therapy (OT), the profession is positioned to promote health and well-being by applying OT principles that emphasize individualized, holistic care tailored to a justice-impacted population during community reintegration. A 5-week health education program grounded in …

The Contribution Of Psychophysiological Stress Factors On Muscle Cramp Susceptibility, Lauren D. Levine

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are painful phenomenon that involves involuntary muscle spasms occurring during physical activity or directly after. 1 The landscape of the research on EAMC etiology has expanded from focusing on a single prevailing cause (e.g., hydration status) to a more holistic approach of how numerous factors contribute to the onset of neuromuscular fatigue, and the significance of each factor in those who suffer from EAMC. Following the multifactorial theory of cramp pathophysiology, this research sought to advance the knowledge of cramp susceptibility by investigating if there is a relationship between common psychophysiological factors like high anxiety, sleep …

Sense Of Belonging And Professional Identity In Acute Care Occupational Therapists: A Phenomenological Study, Shania Marion D. Novilla

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) play a crucial and demanding role in acute care, addressing complex diagnoses and facilitating safe discharge; however, the fast-paced biomedical environment often pressures them to compromise their occupation-based philosophy, potentially leading to professional burnout and low retention rates. Although professional identity (the self-perception of one's role) and a sense of belonging (feeling valued and connected) are recognized as correlated concepts vital for professional resilience, this relationship remains critically underexplored within the acute care OT population. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (Schkade & Schultz, 1992), this qualitative study explores how experienced occupational therapists working in an …