Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Sensory Processing Difficulties In Children Born Preterm And The Needs Of Their Families, Shelby J. Buie

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children who are born preterm frequently experience sensory processing difficulties due to their underdeveloped brains and the atypical early sensory experiences that are associated with increased medical needs. These factors impact the development of a child’s sensory system, which ultimately influences how a child participates in daily activities. Having a child born preterm that requires increased medical attention causes stress on the family. Increased stress and a decrease in mental health can disrupt the parent-child bond. This project aimed to provide sensory-based occupational therapy treatment sessions to children who were born preterm to improve their sensory processing skills. Furthermore, the …

Animal-Assisted Therapy In An Outpatient Pediatric Occupational Therapy Setting, Peyton N. Stolle

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The use of animals to assist in the healthcare industry has been around for some time now, however, only recently have those in the occupational therapy industry begun looking at the effects that it would have on patients within their scope of practice. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has various uses, and recent studies have shown that the use of dogs within a healthcare setting can greatly increase patient motivation and well-being. However, prior literature shows that there are limited studies on the effects of AAT in a pediatric occupational therapy (OT) setting, specifically an outpatient setting. My capstone project aimed to …

Establishing An Objective, Quantifiable Method For Detecting Erosive Tooth Wear, Camille Kita

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study aims to monitor and evaluate erosive tooth wear (ETW) by measurement of enamel surface thickness and texture in a clinical setting. The objective approach is fundamentally different from the standard subjective visual assessment that professionals in the dental field using the Basic Erosive Wear Evaluation (BEWE) method.

Twenty-nine hyposalivation and three control subjects were used in this longitudinal study, for a total of 597 samples (only 577 teeth were eligible for surface texture analysis) evaluated in a longitudinal study including both baseline and 12 month follow up surfaces. Each participant’s buccal surface of the tooth was first analyzed …

Improving Fertility: Evaluating The Addition Of Prednisone To Enhance The Effectiveness Of Clomid And Femara In Anovulatory Patients., Jeffrey Bradford

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Chronic Anovulation and PCOS is a major infertility issue that affects the ability of many female patients to conceive and obtain a pregnancy. General anovulation is influenced by a combination of factors such as hypoandrogenism, hormonal imbalances, and an irregular menstrual cycle. The current methods of treatments include the usage of first-line medications such as Clomid and Femara or more expensive options such as menotropin regimens, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). While Clomid and Femara remain the most common and successful method, an estimated 25% of general anovulation patients will fail to ovulate despite a maximum dosage …

A Comparative Effectiveness Study Of Bipolar And Linked Quadripolar Techniques For Eliciting Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials During Spine Surgery, Joseph Haddad

Health Science Doctoral Thesis

Problem: Linked quadripolar stimulation (LQP) is a technique used within the field of intraoperative neurophysiology to elicit a transcranial motor evoked potential (TcMEP). However, the technique has not been experimentally validated as being superior in eliciting TcMEPs or reducing patient movement during surgery. LQP also incurs higher supply costs, increased set up times, and increases the risk of needle stick injury and infection; because the technique requires the use of more needle electrodes than more traditional approaches.

Purpose: TcMEPs are a practice regularly employed by surgical neurophysiologists and vital in the assessment of corticospinal tract, nerve root, and nerve function …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Promoting Occupational Participation And Well-Being, Kallie Alexander

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone project is to enhance occupational participation and well-being of persons living with ALS and care partners and address barriers to occupational justice through physical, social, and psychosocial needs.

Lets Get Connected: Promotion Of Technology And Social Interaction For Older Adults, Sarah Brown

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals engage in activities they need and want to do. As the number of older adults continues to increase the need for older adult focused interventions are required to meet that demand. Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing how we communicate, manage healthcare, and grocery shop. Equipping older adults with the necessary skills and knowledge to use technology is a vital aspect of occupational therapy, essential for maintaining their autonomy and quality of life.

Enhancing Adaptive Recreation, Abby Bruff

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project is to utilize occupational therapy’s role and scope by using a holistic approach to address personal and environmental contexts that enhance participation for individuals with disabilities. Educational training modules were created to foster competence and confidence for non-healthcare professionals working with individuals with disabilities. The OTD student gained knowledge and understanding of barriers to adaptive recreation through a systematic review of literature, professional communication, observation, and surveys.

Occupational Therapy And Accessible Air Travel, Katie Cunningham

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The Doctoral Capstone Project consists of developing a program reference guide directly related to promoting health and wellness in individuals with disabilities who travel to ensure autonomy, safety, inclusion, and occupational opportunity through self advocacy. The evidence-supported travel accessibility quick reference guide will promote safe travel and enhance knowledge to individuals with disabilities. This will help bridge the lack of facilitators for traveling with a disability.

A Respite Care Program For Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities, Abby Kincade

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The capstone project was developed and implemented at the capstone site and provided to the caregiver and care recipient population as a Parents Night Out: Respite Night.

Nature-Based Occupational Therapy: Promoting Functional Skill Development In Children, Darcie Gibson

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the doctoral capstone project was to enhance health and wellness for children by utilizing aspects of the natural environment to promote functional skill development.

Promoting Workplace Safety Within An Industrial Setting, Jordan Profit

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The Doctoral Capstone Project aimed to develop the Workplace Safety program at Post Consumer Brands to improve overall safety and promote health and wellness among industrial workers. The program promotes health and wellness, injury prevention, and mental health.

Improving Postpartum Care Through Occupational Therapy, Madison Savage

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The present study aimed to determine the potential role of occupational therapy in caring for women during their postpartum period. The study also aimed to discover the current goals of the practitioners and the needs of postpartum women.

Back To The Basics: Integrating Biomechanical Frame Of Reference Into The Arkansas State University Otd Curriculum, Krysta Nash

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the doctoral capstone project was to increase OTD student learning in the Biomechanical Frame of Reference evaluation and intervention process.

Aging In Place Safely: The Impact Of Home Modifications, Noel Walters

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the capstone project is to advocate for and educate community dwelling older adults in the Columbus, Ohio area to safely age in place and remain independent to avoid institutionalization.

Promoting An Inclusive Learning Environment For Children With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Childcare Centers, Mehak "Mickey" Rajani

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the doctoral capstone project is to see how well early intervention centers promote a successful and inclusive learning environment for children with IDD through the nurturing competence of childcare providers. Thereby, a successful program can be created for childcare centers to enhance the quality of life for everyone at the center to flourish and succeed beyond the status quo.

Effects Of Nonpharmacological And Pharmacological Interventions On The Management Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Ellington Fagg

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a metabolic endocrine disorder that affects many women of childbearing age. Although PCOS is a rather common disease, there is a general lack of knowledge on how to approach treatment for different types of women.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to investigate both nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatment interventions that can be used to manage both the symptoms and underlying conditions associated with PCOS.

Methodology: Twenty articles that contained a mix of clinical trials and randomized control trials were reviewed for the evidence that is included in this literature …

Barriers To Breastfeeding In Low Socioeconomic Populations, Nikki Goldberg, Paige Daws

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This literature review assessed and determined common themes among vulnerable populations for the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding habits. The barriers identified were divided into four themes including: lack of support, inflexible employment environment, differences of breastfeeding norms and education, and financial burden. Interventions identified in this literature review were community support programs and the implementation of hospital programs and initiatives to encourage breastfeeding. The need for this research and discussion stems from the sub-optimal infant feeding practices that contribute to infant mortality rates (Gallegos et al., 2020).

Utilizing Art Therapy To Address Perfectionism In Patients Suffering From Eating Disorders: The Need To Diversify Treatment Approaches, Zara Goldberg

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Perfectionistic behaviors are highly common in people with eating disorders. This study investigates the relationship between perfectionism, shame, and the ways in which art therapy can be utilized as a primary tool in eating disorder treatment. Based on the research below and the results of this study, integrating art therapy protocols in combination with talk based theoretical work around perfectionism can improve recovery and decrease struggles with perfectionism in persons with eating disorders. Patients at a residential eating disorder center participated in four consecutive weekly group therapy sessions that integrated art therapy protocols into a preexisting talk therapy based group …

Integration Of Adverse Childhood Experiences In Adulthood Through Dance Movement Therapeutic Techniques, Kimberly Hoj

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Expanding knowledge about how to self-regulate when faced with challenging circumstances has the potential to benefit individuals and communities, especially in our post-pandemic environment with increasing needs for mental health support. This thesis provides a psychoeducational basis for use of dance movement therapeutic techniques to integrate adverse childhood experiences. The literature review refines an understanding of big T and little t trauma as it relates to mental illness, polyvagal theory, nervous system regulation, the window of tolerance, body armoring, somatic psychotherapy, trauma- informed care, adverse childhood experiences and post-traumatic growth.

This thesis culminates in a personal arts-based autoethnography informed by …

Wrath, Happiness, And Sorrow: The Impact Of Mood On Verbal Working Memory Capacity, Tyler Tyler Outlaw-Bradley

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study explored the effect of mood on memory. The experiment tested how emotional states (happiness, anger, and sadness) influence working memory capacity. There were a total of 33 participants (11 in each mood condition). The participants underwent a seven-minute mood induction process that required participants to write about a personal experience that was either happy, angry, or sad (matched to their mood condition). Then, each participant was instructed to complete a complex working memory task, which involved learning a set of words (varying in length from 3 to 7 words), completing a math problem, and then verbally recalling the …

Elation Or Tranquility: The Impact Of Music And Mood On Memory, Grace A. Reynolds

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

In this thesis, I researched how music is intertwined with mood and in what ways it can affect one’s memory. A lot of research indicates that mood can affect one’s memory (e.g., Lee & Sternthal, 1999). For example, it was found that respondents remember information better when in a positive mood rather than a neutral mood. Yet, other research has found that positive moods can reduce the processing of information (Lee & Sternthal, 1999). Additionally, research shows that having a mood in one setting can encourage the recall of information obtained in that setting when the same mood occurs later …

Exploration Of Ehealth Literacy Levels Among Butler University Students, Savannah Behn

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Background: Healthcare has shifted into predominantly an online presence through patient portals and electronic health records. Health literacy is crucial to understanding health information and making informed decisions, but little has been done to explore the impact of electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) and its healthcare implications after the COVID-19 pandemic. In a world where everything is moving to online platforms, it is crucial to understand how eHealth literacy impacts young adults' health-seeking behaviors. Purpose: This study aims to explore eHealth literacy among Butler University students and its associated determinants. Methods: Sociodemographic data and eHealth literacy skills were collected using …

The Stereotype Surrounding The Dancer Body, Madison Lynn Menale

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

From a young age, athletes grapple with societal expectations surrounding body image, a phenomenon particularly pronounced in dancers, often leading to detrimental health habits. This research investigates the impact of such pressures on the mental well-being of athletes, focusing on the Butler University Dance Team, female members of Butler Athletics, and the a few Butler Ballet members. A comprehensive survey, comprising of 10 questions, was administered to explore participants' dance environments, the influence of teacher language, and the enduring effects on their mental health. Additionally, two in-depth interviews were conducted for deeper insights on the topic. By surveying both dance …

Perceptions Of Environmental Justice And Water Quality In The United States, Paige M. Jewell

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

My thesis explores the comparisons of water quality and environmental justice. A survey was conducted that allowed for demographics, hometown information, and opinions on hometown water quality to be gathered from the Butler community. Based on the findings in the survey and current events found within an extensive literature review, three states were chosen to receive further analysis on their current water quality and environmental justice standards. For these three states, current water pollutants, current solution implementations, population impacted, and community involvement were all looked into and analyzed.

Analysis Of Medication Error Trends Occurring During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Madison Beriault

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, medication errors were the leading cause of preventable harm in hospitals, negatively impacting approximately 1.5 million American patients each year.1 Since then, over thirty novel COVID-19 treatments have been authorized for patient use, introducing new challenges and exacerbating existing factors that contributed to medication errors.2 This research aims to identify and analyze medication error trends associated with COVID-19 related medications, vaccines, and treatment algorithms. To determine the most prominent medication errors occurring in the United States healthcare system during the beginning stages of the pandemic, literature reviews were conducted to identify the active treatments and …

Misophonia Development From Onset To College Age, Hope Horsfall

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Misophonia is a newly recognized disorder, defined as the hatred of specific trigger sounds and characterized by extreme negative emotional responses upon hearing trigger sounds (Webber, Johnson, Storch 2013). Although some studies have suggested that misophonia worsens with age (Rouw & Erfanian, 2018), little is yet known about this progression. The purpose of the current study was to examine how misophonia develops from onset until college, what sounds specifically trigger college-aged students, and how misophonia relates to sound-related skills such as playing instruments, taking music lessons, and speaking multiple languages. An online survey was conducted through Butler’s SONA system and …

Hormonal Control Of Axillary Meristem Establishment And Cytoskeleton Restructuring In Mnium Cuspidatum, Donald Davis Opel

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

In many members of the plant kingdom, axillary meristem outgrowth occurs once the apical meristem is removed. These lateral outgrowths occur subapical to the stem tip and serve to reestablish stem growth. However, little is known about this process in Mnium cuspidatum and other mosses and bryophytes. This project aims to establish the normal events that occur post-apical meristem decapitation. The influential role of auxin and an auxin inhibitor on axillary meristem establishment were investigated in this thesis. Two-centimeter segments of M. cuspidatum were cut off a cultured specimen and the apical meristem was decapitated. Segments were replated on either …

Investigating The Modulation Of Metastasis By Dax-1 In Adrenal Carcinoma Cells, Aarya Mishra

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The nuclear hormone receptor (NHR), DAX-1 (dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1), is important in adrenal and gonadal development as well as steroidogenesis. It is encoded by the NR0B1 gene and functions mainly as a transcriptional repressor. Classified as an orphan receptor within the NHR superfamily, DAX-1 has been shown to inhibit other NHRs including estrogen receptor, androgen receptor and steroidogenic factor 1. DAX-1 is found to be underexpressed in breast and prostate cancers and, specifically in prostate cancer, is believed to be a transcriptional repressor of genes that are involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition …

Internationally Educated Nurse Onboarding Program Evaluation Toolkit, Kolton Jacobson

Nursing Capstones

A large rural healthcare system has onboarded over 200 internationally educated nurses (IENs) and needed to develop an evaluation method to determine longitudinal program outcomes. This project’s purpose was to develop an evaluation toolkit to be utilized by this health system to evaluate and support overall program outcomes. The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey was identified through a literature review to be utilized within the toolkit to evaluate program outcomes. Utilizing a descriptive evaluation research design with post-survey, expert opinions were collected from 20 IEN clinical educators at this health system about their expected use and effectiveness of the toolkit …