Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Adderall On Maternal And Fetal Health, Alyson Brady

Honors Theses

Information available for woman prescribed Adderall to treat ADHD and the effects that it may have on her fetus is limited. However, Adderall and methamphetamine have similar pharmacological and addictive qualities. This paper is concerned with whether there is an adequate approach to treatment that balances the needs of the mother and the fetus. With Adderall use becoming more prevalent, it is essential that society is aware of the physiology and pharmacology of this drug, as well as, the need for more research on this subject to be produced.

Integration Of Resistant Starch In Homemade Pasta, Anja Grommons

Honors Theses

In response to raised consumer awareness of health and well-being many manufacturers are transforming popular food items into functional foods with higher nutritional value. Typical pasta recipes consist of all purpose (AP) flour and/ or semolina flour which contain minimal nutritional value. Resistant Starch (RS) contains a high fiber profile accompanied by many physiological benefits. This study investigated the effect of partial substitution of RS for semolina and AP flours on functional, nutritional, and sensory properties of handmade pasta. RS was substituted for semolina and AP flours at levels of 20% and 30% substitution. As the amount of RS in …

Unsteady Nasalance Traces Among Sustained Vowels In Typical Adult Speakers: Prevalence & Potential Causes, Catherine Hearit

Honors Theses

Background. Vowels are a commonly used stimulus for evaluating speech resonance because hypernasality is best detected in vowel sounds. It was observed that steady-state sustained vowels show considerable within sample nasalance variance, although nasalance is expected to be stable for this speech target.

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of variability among normal speakers in steady state vowel nasalance traces and to determine the variables that predict variability.

Methods: Sixty-one participants aged 18 through 30 years were recruited. All participants were lifelong residents of the lower peninsula of Michigan with normal hearing sensitivity and no …

Self Regulation Through Art And Chocolate, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Josh Banks provided the cover art for the spring 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. The cover art is titled “Birthday Party” because the piece resembles images involved in a birthday party: multi-colored balloons, napkins, cakes, and icing. Josh created the piece using oil crayons on watercolor paper. Josh is sensory seeking and has difficulty using various types of materials, which include crayons, street chalk, and markers. After much experimentation, Josh is able to use nibs, a type of marker that does not have a cap. Josh is able to sit for 5-10 minute periods and …

Social Justice As A Moral Imperative, Barbara Hemphill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Lifesteps: An Evidence-Based Health Promotion Program For Underserved Populations – A Community Service Learning Approach, Melanie Austin-Mccain

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Chronic diseases are the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems in the United States. Chronic diseases represent the leading causes of death and are experienced at higher rates by minority populations (CDC, 2012). Innovative community-based health promotion programs are recommended that meet the diverse needs of underserved populations (Yeary, et al., 2011). LifeSteps is being developed as an evidence-based health promotion program focusing on health and wellness, a domain area defined within the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF, 2008). LifeSteps will utilize a client-centered approach to coach individuals in making health behavior changes. Fieldwork and service-learning components …

Evidence Considerations For Mobile Devices In The Occupational Therapy Process, Kelly Erickson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Mobile app-based device utilization, including smartphones and handheld tablets, suggests a need to evaluate evidence to guide selection and implementation of these devices in the occupational therapy process. The purpose of the research was to explore the current body of evidence in relation to mobile app-based devices and to identify factors in the use of these devices throughout the occupational therapy process. Following review of available occupational therapy profession guidelines, assistive technology literature, and available mobile device research, practitioners using mobile app-based devices in occupational therapy should consider three areas: client needs, practitioner competence, and device factors. The purpose of …

A Study Of Engagement In Active And Passive Roles In Casual Leisure Occupations, Anne M. Fenech

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This article explores whether engagement with listening occupations varies depending on the occupational role or the level of sensory stimulation presented to participants with neuropalliative conditions.

Method: The study used a multiple case quasi-experimental study involving marginal-participant time-sampled observations of engagement of individuals with neuropalliative conditions, with casual leisure occupations using the Individual Child Engagement Record. Data was collected using the Individual Child Engagement Record with 14 participants (who had Barthel scores averaging 7/100). The participants represented a particular sub-group of individuals with profound levels of neurological disability.

Results: The time-sampled observations of engagement showed a significant difference between …

The Challenge Of Cultural Competency In The Multicultural 21st Century: A Conceptual Model To Guide Occupational Therapy Practice, Wesam Darawsheh, Gill Chard, Mona Eklund

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapists increasingly encounter clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and need to meet their professional obligation of delivering culturally competent practice. Yet the process of cultural competency is poorly understood in occupational therapy practice. There is a need for a clear understanding of the meaning and process of cultural competency as it is enacted in practice with a wide range of individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Aim: To investigate the process, stages, characteristics, and requirements of cultural competency as practiced by experienced occupational therapists.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 community occupational therapists experienced …

Field-Testing Reusable Learning Objects Related To Sensory Over-Responsiveness, Bryan M. Gee, Kiersten Moholy, Kimberly Lloyd, Anthony Seikel

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. There is an increased need for dynamic, mobile, and relevant parent and caregiver education related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Sensory Processing (SP). This need may be due to the increased incidence of the conditions’ co-morbidity and the revision of the diagnostic criteria of ASD. Reusable learning objects (RLOs) have been implemented as instructional tools as a part of, or adjunct to, formal health care education programs. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the appropriateness of RLOs as a part of routine patient and caregiver instruction of children with ASD.

Method. A semi-structured interview/rating scale was …

A Novel Cognitive Cueing Approach To Gait Retraining In Parkinson’S Disease: A Pilot Study, Stephanie Morrison, Sandi Spaulding, Jeff Holmes, Mary Jenkins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) impairs gait performance, which can lead to falls and decreased quality of life. This study examined the feasibility of implementing a novel home-based intervention designed to elicit gait improvement in individuals with PD.

Methods: Five participants with PD completed a two-week home-based gait retraining intervention designed around guided video feedback. Semi-structured interviews were conducted postintervention and two months postintervention to acquire feedback from the participants about their experience with the intervention. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait and functional mobility were assessed pre and postintervention and at two months postintervention.

Results: Participants reported high levels of usability …

Time And Space Use Of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Terry K. Crowe, Jessica Salazar Sedillo, Emily F. Kertcher, Joy H. Lasalle

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Purpose: This study analyzed the time and space use of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in order to better understand the occupational patterns of this population.

Methods: Time and space use data were collected through observation of 15 adults with ID during 4-hour periods on typical weekdays and weekend days. Data were coded into 12 time and 10 space use descriptive categories.

Results: The participants used a greater variety of locations during weekdays that contributed to greater amounts of weekday time spent in a wider variety of activity categories. In contrast, the participants spent a majority of …

How To Make An Editor Happy, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Exercise Training On Skeletal Muscle Gdnf Content And Neuromuscular Physiology In A Mouse Model Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis., Nicole Carpp

Honors Theses

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease accompanied by the loss of motor neurons, leading to paralysis and death. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes neuron health and function and has been proposed as a therapeutic treatment for ALS. GDNF protein expression in skeletal muscle is regulated by physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine if low intensity exercise would increase GDNF expression in skeletal muscle and slow degeneration of motor neurons in a mouse model of ALS. Following the first sign of disease onset, transgenic ALS mice were randomly assigned to one of three …

The Significance Of Whole Grain Teff For Improving Nutrition: From Injera To Ready To Eat Porridge By Using Extrusion Cooking Technology, Helen T. Zewdie, Mammo Muchie

International Journal of African Development

Teff (EragrostisTef) is a fascinating grain, ancient, minute in size, packed with nutrition and used for centuries as the principal ingredient of the Ethiopian population diet. The micro- and macronutrients level of teff grainis apparently higher than that of barley, wheat and sorghum and the amino acid composition comparable to that of egg protein, except for its lower lysine content. In Ethiopia, it has been using as a staple food by making flat bread called Injera. Teff can be diversified from its current provision of Injera to other forms like instant porridge to improve the nutritional quality and it may …

Critical Self-Reflection Questions For Professsionals Who Work With Grandfamilies, Megan L. Dolbin-Macnab

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

One of the reasons that grandparents raising grandchildren may not receive needed services is because they perceive professionals as being judgmental or holding negative attitudes toward them. As such, it is important for human service professionals to critically examine their opinions and attitudes toward grandfamilies, within the context of larger social structures, for the purposes of identifying those views that might interfere with the delivery of high quality services. This practice brief provides an overview of critical self-reflection questions that can be used, in a variety of ways, for training purposes. By utilizing these critical self-reflection questions, professionals can discover …

Practice Recommendations For Mental Health Professionals: Perspectives From Grandparents And Their Adolescent Grandchildren, Kendra A. O'Hora, Megan L. Dolbin-Macnab

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Although grandfamilies are consumers of a variety of mental health services, less is known about what these families, particularly the grandchildren, want from practitioners. To gain insight into how practitioners can best meet the needs of grandfamilies, 40 custodial grandmothers and their adolescent grandchildren were interviewed. Results of a qualitative analysis indicated that grandmothers and grandchildren did not make clear distinctions between various types of services and service providers. Grandchildren, in particular, emphasized the need for mental health professionals to facilitate mentoring and to provide opportunities for grandchildren to socialize with other grandchildren who have been through similar circumstances. Grandmothers …

Early Childhood Overweight And Obesity In Multigenerational Households, Chelsea O. Mckinney

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

This study investigates grandmothers’ role in the health of their grandchildren. The relationship between child weight status from ages three to nine and grandmothers’ coresidence up to age nine is examined using data from The Fragile Families and Wellbeing Study, a large nationally representative dataset of urban low-income families in the United States. Logistic regression estimates the association between grandmother coresidence and child unhealthy weight status. Analyses adjust for child and mother characteristics, culture, race/ethnicity, SES, parenting practices, and built environment. Children who have ever lived with a grandmother by age three are at increased odds of unhealthy weight at …

Professor Named Editor Of Primary Journal For Career And Technical Education Research, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

Dr. Rick Zinser was recently named as the Associate Editor for the journal Career and Technical Education Research, the primary journal for research in the CTE profession.

Embracing Creativity In Occupational Therapy, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Jen Gash, an occupational therapist and creativity coach living in the UK, provided the cover art for the winter 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. The picture is titled “Over the Exe.” Jen uses her inspiration of the Kawa River model in this painting. The painting is of her husband and daughter standing where the river meets the sea. This is a metaphoric representation of rejoining the greater collective. In addition, Jen has a passion for occupational therapists to encompass creativity. A core aspect of occupational therapy is the multi-dimensional concept of occupations; it allows for …

Spinal Cord Injury Induced By Gun Shot Wounds: Implications For Occupational Therapy, Rosanne Dizazzo-Miller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

People with spinal cord injuries secondary to gunshot wounds present with many unique occupational challenges in terms of their overall health and well-being, and often live in violent cultures that limit occupational performance. Further awareness and understanding of this subgroup can enable occupational therapists to develop appropriate strategies needed to address the many challenges faced by this population. An in-depth understanding of cultural competence is necessary in the identification, planning, and delivery of appropriate and effective treatment. Further, a case example demonstrates the significant influence occupational therapy can achieve in this area of practice.

Addressing The Needs Of Families Of Wounded Warriors: Enhancing The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Ann E. Mcdonald, Greg Leskin

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Correlation Between Confidence And Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Practice Among Occupational Therapy Students, Kate E. Decleene Huber, Alison Nichols, Kaila Bowman, Jessica Hershberger, Jessica Marquis, Taylor Murphy, Chanlar Pierce, Chelsea Sanders

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is used throughout multiple health-care professions and includes the use of best research available, client preferences, and the practitioner’s experience. Occupational therapy educational programs are required to incorporate EBP into their curriculum. A convenience sample of occupational therapy students from a private university completed a survey designed to measure students’ knowledge and confidence in EBP. The survey consisted of the Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies (K-REC) and the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence (EPIC) scale, as well as demographic questions. Of the respondents (n = 47), third-year students indicated higher confidence in the ability to utilize EBP and higher …

How Patient Educators Teach Students: “Giving A Face To A Story”, Natalie Hedge, Marsha A. Neville, Noralyn Davel Pickens

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Patient Educators are persons with specific pathologies that have participated in an education program in which they learn how to instruct students on physical examinations. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of graduate student experiences with Patient Educators during coursework on occupational therapy clinical internships. A phenomenological design was used to explore the lived experiences of students through a qualitative interview. As participants described their experiences with the Patient Educators, three primary themes emerged: (a) self-awareness, (b) confidence, and (c) empathy. The quotes from the transcriptions were organized into four sequential plot categories: (a) Before the …

An Exploration Of Volition: Caregiver Perceptions Of Persons With Dementia, Christine Raber, Mikel Stone

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to understand what formal caregivers know about the volition of older adults with moderate dementia. A qualitative approach was used at one assisted living facility. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with formal caregivers to gain their perceptions of residents’ volition or motivation for occupation. Volition of resident participants was assessed using the Volitional Questionnaire (VQ). Caregiver interviews and resident VQ’s were analyzed using van Manen’s phenomenological approach to examine their congruence with regard to the volitional abilities of residents. Thematic analysis yielded two broad themes: (a) Caregivers possess varying layers of insight regarding the volitional …

The Experience Of Transition To College For Students Diagnosed With Asperger’S Disorder, Victoria Schindler, Abigail Cajiga, Rae Aaronson, Lorena Salas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Obtaining a college degree is a positive and often necessary step to adulthood, independence, and knowledge. Students diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder (AD) typically experience difficulty in college, especially in the transition to college. To assist students with AD in the transition to college, an occupational therapy mentoring program was developed in a college setting. This article describes this program, provides quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the program, and uses the outcomes to determine factors to facilitate a successful transition.

Method: A mixed methods design with quantitative and qualitative components was used. The quantitative measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance …

State Of The Journal Year 2: Making Progress, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

3rd Ichita Program, Western Michigan University

International Conference on Health Information Technology Advancement Brochures

The Third International Conference on Health Information Technology Advancement was held October 30-31 at Western Michigan University with the theme: "Transforming Healthcare Through Information Technology." This includes the program and information about the keynote speakers and other presenters.

Jane Case-Smith, Edd, Otr/L, Faota

OJOT Sponsor Profiles

No abstract provided.