Neurology Commons^™

Return To Driving For Clients With Tbi: A Guide For Caregivers To Navigate Emotional Barriers Experienced By Clients, Brianna Dorsey, Mary Greer

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The project describes the building of an online resource for caregivers to have easily accessible resources regarding information about brain injuries, emotional barriers, and return to driving programs. Each section provides further resources for caregivers and is intended to help improve their care and medical literacy.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries In Justice-Involved Individuals And Executive Function Consequences On Transition And Reentry Into The Community ​, Alaina L. Randerson, Michael Sutcliffe, Cassandra Nelson, Ariana Gonzalez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The United States has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world (Carson, 2022), with an increasing number of justice-involved individuals (JII) potentially affected by mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Despite the high prevalence of mTBIs in the general population, limited research exists on the prevalence and impact of mTBIs in JII. Preliminary evidence suggests that the prevalence of mTBIs in incarcerated individuals is 50 times higher than in the general public (Siegler et al., 2017). This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of JII with mTBI, focusing on the origin of mTBIs, executive dysfunction, and the occupational barriers …

Exercise As A Therapeutic Intervention And Its Effects On The Quality Of Life Of Those Diagnosed With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Theresa Stettner, Helen Carey, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The standard of care for those with ALS includes range of motion, limb relaxation, trunk balance, and gait training (Braga et al., 2018). This study examines perceived quality of life in ALS clients before and after an in-person exercise program and home exercise program to evaluate the benefits of exercise as exercise does not exacerbate symptoms of ALS (Meng et al., 2020). Daily occupation performance requires functional ability which may be preserved through exercise (Kalron et al., 2021).

Neurofeedback Within The Scope Of Occupational Therapy With Clients With Substance Use Disorder: A Scoping Review, Aundrea Culliver, Mary Ann Smith, Steven M. Gerardi, Colin Ross

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a problematic pattern of use of a substance or substances, leading to impairments to health, social function, and control of a substance. This negatively affects everyday activities of daily living, and occupation performance that causes a disruption to physical, mental, and social health.

Now, Neurofeedback is a noninvasive biotherapy that uses audio or video feedback to reinforce healthy brain function. This type of intervention usually works by having a patient listen to music and putting electrodes on a patient’s head that pick up negative or positive brain activity or waves. And if the negative activity …

Ot's Role In Facilitating Successful Role Transition For Informal Caregivers Of People Living With Dementia, Kiyatta Freeman, Monica Watford, Evyline Chioma

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The aim of this capstone project was to identify education and training needs for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia and create an educational workshop based on these identified needs. This workshop is a dementia training course focused on education on the dementia diagnosis and effective care strategies to promote occupational participation and safety for the care recipient and the caregiver. The aim is to improve care competency, reduce stress, and facilitate role transition.

The Importance Of Addressing Sleep As An Occupation Within Assisted Living Communities, Brittany Kiattitananan, Kendra Orcutt, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Around 40-70% of older adults have difficulty sleeping (Sheth & Thomas, 2019). This poster presents an occupation-based sleep intervention program developed for residents of an assisted living community and serves to inform OT practitioners on addressing sleep in their own practice.

Implementation Of Tai Chi Among Individuals With Dementia In Long-Term Memory Care, Patricia I. Cordova, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Kim Broussard

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focused on a dementia population within long-term care, where increased disablement occurs. A Tai Chi program was implemented into the daily routine of individuals in a long-term memory care facility to improve dynamic sitting balance for the performance of daily occupations.

The Sandwich Generation Of Aging Parents With Dementia: An Occupation-Based Caregiver Program, Gabrielle Amaya, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton, Kylee Hall

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the high prevalence of caregiver burnout, caregivers’ needs are unrecognized because the focus is on caregiver quality of life, experience, or service utilization (Frankenstein & Jahn, 2020). This program aims to identify ways to provide specific support to promote caregiver ADL participation through the use of a web-based training and education program.

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions Of Sensory Processing Evaluation Methods, Grace Hong, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga, Karen Park

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: This study aimed to obtain occupational therapists’ (OTs) experiences and perspectives on current evaluation tools who work with clients with sensory processing challenges in their clinical settings. Method: This research was a mixed-method study. Data was collected from surveys (n = 11) which had a mix of nominal, interval, close-ended, and open-ended questions. Following survey completion, participants were given the option to complete a semi-structured interview (n = 2) consisting of open-ended questions to clarify survey responses and gather additional information about their experiences. Results: The results indicated a high number of various barriers and limitations …

Occupation Based Program Enhancement: Promoting Social And Leisure Participation Post-Stroke, Emma Welch, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation describes the importance of social and leisure participation for individuals who have had a stroke and explores the role of occupational therapy in promoting this area of occupation for the population.

Examining The Utility Of The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm) Vs. Cognitive Mapping And Motivational Interviewing (Cm/Mi) To Provide Person-Centered Care (Pcc) For People With Parkinson’S Disease (Pwpd), Mary Lagasca, Karen Aranha

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) limits occupational engagement and quality of life. Clinicians need tools to help understand the lived experiences of people with PD to provide more person-centered care (PCC). The Canadian Occupational Performance Model (COPM) is one tool used with this population, but its predetermined categories may be limiting. In contrast, Cognitive Mapping and Motivational Interviewing (CM/MI) is a non-standardized method that may provide more insight. Objective: To identify the benefits of the COPM to CM/MI in delivering more person-centered care (PCC). Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological self-study was used. Data collection compared the assessments and reflected on determining if …

An Online Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Parkinson's Disease, Abby Hani, Mary Smith, Christienne Parten

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Parkinson’s (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting nearly 10 million people and ~1 million Americans (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2022). PD affects motor and nonmotor functions, increasing disability over time (Dutta, 2020). Research shows that yoga improves motor function, balance, and functional mobility, reduces anxiety and depression, and increases QoL for patients with PD (Ban et al., 2021, Green et al., 2019).

Problem/Purpose: Individuals with PD experience decreased function in many areas of occupational performance and lack access to alternative options for yoga, such as a resource for an online adapted yoga program. The purpose of this project was …

Remote Patient Monitoring: Decrease Rehospitalization For Spinal Cord Injury Patients, Abegail Cabunoc-Garcia

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: The lengthy distance required to access specialty care, the overall higher cost of SCI/D care, complications associated with SCI, and the potential negative impact of shortened hospital stays are all compelling reasons to use telehealth technologies to deliver specialty services for medical issues.

PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was in adult spinal cord injury patients with chronic disease receiving primary care at a spinal cord injury center (P), how does the implementation of a remote patient monitoring home telehealth for SCI patients recently discharged from acute-care setting (I) compared to the usual practice …

Analysis Of Quality Of Life In Parkinson's Disease Caregivers: A Quantitative Research Study, Peyton Dooley, Claribell Bayona, Krisitin Domville

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease is a commonly known movement and neurodegenerative disorder affecting a large portion of the male population. This disease is gruesome and progressive; it often interferes with a person’s daily routines and activities due to deficits in postural stability, tremors, slowed movement, and rigidity (Tysnes et al., 2017). Most persons with Parkinson’s have informal caregivers, often female spouses, or significant others of the individual. Caregivers of Parkinson’s disease prioritize their loved ones needs over their own, neglecting their own daily activities and routines including self-care, social participation, leisure, and physical activity. Occupational therapists and other health care professionals often …

Exploration Of The Transference Of Cognitive Skills Gained From A Movement-Based Program Incorporating Modified Dance To Occupational Performance For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Alyssa Kronstadt-Trapasso

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

A movement-based program incorporating modified dance was used with individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to assess changes in cognition as it relates to occupational performance. This qualitative research study provided 1-hour dance sessions 3 days per week over the course of 16 weeks with 6 participants who have mild-moderate PD. Various dance styles were used including salsa, tango, waltz, line dancing, and others. Cognition and occupational performance were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and surveys. Findings indicated improvements in perceived occupational performance via the COPM and surveys, while MoCA results indicated improvements …

Transition Program To Postsecondary Education For Students With Traumatic Brain Injury, Eung Gyeong Park, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill, Karen Park

Fall 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a condition that occurs due to an external blow to the skull that damages the brain (Carulli et al., 2018). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.5 million TBI have been reported each year. Many students with TBI face physical, cognitive, environmental, and social challenges in their transition to post-secondary education (Bedell et al., 2017). Individuals with TBI experience social and behavioral changes that interfere with their participation as they face difficulties initiating, regulating their social behaviors, and experiencing increased introversion (Bedell et al., 2017). Physical challenges include fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, …

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

Physical Therapy Collection

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

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

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

Promoting Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury Awareness Within The Domestic Violence Community, Christina Debowski, Heather Javaherian, Karen Park

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Brain injury has been shown in research to decrease individuals’ ability to participate in their meaningful activities by negatively impacting their cognitive, emotional, and physical systems. Recent research has begun to indicate that survivors of domestic violence (DV) are at extreme risk for experiencing partner inflicted brain injury (PIBI)--brain injury that results from the physical violence of a survivor's intimate partner. However, despite the prevalence of PIBI within the DV community, research shows that survivors and DV service providers alike are not aware of how PIBI can impact survivors' daily life and wellbeing.

Purpose: The purpose of this project …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy With People Living With Epilepsy: A Scoping Review, Paige Peeples, Steven M. Gerardi

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Objective: The aim of this scoping review is to systematically examine and organize current literature describing the current roles of occupational therapists with people living with epilepsy, including assessments, interventions, and other behaviors. This will help identify current gaps in the literature to facilitate future research.

Methods: Using scoping review methodology, an electronic database search was conducted using the search terms “occupational therapy and epilepsy”. Data was extracted and charted independently by the investigator by way of finding themes and codes through analysis.

Results: The total number of studies included was 12. The primary methodology noted were case studies. …

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

Summer 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

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

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Long-Term Telerehabilitation For Stroke Survivors, Alexandra N. Murguido, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville

Spring 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Strokes are the second leading cause of death and leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and incidence is on the rise (Katan & Luft, 2018). In the past 25 years, the burden of disability from neurological disorders, including strokes, have increased exponentially due to the increase in the aging population and decrease in mortality rates (Raghavan, 2019). Out of the 795,000 new victims of stroke annually, 26% remain disabled during activities of daily living (ADLs) and 50% experience a reduction in mobility due to hemiparesis (Katan & Luft, 2018). Although stroke survivors do receive rehabilitation services after the onset of …

Improving Caregivers’ Perceived Involvement In Care Through Facilitating Communication With Hospital Providers, Heather Manolas

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Involvement of family in care-planning for prevention of delirium in acute care settings is crucial, yet remains underutilized in those who are cognitively impaired. Despite the incidence of delirium in acute care worsening during COVID-19, many factors have led to it being placed on the back burner.

PICOT: In caregivers of cognitively impaired individuals, can implementation of an evidence-based, best practice tool that advocates for evidence-based delirium prevention strategies tailored to their loved-one and facilitates family involvement in care planning for these strategies during a healthcare experience as compared to no other intervention improve confidence in, and …

Benefits Of Equine-Based Therapy For Individuals With Dementia, Lauren Fearn

Student Capstone Papers

Individuals living with dementia typically experience progressive, cognitive, and functional decline which limits their ability to communicate and fully perform activities (Pimouguet el al., 2019). Horses have been shown to benefit individuals with dementia by improving well-being, physical health, functional capacity, and social relationships (Fields et. al., 2019).

A 6-week OT-based virtual equine-assisted activities program was conducted to determine if participation in equine-assisted activities could improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Outcomes of the program resulted in improvements in mood, energy level, engagement, communication, memory, socialization, and overall quality of life.

Addressing The Unspoken Adl: A Professional Development Training, Cadence Starr, Angela Blackwell

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Sexual activity is the most neglected and unspoken about Activity of Daily Living (ADL) in occupational therapy clinical practice due to lack training on how to address it with clients. Addressing the Unspoken ADL is a professional development training, created to train occupational therapist on how to talk about and include sexuality into evaluations and intervention strategies when working with individuals with spinal cord injury. This poster presentation outlines the completed literature review and development and implementation of Addressing the Unspoken ADL: A Professional Development Training.

Enhancing Quality Of Life For Individuals With Dementia Through A Virtual Ot Based Equine-Assisted Activities Program, Lauren Fearn, Becki Cohill, Karen Park, Martha Gipson

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals living with dementia typically experience progressive, cognitive, and functional decline which limits their ability to communicate and fully perform activities (Pimouguet el al., 2019). Horses have been shown to benefit individuals with dementia by improving well-being, physical health, functional capacity, and social relationships (Fields et. al., 2019). A 6-week OT based virtual equine-assisted activities program was conducted to determine if participation in equine-assisted activities could improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Outcomes of the program resulted in improvements in mood, energy level, engagement, communication, memory, socialization, and overall quality of life.

FromSubjectReceivedSizeCategoriesLauren FearnAbstract for Poster7:11 PM26 …

Optimal Interventions To Address Drop Foot And Increase Gait Speed In Stroke Populations, Christopher Tran, Tommy Ngo, Dana Hazlett, Ethan Jung, Faris Alshammari

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Background: The mechanism of stroke or cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, which can result in many different neuromuscular impairments including drop foot. There is limited research focusing on comparative interventions for gait improvement in early stroke.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the various physical thereapy interventions to benefit patients with drop foot following a single stroke.

Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted within the PubMed and ProQuest databases. This study examined papers assessing conventional physical therapy for stroke patients with drop foot who had their 1st stroke …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Sex And Intimacy For Individuals With Progressive Neuromuscular Disorders, Lindsay N. Richards, Becki Cohill, Katrhyn Ellis, Susan Macdermott

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Individuals with progressive neuromuscular disorders (PND); specifically, Parkinson’s disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s Disease (HD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) often face physical, psychological, and social challenges related to sex and intimacy. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are experts in activity analysis and are equipped with unique knowledge of performance skills and client factors to address deficits in occupational performance.

Though there is literature presenting the effects of PND on sexual occupations, a gap exists as it relates to qualitative data from the perspective of the individual and their partners. A mixed-methods survey was conducted examining the lived experience of …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Addressing Sex And Intimacy For Individuals With Progressive Neuromuscular Disorders, Lindsay N. Richards, Becki Cohill, Kathryn Ellis, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals with progressive neuromuscular disorders (PND); specifically, Parkinson’s disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s Disease (HD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) often face physical, psychological, and social challenges related to sex and intimacy. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are experts in activity analysis and are equipped with unique knowledge of performance skills and client factors to address deficits in occupational performance. Though there is literature presenting the effects of PND on sexual occupations, a gap exists as it relates to qualitative data from the perspective of the individual and their partners.

A mixed-methods survey was conducted examining the lived experience of …

Perceived Impact Of Non-Contact Boxing On Daily Life And Occupational Participation At Home Among Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Kristen E. Bignal

Student Capstone Papers

The aim of this project was to determine whether individuals with Parkinson's disease perceive an impact on their daily life and occupational participation at home secondary to participation in non-contact boxing.

Semi-structured open-ended interview questions were conducted with 17 participants (3 female) who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for(i.e., self-care, home and health maintenance, sleep, intimacy, social and leisure interests, etc.) in the home environment. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed utilizing thematic analysis.

Data analysis derived three overarching themes including psychological benefits, sense of community, and framework to develop routines. Subsequent research exploring how non-contact boxing directly impacts specific …

Animal-Assisted Therapy And Quality Of Life In Patients With Dementia, Karissa D. Thomson

Student Capstone Papers

The aim of this quantitative study was to examine the effects animal-assisted therapy (AAT) had on people diagnosed with dementia living in a nursing home. The study aimed to examine the effects AAT had on depression, blood pressure, social interaction, and how these factors impact quality of life (QOL). The study was conducted once a week for one hour on Thursdays for 6 weeks. 7 participants were included in the study and further broken down into two groups based upon their level of cognition as measured by the Mini-Mental Status Examination. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the World Health Organization …