Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Demographic Factors As Predictors Of Academic Performance In First- And Second-Year Occupational Therapy Students, Eileen Du Plooy, Daleen Casteleijn, Denise Franzsen, Gopika Ramkilawon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Significant disparities in academic performance that may be associated with specific demographics can be utilized for supporting diverse student cohorts. Strategies can be developed for students to enhance equity and inclusivity in undergraduate occupational therapy education to ensure student success. This study aimed to determine the predictive demographic factors influencing academic performance among first- and second-year undergraduate occupational therapy students at a university in South Africa. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilized, and the sample included 129 first- and second-year students. Data were collected retrospectively from university records and student dashboards. Key demographic and academic variables were analyzed, including personal …

Theory-Driven Design, Theory-Integrated Learning: A Multimodal Approach To Teaching Occupational Adaptation, Anna B. Galloway, Lorrie A. George-Paschal, Linda Struckmeyer, Sara F. Israel, Nancy Krusen

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study explored the effectiveness of a multimodal instructional module for teaching Occupational Adaptation (OA) theory. Implemented across three entry-level occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) programs, faculty designed and implemented asynchronous preparatory lectures, a face-to-face experiential lab, and guided discussions of the learning experiences. Researchers employed a convergent mixed-methods design, integrating qualitative and quantitative data. Students (n=108) completed a pre- and post-knowledge exam, the Relative Mastery Scale (RMS), and a Learning Experience Questionnaire. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences in pre-and post- knowledge scores and RMS ratings across all sites, with no differences based on university. Qualitative analysis yielded …

Development Of A Personalized Conversational Health Agent To Enhance Physical Activity For Blind And Low-Vision Individuals, Soyoung Choi, Jooyoung Seo, Ashwath Krishnan, Sanchita Kamath, Justin Haegele

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: With the advancements in mobile health (mHealth) technologies, sighted individuals can benefit from mobile apps and wearable devices to more easily manage their physical activity (PA) and wellness data through intuitive touch gestures and effective data visualizations. However, for blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals, these conventional interaction methods are often challenging, not only limiting their ability to use these technologies but also potentially diminishing their motivation to adopt them to support health-promoting behaviors. We aimed to develop a health monitoring application called Personalized and Conversational Health Agent (PCHA) that supports BLV individuals with self-monitoring and management of their PA …

Exploration Of Occupational Therapy's Consultative Role For Social Emotional Development In The Rural Childcare Setting, Katherine M. Conley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Little research has been conducted investigating the consultative role of occupational therapy (OT) in childcare, especially their role in supporting the social and emotional development of children aged 1 – 5 years. This project takes place in a rural childcare setting where a needs assessment found gaps in classroom routines' functionality, the accessibility of center-wide age-appropriate resources, and the use of social and emotional supports in the classroom. The occupational therapy doctoral student utilized the coaching model, evidence-based research, and the foundations of occupational therapy with the intention to improve teachers’ confidence in implementing social and emotional content in the …

Increasing Awareness Of The Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy In Cancer Rehabilitation, Aaliyah Parson, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Many cancer survivors are faced with functional limitations when engaging in meaningful occupations due to side effects such as anxiety, pain, fatigue, weakness, nausea, etc. from receiving cancer treatments which can impact their quality of life. Occupational therapy has a significant role in supportive care for cancer survivors by providing occupation-based interventions that focus on maximizing function and mitigating functional decline. However, occupational therapy is underutilized in cancer care due to patients' lack of awareness of the role of OT and how it can improve quality of life after receiving cancer treatment. Therefore, this capstone project took place in Tallahassee, …

To-Do List: A Chore Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mariah Gad, Mary Jan Greer, Danielle Howerton

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Many children with autism spectrum disorder do not have the exposure to age-appropriate chore tasks because their parents may be unaware of how to actively get their child involved with household tasks. The overarching goal of this project was to develop a chore program for children with autism to gain responsibilities and learn functional living skills through the use of household chores to aid in the transition process to adulthood.

A Program To Support Kangaroo Care Of Preterm Infants In The Nicu For The Caregivers, Katherine Blake Carby Cooksey, Mary Jan Greer, Debbie Johnson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation is about an educational program developed to help educate the caregivers about kangaroo care while their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This program is to emphasis in the occupations of social interaction and family involvement with kangaroo care. Caregivers/parents are able to learn about the what kangaroo care is, the different type methods of kangaroo care, the benefits of kangaroo care, the importance of kangaroo care while being in the NICU. This program development for the caregivers is able to help with their journaling experience while in the NICU and adjusting kangaroo care into …

Exploring The Relationship Between Hand Grip Strength And Handwriting Proficiency, Chloe Fields, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Handwriting remains essential for a child's academic performance despite the rise of technology in classrooms, but overuse of digital tools can hinder the development of essential hand muscles and fine motor skills. This capstone project explores the relationship between handwriting proficiency, hand grip strength, and the impact of excessive technology use on young students.

Older Adult's Fall Prevention Program, Myles Butler, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The decline in bodily functions with aging increases older adults' vulnerability to falls, which is a leading cause of death within this population. The poster presents an educational based fall prevention program focused on safety awareness and risk management for older adults. In conclusion, implementing a fall prevention program leads to increased awareness regarding risk factors that are detrimental to the safety and well-being of the older adult community

Ergonomics & Environmental Changes Within The Beauty Industry To Decrease Musculoskeletal Conditions, Jessika Eiland, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Ergonomics, adaptation, and environmental changes within the beauty industry to decrease musculoskeletal conditions in the upper extremities. Musculoskeletal disorders and their effects may limit a hairdressers ability to complete their job duties. For individuals within the beauty industry, health management can become an important factor.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Health Management Within The Adult Population: A Road Toward Occupational Engagement, Valeria Martinez, Cassandra Nelson, Otd, Otr/L, Mba, Cns, Ceas I

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Approximately 37 million Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (CDC, 2023). As a result, DM is ranked as the eighth leading cause of mortality in the United States, yet the management of symptoms and overall condition is frequently neglected by a significant portion of the American population (CDC, 2023). A contributing factor to this issue is the insufficient access to resources for underserved communities, particularly among the Hispanic population with low health literacy. This capstone project focuses on health management and educating the adult population with a goal of enhancing activities of daily living (ADL) and …

Does The Frequency And Number Of Eswt Sessions In Patients With Heel Spurs Affect The Final Result Of The Therapy?, Anna Karafová, Daria Budnicka, Barbara Duda-Biernacka, Wioletta Mikuľáková, Marian Karafa

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: In the literature, the effectiveness of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with heel spur was confirmed, but the therapy protocol has not been established when used as monotherapy. The aim of the study was to verify whether the frequency of ESWT and the number of sessions used as monotherapy in patients with heel spur have an impact on the final result of the therapy. Methods: 85 patients were divided into three subgroups. All patients were treated 5 times with different intervals between ESWT sessions, in the group I, ESWT was administered every day, in group II …

Understanding The Lived Experience Of Outdoor Camping, Marisa Snyder, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity that allows individuals to connect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and engage in physical activity. For aging adults, camping can be a way to improve their quality of life, fulfill their roles as grandparents and parents, and maintain independence. However, there was a lack of awareness and education about the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor camping, limiting the recreational exposure and experiences for the aging population. Additionally, campgrounds are typically in unpredictable environments that may require additional resources for aging adults to confidently engage in an enjoyable camping experience. …

Facilitators And Barriers For Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration® (Ot-Asi) For School-Aged Autistic Students: Special Education Team Perspectives, Brooke E. Loughery, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® (OT-ASI) is an evidence-based approach that addresses sensory integration differences to support participation for autistic students in daily occupations, including education (Hume et al., 2021; Schaaf & Mailloux, 2015). However, its evidence for its use in school-based practice is still emerging (Whiting et. al., 2023; Whiting et al., 2025). A recent study showed that occupational therapists feel this approach is valuable and are interested in using it in schools (Cerase McKeon et al., 2024), but more information is needed to explore teacher and school administrators’ perception of its use.

Objectives: To explore the …

Perceived Facilitators And Barriers To The Implementation Of Ayres Sensory Integration® In South African Primary School Settings, Celiané Van Der Westhuizen, Bot

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction

Ayres Sensory Integration^® is a highly preferred evidence-based occupational therapy approach that is utilized worldwide (Benson et al., 2019; Cerase et al., 2023; van der Merwe et al., 2011). However, more data is needed on its application and utilization in school settings (Schaaf et al., 2018; van der Merwe et al., 2011), which is a major working environment for occupational therapists (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2023; Frolek Clark & Hollenbeck, 2019; Jackson, 2007; Sonday et al., 2012).

Objectives

This study assessed the use of OT-ASI intervention in South Africa and explored the perceived facilitators and barriers of South …

Development Of Financial Management Skills: A Guidebook For Caregivers Of Autistic Children, Marcie Balleza, Steven M. Gerardi, Angela Blackwell

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Autistic children face challenges to living independently, including learning to manage finances. Caregivers of autistic children must develop in their care recipients the financial skills to live independently. A lack of educational resources on how to teach financial management skills can impede the development of independent living skills in autistic children. Caregivers of autistic children lack the education and training that is necessary to teach financial management skills to autistic children to prepare them for transition to adulthood. Caregivers of autistic children do not know how to help their child learn money management skills in preparation for the transition to …

An Educational Video Guide To Aging In Place, Cecilia Ramos, Steven Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg Otd, Otr, Caps

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. faces numerous challenges in maintaining independence while aging in place. Key findings from the needs assessment and literature review underscore the importance of accessible resources, health promotion, and health literacy in fostering autonomy and well-being among older adults. Occupational therapy addresses individual needs, educates on resource availability, and promotes interventions to enhance older adults' independence and safety. The purpose of this project was to create an educational video guide aimed at empowering older adults and their families with the knowledge and tools to overcome barriers to aging in place. This project …

Physical Fitness And Nutrition In Collegiate Musical Theater Programs, Alexis Ochi, Amy Morgan Ph.D, Mary-Jon Ludy Ph.D.

Honors Projects

BACKGROUND: Athleticism and physical fitness are often not the first characteristics one identifies when visualizing someone in musical theater. Watching just one performance can make it clear that dancing, acting, running, all while singing and keeping near perfect pitch requires a theater actor to be extremely fit. As well as fitness, nutrition considerations and injury prevention should also be considered due to the high physiological demand placed on these performers. Minimal research has been conducted regarding the fitness and nutritional habits of musical theater performers. PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of discussions about fitness and nutrition in collegiate musical …

Benefits Of Multisensory Rooms In Schools To Control Behaviors In Children With Disabilities, Kye Smith, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explores the benefits of implementing multisensory rooms in schools to manage challenging behaviors in children with disabilities. Conducted at the Barack and Michelle Obama Ninth Grade Center in Lancaster, TX, the program involved participants aged 13-15 diagnosed with disabilities. A comprehensive needs assessment identified gaps in behavior management and overstimulation challenges. The program was designed using evidence-based strategies, including the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, and incorporated techniques such as the Take Five Breathing Strategy, deep pressure input, chair yoga, and meditation.

Through pre- and post-surveys with students, parents, and teachers, the study evaluated the program's impact on functional independence …

Powerful Families Podcast: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Family Education Of Mental Health Conditions And Substance Use Disorder, Wessleigh Holloway, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Mental health conditions and SUD significantly impact family members emotionally and physiologically, yet these effects are often insufficiently recognized and addressed (Delaney, 2023). Existing education programs focus on individuals in recovery, leaving families without the necessary knowledge and skills to support their loved ones effectively, resulting in feelings of powerlessness and confusion. This capstone project created an education program to equip family members of individuals with SUD or mental health challenges with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate addiction and recovery effectively. The program focuses on improving understanding of SUD, fostering healthier coping mechanisms, strengthening family trust, and enhancing …

Awakening The Senses: Family-Centered Education On Sensory Stimulation For Children In The Icu, Kylie Pinson, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Awakening the Senses: Family-Centered Education on Sensory Stimulation for Children in the ICU. This project was designed to educate family members and healthcare providers on the sensory stimulation for children in the ICU, mainly focusing on patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Educational handouts were created along with sensory bins highlighting all 5 senses.

Parent Perceptions Of Modified Toy Cars Influence On Play For Children With Disabilities: A Case Study, Taylor Brown, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Erik Pérez, Karen Aranha

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Play is a crucial childhood occupation because it facilitates the growth of various developmental skills. Children with disabilities (CWD) often exhibit intrinsic factors that can prevent them from participating in meaningful childhood occupations, such as play. Mobility play is a specific type of play that refers to any means for the child to explore and move around their environment, which can be accessed through the use of commercially available toys, including motorized toy cars. However, these commercially available toys are not always accessible to this population due to their unique presentation that hinders performance and participation in the desired and …

Increasing Teacher-Ot Collaboration In A School-Based Setting, Shayla Ransome, L. Brook Sawyer, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pre-service PreK-4 teachers receive little to no education about SBOT practice, which hinders not only collaboration opportunities but also potentially impacts student performance and participation outcomes negatively. This capstone seeks to develop an interprofessional educational unit to increase collaboration between pre-service PreK-4 teachers and pre-OT practitioners, which will promote positive student performance and participation outcomes.

Adapting Classroom Activities To Increase Social Engagement, Ivie Hacker, Mary Jan Greer Ph.D., Otr

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone program focuses on enhancing the development of children with disabilities through adaptive play strategies. It aims to create a supportive, engaging environment that accommodates the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum. By incorporating individualized play techniques, the program promotes social, emotional, and cognitive skills, fostering greater communication, creativity, and physical coordination. The project explores the role of adaptive play in improving social interactions, reducing sensory sensitivities, and building self-confidence, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and development of children with autism.

Using The Intercultural Development Inventory To Measure Intercultural Development For A High-Impact Global Community Engagement Program, Jennifer Crystle, Megan W. Moran, Diana G. Venskus

Journal of Global Education and Research

High-impact practices (HIPs) in higher education, such as global community engagement programs, enhance student learning and lead to increased levels of civic involvement among graduates. However, it is unknown if participation in a global community engagement/service-learning program affects the development of cultural competence. The purpose of this study was to determine if student and faculty participation in a two-week community engagement/service-learning program in Guatemala would result in intercultural development measured using the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) tool. Participants were recruited from a graduate physical therapy education program in the U.S. and completed a pre- and post-trip IDI. Data analysis revealed …

A Geriatric Interprofessional Education Workshop: A Mixed Method Study, Patricia Watford, Meghan Hall, Colleen Hergott, Wanda Jirau-Rosaly, Shilpa Brown, Elena Wood, Nicole Rockich-Winston

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Interprofessional healthcare teams are essential for meeting the needs of our older population. To prepare for interprofessional collaboration, educational programs should offer opportunities for interprofessional education. We created a four-hour geriatric interprofessional workshop addressing cognition, macular degeneration, dysphagia, home safety, fall risk, and pharmacotherapy to examine student perceptions of working in interprofessional teams and their attitudes toward geriatric patients. Participants included 189 second-year medical (MD) students, 41 first-year occupational therapy (OT) students, and 36 second-year physical therapy (PT) students. We utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-method approach. Data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, paired t-tests for the pre/post surveys, and inductive content …

Athletic Trainer Emergency Management Skill Assessment Via Low Fidelity Simulation, Jaclyn B. Arduini, Jennifer L. Volberding

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Athletic training education requires the inclusion of emergency management (EM) best practices, however the Board of Certification (BOC) does not mandate any continuing education (CE) past Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC). With EM best practices continuing to change there is potential for a large knowledge gap to develop in practicing athletic trainers (ATs) who do not chose to engage in EM CE. The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge gaps in practicing ATs’ EM skills via low fidelity simulation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an educational laboratory setting involving twenty-two ATs (age 36.7±10.8 years; 13 males, …

Incorporating Real-Time Simulated Patient And Instructor Feedback To Enhance Simulation Learning Experience For Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Lauren Woods, Pamela Lewis-Kipkulei, Kuan Xing

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Health care simulation experiences should provide clear feedback that students can understand and incorporate into future practice. Based on the literature, more research is needed regarding how health professional students use various types of feedback to establish rapport with clients, increase critical thinking skills, and work collaboratively. Various types of feedback may be useful in regular simulation-based education, but there is limited research on how students integrate various feedback to enhance skill development. This study aimed to examine how occupational therapy (OT) students incorporate real-time Simulated Patient (SP) feedback, numerical feedback, and instructor-written feedback to enhance their learning from the …

Holistic Review In Health Professions Education Program Admissions: A Concept Analysis, Andrea N. Bowens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Health professions education programs often use holistic reviews to promote a more diverse student body, leading to a more diverse healthcare workforce. Although many organizations and educational institutions advocate for holistic reviews of applicants, there are inconsistencies in the literature as to what this practice entails. Thus, the purpose of this concept analysis was to identify the defining attributes of holistic reviews and provide an operational definition. Methods: Walker and Avant’s description of a concept analysis served as a guide for this review. This systematic process included an analysis of current literature, legal proceedings, and organizational documents; identification of …

Professional Identity Formation Through A Peer Learning, Integrated Clinical Experience, T.R. Goins, Michelle Green, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of first-year DPT students related to professional behaviors and professional identity formation after an integrated clinical experience facilitated by peers. Methods: Forty-one first-year DPT students from an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program participated in a class assignment designed to collect qualitative data regarding their experiences with professional behaviors and professional identity formation after completing an integrated clinical experience. Incident coding processes analyzed responses to open-ended assignment prompts. Results: The most frequent professional behaviors students felt they could demonstrate during the integrated clinical experience were “communication” and …