Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning To Foster Regulation And A Positive Classroom Climate, Klarika Meghan V. Alquisada

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Social-emotional learning (SEL) supports the development of emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and meaningful participation in academic environments. Increasing regulatory demands within classrooms highlight the need for structured approaches that support both educators and students in maintaining engagement and fostering positive learning environments. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to collaborate with educators to integrate regulation-focused strategies within daily classroom routines.This quality improvement project aimed to develop and implement an OT-informed SEL program for educators serving students with diverse learning needs. Teachers received consultation and tailored SEL strategies, implemented them for 5 weeks, and provided feedback on their effects on …

Got Sleep?: The Introduction Of Sleep Hygiene To Justice Involved Individuals, Charisma Lynn Cato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Individuals transitioning out of incarceration often experience challenges with sleep due to the residual effects of confinement. Although this is common among justice-involved individuals, there is limited research on how to address their sleep hygiene self-efficacy after release. Furthermore, despite the wide use of social-emotional learning (SEL) across multiple disciplines, little is known about its influence on sleep-related behavior change in re-entry populations. To address this, the Got Sleep program, designed and implemented at Hope for Prisoners (HOPE), a community site geared toward re-entry assistance, integrated occupational therapy (OT) principles and an SEL approach with practical sleep hygiene strategies to …

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 …

Enhancing Independence: A Home Environmental Safety Program For Stroke Survivors, Ka'iulani-Joy Genevieve Conlu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Stroke is a common cause of physical limitations, leading to decreased independence and participation in daily activities. Individuals post-stroke transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care typically do not receive in-person home safety recommendations to decrease environmental challenges and improve overall well-being. Methods: Participants were recruited conveniently during the inpatient and outpatient care process at Post Acute Medical (PAM) Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson. The Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) was administered to identify environmental hazards and to guide individualized home safety recommendations. Participants will complete a questionnaire before and after the program within 14 weeks to …

Promoting Classroom Management Through Elementary Teacher Education On Movement-Based Social-Emotional Learning, Daija Renee Georgette

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project addressed a knowledge gap among K–5 th–grade teachers at Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) regarding the purpose, benefits, and educational value of movement-based brain breaks. Although CCA currently incorporates social–emotional learning (SEL) frameworks such as the Zones of Regulation, teachers have received limited training on how structured movement opportunities can enhance student engagement, attention, and regulation. This program aimed to strengthen teachers’ understanding and confidence by providing a series of evidence-informed workshops that explored the connections among movement, self-regulation, and classroom management.

The project consisted of orientation, teacher recruitment, needs assessment, workshop development, and program delivery over …

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Students Using Think Aloud During Computerized Patient Simulation, Candra Selene Talylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The objective of this research was to explore the effects of the think aloud (TA) method on the development of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students completing an online simulation assignment. The study aimed to determine if thinking aloud develops clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students as evidenced by a change in clinical reasoning skill scores and investigates the relationship between students' overall clinical simulation competency scores.

This study used a mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data to explore and measure the use of the TA strategy on the development of clinical reasoning skills. The sample from this …

Fitness For All: Education For Gym Staff Supporting People With Disabilites, Bianca Loor, Mary Jan Greer, Alison Skean

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, “Fitness for All: Education for Gym Staff Supporting People with Disabilities,” focuses on improving accessibility and inclusion within community fitness settings through staff education. Individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers in gyms due to limited staff training, lack of confidence, and insufficient knowledge of adaptive fitness practices.

To address this gap, a comprehensive, evidence-based training program was developed and implemented for gym staff at Crunch Fitness Orange Park. The program incorporated occupational therapy frameworks, including the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4), to promote inclusive and client-centered fitness practices.

Using a mixed-methods approach, …

Community-Based Program To Support The Occupational Needs Of Middle Eastern Refugee Women Transitioning Into Western Society, Zuha A. Mohammad, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Middle Eastern refugee women resettling in Western societies often experience barriers that disrupt participation in meaningful occupations, including language barriers, unfamiliar systems, financial challenges, and social isolation. These challenges can limit independence and community participation during the resettlement process. Occupational therapy is well-positioned to address these barriers through culturally responsive, occupation-based interventions.

This capstone project developed and implemented a community-based program designed to support Middle Eastern refugee women during early resettlement. The program focused on key areas including system navigation, financial literacy, home safety, stress management, self-advocacy, and community engagement. Educational sessions and practical activities were used to promote skill …

Life Skills For Individuals In A Juvenile Detention Center, Carrington Brown, Rebecca King, Jaimee Fielder

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project involved developing, implementing, and evaluating a life skills program for justice-involved youth in a juvenile detention setting. Guided by a needs assessment, the program targeted financial literacy, job readiness, professionalism, and soft skills through structured sessions incorporating education, interactive activities, and group discussions. Findings from pre- and post-surveys and qualitative feedback indicated improved knowledge, confidence, and readiness for community reintegration, supporting the value of rehabilitative, occupation-based programming.

Advocacy For Access: Ot's Role In School-Based Assistive Technology, Kalena Wedemeyer-Abney, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This mixed-methods exploratory research study analyzes the experiences of school-based occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in the implementation of assistive technology (AT). The research examines their perceptions regarding their role and the responsibilities that come with it. This study is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and seeks to understand the skill level and knowledge of practitioners, motivators to advocacy efforts, and the overall systemic environment, such as supports and barriers, that impact OTP's ability to acquire and implement assistive technology solutions. A mixed-method research survey was completed by 25 participants, with 3 participants also completing a 1-hour, optional …

Equine-Assisted Interventions For Pediatric Clients With Cerebral Palsy: A Handbook For Occupational Therapists, Draydin Ferguson, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster outlines the development of an evidence-informed instructional handbook intended to guide Occupational Therapists in implementing equine-assisted interventions with pediatric clients diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Developing Pediatric Educational Resources For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students And New Employees, Alyssa Gottheiner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

For occupational therapy students, the fieldwork education portion of their curriculum allows them to apply theory and principles learned in their academic program into practice with actual clients (Occupational therapy fieldwork education, 2022). Research indicates the benefit of access to resources and adapting to different learning styles in occupational therapy fieldwork education (Grenier, 2015). Research also indicates that training programs for new healthcare employees can positively impact knowledge, skills, and performance (Patel et al., 2023).  However, there is a lack of research on the availability and benefit of supplemental educational resources for students to access during fieldwork education in pediatric …

Ethically Integrating Ai In Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Learning And Practice For The Future, Amy Sadek, Sabrina Gowette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s and is gaining traction in higher education and among health care professions. In this era of technology, it is imperative we equip both educators and students to have tech centric skills to support learning, improve efficiency, and enhance skills. Faculty and students alike need to be able to understand the ethics behind using digital information, such as that from AI tools and sources. As educators and students become more reliant on technology, and specifically AI, it is imperative not to lose the human connection in education. Educators are an integral part …

Physical Therapy Patient Exercise Adherence Intervention, Carter D. Booe, Dean Clark, Ernesto Duenez, Aiden Haworth, Nathan Jaeger, Gabe Tross, Emery Wolfe

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Non-adherence to prescribed home exercise programs significantly undermines the efficacy of physical therapy (PT), with research indicating only approximately 35% of patients fully adhere to regimens. This issue contributes to suboptimal recovery and places a staggering financial burden on the healthcare system, estimated at $100 billion to $300 billion annually. The Physical Therapy Home Exercise Adherence Trial (PT-HEAT) evaluates the effectiveness of a 14-week behavioral education intervention designed to improve patient adherence outside the clinical setting.

Utilizing the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, this protocol involves PT staff administering a motivational-volitional screener, followed by trained student aides delivering targeted …

Physical Therapy Patient Exercise Behavior Pre-Program Results, Emery Wolfe, Dakota Metzler, Michael Garvert, Caiden Hoffman, Maurice Ochoa, Evie Thompson, Mataya Clark, Aidan Haworth, Noah Morenz, Madison Powell, Josh Sohm, Alanna Hallacy

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This project aims to address a major problem in the physical therapy industry: the “home adherence gap” which is the routine failure to follow through with prescribed exercise at home. Research shows that only about 35% of patients routinely follow through with exercises prescribed for them to do on their own. By focusing on behavior modification and education rather than just physical instruction, this intervention aims to improve long-term recovery, and reduce need for procedures like injections and surgeries. The focus of this study was to measure the ability of the clinic staff to implement a behavior modification program. Once …

Standardizing Cardiac Rehabilitation Referrals In A Rural Primary Care Clinic, Carlie H. Sanders

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cost-effective, evidence-based approach for patients with cardiac conditions to improve quality of life and health outcomes. Despite the benefits, it remains a nationally underutilized service, and extensive research has been conducted to identify interventions that most effectively increase referrals and participation in CR programs. Two of the more successful interventions include strengthening provider recommendations and using a standardized referral system (Ades et al., 2022). This quality improvement project aimed to strengthen provider recommendations and increase the frequency of referrals to the existing CR program at a rural primary care clinic by 50%. To do …

Finding A Home Away From Home: An Accessible Hotel And Short-Term Rental Guide, Atley E. Livingston

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Travel has become a significant part of today’s social culture, allowing individuals to connect with family and friends, explore new environments, and engage in meaningful experiences. However, many wheelchair users report that traveling is often frustrating, inequitable, and difficult. To better understand the limitations of travel on this population, a needs assessment was conducted through a collaboration with a nationwide organization that supports the wheelchair community. Participants identified travel accommodations and the barriers they present as a major limitation to travel. The purpose of this capstone project is to analyze lodging and housing accessibility through the lens of the population, …

Implementation Of A Classroom-Based Sensory Regulation Toolkit To Enhance Participation In Students With Severe Disabilities, Camryn R. Woods

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Students with severe and multiple disabilities often experience sensory processing differences that can adversely impact their ability to engage, participate, and regulate within the classroom environment. Educators frequently report feeling underprepared to address sensory needs and implement effective, practical strategies to support these students. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a classroom-based sensory regulation toolkit within a specialized educational setting serving students with significant physical and cognitive disabilities.

The primary goals of the project were to (1) increase teacher knowledge and confidence in recognizing sensory processing patterns, (2) provide accessible, evidence-based strategies to support …

Meeting The Needs Of Students With Low Vision Or Blindness: A Resource Guidebook Through The Occupational Therapy Lens, Zoe E. Wilson, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project is to develop a guidebook and educational tools to support the academic and social participation needs of students with visual impairments. These tools are intended to help address common challenges children with low vision face in school including difficulties accessing classroom materials, participating in group activities, and keeping up with academic expectations. The guidebook will include evidence-based strategies such as the use of low-vision aids, optical devices, and activity-based supports shown to improve quality of life for children with low vision. By providing practical resources, this project aims to enable educators and occupational therapists to …

Executive Functioning And Retained Primitive Reflexes In School-Aged Children, Haley A. Kane, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aimed to provide teachers with education on EF and RPR and to improve access to educational materials. The education provided definitions of EF and RPR, what deficits in each may present in the classroom, and classroom strategies to mitigate the impact of the skills affected by these deficits. This educational program improved understanding of EF and RPR, evidenced by knowledge-based questions. These materials also increased awareness of RPR and their effects on students, as evidenced by responses to short-answer questions. These results align with the long-term goal of improving the academic performance of students impacted by EF deficits …

Current Status Of Msk Diagnostic Ultrasound Education In Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Programs In The United States: A Survey, Lesley Parrish Dr., Heather E. Mount, Casey Charlebois

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) is a dynamic, cost-effective imaging modality increasingly integrated into Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Despite growing interest, variability exists in the integration and implementation of MSK-US in entry-level DPT programs. This study aimed to assess the current status of MSK-US education in accredited DPT programs across the United States. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all 294 accredited DPT programs in the U.S. via email. The survey consisted of 32 questions that addressed curriculum content, instructional methods, faculty qualifications, and barriers to implementation. Participation was voluntary, and 44 programs responded. No experimental interventions were applied. The …

Supporting Educators Through Executive Function Education And Tier 1 Regulation Strategies In The Classroom, Sarah Robbins

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Early support for students to develop strong executive functioning skills is crucial, as these abilities are linked to lifelong success, well-being, financial stability, and overall quality of life (Diamond, 2013). A needs assessment conducted via REDCap revealed that while educators were generally familiar with executive function, they reported limited access to resources, reduced confidence in implementing strategies, and time constraints within the classroom.

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to enhance educators understanding and confidence in implementing strategies and techniques to address executive function challenges in the classroom. This project involved the development and delivery of educational resources …

Evaluating Clinical-Academic Partnerships In Physical Therapy Education: A Critically Appraised Topic On Available Assessment Tools, Jocelin Friedman, Hannah Bennett, Rachel Atkinson, Leona Hidalgo

Pacific Journal of Health

Scenario: Physical Therapy Clinical Education represents a significant component of curricula and requires cooperation between academic institutions and clinical education sites (CES). Curriculum structure variation, clinical instructor availability, and student internship demands impact the academic institutions and CES partnership. For stakeholders, communication of expectations and the individuality of the student placement workflow can strain partnerships. Longevity of the clinical-academic partnership depends on effective evaluation incorporating perspectives of both parties. Question: Are there bi- directional assessment tools or protocols available to help academic institutions and CES to evaluate each other in the areas of administrative and collaborative performance? Methods …

Optimizing Makeup Application Techniques For Women With Tenodesis: Adaptations And Ergonomic Solutions, Ashley J. Medina, Wendy Tremaine, Lee Ann Hoffman

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

To enhance independence in makeup application for women utilizing a tenodesis grasp, Ashley Medina, OTS, in collaboration with Able Faith, Inc., developed and presented a capstone poster outlining a targeted program of adaptive strategies and ergonomic solutions. This program was designed to address the unique functional challenges experienced by women with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) while promoting autonomy and confidence in daily self-care routines.

The experience objectives included: (1) identifying existing adaptive equipment that supports individuals with SCIs in completing makeup application tasks; (2) examining and understanding the roles of interdisciplinary team members working with individuals with SCI in comparison …

Start With What They Know: Using Motivational Interviewing To Create A Cooking Class, A Culinary Intervention For Teens (Autistic And Non-Autistic), Gwendolyn S. Tedder

LEND Trainee Presentations

Autistic teens are at greater risk for having heart disease and diabetes as adults. Food particularity, sensory issues, fixed mindset, and anxiety over trying new things can slow down their interest in preparing food for themselves. Nurturing basic cooking skills and gently encouraging trying new foods would provide more nutritional options to teens as they move into adulthood. A cooking class preceded by Motivational Interviewing (MI) developed further interest in preparing food afterward in teens, both autistic and non-autistic, and in trying new foods for autistic teens with food concerns.

Learning In Motion: How Small Groups Can Promote Self-Regulated Learning In Physical Therapy Students, Sara Mclaren

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a critical skill for success in rigorous graduate health professions programs, where students must independently manage complex academic demands. Despite its importance, limited research has examined SRL processes among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the didactic phase of training. Guided by Zimmerman’s cyclical model of self-regulated learning, this study examined SRL behaviors among second-year DPT students and explored how small group learning contexts may influence engagement in SRL processes and academic performance.

This mixed-methods study included 39 DPT students enrolled in a physical therapy program at a public university in the southeastern United States. …

Quality Of Athletic Training Services For Lower Extremity Injuries, Katie Sniffen, Michael Rozier, Katherine Stamatakis, Paula Buchanan, Janet E. Simon, Leslie Hinyard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The use of patient-reported outcomes in athletic training is inconsistent, limiting the ability to communicate service quality and value to key stakeholders. The objective of this study is to calculate meaningful quality outcome measures for athletic training services for lower extremity injuries in high school student-athletes. Data were collected from a subset of the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program and a convenience sample of high school student-athletes with patient-reported outcome measures for lower extremity time-loss injuries. Failure-toprogress proportions (FTPPs) were calculated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for knee/thigh injuries and the Foot …

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In An Elite Level Diver: A Disablement Model Case Study, Matt O'Sullivan, Dominique M. Stevens, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This article presents a case of complicated and recurrent pyelonephritis, an infection of 1 or both kidneys, in an elitelevel diver. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common outpatient infections in the United States; most are uncomplicated and resolve without significant mortality or morbidity. However, UTIs have the potential to present significant clinical challenges if the UTI becomes complicated or recurrent. Additionally, recurrent UTIs can carry a significant burden to both the individual patients and the larger healthcare system. The current paper reviews the epidemiological literature surrounding UTIs, the significant impact they have on a patient’s health-related quality …

Comfort Level Of Collegiate Student-Athletes In Opposite And Same-Gender Patient/Provider Relationships In Athletic Training, Samantha Dickie, Yashu Tang, Sydney Nelson, Emily Madrak

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Gender-based comfort in patient-provider relationships is a vital aspect of athletic training care. As the profession continues to evolve—particularly with a growing number of women athletic trainers (ATs) and progression of athletic training curriculum—it is essential to understand how gender dynamics influence the comfort of collegiate athletes when receiving care. This cross-sectional survey study examined how athlete comfort varies when treated by same- versus opposite-gender ATs in general patient care and in pathology-based scenarios. Ninety-six collegiate student-athletes (62.5% female) with the mean age of 20.26 (SD 1.7) years from NCAA and NAIA institutions completed the Gender Comfort with Athletic Trainer …