Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Rethinking Disability Simulations For Occupational And Physical Therapy Students: Integrating The Social Model Of Disability, Sara Kate Frye, Monique C. Chabot

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disability simulations traditionally have been used in many healthcare profession educational programs with the intent to foster empathy and positive viewpoints towards people with disabilities. However, research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of these activities. The appropriateness of these activities has also been called into question when considering disability as a form of diversity and social justice, with recommendations to utilize the Social Model of Disability to frame activities. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the efficacy of a temporary orthopedic injury simulation assignment on first-year occupational and physical therapy students’ viewpoints regarding working with people with …

Bowel Clean Out Prior To Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Implantation: Effects On Acute Post-Operative Gastrointestinal Complications, Amanda Lindenberg, Sathya Vadivelu, Brittni Walton, Matthew J. Mclaughlin

Research Days

Background: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps have been used for management of spasticity and dystonia There is limited data on immediate post-operative complications such as GI adverse events after surgery for ITB pump related procedures. This study aimed to compare patients who underwent a pre-operative bowel cleanout to those who did not and the relationship with post-operative nausea, vomiting and constipation requiring an escalation of their bowel regimen.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Pediatric acute care hospital.

Participants: All patients who underwent new ITB pump and/or catheter placement from January 2015-December 2022.

Interventions: Preoperative bowel clean out. Main

Outcome Measure: Quantity …

Emotion Regulation Strategies And Perceived Emotional Intelligence: The Effect Of Age., Iwanna Sepiadou

Adultspan Journal

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. We also investigated the possible effects of age on the aforementioned variables. The total sample consisted of 379 people (158 men, 220 women, 1 unreported). Across participants, 273 were young (20-39 years old) and 106 were middle-aged (40-65 years old). We found statistically significant positive correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of cognitive reappraisal and negative primarily correlations between the dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence and the reported use of …

Mindfulness For Middle School Students Receiving Adapted Physical Education Services: Quality Improvement Program, Kaila Mangrum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Middle school students with disabilities are often isolated from their peers with decreased opportunities for participation, struggle with social emotional regulation, and self-efficacy. This has been evident among students with various disabilities who are from various age groups receiving special education services including adapted physical education (APE). Research has shown mindfulness amplifies learning and promotes a positive environment that supports children’s overall wellbeing. This quality improvement project focused on developing an occupational therapy centered mindfulness program to enhance social participation, self-efficacy, and social-emotional regulation. Data collection occurred pre and post program from specialized program teacher assistants (SPTAs) using the School …

The Effects Of Implementing An Early Childhood Education Health And Wellness Program In Underserved Elementary Schools In Las Vegas On Student Mentors And Elementary Staff: Anatomy Academy, Alexa Blazek, Amber Berumen Baker, Kevin Chan Shum, Alexander Young

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Academy (AA) is a seven/eight-week program implemented by select University of Nevada, Las Vegas Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to promote health and wellness at a Title I elementary school and help bridge the health education gap that underserved youth populations may be facing. We aimed to assess and improve the overall satisfaction of both the faculty members at the elementary school and the physical therapy students who participated in the program, while enhancing the health education of 5th grade students. Our aim was centered on stakeholders (elementary school administrators) and student mentors (DPT students) having the desire to …

The Impact Of Anatomy Academy In Underserved Las Vegas Elementary Schools, Jean Angeles, Edgar Armengual, Katrina Myers, Perceval Vollmer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Anatomy Academy is an interactive, service-learning experience that allows doctoral physical therapy students to pose as educators for elementary-aged adolescents. Through instructional and activity-based learning, mentors formulated the program to encase anatomical, physiological, nutritional, and general health and wellness topics that translate into overall healthy behaviors. The experiment enveloped 7 major sectors of anatomy, including the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, oral cavity/nutrition, gastrointestinal system, sensory system, and central nervous system. Throughout the length of the program, the doctoral candidates reviewed the quality of the content delivered, the engagement of the students and staff, and the effects this had …

Effect Of Asynchronous Virtual Interviews On Ethnic Minority Matriculation Into A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Conner Clark, Nanea Lagasca, Gladys Miller, Jasmine Puspos

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Methods: This study examines the impact of the use of asynchronous virtual interviews (AVIs) in the admissions process of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This research aims to examine racial and ethnic subgroup differences in AVI scores, evaluate the influence of AVIs on applicant scores in the admissions process, and assess the AVI inter-rater reliability among faculty evaluators using data from the 2019-2022 admissions cycles.

Results: Significant differences were found in AVI scores among racial and ethnic groups, with Black applicants scoring highest and Asian applicants scoring lowest. Additionally, inclusion …

Comparing Children’S Engagement In Storybook Reading With And Without Access To Aac With A Literacy Supportive Feature, Brooke Zimmerman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This thesis evaluates the effects of comparing children’s engagement in storybook reading with and without access to high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with a literacy supportive feature. Literacy skills are a fundamental cornerstone for engagement in the lives of young children. Among these skills, the ability to decode words, or phonetically sound them out, plays a pivotal role in the acquisition of literacy. Proficiency in literacy also broadens the communication capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods. However, existing AAC technologies currently fall short in adequately strengthening literacy development, particularly …

Unlocking The Power Of Experiential Learning: Student Reported Changes Following Combined Nicu Instruction, Megan M. Black, Natalie A. Perkins, Valerie F. Mcdaniel

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of in-person observation, in conjunction with didactic lectures, on students' perceived knowledge of speech-language pathology's (SLP) role and the roles of other healthcare professionals within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Method: Data for this study were initially collected for educational purposes and were later retrospectively analyzed with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Ten participants who met the inclusion criteria underwent a didactic lecture on SLPs in the NICU followed by observing an SLP in action at a local NICU. Participants completed multiple surveys, allowing for a comparison of their perceived knowledge …

Effectiveness Of Escoop® Lenses On A Select Group Of Veterans, Connie Chronister Od, Denise T. Wilcox Od, Stanley Hatch Od, Mph

Optometric Clinical Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective chart review to see if the use of EScoop® lenses improved the referred veterans' contrast acuity and subjective visual discomfort of glare, photophobia, or difficulty with night driving. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed examinations of 23 veterans aged 36 to 91 who chose EScoop ® for their spectacle prescription. The EScoop ® set available in our clinic included two shades, yellow or orange, two center lens thicknesses (LT), 6 or 9 mm, and with or without 4 prism diopters yoked base up (BU) prism. Results: The largest diagnostic group tested …

Addressing The Physical Demands Of Caregiving Or Children With Disabilities In Nicaragua: A Quality Improvement Collaboration With Fne International, Grace Price

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Many caregivers of children with disabilities experience chronic pain and related symptoms of cumulative physical trauma. This type of phenomenon is particularly prevalent in developing, low-income countries where environmental accommodations may not be as accessible. A quality improvement program, was conducted as a doctoral capstone project to create resources addressing the physical needs of caregivers of children with disabilities in Nicaragua. Program participants included teachers at a school for children with disabilities and special needs in Nicaragua. The primary project deliverable consisted of conducting an in-person workshop to train the teachers with evidence-based methods for preventing chronic pain and other …

Yoga Program For Children At Risk For Trauma: Promoting Self-Regulation And Educational Participation, Sydney Gonzales, Rebecca King

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This presentation describes implementing a yoga-based program within an early childhood education setting. Occupational therapists can utilize yoga-based activities and advocate for their use in classrooms to promote the positive development of self-regulation and educational participation for at-risk populations.

A Guide For Supplemental Education On Seating And Positioning For Parents And Caregivers Of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy, Grace Johnson, Mary Jan Greer, Franchesca Cox

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An educational program that educates caregivers and families on the importance of proper seating and positioning during play, feeding, bone development and growth, speech, reaching, toy manipulation, handwriting and interacting with peers.

Improving Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students’ Social Awareness For Making Equitable Policy Decisions: A Quantitative Quasi-Experimental Study, Alysson Goodwin, Denise Crowley

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy has set a strategic vision to increase equity and health access through leadership in all practice areas. To this end, educators in occupational therapy doctorate programs must increase the students’ ability to lead with an awareness of the social impacts of policy decisions. The purpose of this study was to explore educational opportunities to support occupational therapy doctorate students in developing social awareness for decision-making. The study aimed to use an e-learning module to increase social awareness surrounding a departmental decision about a white coat ceremony. A quantitative quasi-experimental one group pre-test post-test study examined if a significant …

Associations Between Learning Environment And Study Satisfaction Across Time: Two Cross-Sectional Analyses Of Occupational Therapy Students, Gry Mørk, Susanne G. Johnson, Astrid Gramstad, Linda Stigen, Tove Carstensen, Tore Bonsaksen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

There is increasing attention toward students’ satisfaction and how they perceive the quality of the program they attend. This study examined stability and change across time with regard to the relationships between learning environment factors and occupational therapy students’ satisfaction with the program. In the two consecutive cross-sectional analyses performed in this study, 163 second-year students and 193 third-year students from all six occupational therapy education programs in Norway participated. The Course Experience Questionnaire was used to assess learning environment factors and study satisfaction. The data were analyzed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient r and with hierarchical linear regression. Bivariate associations …

Barriers That Affect Equity In The Occupational Therapy Admissions Process: Student And Faculty Perspectives, Quinn P. Tyminski, Lenin Grajo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The use of holistic admissions in higher education has been demonstrated to increase the diversity of incoming student classes; yet, in occupational therapy (OT) research, admissions processes remain under-explored. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the process of OT admissions from the perspective of students, faculty, and staff at a single OT program with the goal to create a more inclusive, equitable, and holistic process. Focus groups were conducted with first-year students, and an online survey was sent to faculty to explore perspectives on the admissions process, necessary qualities for an OT graduate student, and suggestions for increasing inclusion and …

Perspectives Of Occupational Therapy Graduates On Sentinel Events During Transitions To Practice: A Phenomenographic Study, Nileththi Achini De Silva, Eleanor Furtado, Anne W. Hunt

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Research suggests new occupational therapists face many positive and negative experiences during their transition from student to therapist. Current research lacks information regarding sentinel events that occur during this shift. An exploration of sentinel events as interpreted through the life course perspective may inform how to support the transition to occupational therapist. The purpose of this study is to (a) determine sentinel events that occur during the transition to practice for new occupational therapists and (b) the impact of these events. A phenomenographic approach guided a semi-structured interview with 14 recent occupational therapy graduates. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic …

Peer-Mediated Family Support Project: Evaluation Of Changes In Family Quality Of Life, Preethy S. Samuel, Elizabeth Janks, Nia S. Anderson, Michael Bray, Christina Topolewski, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The Family Quality of Life (FQOL) approach represents a paradigm shift from fixing to supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) by changing the focus from the individual to the family and highlighting strengths rather than deficiencies. Aging family caregivers of individuals with I/DD often encounter obstacles, including accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of services. Little is known about best practices to support aging families of adults with I/DD. Understanding how a state-wide peer-mediated family support project implemented in this study helped improve the FQOL of aging caregivers is important in broadening participation of other caregivers in these types of programs. To …

Occupational Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Guidebook For Hispanic Women, Katarina Tauran, Mary Smith Phd, Ms, Otr/L, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to understand the needs of Hispanic women post-breast cancer treatment and offer a guidebook with educational resources in both English and Spanish.

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Individuals With Down Syndrome Through An Employment Program, Jenny Rossopoulos, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents the implementation of an existing employment program, EmployAble to a new group of individuals with Down syndrome. The presentation outlines the methods, program design, and curriculum. Additionally, this capstone project aims to explore the support mechanisms for individuals with disabilities in the workplace and the education of employers regarding inclusive employment practices.

Improving Participation In Physical Education For Children With Disabilities, Randi Major, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Participating in adaptive sports has many benefits for children with disabilities (CWD), however literature demonstrates that many barriers exist within community-setting adaptive sports which impact participation for CWD. There is currently a lack of understanding of the needs of CWD and the barriers that exist within schools that impact their participation in physical activities and sports. In addition, the literature demonstrates that many individuals with disabilities are not meeting the recommended minutes for daily physical activity which can impact the health and well-being of CWD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

The purpose of this capstone project was …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Creating An Educational Employment Program For Individuals With Disabilities., Jessica Tully, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this poster was to explain the steps taken to create an educational employment program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Classroom Reintegration For Children And Adolescents With Traumatic Brain Injuries, Alli Perkins, Mary Greer, Keith Mcwilliams

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of the poster presentation is to increase the present knowledge regarding the process of school-based reintegration for children and adolescents who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. As children and young adults spend an average of 32 hours per week in the school environment, parents, educators, and rehabilitation professionals are ideally positioned to collaborate with one another to facilitate the reintegration process and enable students to return to their primary occupations of educational participation, social participation, play, and leisure. The presentation includes information from the development and implementation of a program for parents, families, and educators of those …

Tattoo Artist Ergonomics: An Educational Video Series, Adeline Wagner, Steven M. Gerardi, Rachel Overberg

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals who are tattoo artists experience hazards in their workplace by sitting and using repetitive movements for extended periods of time in poor postures and positions. The improper use of ergonomics impacts their daily occupational performance, work productivity, well-being, and overall quality of life. The hazards in the workplace can reduce one’s motivation, dictate one’s habits, routines, roles, and ability to complete meaningful activities. The problem is that tattoo artists are not trained in injury prevention which predisposes them to develop injuries. The purpose of this capstone project is to address this problem and develop an educational video series for …

Increased Perceived Confidence In Professional Role Skills Among Undergraduate Dietetic Students Following Simulation-Based Learning Experiences, Makenzie Barr-Porter, Elizabeth Combs, Lauren Batey, Dawn Brewer, Aaron Kyle Schwartz, Tammy Stephenson

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs) are effective for teaching healthcare students clinical and communication skills. The current study assessed self-perceived clinical and communication confidence among dietetics students completing a series of four SBLEs (3 group, 1 individual) across nine months. Dietetics students were recruited in February 2023 prior to their first SBLE. Simultaneously through the academic year, students completed clinical and communication courses. Students were invited to complete an online, anonymous self-reported survey regarding confidence with nutrition care and communication prior to their first SBLE (Time 1), prior to their third SBLE (Time 2), and following their final SBLE (Time 3). …

Ergonomics In Esports: A Video Training Series For Esports Athletes, Duy Do, Steven M. Gerardi, Braden Singleton

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Electronic sports, also known as esports, refers to organized and competitive video gaming against other players or teams. Unlike traditional sports, esports is sedentary, with athletes spending several hours daily seated at their gaming stations. Additionally, esports athletes lack the knowledge of ergonomic hazards and how to mitigate occupational overuse syndromes and mental health challenges. The purpose of this project was to create a video training series from an occupational therapy perspective to educate esports athletes on the ergonomic hazards of esports to improve participation, occupational performance, and quality of life of esports athletes.

Play Over Talk: A Toolkit For Educators On Adverse Childhood Experiences, Brianna Gallegos, Mary Ann Smith, Cat Daniel

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic experiences that can lead to negative, lasting effects on the health and well-being of the child. Students who have ACEs are more likely to struggle in school, have difficulty paying attention, lack self-regulation skills, and struggle to control their emotions and behaviors. Teachers and school staff may not recognize or know how to support students who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) which can impact the child’s occupational role as a student. To date, a resource for school staff with information on ACEs, interventions, and strategies has not been created. The purpose of this project …

Management Of Sensory Processing Challenges In The Classroom: An Educational Video Series For Teachers., Jasmine Guerrero, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An educational video series for teachers on sensory processing and how to manage students with sensory processing challenges in the classroom. The video series includes evidence-based supports and strategies that may be utilized in the classroom to improve students' occupational performance.

The Transition To Adulthood For High School Students With Special Needs, Athena Hays, Mary Jan Greer, Jinna Danser

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The reason for many special needs students not engaging in occupations after high school is because many guardians have not had to navigate this type of transition before and are not provided enough education on what these opportunities include before their students graduate. Many students with special needs do not optimize their engagement in the community because guardians are not being provided with education on post-graduate opportunities.

The purpose of my Doctoral Capstone Project is to develop an educational transition service program for special needs students as well as guardians and teachers of these students preparing for high school graduation …

Play Is A Way Of Life: Play-Based Program For Parents Of Young Children (Ages Two To Five Years Old), Lauren Purdom, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Amanda Perdue Owen

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This play-based program was created for parents of young children (ages two to five years old) and is accessible through a website called "Play is a Way of Life". Within this program it includes, educational material on the differences between active and passive play and recommendations for each type of play that children in this age group should participate in each day. It also includes a 6-week program with a variety of active play activities that target specific skills that children (ages two to five years old) should participate in for their overall development.