Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (Pps, Elmiron) Maculopathy Demonstrates The Importance Of Coordinated Care From A Low Vision Perspective, Charlotte I. Spada Od, Stephanie Schmiedecke Barbieri Od, Patricia Sanchez Diaz Dvm, Phd, Jeffrey Rabin Od, Phd

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS, Elmiron®) is a widely used medication to reduce pain caused by interstitial cystitis, a bladder disorder most often affecting females. PPS maculopathy is a novel form of toxic retinal disease often not recognized or mistaken for other retinal conditions such as macular degeneration due to the initial similarities on fundus exam. However, when visualized using fundus autofluorescence, affected eyes show characteristic hyper/hypo-autofluorescent patterns.

Case report: A patient taking PPS for 10 years presented with macular changes and complaints of blurry vision and nyctalopia. Clinical, electrodiagnostic, and genetic testing were performed including fundus autofluorescence and …

Exploring Burnout Impacting Graduate-Level Faculty And Leadership Within Health Profession Education In The United States: A Systematic Scoping Review, Megan Donaldson, Neeti Pathare, Garry Gilbert, Joshua Cleland

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Phenomenon: Full-time academic clinicians who hold faculty appointments in graduate‑level health professions education are expected to fulfill multiple, often competing role demands, including teaching, scholarship, service, clinical practice, and, for some, administrative leadership. These cumulative expectations can place faculty and educational leaders at elevated risk of burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, with implications for career longevity, institutional stability, and educational quality. Approach: The objective of this systematic scoping review was to map how burnout has been conceptualized, measured, and associated with organizational and role-related factors among full-time graduate-level faculty and educational leaders in health and medical education (health professions) programs. Eligible …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

The Evaluation Of A Soft Skills Curriculum In Athletic Training Education: A Mixed Methods Study, Emily A. Duckett, Heather Schugar, Alison Gardiner-Shires, Jacqueline S. Hodes

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Developing athletic training students’ soft skills to effectively engage in patient-centered care is integrated throughout multiple Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Curricular Content Standards. Despite evidence supporting the importance of compassionate care, there is currently data to suggest that health care is experiencing a compassion crisis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways pre-professional athletic training students transfer knowledge from a soft skills curriculum to clinical experiences as students in an entry level master’s program.

Methods: This study is an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Phase 1 includes participants (n = 19) enrolled in …

Self-Reported Confidence Of Dpt Students In Assessing And Treating Different Body Regions Within Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Practice, Scott W. Lowe, Jennifer Wiley

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Introduction

This study examined Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' self-reported confidence in assessing and treating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions based on body regions. We hypothesized that there would be identifiable differences in self-perceived confidence across the different body regions. Most literature assessing DPT students' readiness for clinical practice has come from the perspective of educators and clinicians, whereas student perspectives have not been reported.

Methods:

The study is a descriptive, observational online survey.  Participants were final-year DPT students in the United States. Participants rated their comfort level in assessing and treating patients with MSK complaints, both in general and specifically …

Benefits Of Pet Friendly Work Environments On Physical, Mental, And Social Health Of Office Workers: A Systematic Review, Ahmed Radwan, Jenna Keeman, Tristan Hunzinger, Owen Wilson, Shayla Seymour

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Pet-friendly workplace initiatives are increasingly common, yet the empirical evidence for benefits to office workers’ physical, mental, and social health is scattered and heterogeneous.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on health-related outcomes associated with pet-friendly work environments for office and desk-based workers, and to appraise the current level of evidence.

Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic search (2014–2024) was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, OVID, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, extracted data, and appraised study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. Outcomes were coded and synthesized narratively within three domains: physical, mental, …

Therapy With Empathy

DePaul Magazine

DePaul's Speech Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy graduate programs, newly aligned in the Department of Rehabilitative Sciences and Professions at the College of Science and Health, employ a community assets-based approach to serving diverse populations and individuals' needs across the lifespan.

Agreement Among Experienced Physical Therapist Clinicians In Naming Nystagmus: A Mixed-Methods Study Design, Lori Ann Leineke, Alessandra N. Garcia, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Labeling nystagmus requires clinicians to consider multiple aspects of its presentation. The extent to which physical therapists (PTs) use consistent terminology for describing nystagmus is unknown. Recommendations for proper terminology exist, but adherence during clinical assessment has not been determined. This study investigated whether PTs with advanced vestibular rehabilitation skills and training consistently use standardized vocabulary to describe nystagmus patterns. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study utilized an online survey methodology, which included eight free-response questions. Participants viewed videos of nystagmus through Infrared or Frenzel goggles and documented their observations. A codebook of responses was created for each question, …

Unlv Pt Admissions: The Relationship Between Mismatched Gender Or Race Of Applicants Compared To Interviewer On In-Person And Asynchronous Interview Scores, Sarah Dudley, Calvin Kwok

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis:

Despite a growing push for diversity in healthcare, the impact of interviewer-applicant demographic alignment on scoring remains under-researched within the specific context of physical therapy admissions, particularly across different interview platforms. A sex or race concordance bias has the potential to compromise a program’s reliability of applicant evaluations and conflicts with the ethical standards of equity and nondiscrimination that guide healthcare education and practice. In this study we aimed to determine the relationship between sex and race concordance of interviewers and applicants for both in-person and asynchronous virtual interview scores at the University of Las Vegas Physical Therapy (UNLV …

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 …

An Ot Educational Program For Individuals With Upper And Lower Limb Amputations, Laurie R. Spinks Mrs, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

An OT approach to reducing prosthetic abandonment with an accessible guide to promote self sufficiency and community connections for individuals with amputations.

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 …

Empowerment Of Patients Through Sexual Wellness Programming, Carly M. Busby

OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract:

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Dr. Jenny Archer with Archer Physical Pelvic Floor Therapy. This project highlights empowerment of Dr. Archer and her team through administrative tasks and empowerment of clientele through education materials. The primary deliverable of my project is a six week ‘course,’ addressing pelvic pain through evidence-based therapy practices. Other deliverables include education materials that cover an expanse of pelvic floor and pregnancy related topics. The prominent goal of this capstone project was empowerment through education.

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 …

Interprofessional Collaboration: A Functional Vestibular Screening Framework For Children With Hearing Loss, Corinne Marascio

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: The vestibular system is comprised of five organs located in the inner ear that support balance, coordination, and spatial awareness (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Due to the proximity of the hearing and vestibular organs, children with hearing loss are at an increased risk for vestibular dysfunction (Cushing & Papsin, 2018; Kelly et al., 2021). Early recognition and treatment of vestibular disorders via vestibular rehabilitation therapy can support healthy development throughout childhood (Monshizadeh et al., 2022; Wrobel et al., 2020). While vestibular assessment falls within the audiological scope of practice, barriers preclude routine screening of vestibular deficits in pediatric patients with …

Comparing Educational Pathways For Denturists To Become Maxillofacial Prosthetic Specialists In The Us And The Uk, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

In the absence of formal training, licensure, and professionalism, this scientific literature review will seek to include denturists in the American maxillofacial prosthetics industry. Denturists are oral health professionals who perform oral examination, design, manufacture, and place removable oral prostheses. In other regions of the world, they are also known as clinical dental technologists and dental prosthetists. This practice is not widespread in the US. The review can also be assessed on the model mediated by PRISMA, which is concentrated on the experiences of international education in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where the concentration further revolves around …

Integrating Ai-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Into A First-Semester Dpt Course: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Learner Perceptions And Palpation Self-Efficacy, Michael Morgan, Jeb Helms, John Imundi

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Accurate palpation skills and three-dimensional anatomical understanding are foundational outcomes of entry-level physical therapist education; however, novice learners often struggle to translate static anatomical knowledge into applied palpation experiences. Ultrasound imaging (USI) offers real-time visualization of living anatomy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced features may further support novice learners by scaffolding anatomical orientation. The purpose of this study was to examine first-semester Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) learners’ perceptions of AI-enhanced USI integration related to anatomical understanding, palpation self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived relevance to future practice.

Method: A single-group convergent mixed-methods study was conducted with 60 first-semester DPT learners in …

Bringing Awareness And Education To Rural Areas About The Role Occupational Therapy (Ot) Has In Infant Care, Makenzi Richwald

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focused on education and advocacy. The aim of my capstone project was to provide education to parents of eastern Kentucky (KY) about what Occupational Therapy (OT) can address with infants aged 0-18 months. I saw a gap in knowledge in the eastern KY community about what OT could do for infants and wanted to address this. Through my research, consultation with my mentors, and collaboration with the occupational therapists at my site (BPT) I discerned 14 areas of development and/or common reasons of needed referral for OT services by this age group. These educational materials aimed to …

Enteral Nutrition Guidelines Improve Critically Ill Patients’ Outcomes: A Quasiexperimental Study, Marwa Abdo, Sara Elsayed Hegazy

Nursing

Background: Optimal nutritional support is a fundamental element of treatment for critically ill patients. Adherence to evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines is essential to promote patient care and prevent potential complications. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of enteral nutrition guidelines in improving critically ill patients’ outcomes. Method: A quasiexperimental study evaluated 68 critically ill patients divided into 2 groups. The intervention group received their nutrition based on the evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines, while the control group received their nutrition based on the unit’s routine care. The study was conducted in the surgical intensive care units of Mansoura Emergency Hospital in Egypt. …

Unusual Case Of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect, Varuni Pragya, Madhukesh Rudramurthy, Siddalinga Murthy G

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Urinary bladder ruptures are an uncommon injury, occurring in less than 1% of all blunt abdominal trauma. Extraperitoneal bladder ruptures are generally associated with pelvic fractures and usually managed nonoperatively but open surgery is required when these injuries are associated with additional trauma to structures like prostate and urethra.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report our experience with a 32-year-old male who suffered a head on collision with a four-wheeler while driving a two-wheeler in a road traffic accident. He presented to the hospital with abdominal and pelvic pain, difficulty in passing urine and swelling of the scrotum. His X Ray …

Factors Influencing The Access To Activity Resources Of Occupational Therapy Students During Work-Integrated Learning: A South African Perspective, Karin Van Niekerk, Mischa Viviers, Sunike Nel, Thandi Pelebese Takalo, Reitumetse Georgia Mofutsana, Yi-Fang Chen, Carla Faber

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Activities are the backbone of occupational therapy intervention. In order to effectively use activities during Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, occupational therapy students require access to appropriate activity resources. This study explored the factors influencing the access to activity resources of South African occupational therapy students from the University of Pretoria during their undergraduate education and how this potentially affected student learning. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fourteen participants with WIL experience were selected through purposive and quota sampling to ensure diversity in living situations and WIL experience. Data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews and were analyzed thematically. Six …

A Rasch Analysis Of The Self-Assessment Scale Of Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy (Sa-Crot) For Continuing Professional Development, Sho Maruyama, Reiko Miyamoto, Takuya Hirose, Takao Kaneko, Peter Bontje

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The purpose of this study was to establish structural validity, internal reliability, and concurrent validity of the Self-Assessment scale of Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (SA-CROT) when used in continuing professional development. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 513 occupational therapists with ≤5 years of experience. Rasch analysis was applied to assess structural validity (rating scale functioning, monotonicity, dimensionality, item/person fit) and reliability (item/person reliability, strata). Additionally, concurrent validity was examined by Spearman’s correlation with clinical experience. The Rasch rating scale analysis supported the structural validity of the SA-CROT. Categories showed ordered thresholds with outfit mean-square (MnSq) values ranging from …

Examining The Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Knowledge And Fieldwork Performance Among Canadian Student Occupational Therapists, Madelyn Walther, Viansa Guiotto, Rhona Anderson, Emily S. Ho

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

To evaluate the physical aspects of occupational performance, occupational therapists must understand the anatomical structure and function of the body. As such, occupational therapy academic programs must provide sufficient foundational musculoskeletal (MSK) education to prepare student occupational therapists for successful clinical practice. There is a paucity of research on MSK educational needs, and the relationship between student occupational therapists’ MSK academic outcomes and fieldwork performance. This study examined the relationship between MSK anatomy course academic grades and fieldwork performance indicators on the Competency-Based Fieldwork Evaluation for Occupational Therapists (CBFE-OT) of student occupational therapists. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was conducted …

Standardizing Assessment Of Clinical Performance In Physical Therapy: From Good Intentions To Shared Standards, Arvie Vitente, Carmina Rafael, Rolando Lazaro

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Faculty Articles

Clinical education is the crucible in which physical therapy students integrate knowledge, skills, and professional judgment into safe, ethical, and person-centered practice. Yet globally, the assessment of clinical performance remains highly variable, shaped by disparate tools, rubrics, and levels of assessor preparation. While several countries have adopted nationally standardized approaches to clinical assessment, many contexts—including the Philippines—continue to rely on locally developed or institution-specific systems, resulting in inconsistent expectations, inequitable student experiences, and limited capacity for benchmarking, research, and quality improvement. This editorial argues that good intentions alone are insufficient and that the profession must move toward shared, trustworthy standards …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Interprofessional Collaboration On Nurses And Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beverly Murphy, Marissa Casamento, Abigail Fleming, Anna Gomolski, Camryn Labrador

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

This study explores the impact of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between nurses and occupational therapists (OTs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It investigates the process of collaboration and stakeholder perceptions of interprofessional teamwork. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of IPC in the NICU setting, specifically between nurses and OTs, and to identify barriers that might hinder optimal collaboration.

Methods

A single survey instrument was distributed via social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and completed by 47 participants (21 Nurses, 26 Occupational therapists). The survey, created using REDCap, included scaled items …

Empowerment Through Creating An Adaptive Sports And Recreation Program For Persons With Disabilities, Sarah Kadri, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adaptive sports and recreation (ASR) refers to recreational and competitive physical activities modified to be inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities (PWD), adjusting equipment, rules, instruction, and environmental setup to support participation across a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. PWD often report feeling disempowered due to social stigma, inaccessible environments, and limited opportunities to make meaningful choices about leisure and community life. A lack of diverse and consistent ASR opportunities within communities collectively hinders participation and negatively impacts overall well-being. Utilizing the Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) theoretical framework, this capstone project developed a 10-week swimming …

Graduate Physical Therapy Students Perceived Benefit Of Prior Anatomy Experiences Following Their First Semester Graduate Physical Therapy Anatomy Course, Austin Alexander

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Human anatomy stands as a cornerstone prerequisite for admission into graduate-level Physical Therapy Programs. As such, prior anatomy experiences need to prepare students for success in graduate-level coursework. However, studies have demonstrated that undergraduate anatomy courses vary in their ability to predict success in graduate Physical Therapy anatomy coursework. This research aimed to utilize students' perceptions of their undergraduate anatomy experiences to predict grades in graduate-level Physical Therapy anatomy coursework. The multinomial logistic regression in this study revealed that the absence of perceived preparedness was a significant predictor of membership in the C graduate anatomy grade group. Students who did …

Losing Focus In The Age Of Tik Tok: Clinical Evidence For Policy Action On Social Media Use, Megan Conefrey, Robert Griffin

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.