Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

A Research Study To Explore Casper College Undergraduate Education Majors' Perceptions Of Educational Curriculum Concerning Occupational Therapy's Role In The Public School System, Jenny Lok, Mike Seabeck

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge concerning OT roles in the school district setting that undergraduate education majors are receiving at Casper College.

Methodology: Data was collected from 57 participants through the use of a survey to identify pre-service teachers’ perception of occupational therapy and the education they have received in their coursework.

Results of this study indicate that undergraduate education majors at Casper College are receiving less than optimal instruction on the role of OT in school-based practice. Overall 91% of students polled indicated that they had not received education on OT …

An Afterschool Toolkit For Implementing Occupation-Based Activities, Kelsey Miller, Kayla Petersen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Each day in America, millions of kids go home to an empty house after school" (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, p.1). The Afterschool Alliance (2009) indicates that based on a 2009 survey of30,000 families, there are more children unsupervised each afternoon in the U.S. and the demand for afterschool programming is higher than ever. In the United States, 30% of middle school students and 4% of elementary aged children are responsible for taking care of themselves and only 15% currently participate in an afterschool program (Afterschool Alliance, 2009, pg. 4). Students are at particular risk during these hours, millions are unsupervised each …

Psychosocial Assessment In Orthopedic Evaluations: A Clinical Tool For Occupational Therapists, Sara M. Sipple

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"When 1 touch a human hand, 1 touch heaven. " - Malebranche

Holistic, occupation-based treatment in a hand therapy setting is associated with enhanced patient outcomes (Chan & Spencer, 2004), yet it is easy for occupational therapists working in hand and upper extremity orthopedic settings to become fixated on the pathology and anatomy of medical diagnoses and inadvertently ignore psychosocial and contextual influences on rehabilitation. Although there is research that identifies how physical disease may lead to psychosocial role changes, there is a paucity of literature that addresses how hand and upper extremity injuries affect these roles (Schier & Chan, …

Patterns Of Occupational Engagement Pre- And Post- Partner’S Abi, Adam Whaley

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

This study examined the pre- and post-injury patterns of occupational engagement for a partner of a man with ABI six years post-injury. The participant was a 64 year old white woman who is referred to by the pseudonym of Olivia. She and Joey (pseudonym) had been married for 17 years pre-CVA, and were still married 6 years post-CVA. Due to the impact of Joey’s CVA on the relationship, Olivia experienced an increase in the demand from her occupational environment in order to remain in her role as Joey’s wife which also impacted Olivia’s pre-injury patterns of engaging in occupations. Three …

The Impact Of Dynamic Furniture On Classroom Performance: A Pilot Study, Danielle M. Ivory

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this study was to understand how dynamic classroom furniture may impact classroom performance such as attention, work neatness, and work completion in a second grade general education classroom of 19 students. All students in the classroom were included in this study to understand the implications of environmental modifications on the learning process in general education settings. A descriptive method provided information about the interaction of dynamic furniture on identified learning components. Three different dynamic furniture options were provided: Zuma chairs®, Disc‘O’Sits® (inflated seat cushions), and standing desks with the Original FootFidget®. The class was randomly divided into …

Current Trends In Occupational Therapy Services For Adults With Developmental Disabilities In Small Community Living Settings, Jennifer Anderson

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess current trends in occupational therapy services provided to adults with developmental disabilities living in community settings. A survey questionnaire was sent to 52 directors and managers of community living facilities in Whatcom, Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. The results indicated that the needs of residents are a direct match with the services occupational therapists provide as outlined in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework -II (AOTA, 2008). The results also indicated that people with developmental disabilities still have significant barriers to inclusion in their communities. Occupational therapists and advocates for this population …

Parent Perception Of The Effect Of Integrative Movement Therapy On Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Juliana Bonilla

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine parent perspectives of the effect of Integrative Movement Therapy (IMT), a yoga-based therapy, on social interaction in school age children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A survey was completed by 7 parents of children ages 6-12 diagnosed with an ASD who participated in IMT for an average of once a week for at least 3 months. Data collection included demographic information, history of participation in IMT, social skills, and parent perceived outcomes. Four areas of social development were addressed including (1) Maintaining Interactions (2) Responding to Initiations, (3) Initiating Interaction, …

Facilitating Psychosocial Adjustment To Traumatic Amputations: Perspectives Of Occupational Therapists, Jessica M. Malinowski

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of three occupational therapists in the United States in addressing psychosocial reaction and adjustment in the treatment of individuals with traumatic amputations. Occupational therapists with extensive experience working with clients with traumatic amputations were selected as participants. Data from the participant interviews revealed two major themes: (1) Individuals’ internal resources and response to amputation influence psychosocial adjustment and (2) Occupational therapists addressing psychosocial reactions in individuals with traumatic amputations in the context of treatment. The first theme “Individuals’ internal resources…” had two subthemes: (a) the influence of …

The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On The Recovery Of Individuals With Unilateral Spatial Neglect, Lisa Hegarty

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of limb-activating strategy using either a rote activity or a meaningful activity (animal-assisted therapy) in the treatment of an individual with unilateral spatial neglect. An ABCA single-subject design was used. The participant was a 61 year old male who was eight years post-stroke. A test battery (Baking Tray Task, Star Cancellation Test and Line Bisection Test) was used to assess the participant’s level of neglect during baseline and intervention phases. Results indicated that the participant’s Baking Tray Task score showed improvements from baseline during both the meaningful and rote activity …

Healing Haiti: The Experience Of An Occupational Therapist In Disaster Response, Lauren Riggers

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Within the occupational therapy literature, only one documented experience of occupational therapists practicing in a natural disaster setting was found, however several articles hypothetically discuss the role that occupational therapy can play following a natural disaster (Scaffa et al., 1998; Schoessow, 2009; Strzelecki, 2011). Thus, the primary goal of this project was to document the experiences of an occupational therapist who aided in the early post-earthquake response in 2010 in Haiti. A series of in-person interviews afforded a unique and in-depth insight into the occupational therapist’s experiences. Key concepts included the occupational therapist’s role as a holistic health practitioner, a …

Assessing The Need For Occupational Therapy Services In Programs That Serve Youth Experiencing Homelessness In Washington State, Leanne Schaafsma

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the potential role for occupational therapy with youth experiencing homelessness in WA state. Directors, of programs serving youth who have experienced homelessness in the past 12 months and were ages 13-19 years were surveyed. Twenty-two surveys were mailed out and 11 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 50%. Survey respondents were well educated and highly experienced, reporting 6-31 years of experience with youth who have experienced homelessness. Results revealed many life skills and performance areas that pose challenges for the youth as well as areas in which they likely …

Aquatic Therapy For Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder: Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives, Maggie Dubois

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

This study provided preliminary information about occupational therapy practitioners who used aquatic therapy with children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirteen occupational therapists responded to a survey about clinical experience, use of aquatics in treatment, and the outcomes they observed. Results indicated that respondents used aquatic therapy for 44% of the children with an ASD for whom they typically provided services. The majority of respondents used this method with children ages 8 and under in a 1:1 ratio. One hundred percent of respondents indicated that water was a useful therapy tool due to the proprioceptive input received. The goal …

Adherence To Exercise In Phase Two Of Complete Decongestive Therapy, Melissa Giles

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Recent research has shown that most individuals with secondary lymphedema can safely engage in aerobic, resistive, and flexibility type exercises during Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) phase 2; however, adherence to exercise remains low for this population. Since lymphedema is a chronic disorder, strict adherence to CDT phase 2, or self-management of symptoms, is necessary. In general, it appears difficult for individuals to adhere to all components of CDT phase 2, namely wearing of the compression garment, nail and skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercise. The current study sought to explore factors influencing follow through with the exercise routine prescribed …

Experiences With A Service Dog Of An Adolescent With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Sarah Onsager

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Adolescents with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) may receive occupational therapy services and may at times use service dogs. Literature suggests that service dogs can provide social and physical benefits to children and adults with physical disabilities, however little research has been published, especially with adolescents. A qualitative methodology was used to best gain insight on the daily life experiences with a service dog of a thirteen year old female adolescent with a diagnosis of SMA and her mother. Major themes that emerged from interviews included: A Process, A Special Bond, A Sense of Security, Increased Independence and Participation in Life, …

Correlating The Developmental Test Of Visual Perception -2 (Dtvp And The Test Of Visual Perceptual Skills - Revised (Tvps-R) As Assesssment Tools For Learners With Learning Difficulties, Janet Richmond, K Holland

Research outputs 2011

Learners are often referred to occupational therapists to assess their visual perceptual functioning. It is, therefore, imperative that the occupational therapists use the best assessment tools to obtain accurate and reliable results that lead to effective intervention which will be noticeable in the classroom functioning of these learners. A study was therefore conducted which correlated the results of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception (second edition) (DTVP-2) and the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills Revised (TVPS-R) in a cohort of 173 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 4 (children aged 6 years to 11 years). The learners attend a remedial …

A Study On The Effects Of Therapeutic Listening On The Social And Functional Behavior Of Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Robin Abbott

Theses and Dissertations

Auditory sensory differences and sensitivities are often mentioned by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and in research involving children with ASD. Addressing these auditory processing differences is the goal of various auditory treatment techniques, but current research does not yield a body of evidence in support of auditory therapy as a treatment for children with ASD. This study is a single-subject study, repeated across two subjects, to investigate the effect of the Therapeutic Listening program on the social engagement and self-care skills of preschool-aged children with ASD. Both social engagement and self-care skills increased with for both …

Vocational Training Programs, Transition Programs And Work Experience Placements For Employment Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review & A Description Of Employment Patterns And Day Occupations Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability Residing In Queensland, Sophia Davidson

Theses : Honours

OBJECTIVE: To review the research examining the effectiveness of vocational training programs, transition programs and work experience placements and describe their impact on work and employment attainment and maintenance for young adults with intellectual disability. METHOD: Electronic searches of six data bases and manual searches of references lists locating all available evidence of programs and interventions to assist young adults with intellectual disability to find paid employment. Interventions described as vocational training, work placements and experience and transition programs aimed at securing employment were included. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality assessment and a systematic review was possible. RESULTS: …

The Role Of Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Sarah Mathieu, Gwendalyn Mollerud

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this research is to explore the role of occupational therapy (OT) within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). There has been limited research pertaining to the current overall role of OTs in the NICU. In order to explain/demonstrate the multifaceted role of OTs within the NICU, a survey was created and, using a stratified random sample, distributed to 90 NICUs in hospitals throughout the United States (U.S.).

A non-experimental exploratory survey research design was used to gather and analyze information from respondents. A survey was created by the researchers based on a thorough literature review of the topic …

Occupational Therapy Intervention For Patients With Spinal Cord Injury, Cheryl A. Nickerson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Spinal cord injuries are complex and debilitating, affecting every aspect of a patient's life. This causes a general reduction in personal independence and social participation (Pillastrini et al., 2008). In order to provide effective and appropriate care, the interdisciplinary team must have extensive knowledge of the diagnosis and potential problems that the spinal cord patient may encounter. The purpose of this study was to identify successful interventions for an effective occupational therapy approach and to develop an education manual for use in the rehabilitation setting in order for entry-level therapists to develop competency.

Based on information found in the literature …

School To Post-School Transition Programs For Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review, And; The Meaning Of Well-Being From The Perspective Of Young Adults With Down Syndrome, Melissa Scott

Theses : Honours

OBJECTIVE: To review the effectiveness of school to post-school transition programs for young adults with intellectual disability and their impact on community participation, friendships and quality of life. METHODS: Electronic searches of six databases and manual searches of reference lists were conducted to obtain evidence of programs supporting the transition of young adults with intellectual disability from school to post-school. Transition programs or services and postsecondary education programs targeted at increasing participation and peer interaction were included. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality assessment. A systematic review was possible. RESULTS: All eight articles reviewed, with a total of 573 …

The Impact Of Online Social Participation On Social Capital And Mental Health Outcomes Of Young Adults: A Systematic Review & Participation And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults Living In Western Australia: Research Report, Robyn Earl

Theses : Honours

Introduction: The widespread acceptance and availability of the Internet and subsequent advent of social networking sites, is believed, in part, to be responsible for the reduction of face-to-face interaction, particularly among young adults. This has lead to suggestions that while virtual participation may enhance our ability to communicate with others; it may in fact come at the detriment of wellbeing. Depression is one of the leading causes of mental illness for young people, with social isolation and exclusion being identified as key risk factors for depression among this group. The aim of this review was to systematically review available research …

An Occupation-Based Program For The Dual Diagnosis Of An Eating Disorder And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Tessa Larson, Dana Rome

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop an occupation-based occupational therapy program for the dual diagnosis of an eating disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder for use in an outpatient setting. A literature review was conducted to identify the challenges associated with the assessment and treatment of eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. The literature supports the need for occupation-based interventions, especially in the areas of self-care, meal planning and preparation, sleep and rest, leisure, and various life skills. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, an occupation-based program guide was developed. The …

Living With A Spinal Cord Injury: A Workshop For Parenting And Play, Ana Sobolik, Laura Gunderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries (SCI) may experience fears of inadequacy with their ability to be parents. This is a problem due to the fact that the average age of individuals who acquire SCIs is between 16 and 30, the prime child bearing years (Martin, Hamilton, Sutton, Ventura, Mathews, & Osterman, 2010; Mathews & Hamilton, 2009). There is a lack of literature to address these fears by supporting and developing parenting skills for individuals with SCIs. The purpose of this scholarly project is to address the fears of individuals with SCIs and their abilities with parenting occupations, as …

Implementing The Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment Model In Occupational Therapy, Amber Jessen, Nicole Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual for occupational therapists to guide treatment planning for persons with a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, according to the stages and components of the Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) Model.

A comprehensive literature review of the issues facing persons with co-occurring disorders, the IDDT model, and the role of occupational therapy for persons with co-occurring disorders was conducted. The literature supported the effectiveness of the IDDT model, and indicated justification for occupational therapy’s implementation of the IDDT model.

A resource manual was developed to support occupational therapists’ …

The Occupational Therapy Handbook For Parents (Othp), Kristen Rosenbeck

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children spend 60% of their day completing fine motor activities (Feder, 2007; Mackay, 2010). Therefore, it is essential that young children be exposed to a variety of fine motor activities in school and home settings to promote fine motor development. Often times parents are willing to help their children develop these skills, however, they do not feel they have the resources to do this.

The Occupational Therapy Handbook for Parents (OTHP) was designed by an occupational therapist to provide consistent parent education regarding children's fine motor skills. A literature review was completed to define typical fine motor development, best practices …

Misuse Of Prescription Medication In The Elderly Population And The Impact It Has On Their Functional Occupations, Amber Larson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of Occupational Therapists' primary responsibilities is to assist clientele at becoming as independent as possible. In order to be successfully independent an individual needs to be able to perform ADLs and IADLs (functional occupations) and have a basic understanding of problematic issues that may affect their abilities to perform these functional occupations. Misusing prescription medication is one way is which functional occupations can be negatively impacted. Specifically, prescription medication misuse is one of the primary issues that may impact elderly individuals' abilities to function independently. Even though this is an issue that needs to be addressed, research into the …

Smart Grant Writing Project, Shannon L. Flegel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

“The estimated cost burden to the Minnesota K-12 system due to children entering kindergarten unprepared for school success is about $113 million annually” (Chase, Coffee-Borden, Anton, Morre, and Valorose, 2008, pg. 1). These delays in school readiness can lead to continued achievement gaps throughout a child’s academic career (Gonzali-Lee and Mueller, 2010). One way to decrease that achievement gap is through offering innovative early intervention programming to increase readiness skills before kindergarten. Hand in Hand Preschool, located in Northfield, MN is a preschool that is continuously looking for ways to increase all students’ readiness skills. One such program that increases …

Seven Dimensions Of Wellness In Athletes With Upper Extremity Orthopedic Injuries: A Manual For Occupational Therapists, Ashley S. Chan, Micah J. Davids

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Increased attention has been placed on sports and athletes within the United States cultural. The latest reports of the noted sports economist Andrew Zimbalist estimated that the annual revenue of only 4 North American sports amounts to approximately $15 billion (Markovits, 2010). Athletes with upper extremity orthopedic injuries have traditionally been treated by occupational hand therapists (Hanson, Nabavi, & Yuen, 2000) however; research does not adequately address their needs outside of physical injury and musculoskeletal gain. Evidence is lacking within the profession of occupational therapy that encompasses the athlete as an occupational being. An occupational being is a person who …

Strategies To Promote Oral Motor Skills And Progression Of Foods For Infants And Young Children With Feeding Concerns, Heather Davis, Anne Winter

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Eating is a primary occupation for individuals from birth through adulthood. However, some infants and young children experience difficulty and frustration as they begin to eat and transition to foods with texture. Field, Garland, and Williams (2003) determined that up to 80% of children with developmental disabilities experienced problems with feeding. There is a need for providing education and support for the families of these children (White-Traut & Norr, 2009). Pilkington (2006) conveyed that supporting and building the parent's capacity for caring for their child resulted in enhanced outcomes for the infant or child. Current resources may not be parent-friendly …

Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Guide To Therapeutic And Pharmacological Treatments, Rebecca Mcomie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is becoming a more common diagnosis with young children and babies (PAGER, 2010). GERD is often misdiagnosed and there is no single test available to determine its presence (Eisen, 2001). The term reflux can be confusing and used to mean different things to different people. Often reflux is linked to colic in babies or may be considered a "normal" part of being a baby. But when a sequalae of symptoms arise in an infant, gastroesophageal reflux becomes a serious issue that needs to be addressed through a variety of interventions and sources (Sondheimer, 2006 ).

In …