Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Mobility And Flexibility For The Tactical Athlete, Nancy Henderson, Haley Worst, Michelle Geter, Mikal Mascarello, Josie Stirling

Tactical & Occupational Performance Conference

Mobility and Flexibility for the Tactical Athlete

Nurturing Beginnings, Madison K. Hanson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Early intervention for postpartum mothers and their infants plays a critical role in supporting long-term health outcomes for both members of the dyad. Maternal well-being is closely linked to a child’s development, and challenges such as stress, physical changes, and undiagnosed postpartum depression can disrupt bonding, parenting, and early skill development. Because the transition to motherhood is complex, consistent support and interventions are essential for both mom and baby. Strengthening public education and improving developmental screening practices can help ensure mothers and infants are receiving needed support early in life. Nurturing Beginnings worked to bridge the service gaps between healthcare …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promoting Adaptive Gymnastics Among Autistic Girls, Ashley R. Aesoph

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This project focused on the underdiagnosis of girls on the autism spectrum and the benefit of adaptive sports participation in improving motor, sensory, and social skills for this population. Occupational therapy’s role in diagnosing and treating girls displaying symptoms of autism was explored through the completion of 25 autism diagnostic evaluations and screenings. The differences in the presentation of autism in girls and women was investigated through interviews with two clinical psychologists, a survey of 17 clinicians, interviews with the parents of two girls diagnosed with autism, and an interview with 1 woman on the autism spectrum. Through this, barriers …

Reframing Intimacy: An Occupation-Based Approach To Pelvic Floor & Sexual Health, Emma Stone

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Pelvic floor dysfunction is highly prevalent among women in the United States, and sexual health is often underaddressed in healthcare. This capstone project aimed to define the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in pelvic floor therapy and promote integration of sexual health into practice. Completed in an outpatient pelvic floor setting, the project included clinical skill development, program development, and advocacy. Interventions involved continuing education, creation of educational handouts, implementation of home exercise programs, and tracking outcomes using the PFDI-20. Additional initiatives included staff education and student training on OT’s role in pelvic health. All 12 tracked clients progressed toward …

More Than Mealtimes: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Pediatric Feeding For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Anika J. Peters

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Feeding is a foundational occupation essential for growth, development, and family participation. However, children with developmental disabilities often experience significant feeding challenges that impact nutrition and participation in mealtime routines. This capstone project examines the role of occupational therapy in pediatric feeding assessment and intervention within an outpatient setting. Using a descriptive mixed-methods approach, outcomes were evaluated for pediatric clients (N=18) and occupational therapists (N=15) through goal attainment tracking, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), clinician needs assessment data, and resource feedback. Results demonstrated improvements in food acceptance, texture tolerance, oral-motor skills, and engagement in mealtime participation. COPM scores reflected …

Transitioning Home: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Aging In Place, Syrena Meyer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy in supporting older adults transitioning home from hospitalization to successfully age in place. With the growing population of adults over age 65 and a strong preference to remain in their homes, there is an increasing need for interventions that promote safety, independence, and quality of life. This project focused on developing advanced clinical skills in inpatient and transitional care settings while implementing evidence-based interventions and educational resources. The Person-Environment-Occupation Model was used throughout the 14-week experience to identify strategies to enhance occupational performance in patients. Key activities included patient care, use …

Occupational Therapy For Caregiver Support And General Clinical Practice In Rural Settings, Madysen M. Handel

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop advanced clinical practice skills and implement a structured caregiver intervention program within a rural outpatient pediatric occupational therapy setting at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley, Iowa. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation, the Occupational Adaptation model, and the cognitive behavioral frame of reference, the project emphasized caregiver participation, routine-based strategy use, and support for sensory-emotional regulation across daily environments. Caregiver stress and perceptions of strategy use were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and a caregiver follow-up survey developed to evaluate confidence supporting regulation strategies and participation within home routines. Results …

Optimizing Occupational Therapy In Inpatient Behavioral Health Settings, Haley J. Conrad

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to strengthen occupational therapy practice in inpatient behavioral health by creating theory‑aligned, trauma‑informed, and evidence‑supported resources. A needs assessment revealed gaps in resource organization, translation of theory to practice, engagement strategies, and access to behavioral‑health‑specific tools. Guided by MOHO, the CORE approach, the Recovery Model, and trauma‑informed care, a comprehensive OneNote system was developed to offer organized, accessible practice supports. Practitioners completed pre‑ and post‑implementation surveys, and summed domain scores were calculated for each participant. Results showed meaningful improvements in Adequacy & Organization, Knowledge & Theory, Effectiveness, and especially Quality & Usability, where all practitioners demonstrated …

Improving Occupational Performance In Vision Neurorehabilitation, Catherine Lentsch

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Visual dysfunction affects up to 90% of individuals with traumatic brain injuries and up to half of stroke survivors, significantly impacting independence in daily occupations. This capstone project, conducted at Nebraska Methodist Hospital, aimed to improve clients’ occupational performance and enhance occupational therapy vision neurorehabilitation through advanced clinical skill development and the development of resources. The project involved the evaluation and treatment of eleven neurological patients across inpatient and outpatient settings. Guided by Warren’s Hierarchy of Visual Perceptual Skills and Toglia’s Dynamic Interactional Approach, the project emphasized stabilizing foundational visual skills before progressing to higher‑level visual-perceptual tasks and used near …

Fragile Patients, Intentional Care: Nonpharmacological Pain Management Treatment Approaches In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Kristie A. Moeller

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The aim of this project was to increase clinical skills in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and explore how nonpharmacological occupational therapy (OT) interventions impact pain management in the NICU for a variety of patients. Due to the increasing rates of admissions to the NICU and the impact that pain has on child development there was a clear need to gain skills to create interventions that would minimize the effect on infant development (Martin & Osterman, 2025; Pineda et al., 2025). The needs assessment revealed the need for occupational therapists (OTs) role in nonpharmacological pain management to …

Enhancing Well-Being In Long Term Care: A Lifestyle-Redesign-Based Program For Older Adults, Rachel L. Hajek

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This project focused on the development and implementation of a Lifestyle Redesign^®-based program to improve well-being and quality of life among older adults living in a skilled nursing facility. The program emphasized engagement in meaningful, client-centered activities tailored to the residents’ interests and values. Ten participants from two long-term care neighborhoods completed a five-week program consisting of ten wellness sessions. Sessions were designed to promote emotional, physical, and social engagement while incorporating participants’ personal values, including spiritual elements. Outcomes were measured using pre- and post-assessments of perceived well-being and engagement. Results indicated improvements in overall well-being, increased social …

From Classroom To Career: Developing A Vocational Training And Job Coaching Program For Individuals With Down Syndrome At Gigi's Playhouse, Mason Freiburger

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse is a non-profit with 61+ locations across the United States and Mexico, that offers free educational and therapeutic programming for individuals of all ages with Down Syndrome. The primary goal of this project was to develop and implement an evidence-based vocational training program for adults with Down Syndrome to promote work readiness, independence, and community participation. A secondary focus of this project was to support skill generalization through real-world application and individualized job coaching within a community-based internship. Program development included classroom-based instruction targeting communication, executive …

Incorporating Occupational Therapy Programming In An Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (Ipse) Program At The University Of Georgia, Kathleen S. Chitty

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project focuses on incorporating occupational therapy in an inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program at the University of Georgia. The Destination Dawgs program is an IPSE program at The University of Georgia for young adults with intellectual disabilities. This capstone project identifies how an occupational therapist can assist with wellness, independent living, social skills, and emotional regulation skills in IPSE programs.

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 …

Through The Gills: Translating Neurorehabilitation Principles Into An Adaptive Aquatic Game And Caregiver Toolkit For Children And Adolescents With Acquired Brain Injuries, Elizabeth J. Blincoe

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background: An acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments that limit participation and quality of life in children and adolescents (Pappadis et al., 2023). Caregivers often report difficulty supporting recovery and promoting functional carryover following discharge (Pappadis et al., 2023). Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve mobility, balance, and activities of daily living following brain injury (Curcio et al., 2020). Access to pediatric aquatic occupational therapy remains limited in communities.

Purpose: This doctoral capstone project was completed in a community-based wellness setting. The purpose was to develop and implement a caregiver-guided adaptive …

Promoting Self-Regulation And Classroom Participation Throughsocial-Emotional Learning Interventions At A Title 1 Elementary School, Emma L. Hidalgo

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to promote self-regulation and classroom participation through social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions in a Title 1 public elementary school serving children from low-income households. Students in this setting often experience an increased array of home life stressors, leading to an decreased ability to have an environment outside of the school setting that provides opportunities for SEL.  (Hodgkinson et al., 2017). SEL provides a framework through which students develop skills in emotional management, goal setting, and social awareness, which are critical for academic and life success (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning [CASEL], 2020; Jones et al., …

The Implementation Of The Neonatal Eating Outcomeassessment To Evaluate Oral Feeding Skills In The Nicu, Katelyn J. Roloff

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The Implementation of the Neonatal Eating Outcome Assessment to Evaluate Oral Feeding Skills in the NICU

Katelyn Roloff, OTDS; Stacie Forehand, OTR/L; Brooke Mulrenin PhD, MOT, OTR/L

Division of Occupational Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina

Approximately 80% of preterm infants develop oral feeding difficulties during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization (Pineda et al., 2020). Preterm infants often demonstrate inadequate feeding readiness, poor arousal/state regulation, physiological instability, and poor oral motor reflexes, all essential for independent feeding (Grabill et al., 2023; Pineda et al., 2020). Common feeding assessments rely on non-standardized clinical observation, have limited ability to track …

Assessing Chatgpt As A Health Information Tool: Clinical Accuracy And Readability Of Responses To Stroke-Related Questions Queried In Spanish And English, Joanna Logue

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Objective

Latino populations have some of the highest rates of stroke (Simonetto et al., 2023) yet are utilizing in-person healthcare less frequently due to heightened fears and existing barriers to access (Vargas et al., 2019) (Silberberg, M., et al., 2018). Therefore, Latino stroke survivors may be turning to AI for stroke-related healthcare advice. However, current AI chatbots are primarily trained on English-language data (Park, 2024), which may introduce language bias when queried in other languages. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether ChatGPT can serve as a reliable health information tool for Spanish-speaking individuals by comparing the accuracy …

Promoting Reintegration Across Home And School Environments For Pediatric Burn Survivors Through A Mental Health Toolkit For Children, Caregivers, And Educators, Ashtan Goodwin

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Objective:

Pediatric burn injuries affect physical recovery, emotional well-being, social participation, and school reintegration. Mental health needs are often under-addressed, particularly for caregivers and educators supporting children post-injury. Pediatric burn patients are three times more likely to develop psychiatric conditions than uninjured individuals, with disorders such as PTSD emerging years after the injury (Duke et al., 2018). The purpose of this project was to address gaps in mental health support and resources for pediatric burn survivors and their support systems.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach was used through a pre-survey and interviews with burn care team members. The pre-survey was distributed …

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, …

Understanding Preeclampsia In High-Altitude Bolivia: Clinical Profiles And Development Of Culturally Appropriate Resources, Katie J. Dace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women in Bolivia face unique health risks compared to women in other countries due to living at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level (12,000 feet). Current local interventions do not fully meet the needs of mothers as evidenced by high maternal mortality rates. Additionally, there is a lack of local research initiatives and educational materials. This capstone project aims to contribute to both these gaps with the development of culturally appropriate educational materials and by laying the foundation for further research on preeclampsia in La Paz, Bolivia.  METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was taken to gather the …

The Impact Of Sensory Modulation Through Multi-Sensory Stimulation Within Dementia Day Centers, Kristin Hood

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Dementia is a growing global health concern, with prevalence expected to double every 20 years as the population ages, and approximately 6.7 million individuals in the United States currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (Cheng, 2017; Akincigil, 2024). Individuals with dementia commonly experience behavioral and psychological symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, pacing, withdrawal, and decreased engagement in meaningful activities, creating challenges for care staff and caregivers.

The purpose of this capstone project was to design and implement a multi-sensory stimulation room (MSSR) within a day program serving community-dwelling adults with dementia. The project aimed to provide a client-centered, …

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 …

Variation In Rehabilitation Related Durable Medical Equipment Use And Cost Among Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Analysis Of Medicare Beneficiaries, Madison Gersper

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Title: Variation in Rehabilitation-Related Durable Medical Equipment Use and Cost Among Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Analysis of Medicare Beneficiaries.

Purpose: In the US, stroke is a leading cause of disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Stroke survivorship is expected to rise significantly in the coming years (Feigin et al., 2024; Martin et al., 2025), resulting in a large number of people with disabilities who rely on Rehabilitation-Related Durable Medical Equipment (RR-DME) for daily living. However, there is limited published research on equipment access and costs.

The overall objective of this study was to identify predictors of access to …

The Importance Of Optimizing Engagement In Early Childhood Classrooms: The Development Of An Evidence-Based Teacher Resource Kit, Elizabeth G. Campbell

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Doctoral Capstone Project: The Importance of Optimizing Engagement in Early Childhood Classrooms: The Development of an Evidence-Based Teacher Resource Kit

Background

Preschool classrooms play a critical role in preparing children for future academic and social success. Engagement in daily learning activities and appropriate classroom behaviors are essential for school readiness, yet many preschool-aged children struggle with sustained participation due to environmental, sensory, and developmental factors (Zubler et. Al.. 2022). Teachers are often the first to observe these challenges but may lack practical strategies and resources to support children effectively. Occupational therapy emphasizes participation in meaningful occupations, making it well-suited to …

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 …

Reducing Inter-Rater Discrepancies During Administration Of The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm) Within An Interdisciplinary Research Team, Julia E. Moore

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background: Consistent administration of outcome measures is essential for producing reliable research data, particularly in stroke rehabilitation where client-centered goals guide intervention (Kelly-Hayes, 2004). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is widely used to evaluate self-identified occupational performance goals; however, variability in administration among research team members may introduce inter-rater discrepancies and bias in data collection (COPM) (n.d.). Within the Medical University of South Carolina Stroke Recovery Research Center, inconsistent COPM administration was identified during analysis of data and informal interviewing from an ongoing study. Informal interviews were conducted with 7 occupational therapists experienced in neurorehabilitation to identify barriers to …

Enhancing Workplace Readiness Through Social Skills Training For Adults With Idd, Caroline Crowe

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience barriers to employment related to limited opportunities to develop and practice professional social skills within supportive environments. This capstone project aimed at enhancing workplace readiness among adults with IDD by implementing a structured social skills training program focused on professional communication. The program was conducted at a day center for adults with IDD and served 10–15 participants seeking employment opportunities, with staff involvement to support sustainability.

A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating informal staff interviews, participant observations, weekly skill demonstration scoring, and post-intervention surveys completed by both participants and staff. The …

Enhancing Family Centered Care, Participation, And Well-Being In The Nicu, Abigail Schweickhardt

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background

Caregiver mental health is often overlooked or not addressed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). When diving into the literature, themes of anxiety, stress, depression and PTSD are reported from NICU caregivers. A metanalysis study reported many caregivers received short discharge notices, and NICU staff deemed caregivers competent in using their child’s medical equipment after a 15-minute brief. The short notices and lack of knowledge in medical equipment causes caregivers to not feel confident in taking care of their infant (Padratzik, 2022). To help improve caregiver mental health, the family centered care model is the gold standard. Caregivers …

Holding Hope: Empowering Parents Through Perinatal And Nicu Palliative Care, Huntington N. Cotten

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Families receiving perinatal and neonatal Palliative Care (PC) services can experience significant emotional and practical challenges while caring for a child with medical complexities. The Care Companion, a family centered, educational resource, was created in response to survey findings indicating that rehabilitation therapists (OT, PT, and SLP) encountered challenges in providing PC services, followed by site‑specific insights that highlighted additional gaps in family support, education, and parent–infant bonding. This Occupational Therapy (OT) Capstone project was completed within a large academic pediatric medical center providing interdisciplinary PC services to families whose infants have been diagnosed with serious, life‑limiting conditions. The purpose …