Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Parkinson's Disease: Gaining Hope And Help, Chloe Lantz

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently affecting roughly one million individuals in the United States alone, with about 60,000 more being diagnosed with the disease every year (Parkinson’s Foundation, n.d.). Alarming statistics, as well as a personal connection and interest, led to the development of this project. A couple who I respect greatly is currently living with the husband’s diagnosis of PD. The way that Parkinson’s has quickly deteriorated his body has not visibly stopped the love and support they have for one another. They fight every day against a disease and the functional decline that accompanies it, but report being …

Exploring The Impact Of Performance-Related Injuries In Collegiate Instrumental Musicians And Occupational Engagement, Jillian Alexandra Nichols

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

The art of instrumental music is an expression not solely composed of the creative study of acoustics and frequencies, but also includes the science of particular body mechanics which allow musicians to participate in this most sensational experience (Guptill, 2011). To be a musician requires a creative heart, a curious brain, and also very often calloused fingers and mightily strong fine motor muscles. Instrumental musicians have been coined as “fine motor athletes,” due to the intense impact this occupation has on the body (Roos et al., 2021). Musicians practice countless hours to perfect their craft, often taxing the delicate tendons, …

Benefits Of Equine Therapy Within Occupational Therapy, Olyvia Serillo

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

The main goal of occupational therapy is to help the patient gain confidence in their ability to function and perform life skills outside of their therapist (Abu Tariah et al, 2020, p.1). By incorporating horses during therapy sessions, it can assist in strengthening the therapist/patient relationship and provide more productive therapy sessions, which would ultimately improve the patient’s ability to learn, grow, and to continue functioning once therapy is completed. The use of equine therapy in occupational therapy is beneficial to patients diagnosed with different types of neurological and psychological disorders.

Increasing Accessibility Of A Children's Summer Camp, Jenna Curtiss

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

The Americans with Disabilities Act was initially passed in 1990 with an aim of creating accessible public spaces for all individuals with disabilities and impairments. Since that time, research on accessibility for children with physical impairments has largely been focused on access to homes and schools. It is clear that a lack of accessibility impacts children with physical impairments in other environments by reducing social participation and interaction with peers. There is minimal research on accessibility of children’s extracurricular spaces, such as summer camps, despite studies showing the importance of children with physical impairments participating in social extracurricular activities. This …

Positive Effects Of Dance On The Older Adult Population: A Scoping Review, Christina Mercincavage

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Background: Dancing is an activity that can be performed at any stage throughout a person’s lifespan. As a person grows older, physical activity and exercise become more important as muscle mass decreases and bones become more brittle. These bodily changes may impact an older individual’s ability to participate in physical activities and exercises they once were able to do. Dance is an occupation that offers a fun opportunity to increase a person’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health. Methods: A scoping review examined the current research on the benefits of dance programs and classes for older adults and compared the …

Barriers To Parenting With Multiple Sclerosis: Development Of A Resource Guide, Sydney Leete

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

In the United States, 6.2% of the parent population is comprised of individuals with disability, which equates to 4.1 million parents (Lampe et al., 2019; Pituch et al., 2020). Parenting, a meaningful role for millions of individuals, can increase life satisfaction and happiness, however, people with physical disabilities face harsh barriers preventing them from successfully participating in this role (Farber, 2000; Lampe, et al., 2019; National Council on Disability [NCD], 2012; Pituch et al., 2020)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system and affects almost one million individuals in the United States today …

Dissecting Personhood In Models Of Occupational Therapy, Emma Romeo

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Dispersed among the Earth, individuals find identity in thousands of cultures and societal organizations (Mthembu & Duncan, 2021). Many of these cultures, although each unique in their own way, fall into two distinct categories of values (Hofstede, 1991). Individualistic cultures and collectivist cultures pervade the countries in a variety of forms; however, they all share similar values within these two categories (Triandis, 1993). Individualist cultures operate under the notion of self-interest with the goal of independence (Hofstede, 1991). Collectivist cultures believe that one functions as a member of the group with the goal of harmony and relationship (Mthembu & Duncan, …

Swot Analysis Of Entrepreneurial Occupational Therapy In Community-Based Practice, Hannah Smith

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

The literature suggests that community practice in occupational therapy (OT) is a beneficial and cost-effective way to expand occupational therapy services past traditional practice into emerging practice areas that meet the direct needs of the clients. Through entrepreneurship in the field, occupational therapists can expand the scope of occupational therapy practice. The purpose of this scholarship project is to increase widespread understanding of the benefits, feasibility, and challenges of entrepreneurially establishing community-based occupational therapy practice. Four occupational therapists who practice occupational therapy in a community-based setting whose practice is also entrepreneurial in nature were interviewed, and their responses were assimilated …

Playgrounds Should Be A Place For All Children, Emily Pellicano

Occupational Therapy: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Play is one of the most important occupations of children, both because it supports development of children’s skills and because it provides meaningful experiences for play participants. Playgrounds provide a valuable community setting where children can play together, but the opportunity for children with disabilities to equally experience the benefits of playground play depends largely on a playground’s degree of accessibility, usability, and inclusivity. While there is research on the differences in play among children with different abilities and evidence-based guidance on how to make playground play more accessible, usable, and inclusive for children of all abilities, the extent to …