Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role And Impact In Cancer Prehabilitation: A Scoping Review, Abbey Rancour, Averi Haas, Emily Peckham, Kate Reimer, Kylie Mccaskill

Masters Projects

Background:

Oncology prehabilitation aims to optimize patients’ physical and psychosocial function before cancer treatment, yet the specific contributions of occupational therapy (OT) remain underexplored.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to map and synthesize the existing literature describing the role and reported benefits of OT within oncology prehabilitation programs.

Methodology:

Following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist, three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science) were searched. Search terms included preoperative exercise, prehabilitation, neoplasms, and cancer. Articles were screened by two independent reviewers, and data were charted and analyzed descriptively and thematically.

Results:

A …

Physical Therapy Direct Access To Unrestricted Access In The State Of Michigan- Is Michigan Ready To Embrace Change? A Policy Analysis, Erica M. Fernandes, Mary D. Lagerwey, Kieran Fogarty

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Michigan’s Direct Access Provision of 2015 (Enrolled Senate Bill No. 690, 201), which aimed to increase patient access to physical therapy and reduce waiting times, has created hurdles for patient access and for physical therapy as an autonomous profession. The purposes of this policy analysis were: 1) to analyze the Direct Access (DA) policy including examining existing challenges resulting from implementation, 2) provide recommendations for implementing an alternative policy, and 3) outline the benefits of the alternative policy. The DA policy with provisions was examined using the Patton and Sawicki (1993) framework, which provides a basic approach that …

Investigating The Effectiveness Of Technology On The Enhancement Of Independent Living Skills For Individuals With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (Idd) In The Moka Smart Home., Kelsey Alexander, Jadyn Boogaard, Grace Mccartney, Madison Maziasz, Nicolette Werner

Masters Projects

This study explored the effectiveness of technology on the enhancement of independent living skills for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) in two MOKA smart homes. Using a quantitative research approach, the study examined how assistive technology can aid individuals with IDD to increase independence in their living skills. This research was conducted in two pilot residential homes, a men's home and a women's home. Three women and two men participated in the study. Data was collected through observation and client report utilizing the Routine Task Inventory Expanded version (RTI-E). RTI-E sections assessed for this study were the Physical (ADL), …

The State Of School-Based Ot Practice Regarding Concussion-Related Vision Disorders, Kimberly Meany, Emily Behnke, Ariks Lanctot, Audrey Maynard, Samuel Szarowicz

Masters Projects

Purpose: More than 830,000 pediatric patients yearly are affected by a concussion (Rosenbaum, 2020). Occupational therapists can support a child's performance in the classroom. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the current practice of occupational therapists treating those with a concussion in the school setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand school-based occupational therapy practice regarding concussion-related vision disorders.

Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants were licensed OTs practicing in the US, working in a school-based or related pediatric setting, with more than two years of pediatric experience, holding at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited …

The Impact Of High-Fidelity Urinary Catheterization Simulation On Occupational Therapy Students In A Graduate Curriculum: A Pilot Study, Haley Blaney, Reagan Schonhard, Maddie Spring, Rachael Eads, Claire Donahue

Masters Projects

The most recent estimate of the annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States is approximately 54 cases per one million people. Occupational therapy (OT) students may not feel adequately prepared to treat and educate clients with SCIs about bladder management if they are not exposed to real-life scenarios during their graduate curriculum. Using high-fidelity simulations (HFS) offers a high level of interactivity and realism for the learner, often using human patient simulators and taking place in realistic, mock clinical settings. This study aims to examine the effects of a HFS on OT student's confidence with urinary …

Classroom Occupational Performance Issues For A High School Student Following A Concussion: A Case Study, Cortney Day, Hannah Hall, Holly Treber, Clare Belkowski, Janel Ritt

Masters Projects

Abstract

Background: This study aims to understand any occupational performance issues experienced by a high school student in the classroom following a concussion. Concussion symptoms can include difficulty with vision and cognition, impacting a student’s ability to pursue their education. This information may lead to improved management of students following a concussion in support of their academic participation.

Methods: Using purposive sampling, researchers recruited potential participants by contacting athletic trainers affiliated with Grand Valley State University (GVSU) throughout the local Grand Rapids, MI area. Researchers first obtained written permission to recruit on campus from the principals of the …

Blood Flow Restriction And The Achilles Tendon, Lacey Jajko, Anja Whitehouse

Masters Projects

Background: Blood flow restriction (BFR) is gaining popularity in strength gains and muscle hypertrophy.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess if BFR can change Achilles tendon size and to compare the size of the tendon based on the thigh or calf placement of the cuff.

Methods: Participants received an ultrasound guided measurement at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention to assess the cross-sectional area of the tendon. Participants completed a six week BFR intervention where the cuff was randomly assigned to either thigh or calf placement on the non-dominant leg. Participants completed multiple repetitions of straight and bent knee calf raises with …

Blood Flow Restriction, Tendon Hypertrophy, And Strength Gain In The Biceps Brachii, Tonya M. Parker, Samuel Corbin, Matthew R. Feeback, Bailey Wilks, Andrew Lowe, Noelle Kaminski

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

Introduction: Blood flow restriction (BFR) can improve muscular strength under lower loads versus traditional resistance training. Little research has been completed on the upper extremity and almost no targeted research on BFR and the tendon. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effects of BFR on the biceps brachii muscle and tendon compared to traditional resistance training.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial of healthy participants over seven weeks of completing bicep curls. Participants were randomly allocated to the BFR or control group (C). Ultrasound measurement of the tendon occurred at baseline, midpoint, and completion of study, while adjusted one repetition maximum (Adj1RM) …

The Reverse Lunge: A Descriptive Electromyographic Study, Barbara J. Hoogenboom, Madison Ferguson, Zac Krauss, Stephanie Tran

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

Limited studies exist examining the reverse lunge. The purpose of this study was to describe the activation of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), gluteus medius (GMed), and gluteus maximus (GMax) of both limbs during a bodyweight reverse lunge movement. A secondary purpose was to describe the phases of the stationary (non-moving) and lead (moving) limbs during the reverse lunge. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record the activity of the target muscles in 20 healthy adults (10 male, 10 female; aged 22–25). Root mean squared values for mean maximum and average percent activation normalized to maximum voluntary isometric …

Early Mobility And Delirium Prevention For Intensive Care Unit Patients At Kingman Regional Medical Center, Lyndsey R. Lehman Ms, Otr/L

Masters Projects

Over five million patients are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) annually in the United States, with 50-70% of those developing debilitating physical, cognitive, and mental health issues. Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic profession that provides evidence-based interventions to improve ICU patients’ function and participation in daily occupations by addressing early mobility and delirium. A needs assessment performed for the Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC) ICU revealed a lack of knowledge about early mobility and delirium prevention among nursing staff, underutilization and limited understanding of OT services, and KRMC-specific barriers impacting patient care. This author designed and implemented …

The Effectiveness Of Technology And Smart-Home Based Teaching Modules For Direct Care Workers, Emily Demers, Andrea Mesbergen, Elise Kuiper, Jenna Prohaska, Lauren Czajka

Masters Projects

Little research has investigated the benefits of implementing technological devices in at-home environments for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Assistive technology has the capability to increase resident’s self-determination, communication, and overall independence in completing everyday tasks. This study explored the effects of training/education on the ongoing use of technology within the living space of those with IDD. The methodology for this study included a 2-part series of modules to teach direct care workers how to use and support their residents in using Amazon Alexa Show devices, Amazon Alexa Dot Devices, smart lights, and smart doorbells. The series included …

Knowledge Of School-Based Occupational Therapists: Role In Concussion-Related Visual Impairments, Elise Cassidy, Kailyn Ebeling, Brenda O'Connell, Mackenzie Rutz, Alyson Snyder, Carla Floyd-Slabaugh

Masters Projects

Background: This study examined knowledge of school-based occupational therapists (SBOTs) regarding current concussion-related vision impairment practice patterns. There is a lack of literature on how SBOTs treat students who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as a concussion.

Method: A mixed-methods survey was distributed online to SBOTs to understand what assessments and interventions are used for concussion-related visual impairments, the perceived role of SBOTs, and difficulties faced treating students with mTBIs.

Results: There were 124 potential participants that started the survey, and 35 (28.23%) completed the survey. Assessments and interventions used amongst therapists differed …

The Clinical Experience Of Occupational Therapy And A Young Adult With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report, Paige Flickinger, Allyssa Grant, Renee Olsen, Madielyn Knaggs, Jonathan Newby

Masters Theses

The purpose of this case report is to explore the clinical experience of an occupational therapist working with a young adult with Cerebral Palsy with non-cognitive disabilities in order to determine appropriate interventions for improved occupational performance and participation. Goals for this study, and for future research, include establishing resources for occupational therapists and occupational therapy interventions that improve the occupational performance, social participation and the occupational experience of young adults with Cerebral Palsy, without intellectual disabilities.

Approximate Entropy And Velocity Of Center Of Pressure To Determine Postural Stability: A Pilot Study, Natalie Tipton, Gordon Alderink, Samhita Rhodes

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

The body’s postural control system is responsible for responding to perturbations of balance and keeping the body upright. During quiet standing, the center of pressure oscillates about the center of mass, counteracting imbalances. These oscillations can be analyzed to determine the degree of stability, which could be helpful in quantifying the effects of brain injuries. In this research, the center of pressure was recorded for stances with feet together and feet tandem, with eyes opened and eyes closed, in neurotypical participants. These signals were analyzed using indices of approximate entropy and velocity to determine how sensitive the measures were in …

Sleep Issues Of Older Adults: Lived Experience And Occupational Performance, Emily Angell, Anna Johnston, Adriana C. Mallett, Cassidy Ward, Rachel Wiltse

Masters Projects

Introduction: Sleep issues are prevalent among older adults which can affect occupational performance; however, there is a gap in the research in examining lived experiences of this population. This research may provide insight into these areas concerning this population.

Method: This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted via semi-structured interviews which were recorded. No identifiable information was collected during data collection. The inclusion criteria of the study sample were as follows: (a) aged 65 years or older; (b) have sleep issues or self-perceived sleep issues; (c) community-dwelling; (d) English is primary language; (e) live in West and Central Michigan. Exclusion criteria …

Three-Dimensional Kinematics And Kinetics Of The Overhead Deep Squat In Healthy Adults: A Descriptive Study, Barbara J. Hoogenboom, Christopher J. May, Gordon J. Alderink, Brian S. Thompson, Lukas A. Gilmore

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

The squat, a fundamental functional movement, is prone to biomechanical inefficiencies. Several screening batteries utilize the Overhead Deep Squat (OHDS) to assess individuals for stability and mobility deficits. The purpose of this study was to create a comprehensive description of the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics and kinetics for normal, healthy participants during an overhead deep squat. This descriptive study containing 70 healthy young adults (31 male, 39 female; aged 18–35) utilized a video motion tracking system interfaced with force plates to obtain full-body 3D kinematics and kinetics. Seventy-three retro-reflective markers from the combined Plug-in Gait, Vicon upper limb, and Oxford Multi-segment …

Pediatric Mtbi: Perceptions Of Michigan General Education Teachers, Kayleigh Smith, Delaney Eckstein, Alyson Peters, Tanveer Mangat

Masters Theses

Background: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), also known as concussion, is the most common head injury in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to develop evidence about teachers’ knowledge of mTBI, their experiences with mTBI, and return-to-learn protocols.

Methods: A mixed-methods survey was emailed to 567 Michigan Public School superintendents. Employing snowball sampling, superintendents were requested to distribute the electronic survey within their school districts.

Results: Fifty-three participants responded to the survey and met the inclusion criteria (N=53). Respondents were not confident with recognizing signs and symptoms of mTBI, but knowledgeable, particularly with recognizing physical symptoms more …

The Use Of Occupational Therapy Services In Outpatient Mental Health, Kelsey A. Wasik, Matt T. Valois, Kaylee M. Essenberg, Kelcie P. Beck

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is aimed to explore the structure and utilization details of occupational therapy in outpatient behavioral health settings. Two occupational therapists participated in qualitative phenomenological interviews which were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic approach. A total of two themes emerged: billing and coverage, and education and advocacy. Participants identified there are necessary factors for reimbursement of services, in addition to the need for education and advocacy for occupational therapists to practice in outpatient behavioral health settings. Future research should be aimed at recruiting more participants, occupational therapists, and from other roles in these clinics such …

Blood Flow Restriction And Various Intensity Exercise In The Upper Extremity, Noelle Ashlyn Kaminski, Andrew Lowe

Masters Theses

Purpose: To determine if using Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) combined with low-load exercise can elicit an increase in strength and tendon size of the distal biceps tendon when compared to high-load exercise protocol. Methods: Twenty-one participants (11 M, 10 F; 2 Left-handed: 19 Right-handed; Age range 18-25yoa) were randomized to either the treatment group (BFR + low load exercise) or the control group (high load exercise). Participants were enrolled in a 7-week exercise protocol, with exercise sessions held twice weekly. The first week included measurements of each participant's 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and ultrasound measurements of the dominant distal bicep’s …

Mov 300: Kinesiology Oer Curation, Chealsye Bowley

Curated OER Collections

This OER curation is an annotated bibliography of prospective OER for the GVSU course MOV 300: Kinesiology, assembled by request from the instructor.

Pt 654: Applied Geriatric Practice Oer Curation, Chealsye Bowley

Curated OER Collections

This OER curation is an annotated bibliography of prospective OER for the GVSU course PT 654: Applied Geriatric Practice, assembled by request from the instructor.

Virtual Reality In Healthcare: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Wyatt Mead, Alexandra Harnica, Marion Marxer, Trent Paveglio

Masters Projects

Abstract

Object: There is limited research about how virtual reality is used in therapeutic settings and how specifically occupational therapy finds it valuable, when in the OT process to use VR, and across what setting and diagnosis it is utilized in. This descriptive study design is intended to determine when practitioners utilize VR during the OT process, what their aims are for using it, the types of VR systems being utilized, as well as anecdotal comparison of outcomes using VR versus other therapy modalities. To further explore this, qualitative one on one interviews will be conducted with practicing Occupational Therapists …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners In Evaluation And Intervention Of Sleep With Older Adult Clients, Susan Cleghorn, Nicole Bell, Sauda Muhammad, Jordan Schneider, Laura Zeleznak

Older Adult

Objective: This study sought to explore occupational therapy practitioners’ perceptions of their role in working with older adults with sleep issues.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used with data gathered from an online survey tool disseminated through social media platforms. Data from 17 participants was analyzed.

Results: Respondents reported not receiving entry-level knowledge of sleep evaluation in academic programs (70.6%). Additionally, 41.2% of respondents utilized continuing education opportunities. Respondents reported lack of occupational therapy specific evaluation tools as a significant barrier to addressing sleep in practice.

Discussion: Results indicate the need for additional research, coverage on sleep in the …

Exploring Colorectal Cancer Research And Its Connection To Occupational Therapy: A Critical Review, Brook L. Burns, Megan L. Foster, Tosha L. Tunney, Riane B. Wubbenhorst

Older Adult

This article aims to critically review the current literature related to occupational therapy (OT) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The GVSU electronic library system was used to identify articles using keywords and MeSH terms related to CRC and OT. Articles were analyzed for key variables related to the OT scope of practice and were evaluated for quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Findings show that CRC was referenced in 76.47% of the 34 articles, OT in 20.59%, ADLs in 50%. Pain and quality of life (QoL) were explicitly measured in 17.65% of the articles. Of the reviewed articles, 52.94% …

Occupational Therapy Practitioners Use Of Surface Functional Electrical Stimulation On Individuals With Tetraplegia, Raquel M. Besey, Elizabeth T. Dawkins, Hannah A. Gove, Madison N. Reid

Adult

A survey, distributed to occupational therapy (OT) practitioners, was conducted to investigate how functional electrical stimulation (FES) is currently used during OT intervention sessions on clients with tetraplegia. There were a total of 24 survey respondents, the results demonstrated that both occupations and activities were used in combination with FES interventions. OT practitioners most frequently combined FES with the following occupation-based tasks during intervention sessions: feeding, grooming, playing a board/card game, and handwriting. During activity-based tasks, FES was reported to be most frequently combined with upperbody cycling, picking up foam cubes, and cones. Future research should focus on identifying the …

Scoping Review Of Eating Disorders And Occupational Therapy Interventions, Jessica Goethals, Olivia Keeley, Justyna Leja, Anna Riccius

Systematic Reviews

A scoping review was conducted to determine which occupational therapy interventions are used with individuals with eating disorders and what effect they have, if any. Four databases were searched to identify sources of evidence, initially resulting in 527 sources. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to further review and determine the eligibility of each source. A total of 48 studies were included in the final scoping review. Data extraction of eligible articles resulted in 11 categories of eating disorder based interventions. The research showed the significant role occupational therapy has in the treatment of individuals with eating disorders, although there …

Evaluating Current Outcome Measures For Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome, Alayna Dakers, Rachel Dickerson, Clare Visscher

Systematic Reviews

This systematic review examines the current literature of reliable and/or valid outcome measures for adults who have persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) and their ability to engage in occupations.

Occupational Therapy In Outpatient Behavioral Health, Kailee Moran, Jaclyn Oldenburg, Mallory Vanregenmorter, Kate Williams

Mental Health

Mental illness and substance use disorders are common in the United States and can significantly inhibit occupational participation. The aim of this study was to evaluate existing outpatient behavioral health services and determine if occupational therapists can make a distinct contribution to this population’s needs. An electronic survey created via Qualtrics was provided to licensed outpatient behavioral health providers in the United States utilizing a convenience sampling method. Results revealed provider concerns related to their clients' areas of daily life and barriers to function, which are within the scope of occupational therapy practice. Results highlight gaps in current outpatient behavioral …

The Effectiveness Of The Schroth Method In Treating Idiopathic Scoliosis In Pre-Adolescent, Adolescent And Adult Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review, Dave Bancuk, Jacob Nutter, Jessica Ramos

Masters Projects

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a spine condition affecting 1-3% of the adolescent population in the United States. Of this group, approximately 0.5% require surgical intervention to correct the curvature.This results in approximately 29,000 surgeries performed in the United States each year on adolescents to treat AIS. This represents a considerable financial burden along with the risk of surgical complications, so exploring conservative alternatives to surgical treatment is a worthwhile area of research. The literature is lacking on the conservative treatment of scoliosis regarding the Schroth Method as a primary intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine …

Adult Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome: Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Current State Of Practice, Megan Eisses, Megan Hicks, Megan Mitchell, Sabrina Vanderklipp

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND: Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a complex diagnosis involving symptoms that affect nearly all domains of occupational therapy (OT) for adults. Currently, there is a lack of clarity in PPCS symptoms and diagnosis criteria, as well as little research reflecting the best practice patterns of OT practitioners treating adults with PPCS. This study’s primary purpose was to conduct a survey to understand OT practitioners’ current state of practice for adult patients with PPCS, as well as their current knowledge of PPCS.

METHOD: This research project involves a cross-sectional design, mixed methods, 23-question survey that was distributed to OT practitioners …