Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Female Veterans: Satisfying Patterns Of Daily Activities As Defined By The Life Balance Model, Chloe Hillpot, Kerry A. Macdonald, Laura A. Rohr

Mental Health

This phenomenological case study explored the occupational needs and life satisfaction of one female veteran upon reintegration into civilian life. One female veteran, with 23 years of military service, participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Results demonstrated that military service negatively impacted the participant’s social interactions, physical and mental wellbeing, and ability to cope with stressors, indicating military service posed difficulties for the participant to engage in meaningful occupations upon reintegration. Recommendations included development of occupation-based interventions using the Person Environment and Occupation framework, and further research to identify appropriate services to facilitate successful reintegration into society for female veterans.

Identifying Themes When Using A Community-Based Participatory Research (Cbpr) Approach With Men Living In Abstinence-Based Recovery Housing, Rachel Morrison, Jade Sharrer, Jason Clements

Community Based

This abstract will be available for download after an embargo period

The Effect Of Occupational Therapy Play-Based Interventions On Cooperative Behavior In Elementary School Aged Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shaunna Kelder, Jennifer E. Langill, Carol A. Reiss, Nicole F. Socia

Pediatrics

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of occupational therapy practitioners regarding the effect play-based interventions have on cooperative behaviors in elementary school aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While occupational therapy practitioners use a variety of interventions involving play to enhance skills related to social, self-regulation and communication, the concept of how play affects cooperative behavior, specifically in children with ASD, has not been readily identified. This qualitative research project utilized an anonymous survey to collect the perceptions of occupational therapists (OT) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA). The intent of the survey was to …

The Use Of Sensory Spaces In Schools, Syeda S. Mahmood, Erin E. Mallekoote, Ashley Rister

Pediatrics

Objective: This mixed methods continuing line of inquiry was conducted in order to identify how occupational therapists (OTs) report that sensory spaces are being used in Michigan public school settings. This includes who uses the spaces, what purpose the space serves, and the training that individuals utilizing the spaces have received.

Methods: A link to a survey, which was adapted from Abbot, Wills, and Hanert (2015), was posted on the Michigan Alliance of School Physical and Occupational Therapists’ (MASPOT) listServ and Michigan Occupational Therapy Association’s (MiOTA) facebook page in June of 2016 in order to recruit participations. The …

Dance & Down Syndrome: Parental Perceptions On Dance And Movement-Based Interventions, Ami A. Parke, Cara J. Murray, Rebecca D. Need, Kathryn Edick

Pediatrics

This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to identify parent or guardian perceptions on the benefits of dance and movement-based interventions for their child who has Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome face limitations in social-emotional skills, physical skills, and life skills, and research on the benefits of dance and movement-based interventions demonstrated some evidence of improvements in these skills. Researchers utilized a parent focus group in order to gain insight into how dance impacts their children with Down syndrome. A number of themes emerged from the data analysis process including improved movement, psychological well-being, and routine and retention. The theme …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review Of Occupational Therapy Interventions, Meredith L. Aja, Katie L. Cole, Trenton S. Warning

Pediatrics

Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the current role of occupational therapy (OT) in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an umbrella term that encompasses six subtypes of the disease. JIA is one of the most common childhood chronic diseases and can be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and loss of function, as well as psychosocial impacts. JIA participants generally receive pharmacological treatment, but less commonly receive therapeutic interventions to help reduce symptoms. Individualized treatment plans are necessary for clients with JIA due to the diverse nature of the disease. …

Conquering The Kitchen: Cooking And Older Adult Male Caregivers, Miranda Jenkins, George Kukich

Older Adult

Older adult men who have taken on an unfamiliar role as a caregiver find themselves at a loss with how to conduct meal preparation and cooking (Russell, 2007). The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a specialized cooking class on the perceptions of older adult male caregivers. Method: This mixed method, retrospective study analyzed surveys from subjects who attended a cooking class designed specifically for male caregivers. Participants were 60 years of age or older and were required to be living in one of nine participating local counties. Results: The participants reported that the course expanded …

A Retrospective Study Of Handwriting Skills Of Kindergarten Students, Danielle Benter, Dawn Fields, Catherine Nichols

Pediatrics

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to guide teachers and occupational therapist in recognizing handwriting needs in order to provide appropriate early intervention support for handwriting.

METHOD: 218 kindergarten students in a public school district were screened for handwriting ability using the Handwriting Without Tears and the Public School’s copy screeners. Students were assessed three times during the 2014 to 2015 school year on letter memory, line placement, letter orientation, copy legibility, and copy placement skills.

RESULTS: The results indicated that winter scores were a better predictor of spring scores. Significant effects in four out of five variables were …

A Needs Assessment Of Occupation Based Services In A West Michigan Homeless Shelter From A Staff Perspective, Stephanie A. Ballard, Katie M. Deveneau, April D. Hemlock

Community Based

In this qualitative study, student researchers conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews of individuals employed by a homeless shelter in West Michigan, posing questions related to the perceived need of occupation-based services for shelter recipients, and the efficacy of current services. Narratives were interpreted using thematic analysis, yielding themes related to the barriers faced by the shelter population, life skills of the shelter population, and services in place to provide for the needs of the shelter recipients. Authors concluded that shelter staff perceived a need for occupation-based services to engage the shelter population in meaningful occupations, particularly relating to leisure, education and …

The Benefits Of Aquatic Therapy For Older Adults, Erin Erickson

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

A Community Needs Assessment For A Camp Activity Center For People With Disabilities, Jackie L. Main, Melissa A. Klenk, Samantha N. Vandriel

Community Based

This paper describes a needs assessment of a camp for individuals with disabilities. Utilizing a combination of focus groups and interviews, the needs assessment explores the benefits of additional space and services of an activity center and sensory room, the desire for additional equipment, the value of occupational therapy services, and the potential benefit these additions may have for the surrounding populations within the community. The participants include administrative staff, counselors, campers, and other key informants who maintain knowledge of the topics pertaining to the camp. The results revealed three major themes including marketing, staffing, and indoor space. It was …

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis Of Conservative Treatments, Sarah E. Johnson, Britta L. Carlson, Maureen G. Meyers

Hand and Upper Extremity

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify which conservative occupational therapy (OT) treatment(s) were most effective in reducing pain in patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Design: A retrospective study of 222 de-identified treatment cases of patients seen from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2013 were examined. Paired sample t-tests determined statistical significance between eight initial and final outcome measures. Binary logistic regressions determined statistical significance of clinically effective treatments that reduced pain at rest and pain with activity.

Setting: The 222 cases were from 31 outpatient rehabilitation clinics offering occupational therapy services.

Subjects: Participants were …

A Rehabilitation Program For Lung Cancer Patients During Postthoracotomy Chemotherapy, Amy J. Hoffman, Ruth Ann Britnall, Alexander Von Eye, Lee W. Jones, Gordon Alderink, Lawrence H. Patzelt, Jean K. Brown

Peer Reviewed Articles

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to describe the effects of a 16-week home-based rehabilitative exercise program on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), other symptoms, functional status, and quality of life (QOL) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after thoracotomy starting within days after hospital discharge and continuing through the initiation and completion of chemotherapy.

Materials and methods: Five patients with NSCLC completed the Brief Fatigue Inventory (measuring CRF severity) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (measuring symptom severity) before and after thoractomy, and at the end of each week of the 16-week exercise program. Additionally, the Medical …

A Systematic Review: The Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy Interventions For Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Katherine Adkins, Alexis Moxley, Catherine Petkus

Systematic Reviews

Background: Individuals with multiple sclerosis experience a range of symptoms including blurred vision, poor coordination, tremors, numbness, fatigue, concentration and memory problems, and/or blindness. Given the range of symptoms and resulting limitations, individuals with MS will experience occupational challenges, which lead to referrals for occupational therapy. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable individuals to engage in activities that one wants to or needs to participate in. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions that are currently being provided to individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods: Researchers searched four scholarly databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO, and OT Search. …

Comparing Levels Of Supervision Across Occupational Therapy Intake And Discharge For Individuals Receiving Post-Acute Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Joseph Glenn Grubaugh

Community Based

In response to limited outcome-based research, this study aimed to determine how levels of supervision across OT intake and discharge for individuals receiving post-acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation compare to various participant demographic factors and OT treatment protocols. A retrospective pre-post research design and convenience sampling was utilized for observing quantitative data obtained from Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center located in Mason, MI. Forty-two participants met inclusion criteria for various demographic factors and OT treatment protocols (explanatory variables). SPSS statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact test for comparing levels of supervision (ordinal response variable) to dichotomous explanatory variables. …

Encouraging Occupation: A Systematic Review Of The Use Of Life Review And Reminiscence: Therapy For The Treatment Of Depressive Symptoms In Older Adults, Allison P. Zuiderveen, Caitlin M. Ivey, Sarah A. Dordan

Older Adult

Objective: The present systematic review attempts to investigate the efficacy of both life review and reminiscence therapy interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. This review also attempts to clearly define each intervention; thereby determining which type of therapy was actually performed in previous research studies.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using three databases: CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and pertinent variables were extracted for data analysis.

Results: In all six articles, the reminiscence therapy or life review intervention was found to be effective in the treatment of …

Sensory Integration Interventions Used By Pediatric Occupational Therapists For Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Teddie Buchner, Jennifer Fortuna, Natalie Lindsay

Pediatrics

Objective: To identify sensory based interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with ASD.

Design: Systematic Review

Methods: Researchers searched four scholarly databases to obtain articles identifying sensory integration interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists. The four key terms used to filter the resulting articles include: “occupational therapy,” “autism,” “sensory,” and “interventions.” Articles were eliminated based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results: A total of 11 articles were chosen to identify sensory integration interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with ASD.

Conclusions: The sensory based interventions most commonly used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with …

Conservative Treatment Of De Quervain’S Tenosynovitis In Occupational Therapy: A Retrospective Outcome Study, Kevin R. Lang, Brittney S. Gibson, Kayleigh M. Oppenhuizen

Hand and Upper Extremity

Objective: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQ) is a painful condition characterized by pain and inflammation at the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. This condition affects the wrist and thumb, and generally decreases an individual’s performance and engagement in daily occupations. Conservative management with occupational therapy (OT) can assist to diminish the associated symptoms and facilitate recovery of function; however, it is unclear what interventions are the most effective. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of conservative OT interventions for individuals diagnosed with DQ.

Study Design: An exploratory retrospective review of 148 de­‐identified electronic medical records provided …

The Effects Of Multiple Sclerosis On Perceived Parenting Roles And Adolescent Coping, Alyssa Coundourides, Kendra Host, Elizabeth Rexroat

Adult

This research project focused on the effects of parental multiple sclerosis (MS) upon parenting roles and family coping. Specifically, the study was implemented to acquire insight into the primary research question: How do parents perceive familial role changes resulting from MS to impact coping of their adolescent children? The study also investigated the role of occupational therapy in assisting parents with MS to facilitate coping in their adolescent children. These concepts were investigated though a mixed methods design, using the Role Checklist to quantitatively assess participants’ roles and values, and a focus group to qualitatively explore participants’ lived experiences of …

Hand Pressure And Force: Adapted Knives Compared To A Straight Knife, Melissa S. Hudecz, Lillian A. Schaefer, Katherine A. Simon

Hand and Upper Extremity

This study analyzed the pressure and force required to cut an object with a standard kitchen knife and two adaptive knives. Occupational therapists recommend adaptive utensils such as kitchen knives. The appropriate tool or adaptive device reduces joint force and pressure and helps keep joints properly aligned to reduce pain during daily activities for individuals with arthritis. This research seeks to add to the body of knowledge to support the use of adapted equipment. Methods: Thirty-three participants were included in this study. Data were collected using a hand sensor and software made by Novel Pliance-X. This tool was found to …

Impact Of Finger Position On Pinch Strength, Rachel Boerema, Jamie Powers, Kelsey Walukonis

Hand and Upper Extremity

The purpose of this study was to assess for differences in the amount of tip, lateral, and three-jaw-chuck pinch force generated when fingers are placed on the groove or bridge of a B&L pinch gauge. Thirty-six healthy volunteers (9 males, 27 females), ages 19-49, participated in the study. Using a quantitative crossover design, each participant pinched six times: one for each type of pinch with fingers placed on the groove and bridge. Although no significant differences were found, results revealed slightly higher three-jaw- chuck and lateral pinch strength when fingers were placed on the groove, whereas tip pinch strength was …

Effectiveness Of Grand Valley State University Service-Learning Project In The Grand Rapids Public Museum, Lauren French, Linnea Petzke

Service Learning

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the effectiveness of a service-learning project completed by Grand Valley State University occupational therapy students in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Public Museum. This study sought to discover the perceptions of service-learning projects from community collaborators’ perspective. A qualitative focus group was used to gather data about the museum’s role in the community and in learning, occupational therapy’s role within community settings like the museum, and the use of service-learning projects to integrate the two. Overall themes from the qualitative data analysis included: Occupational Therapy in Museums, Learning Environment, and Service-Learning. …

A Systematic Review Of The Best Practices For Playground Inclusion, Megan Mejeur, Graceann Schmitt, Hannah Wolcott

Pediatrics

Occupational therapy considers the person, occupation, and environment when providing treatment services. In schools, the person is the student, the occupations include education and play, and the environment is the classroom and the playground. In Muskegon, Michigan, the public school system is undergoing a consolidation of elementary schools and trying to determine what to do with the current playground environment. The researchers conducted a systematic review of the existing research regarding best practice, accessible, and inclusive playground designs for the elementary schools that will promote physical activity and enhance classroom performance. Scholarly databases and gray literature were searched using predetermined …

A Qualitative Study Of Middle School Students’ Perceptions Of Unstructured Time, Stephanie L. Hovick, Justine N. Gonzalez Bratt, Kristin M. Cameron

Pediatrics

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify middle school students’ perceptions of unstructured time by determining physical and leisure activities the students would want to have available for their use at school.

METHOD: A researcher developed questionnaire (Students’ Leisure Time Questionnaire) was used to interview 23 middle school students (ages 11 to 15) regarding their perceptions of activities during unstructured time. A phenomenological design was used, incorporating open-ended qualitative questions.

RESULTS: The students were able to identify activities in which they would like to participate during their unstructured time at school. Students primarily indicated football and basketball as …

Effective Conservative Treatments For De Quervain’S Tenosynovitis: A Retrospective Outcome Study, Katherine Oosting, Brittany Krenselewski, Claire Dolislager

Hand and Upper Extremity

Introduction: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a repetitive stress disorder occurring at the first dorsal compartment of the wrist at the radial styloid and is commonly treated by hand therapists.^1-3 Conservative treatments include activity modification, modalities, orthotics, and manual therapy.^4-7The literature is unclear regarding best practice for treating de Quervain’s tenosynovitis with conservative methods.^5,8,9

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to identify which treatment or treatment combinations was most effective to reduce pain and improve functional outcomes for patients with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted with 42 …

Analysis Of Playground Equipment At Muskegon Public Schools: A Needs Assessment, Kailee Chandonnet,, Elizabeth Elam, Leah Lucas

Pediatrics

A local school district, Muskegon Public Schools, is restructuring due to budget constraints. Therapists at Muskegon Public Schools were concerned about the safety and accessibility of the current playgrounds. The purpose of this needs assessment was to determine if any of Muskegon Public Schools’ playgrounds met the students’ safety and accessibility needs. To determine this, the researchers created a checklist using the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Handbook on Public Playground Safety (1997) and the U.S. Access Board Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas (2005). The checklist was then used to assess all nine Muskegon Public School playgrounds. None of …

Upper Extremity Kinematics In Sonographers During Kidney Scanning, Jennifer Pocratsky, Blake Ashby, Jeanine Beasley

Peer Reviewed Articles

To understand the mechanisms involved that lead to the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonographers, this motion capture study evaluated upper extremity kinematics during kidney scans. The purpose of this study was to provide an evaluation of joint ranges of motion during scanning, which could be helpful in assessing risk of injury. A Vicon MX motion capture system recorded reflective marker positions while four sonographers scanned a volunteer’s kidneys. The results indicated that sonographers were scanning with their shoulders in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The elbows were in flexion and the wrists in extension in all cases …

The Level Of Cultural Responsiveness And Its Preparation Among Grand Valley State University’S Occupational Therapy Graduates, Kathleen Kovach, Rebecca Palmitier, Robyn Ward

Education

Background: In a field that aims to be holistic and client-centered, occupational therapists need to consider their client's culture. Culture is comprised of values, beliefs, and lifestyles and will affect the therapy process (Cheung, Shah, & Muncer, 2002; Cole, Stevenson, & Rogers, 2009). To truly treat clients holistically, therapists need to be culturally responsive in their practice, considering factors which influence therapy and its outcomes. Occupational therapy education programs, therefore, need to prepare its students to be culturally responsive practitioners. This research examined whether Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Occupational Therapy (OT) graduates are culturally responsive and how the program …

Protecting The Hand: .Quantifying Pressures Involved In Daily Living Activities With Tools, Kelly Cotter, Trisha Thompson, Amanda Ward

Hand and Upper Extremity

This study utilized individuals with no known hand joint pathologies and analyzed the pressure exerted on varying spoon handle diameters during a simulated self-feeding exercise. This was done in an effort to determine which spoon handle diameter required the least amount of pressme. Individuals with no known hand joint pathologies were selected in order to prevent any inaccuracy of results due to underlying co-morbidities. Methods: The Novel Pliance-X hand sensor was wrapped around 15 mm, 25 IDDl, and 40 mm spoon handles. The participants were asked to complete a self-feeding exercise. The self-feeding exercise was simulated by scooping quarters from …

Access To Home Modification Resources For Healthy Aging In Place, Jennifer Golder, Amanda Kolodge, Timothy Muldoon

Older Adult

This qualitative study investigated how community-dwelling older adults learn about home modification resources to facilitate successful aging in place. Two focus groups were conducted to collect data on older adults’ experiences with aging in place resources. A total of 11 participants attended the focus groups. The focus group data were transcribed and analyzed using framework analysis. Twelve initial codes were developed. Upon further data analysis, the codes were broken down to three main themes: Resources, personal perceptions, and residence choices. The researchers concluded that participants had a basic understanding of home modification through their membership at the senior activities center. …