Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Sensory Processing Assessment In Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias: A Research Capstone Experience, Clarissa Benzarti

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Recovery High Schools For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorder And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders, Taylor P. Buono

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Substance use is a public health crisis, and adolescents struggle the most with substance use disorder (SUD), which often persists into adulthood and even until midlife (Estreet & Privott, 2021; Mattila et al., 2022; Rothman & Jimenez, 2023; Volkow & Blanco, 2023). School performance is often affected by the adverse effects of drug and alcohol use among adolescents, and multiple risk factors for substance use occur in the school context, such as drug-using peers, availability of substances, and academic challenges (Finch et al., 2017). Recovery high schools (RHSs) are safe and supportive alternative educational environments that provide additional support not …

Transitioning From Inpatient Rehabilitation To Home In Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries, Alexis Tucci

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to develop a comprehensive guide to support Veterans transitioning home from inpatient rehabilitation, enhancing their quality of life. The guide provides educational materials, recommendations, and valuable resources for clients and their families to utilize both during their hospital stay and after discharge. The primary objective was to understand the ongoing needs of veterans with spinal cord injuries post-discharge and to help bridge the gap between the SCI inpatient unit and home.

Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Markers In Infants Using The Infant And Motor Engagement Scale, Cesley L. Taft

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Sleep Rehabilitation Program For Military Members With Tbis & Scis, Hailey M. Cassidy

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Increasing Reading Comprehension And Accuracy By Enhancing Reading Mechanics In Preadolescence: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Academia, Shireena Behel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Reading comprehension and accuracy are critical components of academic success in preadolescence. Research suggests that traditional school systems utilize a unisensory approach to learning, however, recent studies have emphasized the successful impact a multisensory approach can have on academic performance. This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop a multisensory, occupation-based reading program for the Huntsville Learning Center (HLC) Christian Summer Camp under the guidance of Mariana D’Amico, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Susan Callaway, HLC Family Development Coordinator. This required conducting pretest and post-test measurements, implementing occupation-based reading activities, and administering a post-program evaluation survey to determine the effectiveness of a …

Healthcare Barriers And Supports To Healthcare Participation Within The Lgbtqia+ Community: A Systematic Review, Jordan Bradley

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Background: Historically the LGBTQIA+ community has faced many barriers to healthcare participation resulting in significant disparities.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to highlight the barriers and supports that affect the LGBTQIA+ communities’ participation in healthcare and highlight the inclusive practices and policy reforms needed to advance healthcare equity for this population.

Methods: ProQuest Central was utilized, identifying thirty-seven peer reviewed articles for synthesis. Included articles were written within the last 3 years and addressed LGBTQIA+ individuals’ participation in healthcare within the United States.

Results: The most prevalent barrier identified was discrimination appearing in overt and implicit forms. Environmental …

Using Real Patients In Physical Therapy Didactic Education: A Mixed-Methods Investigation, Stacia Hall Thompson, Mary Shotwell, Hina Garg, Michelle Webb

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical therapy educators use various strategies to promote student learning. One such way is to use real patients (RP) in the classroom to learn course material during simulation-based learning experiences (SLE). This study aimed to identify student physical therapist (SPT) perceptions regarding value, satisfaction, and confidence with SLE using RP, explore SPT perceptions and lived experiences regarding RP use in SLE during didactic physical therapy education, and determine differences in value, satisfaction, and confidence in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains based on demographic variables. Methods: The study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to simultaneously gather quantitative (survey) …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Maternal, Infant, And Family Wellness: Policy, Procedure, And Program Development, Emilee Armstrong

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to advocate for maternal, infant, and family wellness through occupational therapy services. The focus areas of my capstone project included administration, advocacy, policy and program development. I developed two post-cesarean delivery policies for maternal rehabilitation and father-infant bonding, a Kangaroo Father Care program, and an occupational therapy position proposal. The Kangaroo Father Care program included healthcare professional educational modules, an administration checklist, and facility and patient flyers. My project aimed to develop the foundation for implementing acute maternal rehabilitative services for a regional hospital in Northeast Indiana. The knowledge and skills I gained throughout my capstone …

Occupational Therapy & Dyslexia Curriculum, Tiara Ortiz

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone project, a truly innovative endeavor, was conducted in a school-based setting for children with dyslexia. I developed educational materials, distinct in their approach, for teachers and occupational therapists to implement individually or in a group setting. These materials comprise a curriculum that explicitly targets executive functioning and visual interventions, a novel and exciting approach to dyslexia treatment. The project was successfully implemented in the Bridge Program at the Christ School in Orlando, Florida, a private school program tailored to children with dyslexia. I was mentored by Dominque Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, the Bridge Program's school-based occupational therapist.

Director Of Clinical Education Training In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Michele (Shelly) Lewis, Eric Folkins

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Directors of clinical education (DCEs) need knowledge and skills in many areas to succeed in their roles.Not only does the DCE need to master the traditional faculty roles of scholarship, service, and teaching, but the DCE also needs to become competent in administrative duties. Lack of training, especially in research, can negatively affect the DCEs’ ability to perform their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. In this study, we aimed to examine how DCEs learn their numerous roles and how training and experience influence self-perceived competence. Method: In this quantitative, non-experimental study, we used an online survey to obtain information from …

The Cognitive And Affective Empathy Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students Vs. Specialty Choice, Bruce W. Newton, Michelle Green, Zachary Vaskalis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This modified cross-sectional study was performed to determine which specialties DPT students desire to enter, and how affective and cognitive empathy is related to the specialty choice. There are two types of empathy: affective and cognitive. Affective empathy from an emotionally charged situation enters the CNS of a person first and is followed by a cognitive empathic response. Methods: Affective empathy was measured using the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES) and cognitive empathy was measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professions Student (JSE-HPS) version. Each student was asked to indicate which specialty they desired to enter: cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, …

Stakeholder Involvement And Systematic Review Of Elements That Determine A Successful Return To Work For Injured Workers: A Scoping Review, Sundip Kaur Khosa, Wilma Jelley Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: A healthy and sustainable return to work (RTW) for a worker after injury or illness has benefits for the worker, their family, the employer, and society.¹ For this research we used the following definition of RTW success; return to positive and meaningful work in a position or occupation not necessarily including all the aspects of the worker’s pre-injury or pre-illness functions or tasks. Purpose: The question behind this survey-based research was, What elements are perceived as essential, to ensure return to employment of injured or ill workers, by stakeholders with experience in the RTW process? Methods: A 32 …

Rethinking Disability Simulations For Occupational And Physical Therapy Students: Integrating The Social Model Of Disability, Sara Kate Frye, Monique C. Chabot

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disability simulations traditionally have been used in many healthcare profession educational programs with the intent to foster empathy and positive viewpoints towards people with disabilities. However, research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of these activities. The appropriateness of these activities has also been called into question when considering disability as a form of diversity and social justice, with recommendations to utilize the Social Model of Disability to frame activities. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the efficacy of a temporary orthopedic injury simulation assignment on first-year occupational and physical therapy students’ viewpoints regarding working with people with …

Occupational Therapists In Disaster Management: A Survey Study, Rebecca I. Estes, Gina M. Delgado, Nicole J. Bing, Megan E. Byrne, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood, Alyssa B. Kopp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a need for occupational therapy involvement in disaster management from preparation to response. To understand why OTs are not involved with disaster management, this study explored perceived disaster management roles for healthcare professionals; the level of familiarity and professional experience with stages of disaster; and the relationship between training and likelihood of engagement. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to licensed OTs and OT assistants (OTAs) practicing in 14 states in the US (a convenience sample). Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: OTs …

Extending Pain Psychology Beyond The Psychologist: The Need For A Professional Clinical Identity, Tyler D. Barrett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This paper outlines the argument for establishing a commonly understood designation for allied health clinicians who specialize in psychological interventions for chronic pain. There is a growing need for clinicians with skills in psychological interventions for pain (“pain psychology”). However, there are not enough pain psychologists to meet the demand. Recent research has suggested that allied health professionals from varying disciplines can safely and effectively deliver pain psychology interventions. Clinical training in psychological interventions for pain outside of clinical psychology has been growing but remains limited. As the pool of cross-discipline clinicians with expertise in pain psychology expands, this specialization …

Pilot Study For Use Of An Arthrometer To Assess Joint Laxity In People With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dawn T. Gulick, Valerie Iovine, Kerstin Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Joint hypermobility is a condition in which synovial joints move beyond normal limits. Approximately 10-25% of children and 5-25% of adults experience hypermobility syndrome. One such hypermobility syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Typically, a score of 4-5 out of 9 on the Beighton scale is indicative of hypermobility in adults. Whereas 6 out of 9 is the criteria for children. No significant correlations were found between the systemic features of EDS and the Beighton score. The purpose of this pilot study was to see if an arthrometer could be used …

Cultural Competence With Humility: A Pre-Post Cohort Study Of Student Self-Assessments, Michele L. Tilstra, Cara A. Berg-Carramusa, Karen M. Keptner, Tiffany J. Peets

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The intent of this study is to examine how Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Counseling and Human Development (CHD) graduate students who experienced Counselors and Occupational Therapists Professionally Engaged (COPE) in the Community program perceived their self-evaluation of cultural competence with humility (CCH) constructs (cultural awareness, skills, knowledge, and desire) from pre- to post-experience. Methods: Using a pre-/post-test cohort design, researchers used the Modified Cultural Competency Self-Assessment (M-CCSA) to determine if there were changes in ratings after students completed a novel training program. Results: Twenty-five students completed the pre-/post- survey. Overall, the mean M-CCSA total and …

Civic-Mindedness And Core Values Ratings Across Three Cohorts Of Dpt Students: Impact Of Covid19, Sandra L. Campbell, Kerstin M. Palombaro, Ellen A. Erdman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines expected professional behaviors beyond legal and ethical expectations in the Core Values document. Civic mindedness may be related to core values. Civic-minded professionals have strong ethics and work cooperatively to promote the general welfare of others. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education programs use a variety of methods to develop professional behaviors, Core Values, and civic mindedness in students, including experiential service-learning. The purpose of this study was to describe the trajectory of civic mindedness and core values over the course of a three-year DPT program in three cohorts of graduate …

Measuring Similarities Between The Patient Specific Functional Scale And Physical Therapist-Created Long-Term Goals In Outpatient Physical Therapy, Robin Zappin, Soo Yeon Sun

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The Patient-specific Functional Scale (PSFS) can be used to promote person-centered goal setting. This study aimed to determine how often PSFS Items and Target Activities from physical therapist-created long-term goals (PTC-LTG) agreed. The relationship between patient demographics, meeting/partially meeting PTC-LTG and meeting or exceeding the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) for PSFS activities was also investigated. Method: PTC-LTGs, patient demographic questionnaires, and pre/post-physical therapy intervention PSFS were collected. Each item in PSFS and Target Activity in PTC-LTGs was linked to a World Health Organization International Classification of Function (WHO ICF) category. A regression analysis determined if there was …

The Effects Of Debriefing Methods On Athletic Training Students’ Self-Efficacy, Amy Brzoska, Lori Kupczynski, Julie L. Murphy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation-based education is a teaching method used successfully in nursing and medical education, as well as in the military and aviation fields. It provides students with safe learning environments and opportunities to practice skills not seen or used during clinical rotations. Debriefing is an essential component of simulation where learning occurs while also fostering critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and promoting self-efficacy with clinical skills. However, the evidence rarely indicates which debriefing method is best at increasing clinical evaluation skills self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of debriefing methods on students’ clinical evaluation self-efficacy. Methods: …

The Perceived Benefits Of International Travel For Occupational Therapy Practitioners Who Have Traveled Internationally, Rebecca L. Mannel, Jennifer Calabrese, Megan Pappan, Anthony Dissen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to examine the perceived benefits of international travel for occupational therapy practitioners who have traveled internationally during their occupational therapy education or career. To succeed, healthcare professionals must have various personal and clinical skills, including providing quality care to diverse populations. They must have cultural competence, which includes cultural humility and cultural sensitivity. Methods: A purposive, convenience sampling was used through a network of occupational therapy practitioners who had previously traveled abroad either as occupational therapy students or as licensed occupational therapists and participated in education, clinical experience, work experiences, or volunteer experience related to …

A National Cross-Sectional Survey To Assess The Education And Training Needs Of Allied Health Professionals And Clinical Psychologists Delivering Rehabilitation For Children And Young People Affected By Covid-19 In The United Kingdom, Jennifer Gardner, Zoe Berger, Graeme O'Connor, Anne Gordon, Philippa Wright

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In the paediatric population there are two conditions associated with COVID-19 infection: Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PIMS-TS) and Paediatric Long-COVID. The emerging clinical picture of children and young people (CYP) affected by COVID-19 has highlighted the vital role Allied Health Professionals (AHP’s) and clinical psychologists have in supporting rehabilitation. Therefore, it is imperative that AHP’s and Psychologists working across all clinical sectors have the knowledge, experience and training to meet the rehabilitation needs of CYP who have been affected by COVID-19. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to explore AHPs and psychologists’ views on CYP rehabilitation needs and …

Student Physical Therapists’ Perceptions Of A First Semester Integrated Clinical Experience: A Descriptive Study, Alicia K. Rabena-Amen, Tyler Goslinga, Amber Orchard, Fatema Ghani, Todd E. Davenport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The value of an Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) is well documented, but student physical therapists’ perspectives of an early ICE are not. A first semester ICE allows practice of expected skills and behaviors from the onset of a professional program. The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of a first-semester ICE. Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 36 student physical therapists after a first semester part-time ICE. SPSS Statistics, thematic analysis, and a mixed-methods approach were used to analyze the data. Results: Students agreed the ICE emphasized the importance and allowed practice of professional and communication …

Educational Lessons From A Pandemic: Lecture Recording And Learning Outcomes, Melissa Lesser, Lora Packel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The use of lecture capture (LC) in higher education classrooms has increased, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, its effectiveness as a learning strategy is largely untested in graduate students. In undergraduate students, the use of LC has mixed findings related to academic performance. Some studies show no improvement in assessment or course grades while others show small gains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of LC on academic performance in graduate doctor of physical therapy students (DPT). Methods: In module 1, students received two virtual synchronous lectures which were recorded …

Diagnostic Accuracy Of The Passive Straight Leg Raise Test In Detecting Compression Of The Lower Lumbar Nerve Roots, Hisham Mohamed Hussein, Ehab Kamel, Mohamed Ragab, Ahmed Elerian

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Lumbar nerve root compression is a pathological condition that occurs commonly in the low back pain population. Passive straight leg raise (SLR) is a clinical test widely used to confirm this pathological condition. Yet, its diagnostic accuracy needs further investigation. Objective: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the passive SLR test in detecting compression of the lower lumbar nerve roots using magnetic resonance imaging as a reference standard. Design: This study is a prospective diagnostic-accuracy study. Methods: One hundred-and-twelve participants (82 males and 30 females) met the inclusion criteria and joined the study. Participants were recruited through direct …

The Clinical Placement Process Through The Lens Of The Director Of Clinical Education: A Qualitative Multiple Case Analysis, Jamie L. Greco, Katherine Myers

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The placement process is a key contributor to current challenges in health science clinical education. The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) is the central figure in coordinating the placement process in physical therapist education. Despite their central role, there is no research exploring the DCE perspective during this process. The purpose of this study was to explore the DCE’s experience in navigating the placement process to further understand how the DCE role is impacted by barriers and facilitators encountered during this process. Methods: Fourteen DCEs representing private and public institutions from across the country participated in the …

A Perfect Storm?: The Association Of Vitamin D With Injury Incidence Among Acrobatics And Tumbling Athletes, Katherine M. Lee, Andrew R. Gallucci, Jeff S. Forsse, Leticia Cherpe De Souza, Laura R. Irvin, Emily J. Boyer, Kristin H. Fant, Jeffery Heileson, Leslee Funderburk

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging NCAA sport. Due to the novelty of the sport, limited research on injury incidence and correlates exists. Anecdotal evidence suggests that A&T presents with high injury rates. A relationship between vitamin D and bony injuries exists among athletes, but little is known about soft tissue injuries. Understanding the causes and incidence of injuries, including vitamin D, may assist athletic trainers. Methods: Forty-two A&T athletes (19.69 ± 1.199 years) completed 2 blood draws as part of routine medical care prior to and following fall training period. Results: Average vitamin D at T1 was …

Effect Of Russian Current And Structured Exercise Program On Postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Case Series, Nagma Khan, Ashwini Bulbuli

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is the most common complication occurring post-delivery that limits the functional well-being of the affected individuals. Management of diastasis recti can include an abdominal binder, core strengthening, taping, and various surgical procedures. There is limited evidence to support the Russian current and structured exercise intervention in managing patients with DRA. Methodology: Three patients identified with DRA underwent a multi-modal treatment regimen including a hot moist pack, Russian current, abdominal binder, transverse abdominus activation exercises, treadmill training, and stationary cycling training. Outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale, abdominal girth, Ranney DRA scale, Oswestry …

Barriers And Facilitators To Enhance Interprofessional Education For Rehabilitation Science Graduate Students, Mary A. Riopel, Kimberly Wynarczuk, Taylor Grube

The Qualitative Report

Interprofessional education (IPE) aims to develop healthcare practitioners who work effectively in teams, demonstrate strong communication skills, respect others, and have a working knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of other professionals. Of identified research to date, it is unclear what students perceive as important for effective IPE delivery and learning. The purpose of this study was to identify graduate students' perceptions of facilitators and barriers to learning interprofessional practice using phenomenology. Three semi-structured focus groups were conducted including athletic training, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology students and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged about IPE …