Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Cultivating Inclusion: A Multicultural Sensory Garden For Pediatric Occupational Therapy​, Carolyne Teixeira

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Defining, Educating, And Inspiring Young Diverse Students About The Career Of Ot, Matthew Pinckney

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Identifying And Addressing Maternal Health Needs: Using Occupational Therapy To Empower, Educate, And Support Mothers, Anne K. Lyles

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

There is a critical need for extended maternal support, particularly when viewed through the lens of occupational therapy. This capstone project aimed to address this gap by conducting a needs assessment using the Maternal Occupational Therapy Health & Environment Risk Screening (MOTHERS) to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges mothers face during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Findings from the needs assessment informed the development of practical, evidence-based resources—including digital products, social media content, educational flyers, and a virtual course—designed to support postpartum mothers in a format that is both accessible and empowering.

Integrating Occupation-Based Activities And Habit Training To Support Independence In Senior Living Facilities, Jamie Spangler

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Seaside at Fort Myers, a senior living facility encompassing Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Memory Care (MC) settings. The primary objective was to promote independence among older adults through two occupational therapy-informed initiatives: the development and facilitation of a structured habit training program and the creation of a practical activity planning checklist for staff. The 4-week habit training program focused on supporting daily routine development using analog tools such as calendars, checklists, and simulated planning tasks. These sessions targeted cognitive functions commonly impacted by aging, including task initiation, planning, and consistency. …

Enhancing Caregiver Support: Tailored Education For Families Of Veterans With Polytrauma, Riley J. Pullen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Addressing The Occupational Therapy Faculty Shortage: A Capstone Experience In Academic Administration At Nova Southeastern University, Tiesha N. Henley

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The project aimed to address the critical shortage of occupational therapy faculty by understanding and mitigating factors that contribute to this shortage, ultimately strengthening recruitment pipelines and supporting long-term faculty development within a graduate-level occupational therapy program. I developed a pamphlet outlining concrete resources and strategies to attract and retain qualified educators. Additionally, I engaged in the daily responsibilities of a full-time OT faculty member by contributing to course instruction and creating graduate-level learning materials.

Occupational Therapy’S Impact On Heart Failure Readmission Rates In The Acute Care Setting, Morgan Breen

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Posture And Balance In Fall Prevention For Older Adults: Implications For Daily Living Activities, Julia L. Otoski

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a falls prevention program within a community-based organization to help reduce fall risk and maintain independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), among older adults. The project focused on assessing fall risk using evidence-based tools, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 4-Stage Balance Test, which identified all participants as being at risk for falls. Individualized treatment sessions were then implemented, emphasizing balance, posture, and the safe performance of ADLs and IADLs. The Otago Exercise Program was adopted and integrated …

Occupation-Based Foster Caregiver Toolkit, Jane L. Donat

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Peer-Led Recovery: Developing A Mentorship Program For Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries At The Va, Alexis Smich

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Supporting Parent Confidence Through Accessible Education In Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Dylan Spruill

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project explored strategies to enhance parent confidence and engagement in pediatric occupational therapy. Guided by a needs assessment drawn from literature, clinical observation, and parent input, the project identified a lack of accessible, affirming educational materials for families. In response, strengths-based, plain-language resources were developed and distributed in both print and digital formats. These materials supported parent understanding of therapeutic goals and encouraged home-based carryover of clinical strategies. Additionally, participation in small-group summer programming and one-on-one parent conversations provided insight into family needs and informed the resource design process. Outcomes suggest that empowering parents through targeted education can …

Inspiring Internationalization For Students Across Asia With Aapi-Ot, Mike D. Palou-Morales

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to
provide opportunities for internationalization between occupational therapy (OT) students across Asia, specifically in Japan and South Korea, with the assistance of the Asian-American and Pacific-Islander (AAPI-OT) and student organizations at my capstone site. I developed educational material and provided opportunities for discourse on the benefits of internationalization and collaboration through the student platform for occupational therapy (SPOT) Europe and Americas.

Supporting The Fourth Trimester: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Maternal Function And Recovery, Cedrica Durham

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on supporting mothers and infants during the prenatal and postpartum periods through a blend of occupational therapy, doula practices, and lactation support. The project investigated how occupational therapists can work with other maternal professionals to promote maternal recovery and overall wellbeing. This capstone project addresses this gap by implementing a brief, occupation-based screening tool that can be used by lactation consultants, maternal health professionals, and home health providers to identify clients who may benefit from occupational therapy services

Supporting Participation In Daily Occupations, Quality Of Life, And Well-Being For Individuals With Dementia In Nursing Homes, Julianne M. Sta.Ana

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to enhance the quality of life, well-being, and occupational participation of individuals with dementia residing in nursing homes through the implementation of an eight-week occupational therapy-based program. By addressing unmet needs through personalized, meaningful activities such as cognitive stimulation, physical activities, and social engagement, this project seeks to reduce cognitive decline and improve emotional well-being. The SLUMS and GDS were used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Ultimately, this project sought to understand occupational therapy’s role in supporting dementia care in nursing homes.

Administrative Leadership Digital Hub To Expand Access To Occupational Therapy For Underserved Veterans ​, Bianca N. Haddock

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to address key administrative leadership functions within the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System through the development of a digital hub supporting interdisciplinary collaboration among allied health services— occupational therapy (OT), recreational therapy (RT), and whole health (WH). The project aimed to close communication gaps that limit Veteran access to rehabilitative services by enhancing administrative coordination, streamlining pre-service implementation documentation, facilitating therapeutic equipment acquisition and training, and promoting service integration.

Nsu Otd Peer Mentoring Program: Improving Otd Student Knowledge And Professionalism, Mckinley Rivas

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Education, Awareness, And Resources Related To Aging In Place For Older Adults And Stakeholders Within Community-Based Care, Nevaria M. Rumery

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Meghan Rohde, Jason Brumitt, Jodi Sandvik, Kari Bo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and …

Predictors Of Sleep Duration In Undergraduate Students Attending A Health Sciences University In Japan, Aaron M. Eakman, Yuki Kawakatsu, Miki Takahata, Daisuke Kudo, Shinji Satake, Toshiaki Sato

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Inadequate sleep is a pressing public health concern contributing to absenteeism and poor school performance, especially in health sciences students. In this study we investigated the sleep quality and duration of undergraduate students in a prefectural university of health sciences program and explored factors explaining sleep duration (i.e., < 6 hours per night vs > 6 hours) using multiple variable logistic regression.

Method: This cross-sectional survey study included 369 nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy students who completed Japanese versions of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, in addition to well validated sleep-related and mental health-related assessments.

Results: We found just 11.7% of the …

Navigating Cultural Barriers In Clinical Education: Unique Experiences And Insights From Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (Cald) Physiotherapy Students, Non-Cald Students, And Clinical Educators, Annie Yu, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Hams, Benjamin K. Weeks, Saras Henderson, Liisa Laakso

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) students commonly face cultural barriers in the clinical learning environment that can impact on the success of clinical education experiences. Lack of effective strategies to facilitate clinical learning can be challenging for students and clinical educators alike. This study aimed to explore the issues impacting on clinical learning from the perspectives of CALD physiotherapy students and their clinical educators, and seeks suggestions from both participant groups to improve the clinical education experience. Methods: Qualitative descriptive design using grounded theory principles was utilised to gain insights from physiotherapy students and clinical educators regarding their clinical …

A National Study Of Opioid Knowledge Of Physical Therapy Professionals, Shelene Thomas, John Kiesel, Steven G. Kinney, Isain Zapata

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Deaths from opioid overdoses persist as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Musculoskeletal pain remains the primary symptom for opioid prescription. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) provide non-prescription pain management strategies to people with musculoskeletal pain. Currently, there lacks research quantifying opioid overdose management knowledge possessed by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students. The purpose of this study was to quantify opioid overdose knowledge by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students, collectively termed physical therapy professionals (PTP). Methods: The electronic survey included several demographic characteristics and the opioid overdose knowledge scale (OOKS) …

Conflict Between Student Physical Therapists And Clinical Instructors During Full-Time Clinical Education, Megan W. Moran

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine what conflicts student physical therapists perceive with their clinical instructors during full-time clinical education experiences and if there was an association between conflict and the students’ opinions of their learning and the overall clinical education experience. Students in other healthcare disciplines experience conflict during clinical education. Additionally, research shows that licensed healthcare providers report conflict in the workplace. These conflicts can result in positive and negative consequences for the learner or provider and the patients. Tailored training may help to minimize the negative consequences; however, there is a lack of available …

Evaluating Assistive Technologies In High Acuity Patients: A Scoping Review With Swot Analysis, Mallory Kargela Pt, Dpt, Amanda Anderson Pt, Dpt, Lindsay Anderson Pt, Dpt, Tian Gong Pt, Dpt, Kylie Scott Pt, Dpt, Edd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This publication examines the application of assistive technologies (AT) in high-acuity environments, including intensive care units (ICUs), acute care hospitals, and others. The aim is to systematically explore and synthesize the use of AT across these settings, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated. Methods: A literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2023 using PubMed, Tufts and Midwestern University Library databases. Search terms included ('physical therapy' OR 'physiotherapy') AND ('critically ill' OR 'acute' OR 'intensive care') AND ('assistive technology' OR 'technology' OR 'telerehabilitation' OR 'telePT' OR 'functional electrical stimulation' OR 'FES' OR 'cycle ergometry' …

Do Gender-Related Characteristics Impact Female Faculty Career Progression In Academic Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs?, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study explored the experiences of female faculty in academic Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the US and if gender, or more specifically any gender-related characteristics such as pregnancy or motherhood, impacts female faculty career progression. Evidence has demonstrated that several challenges disproportionately affect women in academia, but there is currently no research available related to female faculty experiences in academic DPT programs. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design with a descriptive statistics component. It utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a nonexperimental survey methodology. The Culture Conducive to Women’s Academic Success instrument was used …

Defining And Addressing Student Unprofessional Behaviors From The Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors’ Perspective, Michele "Shelly" Lewis, Nicole Biltz, Moyo B. Tillery, Jamie Dunlap Coates, Tracy Ellison, Elsa M. Drevyn

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Developing professional behaviors is an integral part of health professional education. Despite physical therapy education programs’ efforts to assist student physical therapists in developing professional behaviors before entering the clinic, some students still struggle with professional behaviors during clinical education experiences. Literature describing unprofessional behaviors in the clinic and providing guidance for clinical instructors to assess and address professional behavior issues is scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the type of unprofessional behaviors student physical therapists display during clinical education experiences and to describe successful and unsuccessful strategies used by clinical instructors to address challenging behaviors. Method: A …

A Model For Teaching Social Determinants Of Health In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Elise N. Bjork, Rupal M. Patel Pt, Phd, Rebecca Operacz, Deandrea B. Melvey, Luciano Garcia Iii

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to 1) describe the development and implementation of a novel educational module on social determinants of health (SDOH) for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, and 2) to assess the effectiveness of the module on altering DPT students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers in addressing SDOH. Methods: Drawing on current literature, content expert feedback, identity theory, and experiential learning theory, a two-hour module on SDOH was created and delivered at two universities. The Physical Therapy Social Determinants of Health Scale (PT-SDHS) was used to assess change in students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers …

The Effect Of A Therapy Dog On Pressure Pain Threshold In Healthy Individuals, Lydia L. Haak, Rhonda L. Verdegan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pain is the most common reason for healthcare consultation in the United States. Pain affects every area of life; biologically, psychologically, and socially. These three constructs make up every individual and thus contribute to their perceived quality of life. The use of therapy dogs (TD) has been widely researched as a source of non-pharmacological pain management. Studies have proven that a dog can reduce perceived pain in people with a variety of comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to prove that pain is modulated biologically by dogs and not just by human perception. Methods: This was …

Virtual Lecture, Live Lecture, Flipped Classroom: Does Dpt Pain Curriculum Format Affect Student Pain Beliefs? A Preliminary Study, Jeb Helms, Jamie Ball, Kory J. Zimney Pt, Dpt, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Currently there are multiple published examples of successful DPT delivery models for the International Association for the Study of Pain curricular guidelines. However, there are no direct comparisons between different IASP delivery models such as in-person vs hybrid or lecture vs flipped classroom. The purpose of this study was to compare 3 delivery formats for teaching a DPT pain science IASP based course (1. Virtual Lecture 2. In-person Lecture 3. Flipped in-person) for pre course and post course differences in student biomedical/biopsychosocial beliefs, and confidence to treat patients in pain.Method The instructors remained consistent throughout the study period, …

Enjoyment, Motivation, And Self-Efficacy Towards Physical Activity Among Physical Therapy Students, Lauren Butler, Amanda Thomas, Teresa Munecas, Erasmo Alvarez, David Capote, Alexa Almonte, Madeline Dawson, Jordan Hale, Mikayla Kerekes, Kaitlyn Mitchell, Mark D. Rossi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine physical therapy (PT) students’ participation in and attitudes toward physical activity (PA).

Methods An electronic survey assessed demographic, academic, and sports history. Student’s PA level was assessed with the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin); PA enjoyment was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES); motivation was assessed using 4 items from the Modified Behavioral Regulation in Exercise (BREQ 3); and self-efficacy towards PA was assessed with the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent t-tests with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used.

Results In total, 228 …

Meeting Interprofessional Education Competencies Through A Multi-Scene Standardized Patient Simulation: A Pilot Study, Joanna Behm, Kristen Slabaugh, Karen Burket

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Healthcare is increasingly delivered by teams of diverse disciplines. Interprofessional education for healthcare students is essential so that when students enter their respective fields, they come prepared with experience in interdisciplinary communication, teamwork, and communication. Accreditation and regulatory requirements for health professions programs have also increased the focus on interprofessional collaboration, requiring programs to be creative in finding effective and efficient integration methods. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the perceived impact of an interprofessional collaboration event on enhancing students’ interprofessional education competency attainment. Methods. An interprofessional collaboration committee created a multi-scene, unfolding case study …