Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Occupational Therapy In Oncology Care, Claire Vanderbeek

Capstones: Occupational Therapy

Background: Cancer treatments often result in side effects that impair mental, sensory, motor, and body system functions. The purpose of this capstone was to advocate for the use of occupational therapy (OT) for the cancer population by gaining advanced knowledge and experience at two sites: a local YMCA cancer survivorship program and an outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

Method: At the outpatient rehabilitation clinic, an intervention and patient log were created and used to influence the creation of education materials for patients and providers. During the cancer survivorship program, psychosocial factors, strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic function, and program sustainability were evaluated. A …

Measuring Effectiveness Of A Mobility Aide On A Medical-Surgical Unit, Jamie L. Granatowicz, Laura N. Rogers, Leeza A. Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobility aide on a medical-surgical inpatient unit to improve patients’ surgical outcomes, decrease hospital length of stay, and decrease the number of falls.

Design: A retrospective review was conducted to determine the effects of a mobility aide implemented on a medical-surgical unit. The intent was to ensure the utilization of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for early mobilization before and after implementation. Two-month periods were analyzed before and after implementation.

Findings: The results demonstrated clinical significance for patients when implementing a mobility aide. The mean length of stay was 1.044 days …

Physical Therapy Assessment Of Work Capacity Gaps In Transition-Aged Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Katelyn Malick, Delaney Roberts, Rachel Ray, Marla Smith, Rhonda Haitz, Anne Woodruff Jameson

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) experience disproportionately low employment rates despite expressing a strong desire for community integrated employment. This study examined whether discrepancies exist between the current work capacity of adolescents and young adults with IDDs and the physical exertion demands of their desired careers, and explored the role of physical therapy (PT) in addressing these gaps. Forty-five participants (ages 14–24) in the Nebraska EmployABILITY project identified their top career choice. PT‑assessed current work capacity was compared to the physical exertion requirements of the selected job using a standardized exertion scale. Differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon …

Current Status Of Msk Diagnostic Ultrasound Education In Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Programs In The United States: A Survey, Lesley Parrish Dr., Heather E. Mount, Casey Charlebois

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) is a dynamic, cost-effective imaging modality increasingly integrated into Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Despite growing interest, variability exists in the integration and implementation of MSK-US in entry-level DPT programs. This study aimed to assess the current status of MSK-US education in accredited DPT programs across the United States. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all 294 accredited DPT programs in the U.S. via email. The survey consisted of 32 questions that addressed curriculum content, instructional methods, faculty qualifications, and barriers to implementation. Participation was voluntary, and 44 programs responded. No experimental interventions were applied. The …

Multi-Dimensional Research Appraisal: A Holistic Approach To Evidence-Informed Practice, John Damiao

Translational Science in Occupation

The field of occupational therapy (OT) and healthcare in general have made great strides in enhancing their scientific rigor through study methodologies that prioritize internal validity. However, concerns regarding reproducibility and replicability in research have cast doubt on traditional evidence-based models. This paper critically examines the limitations of an over-reliance on internal validity in evidence reviews and advocates for a multi-dimensional approach to evidence-based practice. By integrating methodological holism, contextual analysis, and a critical appraisal of external validity, this approach provides practitioners with a more nuanced and applicable framework for decision-making. The implications for research credibility and clinical confidence are …

Development And Validation Of A Life Participation Self-Assessment Tool For People Living With Obesity: The Life Participation Impact Questionnaire (Lpiq-O), Marie-Claude Touchette

Translational Science in Occupation

Purpose: Obesity is a chronic condition affecting over 40% of adults in the U.S. Given the well-documented impact of obesity on life participation, a comprehensive, population-specific assessment tool is needed. We aimed to establish the face and content validity of the Life Participation Impact Questionnaire for People with Obesity (LPIQ-O), an occupation-focused assessment tool measuring the impact of obesity on areas of life participation.

Method: This study included seven iterative phases: (a) literature review, (b) interviews, (c) synthesis of the literature review and interviews, (d) item development, (e) expert validation, (f) face validation, and (g) final expert review. Six participants …

Integration Of The Science Of Team Science (Scits) With Applied Healthcare Frameworks: Interprofessional Education Through A University-Based Head Injury Clinic, Part Ii: Mixed Methods, Emily Balog, Susan Paparella, Natalia Noce, Stephanie Hubbell, Kelly Pena

Translational Science in Occupation

Introduction: Effective healthcare delivery requires clinicians to function within high-performing, collaborative teams. To support this, interprofessional education (IPE) must provide opportunities that move beyond siloed training. This paper details the clinical application of a team science-informed educational intervention designed to prepare students for interprofessional practice (IPP) through a university-based head injury head injury clinic. Methods: The research team conducted a mixed methods case study with a convergent design to evaluate student outcomes. Eighteen graduate students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology participated in a 10-week clinic. Faculty delivered training in IPEC competencies, TeamSTEPPS® tools, and clinical processes before …

Editors' State Of The Journal: Making Academic Writing Accessible, Nicole Martino, Nancy E. Krusen, Stacy Smallfield

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

Interventions To Enhance Care Partner Performance And Participation In Alzheimer's And Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematized Review, Ainslie Suyko, Addison Werner, Elizabeth A. Stacy, Danielle M. Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly A. Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) often experience disrupted routines, reduced self-care, and limited participation in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) supports care partners’ engagement in health-promoting activities and sustainable caregiving (Rhodus et al., 2023). This systematized review examined interventions that enhance care partner performance and participation.

Design: Peer-reviewed, English-language articles were included if they involved adult care partners of individuals with AD or NCDs, implemented an intervention within the scope of OT, and used quantitate research designs.

Method: A total of 319 articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus were screened; 61 …

Management Of Patients Post-Stroke: An Evidence Update, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Return-To-Work After Cancer Treatment: A Systematized Review​, Kateryna Brichka, Jordyn Spotanski, Kara Warner, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

PURPOSE: Return to work (RTW) is a key milestone in cancer survivorship, supporting identity, stability, and quality of life. Many survivors face physical, social, and psychological barriers (Wilson et al., 2023). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are well positioned to address these challenges through energy conservation, environmental modification, and work reintegration strategies (Désiron et al., 2016). This systematized review synthesized evidence on OT interventions that support RTW for adult cancer survivors.

DESIGN: A systematized review was conducted by a medical librarian from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library. Articles were included if published in English between 2003–2024 and classified as Level I–VI …

From Classroom To Clinic: Innovative Strategies To Develop And Assess Clinical Readiness And Student Success, Megan Frazee, Nicole M. Sleddens, Tessa M. Wells

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Clinical education readiness is a foundational expectation in physical therapist education and a core requirement of CAPTE accreditation. In response to national concerns regarding variability in student preparedness, the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy published a set of core knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that students should demonstrate prior to beginning full-time clinical experiences. Many of these KSAs emphasize competencies within the affective domain, such as adherence to professional standards and effective communication. Clinical reasoning is also highlighted as a key component essential for clinical readiness. However, these competencies are often underemphasized and difficult to assess prior to clinical …

Neuro Rehab In Rural America: Interprofessional Strategies For Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Rebecca L. Kinnison, Amy J. Goldman, Colleen Spellman

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Transition To Adulthood For Individuals With Idd: A Systematized Review, Jenna Banzhaf, Emily Cummings, Bethany Krenzer, Kamryn Pokorney, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) transitioning to adulthood often receive minimal support, resulting in challenges with education, employment, and independent living. This systematized review aimed to identify interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to aid a smoother transition to adulthood for individuals with IDD. By analyzing existing research, this study identified evidence-based OT strategies to promote independence, self-determination, and community participation.

Design: A systematized review of synthesized results from peer-reviewed studies that examined transition-related interventions for individuals with IDD. Articles were included if they address programs, skills, or approaches within the scope of OT.

Method: A …

Reliability Of T2-Weighted Mri Volumetric Measurements For Knee Effusion Assessment Following Acl Injury: An Intra-Rater And Inter-Rater Study, Reginald Chinweze, Neal Weldon, Matthew A. Tao, Melissa Manzer, Elizabeth Wellsandt

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Purpose: Knee effusion after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction is associated with quadriceps dysfunction and may contribute to early osteoarthritis development. This study was subsequently designed to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of our method for volumetric quantitative measurements of knee effusion using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ACL injury and reconstruction.

Methods: MRIs of 10 ACL-injured knees and 10 uninjured knees from participants aged 15-35 years old were included. Exclusion criteria included previous knee injury/surgery, inflammatory disease, BMI >30 kg/m2, and concomitant grade III ligament tears. Two independent raters analyzed effusion volumes using custom MATLAB …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Occupation-Centered Intervention Assessment On Client-Centered Care In Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study, Vanessa D. Jewell, Katherine Lally, Melinda Schultze, Yongyue Qi, Kendra Schnack, Madeline Mcgill, Rachel Vaughn

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) recognize the value of evidence-based practice, however, incorporation of client-centered practice as a component of evidence-based practice is challenging, despite the known advantages. This pilot study evaluated the use of the Occupation Centered Intervention Assessment (OCIA) in increasing practitioner ability to provide client-centered care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities with adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Method: A mixed methods design was employed, using four forms of data collection (OCIA, The Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers [MPOC], MPOC- Service Providers [MPOC-SP], and interviews) to determine changes in observed and perceived …

Development Of An Occupational Therapy-Specific Clinical Guide For Use Of Electrical Stimulation With Spinal Cord Injury: A Modified Delphi Approach Protocol, Timothy P. Dionne, James Allen Lenker, Sue Ann Sisto

Translational Science in Occupation

Objective: To establish a method for the development and validation of a clinical guide for the use of electrical stimulation (ES) in occupational therapy for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Design: A modified Delphi Approach

Participants: 5 geographically dispersed occupational therapists with advanced expertise in use of ES with SCI.

Outcome Measures: Participants rated sections of a draft guide across three rounds, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and clinical relevance. Additionally, p Participants provided suggestions regarding specific revisions to content that were incorporated in subsequent iterations of the guide across all three rounds. Additionally, post-Delphi process participants completed a survey …

Enhancing Diversity In Occupational Therapy Through A High School Internship Program, Alexis M. F. Morin, Brittany Adams, Vianni Gomez

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

The United States (US) is projected to become an increasingly diverse nation over the decades ahead, but there is a lack of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in occupational therapy (OT). While the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioners continues to be strong and is expected to rise, OT education programs are facing enrollment crises nationally. It is crucial for academic programs to develop and implement innovative and methodical strategies to recruit and retain a diverse student body to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the profession. To promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in occupational therapy, a university partnership …

Developing A Curriculum Audit Tool For Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion In Occupational Therapy Education, Whitney M. Cranna, Sarah Mckinnon

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: The OT profession is calling for intentional pedagogy that builds future practitioners’ capacity for embodying justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) values; however, the interpretation and application of this mission remain subjective and nebulous. Developing a theory-driven audit tool may help standardize and clarify JEDI pedagogy needs to enhance OT preparation and practice.

Objective: Using a culturally responsive, justice-based theoretical lens, this paper describes the development of a JEDI Curriculum Audit Tool for a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program.

Design: Quantitative systematic evaluation of curricular alignment with JEDI principles, including a 3-prong retroactive self-evaluation approach.

Setting: Curriculum …

A Rare Delayed Neuropsychiatric Encephalopathy After Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Couple’S Case Report, Sabrina Kasha, William J. Naber Ii, Michael Reimer

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is caused when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood, most specifically due to its high binding affinity for the heme structure in hemoglobin. This can lead to serious tissue damage and even be fatal. CO poisoning is primarily the result of incomplete combustion of fuels, with common sources domestically and internationally including furnaces, gas heaters, generators, and motor vehicles.2 Symptoms tend to present as neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as dementia, psychosis, parkinsonism, and incontinence. There are few well-researched CO poisoning specific treatments, which suggest supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen are most effective. We present a …

Disability-Related Diversity In Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review, Molly Whitlow, Allison Singh, Johana Cedillo, Brady A. Harrison, Sydney Wondra

Posters and Presentations: Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Ai Made Simple: A Practical Guide For Pt Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Brad Dexter, Megan Frazee

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Proximal Hamstring Strain - Current State Of Practice, Mike Wellsandt

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

The 4-Element Movement System Model, Applications For Clinical Instructors And Novice Clinicians, Elizabeth Wellsandt, Sara E. Bills, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Psychological Safety And Clinical Reasoning In Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Clinical Education: A Nationwide Survey Of Student Perception, Kelsey J. Robinson, Heather David, Beth Kinslow, Jennifer Austin

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Psychological safety contributes to effective learning environments in healthcare, where clinical experiences foster the development of clinical reasoning skills needed for accurate patient care decisions. Inadequate clinical reasoning skills may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate patient care decisions, resulting in poor outcomes and unnecessary costs. This study examines the effect of psychological safety on clinical reasoning within athletic training and physical therapy clinical experiences. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey assessed perceptions of psychological safety and clinical reasoning among Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Athletic Training students and recent graduates. Survey measures indicated good reliability (a = .83 and .85). …

Spatiotemporal Gait Parameter Changes During Walking With Blood Flow Restriction, Tanner Ruda, Christopher S. Wichman, Mike Rosenthal

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

A Model For Advocacy: Advancing Policy Change In Support For Patients With Medicaid, Betsy J. Becker, Jenae Pope

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

There are differences in access and utilization of care for patients with Medicaid. When patients cannot access timely therapeutic care, the resulting outcomes are often poor. Because a major limiting factor in accessing services is insurance type, investigating optimal coverage practices is an important first step in advocating for change. This abstract reports on Phase One of a larger collaboration with state professional associations for physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) to present a model that describes Medicaid authorization services for PT, OT, and SLP, serving as a guide for policy change.

We collaborated with the …

Editors’ State Of The Journal, Nancy E. Krusen, Stacy Smallfield, M Nicole Martino

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

The Power Of Podcasting In Knowledge Translation For Occupational Therapy, Matthew C. Brandenburg

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

Value Of Case Studies For Translating Evidence In Occupational Therapy: A New 3-Dimensional Model, George S. Tomlin, Bonnie Riley, Aimee Piller, Jessica Mchugh Conlin, Ashlea D. Cardin, Katrina M. Serwe, Deborah A. Dougherty

Translational Science in Occupation

Importance: Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners often address complex occupational performance needs of diverse consumers. Professional reasoning, theory, and trial and error interventions can be demonstrated in case studies. Case studies are usually relegated to the lowest level in evidence hierarchies. Yet they have a long tradition in health care literature, and may particularly document the holism, inclusivity, uniqueness, and complexity of OT practice.

Objective: To determine how case studies make a distinct contribution to professional knowledge, using a new model for categorizing them.

Evidence Review: 103 case studies published in AJOT from 1990-2023 were rated by the authors “1” or …