Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Enhancing Adaptive Aquatics For Children With Autism, Arielle Bernstein

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism. Current trainings lack inclusive, neurodiversity-informed teaching strategies. Without practical tools and education, instructors struggle to meet the unique sensory and communication needs of these swimmers.

Innovative Rehabilitation: Enhancing Qol For College Athletes With Post-Concussion Symptoms, Francis Gonzales

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Inconsistent concussion protocols and modest current practices in emerging technology for treating post-concussion symptoms can lead to a decrease in physical, cognitive, and emotional deficits, causing college athletes to have diminished community integration and poor QOL.

Helping Prepare Young Adults With Disabilities For Successful Employment, Irvin Jimenez

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem Statement: Young adults with disabilities are at a higher risk of unemployment and typically don't receive the career development and employment readiness training needed to attain employment (Lindsay et al., 2015). In turn, young adults with disabilities struggle to transition into the workforce and can benefit from life skills and work-related skills in which occupational therapy (OT) can help with providing valuable insight and helping with identifying and selecting work opportunities, employment seeking and acquisition, and developing needed work-related skills and patterns (Occupational therapy practice framework, 2020).

Mindfulness, Meaning, And Mental Health: Occupational Therapy At The Heart Of Community Wellness At Acc, Hazel Hyeonjin Yang

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite growth, limited research exists on culturally sensitive healthcare interventions and utilization patterns in this group. Aimed to increase awareness and support older adults in accessing mental health services, promotes mindfulness and highlights the role of occupational therapy in community wellness by addressing cultural and generational barriers through workshops.

From Trauma To Triumph: Occupational Therapy Approaches To Addressing Aces And Empowering Change, Kayla Livingston

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem statement: Despite the number of children who are exposed to ACEs, there is limited literature that mentions the relationship between current interventions and the scope of OT.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Addressing Physical & Psychosocial Health Needs Within The Dance Community To Optimize Artist-Athlete Longevity, Krista Narvasa Antonio

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Purpose: This capstone project seeks to advocate for holisitc and sustainable training approaches in dance by creating a system of improving awareness of current evidence-based protocols and practices surrounding dancer health.

Fostering Community To Promote Health And Wellness Amongst Lgbtq+ School Of Health Sciences Students, Lio Inumerable

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem Statement: Lack of resources, programming, and supports for queer-identifying graduate students in health science focused programs.

Traumatic Brain Injury In The Criminal Justice System, Molly Mcdavid

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Between 51 - 60.25% of incarcerated individuals and 47% of those on probation have one or more traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) in their lifetime. Despite this, the criminal justice system (CJS) lacks: • Routine screening for TBI, • CJS worker education, on TBI and it’s impact, • TBI specific resources for clients and workers.

Supporting Co-Occupation Through Play: Exploring Park Accessibility For Families Affected By Disability, Serenity Edwards

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Public playgrounds are often designed without considering the needs of families with disabilities. When parks and playground environments are not accessible it hinders the the co-occupation of play between parent and child.

Branching Out: Expanding Pediatric Occupational Therapy Through Nature-Based Practice, Sarah Kelly

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

The current intake and outtake process lacks uniformity and there is no structured system in place to effectively monitor client progress and outcomes during the program or after its completion. Develop a streamlined process for screening, goal setting, and following up on goal progression at the end of camp.

From Heart To Eyes: Barriers Impacting Diabetes Management In Lses Areas, Robert Swayze

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem statement: Individuals with diabetes in LSES communities often experience challenges in managing their health due to barriers affecting daily routines, motivation, and health literacy, leading to comorbidities like DR & CHF.

Occupational Therapy Home-Based Treatment To Improve Feeding In Kids With Arfid And Other Eating Disorders, Taylor Renee Sanders

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

The project aimed to spread research-based interventions and strategies to parents whose children are receiving occupational therapy for feeding challenges.

Gym Inclusivity For Individuals With Physical Disabilities, Sergio Rodriguez

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Project purpose: Provide staff with the recommendations necessary to make the Fitness Center more ADA compliant. Provide staff with the training necessary to better understand different types of disabilities, laws and regulations and how to interact with individuals with disabilities. Provide students with the necessary tools to advocate for change within the fitness community.

Independence Beyond Sight: Occupational Therapy's Role In Promoting Functional Independence In Low Vision Communities, Kristina Holcomb

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Many individuals with low vision experience a multitude of barriers limiting access to community and healthcare services. Interviews highlighted the need to expand outreach to youth, build an updated community resource guide, and the need for community events for all programs.

Empower, Educate, Engage: Supporting Hispanic Families With Diabetes Through Occupational Therapy, Luis E. Perez

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

The population of interest is Hispanic individuals and familiaes managing diabetes. Purpose: Close gaps in health literacy, daily routine-building, and family engagement through OT-designed tools and resources. Advocate for integration of OT into multidisciplinary diabetes-care teams, expanding access to holistic self-management support.

Play With Intent: A Community Based-Approach In Promoting Inclusive And Child-Led Engagement With Easterseals Superior California, Margerie Vergara Vinoya

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Neurodiverse children may require additional environmental support to successfully engage, socialize, and adapt due to differences in their sensory systems. However, there’s a lack of inclusive, child-led, and sensory-rich environments that promote meaningful participation and social success.

Assistive Devices For Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Maribel Gutierrez

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

An epidemiology survey reported a prevalence of 2.8 million individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the year of 2020. In Northern California the prevalence of MS has increased with an estimated 288 cases per 100,000 individuals. Studies report less than 40% of individuals with MS have used occupational therapy services, and when they do, it is frequently in reaction to more severe symptoms than taking preventative measures.

Implications Of Occupational Therapy In Veterans Returning And Reintegrating Into Higher Education, Michael Siyluy

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

There is the need to expand the resources and support in the student veteran population for return and reintegration in higher education.

Promoting Effective Dental Care For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Trina Hoang

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem/Purpose: Increase awareness of the challenges that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder face at the dental office. Advocating for the role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in dental care. Bridging communication between OT and dentistry.

Exploring Mental Health Utilization Among First-Generation College Students, Sophia Kohgadai

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Background & Purpose: One or more parents did not earn a 4-year college degree. Compared to their non-firstgeneration peers, First Generation College Students face higher rates of unaddressed mental health issues and other unique challenges. Despite reporting greater symptom distress, they are less likely to utilize psychological services on campuses.

Enhancing Health Literacy Among Spanish-Speaking Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Christie Ledezma

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Parkinson’s disease may be significantly under-represented and inadequately treated in rural areas, specifically in the Spanish-speaking community due to lower health literacy levels and limited resources. Project: Determine barriers faced by Spanish-speaking individuals with Parkinson’s disease and implement into solutions.

Empowering Kidney Transplant Recipients: The Role Of Occupational Therapy For A Successful Transition Into Emerging Adulthood, Courtney Heller

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

The transition into adulthood for kidney transplant recipients includes both the move from pediatric to adult healthcare settings and developmental shifts to pursue milestones associated with early adulthood. This period is marked by immense change and vulnerability where AYA kidney transplant recipients are at a heightened risk for negative health outcomes. There is a need to improve policies, protocols, and cement best practices to equip and empower young transplant recipients to thrive into adulthood with their gift of life.

Growing Through The Senses: A Sensory Garden Approach To Support Emotional Regulation And Sensory Awareness In Young Adults With Visual Impairments, Deanne Nguyen

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Young adults with visual impairments are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health challenges. Encounter unique challenges that impact emotional, social, and personal development.

Enhancing Response Through Occupational Therapy: Neurodiversity & Mental Health Training For First Responders, Haley De Los Santos

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Problem Statement: Lack of specific training protocol in the following areas; complex neurological, physiological, cognitive, and physical diversity. First responders are not adequately trained respond to complex, diverse calls within the community.

From Plan To Practice: Enhancing Lifestyle Management Through Effective Carry Over Strategies Using Occupational Therapy Perspective, Josephine Hernandez

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Explore and build on existing knowledge of occupational therapy’s role in lifestyle management techniques through embodied experience. Explore evidence-based research on embodied interventions with multidisciplinary care. Explore and exercise advocacy skills within a multidisciplinary team. Explore and apply marketing and outreach initiatives for increased community awareness of resources.

Form And Function : Ot In The Beauty Industry, Sheng Kaitlan Vang

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

This capstone project purposes to address the high risk of musculoskeletal injuries among cosmetologists by integrating occupational therapy (OT) principles to promote ergonomic awareness and safe body mechanics by embedding injury prevention education into cosmetology training using the CEAS framework.

Play For All: Addressing Barriers And Promoting Equity In Sports Participation For Children With Disabilities, Kayla Swank

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Whether a child has a physical, cognitive, or invisible disability, there are many situations in which they aren’t given equal access to participate in team sports, individual sports, or physical activity in general.

Reclaiming Your Body, Reframing Your Mind: An Ot Perspective On Postpartum Exercise Participation, Abigail Waisner

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Perinatal Mental Health conditions affect up to 84% of birthing women. These include: Depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders, and Psychosis. These mental health challenges may be influenced by stress, lack of sleep, role changes, family history, social determinants of health, etc.

Innovative Virtual Mentoring: The Impact Of Technology On Neurologic Physical Therapy Education, A Case Study, Joy Williams, Joanne Pho

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This case report provides an example of the utilization of true wireless earbud (TWE) technology within virtual mentoring sessions in an outpatient setting, aimed at enhancing mentee learning within a neurologic physical therapy residency program.

Methods: The mentor- mentee pair, consisting of one mentor and one mentee, participated in virtual mentorship sessions using a combination setup that included visual communication through a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant video conferencing platform delivered on a tablet, and audio through TWE. The sessions involved the mentee and patient in a face-to-face physical therapy session, with the mentor participating over …

Understanding Physical Therapist Student Defined Success: A Qualitative Study, Katie Graves, Lindsay Gietzen

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: To (1) investigate student defined success in physical therapist education, and (2) generate key themes from the students’ perspective related to success to enhance physical therapist and health professions education. Method: A qualitative study was conducted through a series of focus groups with 13 first-year and 13 second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students. Study participants were asked open-ended questions regarding student success and the associated contextual factors. An inductive coding method with thematic analysis utilizing Dedoose software identified major themes. Results: The use of focus groups allowed for in-depth participant discussion, with sample excerpts presented. Data analysis yielded five …