Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Recurring Ankle Injuries In Dancers, Alexis Jawny

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research, obtained from various Journals of Dance Medicine and Science, is to identify the cause of recurring ankle injuries in the dance community. Ankle injuries are the most common type of injury making up 50% of injuries in dancers. The main cause of recurring ankle injuries is improper diagnosing and then leading to the wrong treatment plan. The research focusses on how to prevent these improper diagnoses and what the dancer and specialty care professional (orthopedics, physical therapists, and rehabilitative medicine) can do to decrease the number of ankle injuries occurring and reoccurring in the dance …

Arts Of Life: A Place For Artists To Participate And Engage, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Arts of Life is an innovative, Chicago-based day program where artists with and without disabilities have the opportunity to participate in artwork. It was created out of an identified need for individuals with a developmental disability to foster community engagement in artistic endeavors. Arts of Life has its foundation in four core values: inspiring artistic expression, building community, promoting self-respect, and developing independence. It bases its programming on these values, which help to maintain a collective environment that promotes artistic freedom for all individuals.

Assessing Functional Impairment In Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Patricia Da Cunha Belchior, Taranpreet Bains, Jennifer Hargadon, Sofia Tran, Courtney Uphoff, Jade Chiu W. Kwok, Navaldeep Kaur, Isabelle Gelinas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

To date, there is no consensus on how to assess functional impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and this lack of consensus is reflected in the clinical practice. Since the criterion used in the literature is very vague, clinicians are still left without much guidance in this area. Thus, the main goal of this study was to examine how functional impairment in individuals with MCI has been assessed in the literature.

An electronic database search strategy was developed in consultation with an experienced librarian. Four databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and MEDLINE) were searched from 2000 to May 2014 …

The Care For The Dying: A Critical Historical Analysis Of Occupational Therapy In Hospice., Marion Russell, Angela Bahle-Lampe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper presents an historical analysis of occupational therapy’s role in hospice care with relation to past and current hospice practices, as well as cultural forces that impact that role. Since the beginning of the movement, hospice has developed into a strong component of end-of-life care, and occupational therapy practice models and interventions are unique in addressing the occupational needs of clients during this stage of life. Despite compelling evidence of the positive impact of employing occupational therapists, there continue to be significant barriers to implementation of services. The author proposes that the concept of occupation, as experienced at the …

Interprofessional Education In Occupational Therapy: The Idaho State University Model, Bryan M. Gee, Jennifer Holst, Kathleen Baron, Eydie Kendall, Sarah Knudson, Laura Mcknight, Karren Streagle

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming a common practice among most allied health professions as a part of entry level training. IPE is intended to promote greater professional collaboration in routine clinical practice. The prerequisites for this type of educational process include gaining an understanding of one’s own and other professions while developing mutual respect, trust, and communication skills. The Idaho State University (ISU) Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team (IET) course delivery model is one such vehicle which fosters IPE across numerous disciplines while providing significant clinical support to the local community. This study presents the ISU IET course process, which combines clinical …

Knowledge Translation Activities In Occupational Therapy Organizations: The Canadian Landscape, Catherine A. Donnelly, Heidi Cramm, Amanda Mofina, Marie-Eve Lamontagne, Shalini Lal, Heather Colquhoun

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Despite acknowledging the importance of knowledge translation (KT), the occupational therapy profession has demonstrated only emerging KT activity. Organizations are seen as playing an important role in supporting KT. To date, there have been no known attempts to explore KT activities conducted by occupational therapy organizations in Canada. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe KT activities occurring in Canadian occupational therapy organizations. An environmental scan was used to identify KT activities. The websites of occupational therapy national and provincial associations and/or regulatory bodies and the educational programs were searched. A Knowledge Mobilization Matrix (KMM) website was …

Exploring The Relationship Between Entry-Level Master’S Program Class Size And The Number Of Graduate Credits Offered And Aggregate Nbcot Pass Rates, Scott Truskowski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The AOTA and ACOTE have discussed a transition to a mandated entry-level clinical doctorate degree (Harvison, 2013). Following the move to the entry-level master’s degree in 2007, the overall national pass rate on the national certification examination fell from 88% in 2006 to 77% by 2009 (Harvison, 2011; Harvison, 2012). This study sought to determine if the number of graduate credits offered or the class size of an entry-level master’s program impacts student outcomes on the national certification examination. Publicly available data was mined from all accredited entry-level master’s programs. Data were imported into the SPSS for statistical analysis. The …

An Open-Access Review To Determine Best Evidence-Based Practice For Copd, Beth Ann Walker, Heidi Breckner, Morgan Carrier, Wendy Pullen, Erin Reagan, Lisa Telfer, Taryn Zimmerman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The manifestation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can have an enormous impact on individuals’ areas of occupation, specifically activities of daily living. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have the ability to efficiently treat these clients using evidence-based interventions to achieve optimal functioning and quality of life. The purpose of this research study was to identify specific interventions supported by evidence for consumers with COPD using an open-access database for OT.

Method: A thematic synthesis of 102 articles available on COPD via the open-access database OTseeker was used in this study. A constant comparison approach revealed seven descriptive themes for …

Use Of Occupational Performance Coaching For Stroke Survivors (Opc-Stroke) In Late Rehabilitation: A Descriptive Case Study, Danika Belliveau, Isabelle Belliveau, Aniane Camire-Raymond, Dorothy Kessler, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. Following stroke, 60% of people report needing help with everyday activities, and 80% report having very few meaningful activities. These restrictions often continue for years. This study explored the efficacy of Occupational Performance Coaching for stroke survivors (OPC-Stroke) on the participation level of adults in the later stage of stroke rehabilitation.

Method: A descriptive case study design was used. One participant in the later stages of rehabilitation was recruited. Outcome measures for participation, goal performance and satisfaction, and emotional well-being were administered pre and postintervention to observe for direction of …

Feasibility Of A Research Protocol To Investigate The Effect Of The Therapressuretm Program Using Salivary Cortisol, Scott Weeks, Kobie Boshoff, Hugh Stewart, Shona Kelly, Chris B. Della Vedova

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: There is an absence of high quality research to support the use of the Therapressure Program^TM. This pilot study aimed at developing appropriate research protocols to investigate the effectiveness of the Therapressure Program^TM on the stress response in children with sensory overresponsivity.

Method: A one-group pre-test/post-test repeated measures design was conducted using a convenience sample. Six children (6-8 years of age) with sensory overresponsivity received 14 consecutive days of the Therapressure Program^TM by their parents at home. Parents concurrently collected salivary cortisol samples from their children.

Results: Children with sensory overresponsivity displayed …

What Do Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities Learn About Sexuality And Dating? A Potential Role For Occupational Therapy, Grace Krantz, Veronica Tolan, Kimmi Pontarelli, Susan M. Cahill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The objective of the qualitative study was to describe the perspectives of high school educators regarding how adolescents with developmental disabilities are taught about sexuality and dating. In addition, the investigators sought to examine how occupational therapy practitioners could be better integrated into the educational team to address this need.

Method: Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results: Three major themes emerged: (a) sexuality is unique to each student, (b) teachers and parents do not know what to do, and (c) a potential role for OT.

Conclusions: Occupational therapy …

The Significance Of Comforting Touch To Children With Autism: Sensory Processing Implications For Occupational Therapy, Guy L. Mccormack, Lisa Holsinger

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children with autism have unusual sensory processing issues. The aim of this study was to examine how mothers comforted their children. Clinical observation has shown that mothers of children with autism often have difficulty calming their children. This study describes the differences in the response to comforting touch among children diagnosed with autism and normally developing children.

Method: The study was a self-report survey using a questionnaire to compare the responses of mothers of children with autism (N = 25) to mothers of typically developing children (N = 26).

Results: The results showed that the methods …

A Comparison Of Print And Cursive Handwriting In Fifth And Sixth Grade Students: A Pilot Study, Anne H. Zachry, Allison P. Doan, Stephanie B. Lancaster, Brittany Simmons, Cary Smith, Jaclyn N. Wicker

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Handwriting is an important skill to master because handwriting demands take up a significant portion of the school day. Pediatric occupational therapists evaluate and treat children who are experiencing challenges with handwriting; therefore, it is important for practitioners to understand the performance of children using both of these writing styles.

Method: A convenience sample of 36 fifth and sixth grade students participated in the study. Print and cursive handwriting samples were collected on two separate occasions, and a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to examine speed and legibility differences in these writing styles.

Results: Speed in print writing did not …

Sensory Processing As A Predictor Of Feeding/Eating Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jerilyn A. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have feeding and eating difficulties as well as unusual responses to sensory stimuli. This can lead to significantly compromised occupational performance.

Method: A secondary data analysis study design was used to investigate sensory processing characteristics as predictors of feeding and eating disturbances. Study subjects were children aged 2 to 14 years (N = 171) with ASD. The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was used to determine the child’s sensory processing abilities. Correlational and multiple regression methods were employed to analyze the relationship between sensory processing and feeding and eating behaviors.

Results …

Personalized Medicine And Evidence-Based Practice: Merging The Art And Science Of Ot, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Investigating Student Approaches To Learning With Structured Or Unstructured Client Collaboration, Cara E. Masselink

Masters Theses

As a profession, occupational therapists pride themselves on providing client-centered treatment. It is hypothesized that increased structured client collaboration as well as incorporating reflective journaling in the fieldwork setting (to meet the students at their level of learning) will improve student's critical thinking skills, and encourage them to seek deeper learning techniques to ensure they are providing 'best practice' occupational therapy for the client and his/her family. In this pilot study, the learning approaches of students in two existing University-based clinic programs were measured over the course of one semester. The treatment group was required to participate in structured, intentional …

Is Preoperative Functional Status A Predictor Of Postoperative Mortality, Morbidity And Quality Of Life In Open Heart Patients?, A. Kate Macphedran

Dissertations

The very nature of mortality and morbidity surrounding cardiac surgery is complex with numerous risk factors involved and researchers have found functional status to be a stronger predictor of outcomes than the admitting diagnosis. Preoperative functional status, however, is not measured by any of the cardiac risk scores. Functional status can be objectively measured using validated outcome tools such as the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). In 3 studies, the impact and association of functional status changes over time was explored in patients who have undergone elective open heart surgery. Analyses in Study 1 demonstrated significantly improved functional status …

Portrait Of An Ot Artist: Using Mindfulness To Find Life Balance, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Lynn Davies, a Canadian-based occupational therapist, understands the skill set and practice required to employ a balanced work/play/leisure routine, even for an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists can easily foster this balanced routine for clients; however, they may fall short of adopting this balanced routine in their own lives. Lynn uses art and mindfulness strategies to strive for a meaningful routine. Balancing her work as a therapist and her engagement in art is an ever-evolving orchestra, as she has a passion for both.

Assistive Technology Accessibility And Abandonment: Challenges For Occupational Therapists, Daniel Mc Cruz, Maria Luisa G. Emmel, Mariana G. Manzini, Paulo V. Braga Mendes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Outcomes Associated With A Leisure-Time Activity Program For Disadvantaged Youth, Juanita Bester, Maatje Kloppers

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The SLEAK (Skills, Learning and Educational Activities for Kids) program was established in 2008 as a joint partnership between a community leader and the Division of Occupational Therapy Stellenbosch University. The vision of the SLEAK program is to create a sustainable, non-profit, leisure-time activity program for the youth (10-13 years of age) of the community in order to curb drug and gangster-related activities and to foster healthy work-related skills in the youth to make them responsible and productive members of their community.

The SLEAK program was evaluated in its entirety and this article will focus on the results for the …

An Elective Course Exploring Occupational Justice Through Occupational Storytelling And Story Making, Julie A. Bednarski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to examine whether second-year Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students who enroll in the elective course “Occupation in Long-Term Care (LTC)” would be able to apply concepts of occupational justice in the nursing home environment through engaging residents in occupational storytelling and story making in order to facilitate resident self-advocacy for participation in a valued occupation. The occupational therapy elective course was developed and implemented with students alternating between the classroom and the nursing home environments. Outcome evaluation measurements included analysis of student reflective journaling to obtain qualitative data. The researcher found that students …

Role Performance And Role Valuation Among Occupational Therapy Students In Norway, Tore Bonsaksen, Hildegunn Kvarsnes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Model of Human Occupation describes roles as providing the person with a framework around which to organize daily occupations. Role performance and role valuation in young adults may be related to gender, but there are few research studies to date to support this view.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional design using a sample of 87 occupational therapy students in Norway. We used the Role Checklist to assess the students’ performance and valuation of roles, and a variety of statistical procedures were employed in the analysis.

Results: Compared to the female participants, males performed roles in the community, …

Using Technology To Increase Physical Activity In Health Profession Students, Mary Ann Stark, Kelly Elrod, Sara Haller, Andrea Mahon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Health profession students may need help establishing and maintaining positive health behaviors when they are in college. This study explored the effectiveness of text messaging as an innovative method for promoting an increase in daily physical activity. A convenience sample (N = 134) was recruited from students at a college of Health and Human Services in Michigan. The participants were randomized into an intervention or control group (n = 67 each). The intervention group received daily affective text messages encouraging more physical activity by taking more steps. The control group received only messages reminding them to report their number of …

Attitudes Of Occupational Therapists And Occupational Therapy Assistants Toward The Entry-Level Bachelor’S Degree For Otas, Randy P. Mccombie

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Discussions at the local, state, and national level often focus on the value of and prospect for a change from the current entry-level master’s degree to the doctorate degree as the required entrance degree for occupational therapists (OTs). While this debate is not without merit, what appears to be lacking is comparable attention to and consideration of the entry-level bachelor’s degree for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). The present study examined the attitudes and opinions of OTs and OTAs in regard to the entry-level bachelor’s degree for OTAs. Responses from 144 OTs and 77 OTAs to a postal mailed survey found …

The Use Of Personal Projects Analysis To Enhance Occupational Therapy Goal Identification, Mary Egan, Lori Scott-Lowery, Cynthia De Serres Larose, Liane Gallant, Chantal Canada Jaillet

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Client-centered occupational therapy begins with the identification of personally-relevant patient goals. This study aimed to determine whether the elicitation module of Personal Projects Analysis (PPA) could help patients in an acquired brain injury day hospital program identify more meaningful goals than those identified using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) alone.

Method: Ten patients completed the COPM. They rated the importance of each goal and their confidence that they could attain each goal. During the next session, using the elicitation module of PPA, they identified personal projects just prior to their brain injuries, current personal projects, and future desired …

A Phenomenological Study On The Perception Of Occupational Therapists Practicing In The Emergency Department, Gregory Chown, Theresa Soley, Susan Moczydlowski, Christine Chimento, Amy Smoyer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of the study was to increase the scope of knowledge regarding the perception of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners working in the emergency department (ED). A literature review identified a gap in knowledge of OT practitioners working in the ED.

Methods: The 10 participants in this study were registered and licensed OT practitioners working at five acute-care settings with experience working in the ED in Pennsylvania hospitals. A qualitative phenomenological research study was conducted using semi-structured interviews of participants’ lived experiences.

Results: Using qualitative data analysis program Atlas.ti 7®, the central themes discovered were discharge recommendations that ensure …

State Of The Journal Year 3: Finding Our Balance, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study Of Mikey, Gabrielle Lober

Honors Theses

This paper describes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including diagnostic criteria, suspected causes, prevalence, comorbidities, and influences on client factors. A hypothetical case study is presented to give readers an illustration of what someone with ASD might look like. Possible treatment based on evidence and selected frame of references will be given for the hypothetical client. This paper is not all inclusive of the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, but gives an illustrative example.

The Style Evolution Of Glasses: Acknowledging Well-Being For Wearable Medical Device, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The focus of Peta Bush’s work is to create wearable medical devices that address all qualities of the individual, including physical, mental, emotional, and psychosocial aspects. Peta is completing a practice-based research PhD titled “Therapeutic jewelry: The craft of people-centric devices for wellbeing.” Her passion for creating wearable medical devices that are multi-dimensional stems from her personal experiences, as she has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In addition, she uses her knowledge of well-being and the biopsychosocial model when creating her wearable medical devices. Peta currently uses technology, such as 3D printing, as one method to fabricate her collection. Her aspirations are for …

More Tips For Making An Editor Happy, Jan Andersen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.