Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Intervention Strategies To Combat The Impacts Of Covid-19 On Adolescents Mental Health: A Critically Appraised Topic, Rylie Garner, Lauryne Griego, Kailey Squier, Jamie Steinhoff

Critically Appraised Topics

Does sensory modulation and physical activity as an occupational therapy intervention improve mental health outcomes in adolescents resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Family-Centered Care For Preschool Children With Disabilities, Kaylee Athmann, Ashley Freund, Rachel Koenig

Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic paper was to define family-centered care, to look at family-centered care through the model of EHP, and to show the unique role occupational therapy plays in family-centered care. More specifically, we aimed to find the effects of family-centered care on health management. While family-centered care has been cited as beneficial by occupational therapists, there is a gap in these services being provided to preschoolers with disabilities.

Critically Appraised Topic Paper: What Is Motor Learning Theory? How Can It Be Implemented Into Occupational Therapy Interventions For Individuals With Cerebrovascular Accidents?, Allyson Bourque, Alison O'Sadnick, Alexis Skogen, Callie Vold

Critically Appraised Topics

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) paper was to determine if motor learning theory guides interventions that are considered to be best practice for individuals with CVAs. We want to determine what is best practice for this population to provide practitioners with synthesized research allowing practitioners to implement the most effective, client-centered, evidence-based interventions possible.

The Effectiveness Of Intervention Facilitating Return To Work Through Improving Cognition For Those With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Madison Ertelt, Abbey Marinucci, Jaden Pikarski

Critically Appraised Topics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2019), about 2.87 million traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in the United States in 2019. It is estimated that around 1.5 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury every year. Approximately 2.5 to 6.3 million people currently live with a TBI-related disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019; Faul & Coronado, 2015, as cited in Powell et al., 2016). Specific populations are at a higher risk for sustaining a TBI. High-risk age groups include children aged four years or younger, young adults …

Impact Of Social Skills Groups On School Aged Children With Emotional Disturbance, Stephanie Coauette, Kaitlyn Ekre, Benjamin Stagg

Critically Appraised Topics

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (U.S. Department of Education, 2017, Sec. 300.8), emotional disturbance is defined as a condition in which there are one or more of the following symptoms that interferes with a child’s ability perform successfully in their education: “An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors, an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers, inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances, a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression, and a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal …

Critically Appraised Topic: The Use Of Interprofessional Practice In Occupational Therapy, Rachel Cheatley, Jaecy Giegerich, Paige Mann

Critically Appraised Topics

The theoretical lens of the Ecological of Human Performance model (EHP) (Dunn et al., 1994) was used to understand why interprofessional collaborative practice is essential to occupational therapists and other health sciences across various settings. The EHP model is an occupational therapy theory model that emphasizes the importance of context on an individual’s occupational performance and their range to perform in (Dunn et al., 1994). EHP is used to describe the environmental effects on performance range, in this case, effective interprofessional practice used by occupational therapists and other healthcare stakeholders, to identify the factors that limit and support quality care. …

The Use Of Sensory Processing Interventions To Improve Academics And Social Participation For Adolescents With Trauma, Michayla Burckhard, Austin Ellis, Michael Helgeson

Critically Appraised Topics

Childhood and adolescent trauma are defined as psychological, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as household dysfunctions that include substance abuse, criminal history, mental illness, and witnessing violence or abuse against a parent (Felitti et al., 1998; Noel-London et al., 2021). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a form of trauma for those under the age of 18 involving neglect and abuse (Elmore & Crouch, 2020). ACEs have been shown to have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, including violence, behavioral disorders, and mental health disorders (Noel-London et al., 2021; Sigurvinsdottir et al., 2021). ACEs and trauma can impact all …

Prevention Of Falls In Adults Older Than 60 Years Through Therapeutic Riding: A Critically Appraised Topic, Isabella Johannes, Dominique Menard, Alicia Young

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper will address the focus question relating to the intervention of therapeutic riding. A critically appraised topic (CAT) is an overview of scientific literature about an intervention or practical issue and how it relates to practice (Barends et al., 2017). The use of the Ecological Human Performance (EHP) model is to guide this CAT research with a theoretical basis. EHP was chosen for its emphasis on the person, environment, and tasks. The person is described in EHP as including their experiences, sensorimotor, cognition, and psychosocial abilities (Dunn et al., 1994). The use of EHP provides a …

Integrating Assistive Technology Into Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs To Increase Independent Living In Older Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic (Cat), Josie Anhorn, Kenadee Eyre, Tiana Griffith

Critically Appraised Topics

In the United States, older adults account for about “16% of the population” (Administration on Aging, 2020, p.5). Older adults are defined as anyone aged 60 and older. There has been a steady increase in the number of older adults living in the United States, and that number is expected to continue growing at a rapid rate as it is predicted that by 2040, older adults will make up approximately “21.6% of the population” (Administration on Aging, 2020, p. 5-6). The majority of this population does not reside in assisted living facilities or nursing homes but instead lives in the …

Identifying Occupational Therapy’S Role In The Interprofessional Team For Combating Barriers To Correct Medication Adherence For Older Adults, Megan Berginski, Bryce Graves, Christopher Hernandez

Critically Appraised Topics

Occupational therapy is crucial to the interprofessional team, with a focus on client-centered interventions, a holistic approach to health promotion and prevention and a comprehensive overlook on quality of life. The focus of occupational therapy is to collaborate with clients to find meaningful engagement in occupations to promote participation. The occupational therapist’s perspective on the person holistically marks their contribution to the interprofessional team in order to meet the needs to provide for the client, their families, and their community (Doll & Earland, 2020). Other than occupational therapists, the interdisciplinary team may consist of nurses, pharmacists and caregivers. Nurses are …

Post-Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Interventions And Their Relationship To Social Involvement And Quality Of Life For Middle-Aged Women, Abby Bauman, Jenna Holm, Sarah Zuelzke

Critically Appraised Topics

In the United States, statistics have shown that there is a one in eight percent chance that a woman will develop breast cancer sometime throughout their life, and it is estimated that there will be 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women in the year 2021 (American Cancer Society, 2021). One in five of the women who survive breast cancer will develop lymphedema within the initial three years following their breast cancer treatment (American College of Surgeons, 2013; DiSipio et al., 2013). Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition that is defined by the abnormal swelling caused …

Impact Of Stress Management Strategies And Intervention On The Mental Health Of Farmers: A Critically Appraised Topic, Logan Anderson, Zach Gascho, Nicole Gentry, Ashley Vannelli

Critically Appraised Topics

The dynamic transactions between the environment, person, and occupation play a role in the success of the farmer, their access to healthcare, and their willingness to seek support with their stressors or difficulties. Depression, stress, and other mental health conditions are highly prevalent within the farming community. This population is less likely to seek out and utilize available mental health resources and services, and in many cases, mental health resources are not available in rural areas (Gunn et al., 2021; Kennedy et al., 2020).

Evidence For The Use Of Health Promotion Programs In Schools, Anna Burggraf, Kathryn College, Taylor White

Critically Appraised Topics

Health promotion is defined as “a process of enabling people to increase control over and to improve their health” (Scaffa, 2019, p. 442). Promotion of health is a common goal that is shared by numerous disciplines (Reitz & Graham, 2019). Health promotion directed towards occupational therapy is the “client-centered use of occupations, adaptations to context, or alteration of context to maximize individuals’, families’, communities’, and groups’ pursuit of health and quality of life” (Reitz & Graham, 2019). Health promotion is essential for all age groups, especially for young children who are completing their beginning years of school. Children’s thoughts, behaviors, …

Best Interventions For Working Adults Experiencing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Hailey Koep, Samantha Larson, Michelle Mcnamee

Critically Appraised Topics

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is defined as ongoing pain felt in the bones, joints, and tissue of the body that persists for longer than three months (Booth et al., 2017; Joelsson et al., 2017). Worldwide, 30% of the population has experienced some form of chronic pain in their lifetime (Guy et al., 2020). When living with chronic pain, it can become difficult for working adults to engage in their everyday occupations such as activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), health management, social participation, and leisure (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). These troubles can affect an …

Interventions That Reduce Anxiety And Depression To Support Mediation Of Lifestyle Balance In Middle School Students, Briana M. Kent, Aleksander R. Kohn, Cammy C. Robertson

Critically Appraised Topics

Mental health disorders are internationally known as a leading cause of disability throughout almost 20% of the adolescent population experiencing devastating mental health problems. Current statistics note that the prevalence of impaired mental health within this population has increased by 21% from 2001 to 2011, indicating a continuation of severe effects from poor mental health on this vulnerable population (Danielson et al., 2020). Allison et al. (2014) estimated that at the time the article was written, 14 million children in the United States had a mental health disorder that interfered with their daily life. Research from the Centers for Disease …

Evidence For Planning As An Intervention Approach For Adults Transitioning Into Retirement, Emily Knust, Olivia Myers, Bridget Reuss

Critically Appraised Topics

The retirement age in America is continuing to become older. Seven in ten working adults in the Baby Boomer generation said that they expect to work past age 65 or are already past that age and are still working. Of this generation, 42% would prefer to transition into their retirement by lessening their hours at their current career (Edlerson, 2019). Those who are choosing to retire later in their life are prolonging this transition to delay the loss of a meaningful occupation that they have held for several decades. For this critically appraised topic, the authors have operationally defined retirement …

Effectiveness Of Kind Behavior Promotion In Bullying Prevention Among School-Aged Adolescents, Isabell Fetsch, Megan Fuka, Lexi Zahn

Critically Appraised Topics

Bullying is an important and prevalent issue among school-aged adolescents and adolescents. The highest rates of bullying were reported in middle schools, followed by high schools, combined schools, and primary schools, respectively. Approximately 1 in 5 high school students experience bullying at school and about 1 in 6 experience cyberbullying. The rates of bullying also differ between groups of individuals. LGBTQ+ students are more likely to be bullied than their heterosexual counterparts, females are more likely to be bullied than males, and White students reported higher rates of bullying than Hispanic and Black students (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention …

Occupation-Based Intervention With Evaluation Of The Home Environment For Older Adults In A Long-Term Care Facility, Teo Faulkner, Autumn Hopkin, Anna Logan

Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to recommend education of longterm care staff on the residents and the residents’ previous experiences and preferred occupations and how home evaluation within the long-term care facility with recommendations for the environment could indicate where there is occupational deprivation, and lack of occupational based/client-centered interventions for adults 65 and older in long-term care facilities.

Efficacy Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Adults Experiencing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Emma Lehman, Abbigail Smith, Krista Weiland

Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) paper is to explore the effectiveness of pain reduction through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in assisting men and women who have chronic musculoskeletal pain with instrumental activities of daily living. There is a gap in the literature regarding the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy when managing and perceiving chronic musculoskeletal pain. There is also a gap in long-term research in the performance and satisfaction of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) when living with chronic pain. Aegler and Satink (2009), Cheng et al. (2017) and Ehde et al. (2014) discussed the impact …

Utilizing A Community-Based Core Approach To Foster Occupational Engagement In Individuals With Mental Health Conditions Within Rural Communities, Anne Domanus, Melanie Martinez, Sheena Miller

Critically Appraised Topics

“Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness,” which was approximately 51.1 million people in 2019 (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021, para. 1). This is an important issue within the country; however, it is not widely talked about, especially in rural areas. Research has shown that the prevalence of mental health conditions is consistent across urban and rural areas, but the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions is worse within rural communities (Thorne & Ebener, 2020). This has been attributed to the lack of access to resources, lack of knowledge about resources and mental health conditions …

Aging In Place: Causes And Importance Of Fall Prevention Education, Molly Banks, Danielle Halstead, Mariah Leroux

Critically Appraised Topics

Falls are a significant concern for older community-dwelling adults’ ability to age in place, specifically those who aged 60 and older. Many factors contribute to the risk of falls in older adults that need to be addressed by health care facilities, home health providers, and caretakers. Occupational therapy has a role to educate older adults, as well as health care providers on how to prevent the risk factors of older adults and falls. The purpose of this CAT is to take a deeper look at why this population has so many falls and examine the research addressing education and risk …

Critically Appraised Topic: Hippotherapy Intervention For School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jedekiah May, Delanie Vitosh, Karleen Vonkrosigk

Critically Appraised Topics

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has risen nearly 600 percent in the past two decades, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 68 children worldwide have a clinical diagnosis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Children with ASD experience resultant challenges in occupational functioning due to impairments in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. Sensory modulation issues can cause negative impacts on physical and social functioning. Modulation allows filtering of irrelevant stimuli and maintenance of an optimal level of arousal that facilitates attention to environmental demands with longer engagement in tasks (Llambias, Magill-Evans, Smith, & Warren, 2016). …