Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Train To Move: A Sensory Approach To Functional Fitness To Promote Movement And Play In Youth, Eboni Rowe, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The Center for Disease and Control (2022) have implemented guidelines for over a decade suggesting a recommended amount of daily physical activity, however a high proportion of children and adolescents in the United States are physically inactive (Mitchell, 2019). Encouraging lots of movement and play can help build a strong foundation in which children understand that being physically active can and should be a healthy habit throughout their lives. Incorporating use of sensory-based occupational therapy can provide a fun and enjoyable approach to functional fitness and promote movement and play, especially for youth who may have special sensory needs. Therefore, …

Horizontal Ladder Task: Assessing The Effect Of A Walking Intervention On Mobility In People With Lower Limb Amputation, Chelsea Domingo

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Hundreds of thousands of people struggle with mobility due to lower limb amputation. Learning how to do something you have never done is a difficult task for anyone. Practice is important when person with amputation uses a prosthesis because each environment they encounter could vary. Across settings, different textures such as even and uneven terrain require different skills to maintain balance. The purpose of this research is to determine if practicing walking on uneven terrain will help people with amputation improve their ability to walk in different environments. We will use a horizontal ladder task (Christie et al., 2020) to …

Enhancing Leisure Participation For Women Who Are Experiencing Homelessness, Christine Truong, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Opportunities to engage in leisure activities are limited for women experiencing homelessness (Klitzing, 2004). The purpose of this capstone was to develop a program for a residence serving women who are at risk of homelessness to improve their leisure participation and exploration. The needs assessment involved on-site observations at the Community Mission of Hope and Empowerment Village, literature review, client interviews, and an online questionnaire for volunteers and staff members. Although the program was not implemented due to time constraints and current programming already occurring, future sessions were outlined, and supplies were ordered through a grant to prepare for implementation. …

The Experiences Of Children With Neurological Conditions And Families, Charmaine Alexis Pasion, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with chronic neurological conditions and their families experience various challenges that impact their quality of life and occupational participation as they reintegrate back into their communities (Dumas & Grajo, 2021; Taib et al., 2021). However, rehabilitation for children with chronic neurological conditions focuses on addressing functional impairments and self-care activities rather than transitioning home (Diener et al., 2021). Therefore, children and their families are in need of resources and interventions to address their occupational impact as they return to their occupations (Diener et al., 2021). This capstone research study explored the lived experiences of children with chronic neurological conditions …

Exploring Occupation-Based Practice For Athletes With Sports-Related Injuries, Brett Taylor, Susan Macdermott, Jay Gerzmehale

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The profession of OT has yet to be widely acknowledged and recognized within the world of sports (Reed, 2011). There is currently a lack of research related to OT's role in working with athletes who have sustained sports-related injuries. Although occupational therapists are currently working with athletes on sports rehabilitation and recovery, there is uncertainty within the profession regarding the presence of occupation-based practice (OBP) in the population of athletes and within the sports rehabilitation setting. The project aims to advocate for the profession of OT in sports rehabilitation and recovery and increase awareness of the importance of OBP when …

Enhancing Leisure Participation In An Inpatient Mental Health Setting, Jawad Aqil, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, Enhancing Leisure Participation in an Inpatient Mental Health Setting, was completed by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy candidate at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Project objectives aimed to identify and address internal and external barriers related to leisure participation in inpatient mental health settings from an occupational therapy perspective. A literature review of leisure engagement demonstrates beneficial mental health outcomes in correlation with increased leisure engagement during inpatient mental health treatment. However, leisure is often an underutilized facet of mental health treatment. Additionally, individuals with mental health challenges present with individualistic barriers decreasing leisure …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Cleft Lip And Palate Treatment, Kelly Toy, Karen Park, Amanda Amaro

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: This research study aims to understand the lived experience of cleft lip and palate (CLP) on mental health, social participation, and leisure to answer the research question: what is the occupational impact of CLP on mental health, social participation, and leisure activity?

Methods: A qualitative mixed methods research design —34 participants for the survey and 12 interviewees. The interviews were conducted through Zoom and lasted 1 hour. This study used thematic analysis to create themes.

Results: 85% of individuals with CLP experienced bullying, all individuals with CLP stated that their mental health was affected because of CLP, and 59% …

Assessing Asian American And Pacific Islander (Aapi) Teachers’ Workplace Wellness, Fiona Tang, Karen Park, Susan Macdermott, Deja Anderson

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Teachers have many instructional, behavioral and classroom management, and administrative responsibilities (Cormier et al., 2021; Hilger et al., 2021; Roeser et al., 2022). There is limited research on occupational therapy's role in teacher wellness. This study aimed to assess the challenges and barriers that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) teachers face, the causes of burnout, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AAPI teachers' wellness. This study used a mixed methods research design, including an online survey and semi-structured interviews, focused on the challenges, barriers, strengths, and needs that AAPI teachers face in public, middle, and high schools …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Time-Use After Transitioning To In-Person Learning, Jhannell Hannah Ocampo, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic had an emotional and physical impact on occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students. Students lost access to campus services, social circles, and “safe zones," which may have consequently become traumatic stressors (U.S. Department of Education, 2021; Bridgland et al., 2021). As students transition back to campus, they struggle to navigate and adapt to in-person occupations and how they use their time. Occupational therapists understand the need for meaningful occupations and the symbiotic relationship between their well-being and health (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). OTs have an emerging role in the post-secondary education setting, which …

The Farriers’ Perspective Of Ergonomics, Hailey Harrington, Gwen Morris

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Farriers, or individuals who specialize in the shoeing of horses, navigate a variety of ergonomic challenges. Such challenges have the potential to severely impact their working ability and other major areas of their lives. Early research from Holler (1984) and King (2003) investigated farrier perceptions of hazardous job requirements and tool hazards in relations to strain on their bodies. Additional factors to consider include other external factors such as human and animal interactions, physiological, and psychological factors (Flunker et al., 2020; Gombeski et al., 2017).The purpose of this study is to learn about the ergonomic conditions of farriers and their …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Transition Planning For Students With Learning Differences And The Significance Of The Kawa Model, Rita Marzeena, Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga, Holly Reed

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project seeks to define the role of occupational therapy in supporting a high school to college and career transition program by providing occupation-based interventions for the unique needs of students in the classroom. Using the KAWA Model, the students begin on a journey of self-discovery to identify the individual supports, strengths and barriers that help them to understand the factors that influence their life. In this process, the KAWA Model attempts to merge the holistic approach that is common in the western themes of occupational therapy with the expectations and trajectory that is common of a secondary student …

Protective Effect Of Previous Spine Surgery In Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report, Jennifer Sloan, Ronald Taylor

Posters

No abstract provided.

Post Covid-19 Infection Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Adults Presenting With Pain, Ascending Weakness, And Paresthesias: A Case Report, Dustin Sielski, Jesse Lou, Timothy Bazil, Lisa Grant

Posters

Patient with documented COVID-19 infection five weeks prior to arrival and presented with pain, paresthesias, and weakness in the bilateral lower extremities. Symptoms began shortly after patient recovered from COVID-19 infection, however, patient developed ascending weakness extending into the hands with left sided chest pain, prompting patient to present for evaluation.

Exploring The Occupational Transition Of Leaving A Cult, Justine Thompson, Baylee R. Chelossi, Emily Osborn, Christian Jan Quitoriano

Occupational Therapy | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Effective Occupational Therapy Interventions To Decrease Picky Eating In Children: A Systematic Review, Savannah L. Jacobsen, Josie Cox, Alli Bos, Cherokee Ferguson, Stacey Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematic Reviews: Occupational Therapy

PURPOSE: Picky eating is related to the lack of consumption in food variety by children when shown different foods (Wolstenholme et al., 2020). A 2015 study reported that almost half of children experience a period of picky eating at some point during early childhood, including almost 15% of children for whom picky eating does not resolve by age 6 (Cardona et al., 2015). The purpose of this systematic review is to identify interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that increase food acceptance in children under the age of seven years who demonstrate picky eating characteristics and who have no …

Upper Limb Capabilities, Self-Care And Fine Motor Activities With And Without Equipment In Persons With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury At Discharge From Rehabilitation And 1 Year Post-Injury, Ralph J. Marino, David Chen, Sara Mulroy, Edelle Field-Fote, Benjamin Leiby

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Posters

Introduction: There is little information on the impact of assistive technology or devices (AT) on function. The purpose of this project was to explore the impact of AT on self-care (SC) and fine motor (FM) function in persons with cervical SCI, and to examine the functional capabilities of those who benefit from AT.

Methods: Persons with acute cervical SCI, all levels and AIS grades, with an upper extremity motor score (UEMS) > 0 were enrolled. At discharge from rehabilitation and 1 year post-injury we collected the Capabilities of Upper Extremity questionnaire (CUE-Q), and the combined SC and FM questions of the …

Assessing The Needs And Barriers Of Esports Players In Participating In Esports And Daily Life, Kristen Musacco, Susan Macdermott, Stephanie Stoltenberg

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to determine the occupational needs and barriers faced by esports players as they participate in daily life and advocate for occupational therapy's potential role. A qualitative survey of 9 participants and 6 interviews were given. Thematic analysis identified themes of stigma surrounding seeking medical intervention in esports, as well as negative perceptions of how esports are viewed. Experience with an ergonomics specialist contributed to the understanding of basic ergonomics principles, proper measurement, and assessment of stations. This needs assessment provided a basis for understanding participant experiences in relation to the role occupational therapists in …

Transportation As A Barrier To Healthcare Access For Older Adults Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Yanira Barajas, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The older adult population of those in the age group 65+ is one of the fastest growing populations in the following years. This project sought to identify what barriers older adults of low socioeconomic status face when trying to access transportation to healthcare appointments. The project also sought to understand what barriers healthcare professionals saw when their senior clients tried using transportation as well as what opportunities occupational therapists have to address the barriers if any. There was a theme of disconnect which appeared between healthcare professionals and their senior clients across multiple healthcare disciplines. This project was able to …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Unplanned Motherhood, Cierra Stewart, Karen Park

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

For women experiencing unplanned pregnancy, the thought of becoming a mother can increase stress and affect the mother’s mental health. Maternal adjustment can include depression, anxiety, worry, stress, and happiness (Mihelic et al., 2016). The impact that this new role has effects daily demands, leading to a disruption in occupational engagement, environmental changes, and overall less time for the mother (Horne et al., 2005). There is currently not a well-defined role for occupational therapy within pregnancy medical clinics to support women experiencing unplanned pregnancy and their transition to motherhood. The purpose of this project is to provide care to new …

Supporting Rural Seniors Aging In Place Using Telehealth, Angel Alexander Gomez, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: The United States is witnessing a demographic shift in that the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060; the percentage of the 65 and older age group will increase from 16 % to 23 % (Administration for Community Living, 2018). In this ever-growing population, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) 2018 survey found that 76% of Americans over the age of 50 would prefer to remain in their current residence and 77% would like to continue living in their community as long as …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Athletic Retirement, Diana Mellin, Karen Park, Madison Harris

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Athletic retirement is described as a life transition involving withdrawal from the athletic role. Throughout the process of athletic retirement, individuals experience a loss of identity, roles, routines, and social support which has shown to negatively impact their overall mental health and well-being (Marterella & Smoot, 2017). This study investigated elite athletes’ experiences throughout their transition to athletic retirement, a ten-question online survey and semi-structured interviews were administered. Themes that emerged from the data are occupational adjustment and relearning roles, experiencing a crossroads of identity, external expectations, and pressures. Participants shared experiencing a period of burnout and detachment right after …

An Exploration Of The Lifestyle Of Rodeo Athletes, Brooke Tunnell, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Rodeo is considered one of the most rapid-growing sports across many nations and consists of highly talented, tough athletes (Haney & Pearson, 1999). There is a gap in the research that examines the occupation of rodeo through an occupational therapy and occupational science perspective. Occupational science, the study of human occupation, focuses on how the form, function, and meaning of daily activities influence health and well-being (Larson & Zemke, 2003). Form, function, and meaning guided the mixed-method research study utilizing survey, interview, narrative prompt, and photo elicitation. Three themes were extracted from the data and embodied the personal and occupational …

Perceptions Of Using Diabetic Alert Dogs To Promote Occupations And Quality Of Life, Haley Speake, Rocio Alvarenga, Adam Gibson

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project consisted of a pilot phenomenological qualitative research study with the goal of assessing diabetic alert dogs' impact on their owners' occupations and quality of life from the owner's perspective. Individuals with type 1 diabetes that personally own a diabetic alert dog were interviewed virtually using a semi-structured approach. The goal of the interview questions was to gather information regarding health management, daily occupations, and quality of life. Gaps in the research were identified, and it was found that few research studies focused on the impact or benefits of a diabetic alert dog from the owner’s perspective. Therefore, …

An Occupational Therapy Guidebook For Individuals With Substance Use Disorder, Cassidy B. Ardoin-Barnett, Steven M. Gerardi

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) experience barriers and challenges that impact their daily occupational performance, engagement, well-being, and quality of life. In addition to disrupting and distorting an individual’s unique occupational outcomes, SUDs can limit, replace, and dictate an individual’s daily meaningful activities, habits, routines, and skills that support healthy occupational engagement. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have a unique and valuable role in SUDs treatment as they are equipped to identify these barriers and implement strategies for supportive skill development or restoration. Based on the literature review conducted, OT practitioners do not have an OT practice guideline, protocol, or …

Insufficient Sleep Following Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Correlates With Neurocognitive Dysfunction, Bailey Hull, Patrick Karabon, Neal Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Sleep disturbance of any nature is reported in more than half of all mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients. The pathophysiology of sleep disturbance following an mTBI is associated with structural and functional disruptions of sleep circuitry and circadian rhythm. Specifically, in the pediatric population, untreated sleep disturbance has been shown to delay mTBI recovery and compound other morbidities including neurocognitive dysfunction. It was our goal to further analyze the impact sleep disturbance has on neurocognitive function in children recovering from an mTBI.

Reporting Of Concussion Symptoms In High School Aged Athletes, Aimee Hite, Patrick Karabon, Neil Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Each year, one to two million concussions occur in the youth populations and constitute 8.9% of all high school athletic injuries. However, current literature lacks studies that focus on concussion symptoms. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence of reporting concussion symptoms and continuing to play while experiencing symptoms in high school aged athletes.

Post-Concussive Visual Symptoms In Teens Undergoing Rehabilitation, Daniel Ludema, Neil Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Visual symptoms are commonly reported in those who have experienced mild TBI. However, there has not been much research on other types of visual disturbances commonly seen in the post-concussive period. The goal of this study was to identify novel visual symptoms seen in post-concussive teens.

Cardiorespiratory, Hemodynamic, And Perceived Exertion Responses To Seated Chair Exercise, Ryan Khemraj, Cristian Solano, Neesirg Patel, Roger Sacks

Posters

INTRODUCTION
The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its sequelae in the United States population has led to escalating health care expenditures. To favorably modify cardiovascular outcomes, exercise physiologists have developed varied exercise programs that are associated with mortality reduction, symptom relief, improved exercise tolerance, favorable risk factor modification and improved psychosocial well-being. For patients with significant disability and deconditioning, chair-based exercise may provide an alternative method of achieving the relative cardioprotective benefits of traditional exercise.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Associated Demyelinating Disorder Presenting As Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis After Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination: A Case Report, Jesse Lou, Dustin Sielski, Hanan Saleh, Brandon Trivax, Julie Ferris, Ronald Taylor

Posters

No abstract provided.

Case Diagnosis: Jamestown Canyon Virus Causing Severe Guillain Barré Syndrome: A Case Report, Timothy Bazil, Megan Ziske, Evan Halchishick

Posters

No abstract provided.