Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy: A Vital Link To Transition Success Of High School Students, Ann B. Disilvestro

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists have engaged in school-based therapy practice since the 1970's when the Education for the Handicapped Act (EHA) was enacted to provide a free public education for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Since law mandated related services, occupational therapists have the opportunity to service students in all grade levels. However, over the course of time, most therapists gravitated toward servicing the student under the age of twelve. As a result, few therapists have devoted their full attention to meeting all the challenges of secondary level students with disabilities, especially for transitioning of students into the community. …

A Reference Tool For Occupational Therapists To Utilize When Planning Occupation-Based Interventions Using Animal-Assisted Therapy, Jennifer L. Hamre, Kathryn E. Nagorka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a reference tool for occupational therapists to implement an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program utilizing small animals in preparatory, purposeful, and occupation-based interventions. A thorough literature review was completed using PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO, and OT Search to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current uses for small animals in a variety of settings. Cumulative resources included books, journal articles, editorials, magazines, and electronic organizational resources. Upon completion of a review of literature, we determined animals may be a beneficial modality and serve as an alternative mode of treatment to utilize with other …

Occupational Therapy For Client Empowerment In End-Of-Life Care, Emily Johnson, Sarah Landsem

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: To enable clients in end-of-life care (EOLC ) the opportunity to continue engaging in meaningful activities throughout their remaining days to increase QoL and experience a "good death."

Methods: To complete our Scholarly Project we conducted a literature review using PubMed, CINAHL, OTsearch, and AOTA publications search engines. We also conducted an informal information session with local hospice staff and from this information we chose model/theory to guide product development.

Results: Upon completion of the literature review, we found the following problems existed in regard to utilization of Occupational Therapy in end-of-life care setting; 1) hospice care team members …

Inservice For Individuals Working Or Caring For People With Low Vision, Tara Lee, Haylee Volesky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Throughout the United States, low vision affects more than 3 million Americans 40 years of age and older (Rosenberg & Sperazza, 2008). As the population continues to age, more individuals will be moving to some form of either assisted living care or long-term care, which will increase the number of individuals with visual impairment living in such situations and requiring appropriate services. An individual with low vision typically has a decreased ability to function in daily life with a considerable impact upon functional decline in performance (Haymes, Johnston, & Heyes, 2002; Horowitz, 1994). Difficulties occur in everyday activities such as …

Occupation-Based Program To Reduce Revidicism [I.E. Recidivism] In Women Offenders, Kacie Moll, Ashley Tyre

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the United States, women are known to be the fast growing population of inmates. The purpose of this project is to develop a gender specific occupation based life skills program to implement within a prison setting and continue once in the community. An extensive literature review was conducted on current programming available and what the current needs of women inmates are. Literature revealed that there is a high rate of recidivism among female inmates once released but the recidivism percentage decreased when programming was provided within the prison. The needs of women inmates are different then male inmates. As …

Incorporating American Sign Language (Asl) Into Ot: A Clinician's Manual And Workshop, Kristin Pfeifer-Fylling

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to educate occupational therapists on American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance communication when working with Deaf individuals. Currently, in the United States, 12% of the population has trouble with their hearing, ranging from small auditory deficiencies to complete deafness. Many of these individuals communicate by using ASL which is now the 3rd most commonly used primary language in the United States (Barnett, 2002). In addition, Deaf individuals are found to have more difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) which may indicate more involvement with ~T. Because most healthcare workers OTs are not …

Custom-Made Helmet Fabrication For Occupational Therapists Treating Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury, Megan Schill, Michael Shae

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Soldiers within the Veteran's Administration who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were the focus of this project. Reports showed a growing number of soldiers have returned from Iraq with head injuries, including cranial and brain defects (Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, 2007). Symptoms individuals with TBI commonly exhibit include dizziness, balance problems, sleep problems, excessive fatigue, headaches, and difficulties with cognitive processes. Other symptoms associated with a TBI are blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and bad tastes in the mouth (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2007). The purpose of this project was to develop …

Sensory Processing Disorder: Raising Awareness, Stephanie Thomas, Karla Emmerich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is estimated by Miller (2006) that 1 in 20 children are impacted by Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 is legislation that places families at the core of the intervention process and acknowledges the importance and the influence families have on a child's development (Cohn, Miller, & Tickle-Degnen, 2000). Cohn et al. stress family-centered practices require therapists to understand and listen to the hopes and outcomes that are most important for the children's families. At STRIDE Learning Center, a developmental preschool in Cheyenne, Wyoming, parents and teachers have requested more information on Sensory …

An Occupational Therapist's Manual For Animal Assisted Therapy With Emotionally Distrubed Adolescents, Ann Marie. Bilek, Hannah Osborne

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to the comprehensive literature review, animals are currently being used as an effective tool during therapy and have been reported to promote improvement with communication, behaviors, quality of life, and self esteem of different treatment populations. Since emotionally disturbed adolescents often lack appropriate skills in the areas of communication, social interactions, self-esteem, independence, and boundaries, it can be challenging for occupational therapists to provide opportunities for development of these skills. Animal assisted therapy may be a tool that can assist in bridging the gap between the adult therapist and emotionally disturbed adolescents and provide a medium to promote skill …

Ot Cultural Competence Website, Kelly Bjoralt, Kristy Henson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Cultural competence, in health care, is becoming increasingly important as minority populations continue to grow in the United States. Although it is clear that cultural sensitive, client-centered care directly effects treatment outcomes, students and clinicians may not know where or how to access cultural resources. Culturally competent care is vital to the field of occupational therapy as client-centered care is viewed as a means of providing the best outcomes and quality of care.

A literature review was conducted to identify current cultural resources available. Based on the findings, an adult learning theory was used in conjunction with effective website design …

An Occupational Therapists' Guide To Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Kelsey Hewitt, Stephanie White

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare polyneuropathy that affects 2,720 people per year in the United States (NIH, The National Women’s Health Centre, 2004). Guillain-Barre syndrome has a rapid onset that causes the patient to lose sensation and muscle strength within 48-72 hours. This project provides a resource for occupational therapists treating Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) to access information regarding the etiology, incidence/prognosis, assessments, and course of medical treatment. The Occupational Adaptation model serves as a foundation for treatment of the product-a guide for occupational therapy intervention. Interventions are organized to be compatible with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (American Occupational …

A Cognitive Behavioral Approach To Occupational Therapy Hippothearpy [I.E.., Hippotherapy] For Children And Adolescents With Mood Disorders, Abby Heaton, Krista Tangen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents are increasingly being identified with mood disorders. A growing concern is that children and adolescents are not afforded a wide range of interventions to address the symptoms of mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been identified as a useful treatment method for mood disorders. Hippotherapy has also been utilized in the treatment of mental illness. A literature review was conducted to explore the therapeutic benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and hippotherapy for children and adolescents diagnosed with mood disorders. Although CBT has been recognized as useful, CBT methods applied to hippotherapy in occupational therapy does not …

Pelvic Stabilization And Semisitting Position Increase The Specificity Of Back Exercises, Rubens A. Da Silva, Christian Larivière, A. Bertrand Arsenault, Sylvie Nadeau, André Plamondon

Études primaires

No abstract provided.

Nonlinear Time Series Analysis Of Knee And Ankle Kinematics During Side By Side Treadmill Walking, Jeff A. Nessler, Charles J. De Leone, Sarah Gilliland

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Nonlinear time series analysis was used to estimate maximal Lyapunov exponents of select ankle and knee kinematics during three different conditions of treadmill walking: independent, side by side, and side by side with forced synchronization of stepping. Stride to stride variability was significantly increased for the condition in which individuals walked side by side and synchronized unintentionally when compared to the conditions of forced synchronization and independent walking. In addition, standard deviations of three kinematic variables of lower extremity movement were significantly increased during the condition in which unintentional synchronization occurred. No relationship was found between standard deviation and estimates …

A Narrative Analysis Of The Experiences Of Living With Hiv For Heterosexual Men, Tanya Millard

Theses : Honours

The number of heterosexual men presenting with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is steadily increasing in Australia. A paucity of literature currently exists surrounding the experience of living with HIV for heterosexual men, with most information targeted towards gay men, injecting drug users (IDUs) and women. This narrative literature review examines the body of knowledge concerning the experiences of heterosexual men living with HIV. The findings of this review indicate that for heterosexual men, HIV significantly impacts on their physical, psychological and social well being. In particular, they struggle with social and intimate relationships, negotiating disclosure, managing their stigmatised identity, and …

Balancing Multiple Roles: A Pilot Study Exploring The Complexity Of Role Balance In Working Mothers With Primary School Aged Children, Katherine Prince

Theses : Honours

For working mothers, maintaining a balance between work and parenting roles is a challenge. Each role presents its own set of physical, mental and temporal demands which frequently compete for the limited personal and environmental resources available to the mother. These competing demands can create conflict and stress, which prompts a coping response. The coping response initiated is a physiological reaction to the mother's appraisal of her situational conflict, and follows a process of appraisal. Firstly the working mother appraises the conflict itself. This is followed by the appraisal of the personal and environmental resources, constraints and demands. Finally, a …

Gross Motor Abilities And Interventions In Girls And Women With Rett Syndrome: A Literature Review ; Longitudinal Video Analysis Of Gross Motor Abilities Of Girls And Women With Rett Syndrome, Kitty-Rose R. Foley

Theses : Honours

Objective: To explore research relevant to an understanding of gross motor abilities and highlight possible directions for gross motor intervention in girls and women with Rett syndrome. A secondary objective was to describe mouse model research which has the potential to add to an understanding of gross motor abilities in this population. Methods: Electronic searches of five databases, manual searches of an external resource library and manual searches of reference lists were undertaken. The key words imputed during these searches included; mobility, Rett syndrome, functioning, mouse model, therapy and intervention. Search terms were truncated, exploded and adjusted to achieve optimum …

Evaluating Mental Health Services To Promote Recovery-Oriented Practice: A Literature Review ; And, Resident Perceptions On Recovery-Orientation At A Supported Residential Unit For People With Severe Mental Illness, Lydia Forbes

Theses : Honours

Topic: A literature review was conducted to describe and critically examine the research evidence for evaluating the recovery-orientation of mental health services. Purpose: Evaluating recovery-orientation within mental health services is a critical part of quality improvement, and the eventual widespread adoption of recovery-oriented practice. This review aimed to recommend future directions for research, highlight positive changes resulting from recovery-focussed evaluation, and facilitate more effective, consumer-driven evaluation in the future. Sources Used: Electronic databases CINAHL, Psycinfo, Medline and Meditext were searched. Articles were restricted to the English language, and included if they discussed the evaluation or exploration of recovery-oriented practices within …

Falls Prevention Program For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Brittanie Field, Krista Radi

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a multidisciplinary falls prevention program manual intended to be implemented in Senior Citizen Centers (SCC) for the community-dwelling older adult population. Falls have a major impact on the independence of the older adult population aged 65 years and older (Stevens & Sogolow, 2008). Therefore, the goal of this project is to promote healthy aging in place through the use of meaningful occupations in order to potentially reduce the number of falls among the older adults.

A literature review was conducted to obtain scientific reading and research to find what has and …

Managing Dual Relationships In Rural Healthcare Settings: An Education Module For Occupational Therapists, Jennifer Maus, Caroline Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Dual relationships are a common challenge for health care providers serving a rural community. A dual relationship is when a therapist has a professional and a personal relationship with a client. Occupational therapists may be at greater risk for dual relationships because of the personal nature of their interventions. These relationships create ethical dilemmas between the patient and the therapist and impact the effectiveness ofthe delivery of therapy services. A literature review includes information on the following topics: issues of rural healthcare, occupational therapy in rural healthcare, dual/multiple relationships, and continuing education.

The project is a continuing educational course on …

Fall Prevention Algorithm And Programs For Wyoming Medical Center, Janna Rone

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for people over the age of 65 (Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Literature indicates that 30-40% of falls are preventable (Sjosten, Vaapia, & Kivela, 2008). The population for this scholarly project is people over the age of 65 who are admitted into Wyoming Medical Center (WMC). WMC is a 180 bed acute care hospital that services the medical needs of the residents of Casper, Wyoming and the surrounding area. Like many acute care hospitals around the country, WMC has a problem with the number of fall occurrences. This …

An Interactive Manual For Informal Caregivers Of Cerebral Vascular Accident (Cva) Survivors, Lindsay Draayer, Kaila Gunderson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Based on data from the literature review and clinical experience, an interactive manual was developed for occupational therapists to utilize when working with caregivers of cerebral vascular accident (CVA) survivors. CVA survivors display difficulty in basic personal cares such as eating, dressing, and general mobility within, but not limited to, the first year following the onset of the CVA. An interactive caregiving manual was created that addresses the needs of a caregiver of a CVA survivor during their transition from hospital to home. This focused education program enhances communication between the family caregiver of the CVA survivor and the occupational …

Focal Acidosis In The Pre-Bötzinger Complex Area Of Awake Goats Induces A Mild Tachypnea, K. L. Krause, Hubert V. Forster, S. E. Davis, T. Kiner, Joshua M. Bonis, Lawrence Pan, B. Qian

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

There are widespread chemosensitive areas in the brain with varying effects on breathing. In the awake goat, microdialyzing (MD) 50% CO(2) at multiple sites within the medullary raphe increases pulmonary ventilation (Vi), blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolic rate (Vo(2)) (11), while MD in the rostral and caudal cerebellar fastigial nucleus has a stimulating and depressant effect, respectively, on these variables (17). In the anesthetized cat, the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötzC), a hypothesized respiratory rhythm generator, increases phrenic nerve activity after an acetazolamide-induced acidosis (31, 32). To gain insight into the effects of focal acidosis (FA) within the preBötzC during physiological …

A Clinical Guide To The Psychosocial Issues Related To Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injuries, Mandy Christen, Becky Hansmeier

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Children and adolescents who sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) demonstrate changes in personality, such as mood swings, irritability, impulsivity, argumentative behaviors, decreased frustration tolerance, and difficulty cooperating (Prigatano & Gray, 2007; Prigatano & Gray, 2008; Souza, Braga, Filho, & Dellatolas, 2007). These clients also have an increased susceptibility to psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, later in the lifespan as physical and cognitive demands increase (Koponen et al., 2002; Luis & Mittenberg, 2002; Viguier, Dellatolas, Gasquet, Martin, & Choquet, 2001). Despite these substantial risk factors, a significant number of children and adolescents continue to have unrecognized or unmet …

Curricular Satisfaction Levels Of National Athletic Trainers' Association- Accredited Postprofessional Athletic Training Graduates, Kevin J. Henry, Bonnie Van Lunen, Brian Udermann, James A. Onate

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Academic programs rely on outcomes assessments to determine if changes in the curriculum are necessary.

Objective: To examine the overall satisfaction levels of graduates (2005-2006) of National Athletic Trainers' Association-accredited postprofessional athletic training education programs as related to the 2002 Standards and Guidelines for Development and Implementation of NATA-Accredited PostProfessional Graduate Athletic Training Education Programs.

Design: Original survey instrument and demographic questionnaire.

Setting: Online survey instrument.

Patients or Other Participants: Of 211 survey recipients, 123 returned surveys (58.29% response rate).

Main Outcome Measure(s): Demographic information and satisfaction levels in 10 standard areas (depth of learning, breadth of learning, critical …

A Return To Running Program For The Postpartum Client: A Case Report, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The purpose of this case report is to present a return to running program for a postpartum client who had delivered via cesarean section. The client, a 29-year-old female health care professional who was 8 months postcesarean section, was referred to physical therapy for a return to running exercise program. The client had three live births during a 30-month time period (February 2004 to August 2006). During her last labor she underwent an emergency cesarean section because of a low fetal heart rate. Since her surgery the client had not participated in an exercise routine. Following an 8-week training program …

Clinical Report: Land-Based Versus Pool-Based Exercise For People Awaiting Joint Replacement Surgery Of The Hip Or Knee: Results Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, C. Rudisile-Smith, M. Loosli, J. Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Individuals with either knee or hip osteoarthritis are at risk of experiencing pain and developing functional limitations (Bennell 2005). In many cases, to alleviate pain and improve one's quality of life, an individual may require a total joint replacement. Despite advances in surgical technique and joint replacement hardware, surgical procedures are not without risk. Conservative treatments, including therapeutic exercise programmes, may improve a patient's status while avoiding the potential risks associated with surgery (pain, medication utilisation, long bouts of rehabilitation, and/ or death). Researchers have demonstrated that some patients may experience improvements in pain and functional abilities after participating …

Effects Of The Airlift Pttd Brace On Foot Kinematics In Subjects With Stage Ii Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction, Christopher Neville, A. Samuel Flemister, Jeff Houck

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Study Design: Experimental laboratory study.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of inflation of the air bladder component of the AirLift PTTD brace on relative foot kinematics in subjects with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD).

Background: Orthotic devices are commonly recommended in the conservative management of stage II PTTD to improve foot kinematics.

Methods and Measures: Ten female subjects with stage II PTTD walked in the laboratory wearing the AirLift PTTD brace during 3 testing conditions (air bladder inflation to 0, 4, and 7 PSI [SI equivalent: 0, 27 579, and 48 263 Pa]). Kinematics were recorded from the …

In-Season Rehabilitation Of A Division Iii Female Wrestler After A Glenohumeral Dislocation, Jason Brumitt, Alma Sproul, Philip Lentz, Linda Mcintosh, Richard Rutt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Objective: Wrestling is a popular sport in the United States at both the high school and collegiate levels. Traditionally a men’s sport, participation by female athletes in wrestling is increasing. There exists a paucity of literature regarding injury incidence in women’s wrestling. This lack of information challenges the ability of sports medicine and strength training professionals to design optimal injury prevention programs, training routines, and rehabilitation strategies. The objective of this report is to detail the successful conservative rehabilitation of a female wrestler after an initial glenohumeral dislocation.

Design: Case report

Case description: A 20-year-old female wrestling student–athlete presented to …

Building Collaborative Capacity Across Institutional Fields: A Theoretical Dissertation Based On A Meta-Analysis Of Existing Empirical Research, Vivian Hernandez Carrasco

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This Dissertation study folds the existing empirical literature across a broad spectrum of disciplines with the experience of a national collaboration between Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies and the United States Army to explore the capacity and key competencies required to support successful interorganizational collaboration (IOC) at the individual and organizational level. It explores the evolution of collaboration and maps the continuum of related concepts, illustrating their distinction in a spectrum of IOC. It presents the collaboration process as a dialectic model within a Systems Psychodynamic Perspective, detailing the necessary ingredients for increasing collaborative capacity within individuals and organizations. The …