Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Muscle Fiber Type Characterization In The Ames Dwarf Mouse: A Model Of Delayed Aging, Angela M. Williams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Normal muscle wasting due to aging, known as sarcopenia, has many implications in society, especially with a growing population of elderly people. In this study, muscle fiber size and count, nuclei count, and ratio of fast- to slow-twitch fibers was studied between Ames dwarf mice (df), an established model of aging, and wild-type mice (WT) to learn more about the mechanisms of aging, specifically related to skeletal muscle.

Methods: Four hind limb muscles were harvested from two Ames dwarf mice and two wildtype mice, sliced cross-sectionally and mounted on slides. After mounting, the slides were stained three different ways …

Factors Associated With Older Patients' Engagement In Exercise After Hospital Discharge, Anne-Marie Hill, Tammy Hoffmann, Steven Mcphail, Christopher Beer, Keith D. Hill, Sandra G. Brauer, Terrence P. Haines

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: To identify factors that are associated with older patients' engagement in exercise in the 6 months after hospital discharge.

Design: A prospective observational study using qualitative and quantitative evaluation.

Setting: Follow-up of hospital patients in their home setting after discharge from a metropolitan general hospital.

Participants: Participants (N=343) were older patients (mean age ± SD, 79.4±8.5y) discharged from medical, surgical, and rehabilitation wards and followed up for 6 months after discharge.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: Self-perceived awareness and risk of falls measured at discharge with a survey that addressed elements of the Health Belief Model. Engagement and …

Falls After Discharge From Hospital: Is There A Gap Between Older Peoples’ Knowledge About Falls Prevention Strategies And The Research Evidence?, Anne-Marie Hill, Tammy Hoffmann, Christopher Beer, Steven Mcphail, Keith D. Hill, David Oliver, Sandra G. Brauer, Terry P. Haines

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine whether older people are prepared to engage in appropriate falls prevention strategies after discharge from hospital.

Design and Methods: We used a semi-structured interview to survey older patients about to be discharged from hospital and examined their knowledge regarding falls prevention strategies to utilize in the post-discharge period. The study was part of a prospective cohort study, nested within a larger, randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 333) were asked to suggest strategies to reduce their falls risk at home after discharge, and their responses were compared with current reported …

Art As Occupation: A Phenomenological Study Of Art As A Means Of Self-Expression For An Individual Recovering From Severe Physical, Sexual, And Ritual Abuse, Raina Kay Remole

Online Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study presents an in-depth exploration of one individual's retrospective account of using art over approximately ten years in Occupational Therapy (OT) intervention while recovering from severe abuse with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). After an extensive literature review, the qualitative data was gathered during thorough semi-structured interviews using conference calls and correspondence through e-mail with the participant. Data analysis involved horizontalization of narrative data resulting in the dissemination of meaning units. From these a textual and structural description of the participant's individual experience emerged through self-reflection and discussion of meaning units with the participant and outside …

Occupations And Quality Of Life Of Families With Children With Asd: A Survey, Rebecca Vaughn

Online Theses and Dissertations

In recent literature, it has been suggested that families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have diminished Quality of Life particularly in the areas of social interaction and family outings (Lee et al., 2008). The purpose of this study is to describe quality of life and occupations engaged in along with demographic features of families with children with an ASD. Data was collected utilizing a survey methods, a convenience sample received a questionnaire packet containing: Flanagan Quality of Life Scale, demographic survey and Occupational Checklist. Twenty-two families participated in the study. Descriptive statistics suggested that families with children …

A Parent Consultation Group For Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methodological Study, Cassandra Catherine Clark

Online Theses and Dissertations

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are known have higher levels of negative stress than parents of children without a chronic illness. These parents' roles and routines are also impacted since the many demands made by their children put them at greater risk of occupational injustice as they are less likely to participate in occupations of their choice. Despite multiple studies examining stress in parents of children with ASD, there is little to no recent published research on the effects of a parent consultation group on parents of children with ASD and their sense of competency and attitudes …

The Culture Of A Public School's Approach To Children With Asd: An Ethnographical Study, Lisa Mccarthy

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this ethnographic study is to understand the culture of Westridge Elementary School (WRE), and its approach to the increasing numbers of mainstreamed students with special needs; in particular students identified with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The researcher examined the language, norms, and rituals of WRE, and how children with ASD are involved. Data from this research was collected through five face-to-face interviews, as well as participant observations, which were collected over a 2-3 week period in the spring and fall of 2010. Photographs of the school environment, along with the collection of artifacts, were also used to …

The Prevalence Of Evidence-Based Practice By The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist In The Intervention Planning Process For Client Treatment, Linda Mrkic

Online Theses and Dissertations

Currently, there is a paucity of research examining the extent to which Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is being used by the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of EBP used by the CTRS in the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) southern district of the United States. This observational study investigated the use of EBP in the intervention planning process for client treatment. A sample of five hundred randomly selected CTRS from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) were surveyed, and 102 completed the survey, yielding a 20.4% response rate. …

Low-Cost Prosthetic Leg For The Vida Nueva Prosthesis Clinic, Sarah M. Baker, Justin G. Lekos, Jen Van Donk, Kevin Yamauchi

Mechanical Engineering

The Piernas de Vida team partnered with the Vida Nueva Clinic of Prostheses and Orthoses in Choluteca, Honduras to design, plan, and implement a prosthetic foot that could be manufactured entirely by the technicians at the clinic in order to reduce their costs and ultimately allow them to serve more patients each year. Currently, the clinic uses a prefabricated prosthetic lower limb provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which can be adapted to both transDfemoral and transDtibial patients. The team has successfully developed a foot, currently called the Layer Foot, which can be used by the …

Approved Clinical Instructors' Perspectives On Implementation Strategies In Evidence-Based Practices For Athletic Training Students, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Understanding implementation strategies of Approved Clinibal Instructors (ACIs) who use evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical instruction will help promote the use of EBP in clinical practice.

Objective: To examine the perspectives and experiences of ACIs using EBP concepts in undergraduate athletic training education programs to determine the importance of using these concepts in clinical practice, clinical EBP implementation strategies for students, and challenges of implementing EBP into clinical practice while mentoring and teaching their students.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen ACIs (11 men, 5 women; experience as a certified athletic trainer = 10 …

School To Post-School Transition Programs For Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review, And; The Meaning Of Well-Being From The Perspective Of Young Adults With Down Syndrome, Melissa Scott

Theses : Honours

OBJECTIVE: To review the effectiveness of school to post-school transition programs for young adults with intellectual disability and their impact on community participation, friendships and quality of life. METHODS: Electronic searches of six databases and manual searches of reference lists were conducted to obtain evidence of programs supporting the transition of young adults with intellectual disability from school to post-school. Transition programs or services and postsecondary education programs targeted at increasing participation and peer interaction were included. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality assessment. A systematic review was possible. RESULTS: All eight articles reviewed, with a total of 573 …

Vocational Training Programs, Transition Programs And Work Experience Placements For Employment Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review & A Description Of Employment Patterns And Day Occupations Of Young Adults With Intellectual Disability Residing In Queensland, Sophia Davidson

Theses : Honours

OBJECTIVE: To review the research examining the effectiveness of vocational training programs, transition programs and work experience placements and describe their impact on work and employment attainment and maintenance for young adults with intellectual disability. METHOD: Electronic searches of six data bases and manual searches of references lists locating all available evidence of programs and interventions to assist young adults with intellectual disability to find paid employment. Interventions described as vocational training, work placements and experience and transition programs aimed at securing employment were included. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality assessment and a systematic review was possible. RESULTS: …

The Impact Of Online Social Participation On Social Capital And Mental Health Outcomes Of Young Adults: A Systematic Review & Participation And Quality Of Life Of Young Adults Living In Western Australia: Research Report, Robyn Earl

Theses : Honours

Introduction: The widespread acceptance and availability of the Internet and subsequent advent of social networking sites, is believed, in part, to be responsible for the reduction of face-to-face interaction, particularly among young adults. This has lead to suggestions that while virtual participation may enhance our ability to communicate with others; it may in fact come at the detriment of wellbeing. Depression is one of the leading causes of mental illness for young people, with social isolation and exclusion being identified as key risk factors for depression among this group. The aim of this review was to systematically review available research …

Misuse Of Prescription Medication In The Elderly Population And The Impact It Has On Their Functional Occupations, Amber Larson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of Occupational Therapists' primary responsibilities is to assist clientele at becoming as independent as possible. In order to be successfully independent an individual needs to be able to perform ADLs and IADLs (functional occupations) and have a basic understanding of problematic issues that may affect their abilities to perform these functional occupations. Misusing prescription medication is one way is which functional occupations can be negatively impacted. Specifically, prescription medication misuse is one of the primary issues that may impact elderly individuals' abilities to function independently. Even though this is an issue that needs to be addressed, research into the …

Occupational Therapy Intervention For Patients With Spinal Cord Injury, Cheryl A. Nickerson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Spinal cord injuries are complex and debilitating, affecting every aspect of a patient's life. This causes a general reduction in personal independence and social participation (Pillastrini et al., 2008). In order to provide effective and appropriate care, the interdisciplinary team must have extensive knowledge of the diagnosis and potential problems that the spinal cord patient may encounter. The purpose of this study was to identify successful interventions for an effective occupational therapy approach and to develop an education manual for use in the rehabilitation setting in order for entry-level therapists to develop competency.

Based on information found in the literature …

A Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Protocol For Children With Acquired Brain Injuries, Amber Bath, Kortni Heckart

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Acquired brain injury (ABI) includes any non-traumatic brain injuries such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and brain diseases such as cancer (Book, 2005). A child who sustains an acquired brain injury may experience profound impairments in motor performance, and significant deficits in sensory awareness and responsiveness, secondary to hemiplegia. (Taub et al., 2007, Taub, Ramey, DeLuca & Echols, 2004). Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a intervention developed by Dr. Edward Taub for the secondary condition of hemiplegia affecting the adult stroke population. This intervention has also produced positive results in studies conducted with children (Taub et al., 2007). An extensive …

An Occupational Therapy Community-Based Self-Esteem Program For Adolescents Who Have Experienced Burn Injuries, Karla Beck, Kathryn Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Self-esteem is a problem that adolescent burn survivors deal with on a daily basis. Yet, there is limited research regarding adolescent burns and the psychosocial aspect within their daily occupations. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop and provide occupational therapists with interventions and outcome measures to utilize in a Self-Esteem Program for implementation in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This program focuses on helping adolescents to regain their self-esteem and confidence when returning back to their communities. Burns have an emotional and behavioral effect on children/adolescents, causing anxiety, pain, distorted self-image, and depression (Pardo, Garcia, Marrero, & …

A Research Study To Explore Casper College Undergraduate Education Majors' Perceptions Of Educational Curriculum Concerning Occupational Therapy's Role In The Public School System, Jenny Lok, Mike Seabeck

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge concerning OT roles in the school district setting that undergraduate education majors are receiving at Casper College.

Methodology: Data was collected from 57 participants through the use of a survey to identify pre-service teachers’ perception of occupational therapy and the education they have received in their coursework.

Results of this study indicate that undergraduate education majors at Casper College are receiving less than optimal instruction on the role of OT in school-based practice. Overall 91% of students polled indicated that they had not received education on OT …

Adolescents With Disabilities: The Development Of Life Skills Through Occupational Therapy, Diane Magnuson, Courtney Mohler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a workshop for occupational therapists (OTs) who work with adolescents as they transition from high school to adulthood focusing on life skill development.

Methodology: An Internet search was completed to determine the current role of OT in the transition process and the needs of adolescents as they transition to adulthood. Information was obtained from the following databases: PubMed, PsychInfo, SCOPUS, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Resources included professional journals, scholarly text books, and government websites. The literature review also included information on the Ecology of …

The Role Of Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Sarah Mathieu, Gwendalyn Mollerud

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this research is to explore the role of occupational therapy (OT) within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). There has been limited research pertaining to the current overall role of OTs in the NICU. In order to explain/demonstrate the multifaceted role of OTs within the NICU, a survey was created and, using a stratified random sample, distributed to 90 NICUs in hospitals throughout the United States (U.S.).

A non-experimental exploratory survey research design was used to gather and analyze information from respondents. A survey was created by the researchers based on a thorough literature review of the topic …

Prosthetic Training Following A Transfemoral Amputation: A Case Report, Jonathan Beck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: There has been an increase in amputations since the start of the Iraq/Afghanistan war, but thousands of Americans have a limb amputated each year due to peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or infections. New technology in the field of prosthetics, especially prosthetic knees, has helped improve these individuals’ function. The most recent advancement in prosthetic knees is the C-leg, a micro-processor-controlled knee; however, a wide variety of prosthetic knees are available. Therefore, it is critical to select the right prosthetic knee to meet each individual’s needs and goals.

Case Description: The patient was a 58-year-old gentleman who underwent …

Sarcopenia And Aging: Skeletal Muscle Fiber Type Composition Of The Long-Lived Ames Dwarf Mouse Compared To Its Wild-Type Counterpart, Cory Leier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Skeletal muscle fiber type composition has not been studied in the long-lived Ames dwarf mouse when compared to its wild-type counterpart. Hindlimb soleus skeletal muscle from two 3-month old dwarf and two 3-month old wild-type mice was analyzed for muscle fiber size, proportion of type I (slow-twitch) and type II (fast-twitch) muscle fibers, myonuclei content per muscle fiber, and total cross sectional area of the muscle. Results revealed a significant difference in muscle fiber size (t(58)=-9.71, p

Successful Rehabilitation Of A Recreational Endurance Runner: Initial Validation For The Bunkie Test, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

This case report details the musculoskeletal evaluation and the successful rehabilitation of a 24-year-old female recreational distance runner who self-referred to physical therapy with an acute bout of low back pain (LBP). Her LBP was provoked during each distance run. The patient’s musculoskeletal evaluation revealed core weakness, especially on the left. A recently reported functional test, the Bunkie test, was administered as part of the physical evaluation. The scores from the Bunkie test correlated with other quantitative and qualitative findings. A therapeutic exercise program emphasizing core stabilization was prescribed. The patient was able to shortly return to running pain-free.

State Agency Promising Practice: New Hampshire - Translating Research Into A Position Statement About Integrated Employment, Jennifer Bose, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

New Hampshire’s Bureau of Developmental Services, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, other state and local service providers, advocates, and families are committed to increasing the employment rate and the quality of employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. These stakeholders met to craft an employment position statement. They framed their discussions according to factors that research has found to be common to “high-performing” states in providing integrated employment opportunities. Then they developed an employment position statement that satisfied all the groups involved, and communicated their shared belief in the importance of integrated employment as a means toward community inclusion.

State Agency Promising Practice: Oregon’S Employment Support Website - Communicating The Employment First Policy, Jennifer Bose, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

In 2009, the state of Oregon adopted its Employment First policy. When Oregon’s Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) decided to promote the implementation of this policy, it began by updating its existing employment website. The redesigned website (http:// www.dhs.state.or.us/dd/supp_emp/) emphasizes the value of integrated employment over other outcomes, and the importance of building community-wide conversations, with the goal of achieving integrated employment for people with developmental disabilities. The website shares the value of integrated employment with all targeted audiences by highlighting resources and illustrating employment successes. It was also designed to share information on the Oregon’s progress and concrete …

State Agency Promising Practice: Iowa’S Governance Group: Facilitating Partnerships That Support Integrated Employment, Allison Hall, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

In 1998, five state agencies formed the Governance Group. Partner agencies included: Iowa Workforce Development, Department of Human Services, Department of Education, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Department of Human Rights. The group was developed in response to a Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) request for proposals that included an advisory group for systems change efforts to expand employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. By 2000, the five original partners had expanded their efforts by agreeing to provide oversight and consultation to a Department of Labor (DOL) Work Incentive Grant and brought on two additional partners, the Department for the Blind …

State Agency Promising Practice: Nevada’S Regional Forums - Creating A Shared Responsibility For Improving Employment, Jaimie Ciulla Timmons, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

The Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities sought to engage community stakeholders and acquire knowledge to further the employment agenda by funding three regional summits. Using the State Employment Leadership Network’s (SELN)* selfassessment preliminary findings as a basis, the summit steering committee created a framework for summit participants. Through a rigorous planning process and comprehensive 2-day summits in three regions of the state, Nevada was able to create a shared, multistakeholder plan of action with the goal of improving the current employment support system for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Clinical And Functional Assessment Following Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation To The Knee: The Role Of Patient Reported Outcomes, Performance Based Assessment, And Response Shift, Jennifer Sebert Howard

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a cell based therapy for the treatment of articular cartilage defects. Numerous studies have reported outcomes following ACI using a variety of patient reported outcomes (PROs), but no clear recommendations exist regarding which PRO is the most responsive to changes following ACI. Few studies have documented changes in performance based assessments (PBAs) following ACI. Response shift theory proposes that residual changes in self-report measures occur over time. Failing to account for response shift may result in over or under reporting of outcomes from which clinical decisions are made. The purposes of this dissertation were 1) …

Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Guide To Therapeutic And Pharmacological Treatments, Rebecca Mcomie

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is becoming a more common diagnosis with young children and babies (PAGER, 2010). GERD is often misdiagnosed and there is no single test available to determine its presence (Eisen, 2001). The term reflux can be confusing and used to mean different things to different people. Often reflux is linked to colic in babies or may be considered a "normal" part of being a baby. But when a sequalae of symptoms arise in an infant, gastroesophageal reflux becomes a serious issue that needs to be addressed through a variety of interventions and sources (Sondheimer, 2006 ).

In …

Enabling Personal Occupation Through Sensory Interventions, Caroline Mattson, Gretchen Prohofsky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness are predisposed to having a co-occurring sensory processing disorder. Many adults and children with sensory processing disorder have never been assessed or treated. Consequences of untreated sensory processing disorder include decreased ability to engage in meaningful occupations or healthy relationships, leading to lowered self-esteem and perception regarding quality of life. A literature review defines sensory processing, sensory processing disorders, consequences of sensory processing disorder dysfunction, sensory processing disorder co-morbidity, sensory processing disorders in individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, interventions for sensory processing disorders, the role of occupational therapy, deficiencies in knowledge, …