Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Peer Mentoring In Helping First Year Students Develop Occupational Adaptation Skills, Lashelle Rena Rullan, Jovita Vasquez, Julia Wong

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of peer mentoring in helping first year, first-generation college students at Dominican University of California (DUC) adapt to university life and navigate the occupational challenges experienced during the first year of college.

Method. Sixty-seven students voluntarily completed an online survey, First Year College Experience (FYCE) Survey: Adaptation to University Life. Quantitative research determined the influence of peer mentoring on the students’ adaptation and occupational performance in their transition to college. Effectiveness was determined by: 1) sense of belonging, 2) developed academic and social skills, 3) adaptive responses and strategies used, and 4) overall satisfaction with …

The Impact Of Fibromyalgia And Sensory Processing On Participation Of Daily Activities, Florina Mendoza-Battle, Regina Okun, Ashlee Sand

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a pain disorder that involves a variety of symptoms including painful joints, fatigue, muscle stiffness, and sleep disturbances. Cognitive symptoms are also a hallmark of FM, which result in difficulties with thought articulation, concentration, and mental fatigue. There is a gap in research substantiating increased levels of sensory defensiveness symptoms in individuals with FM and the effects in daily life. Currently, only one research study has provided evidence of increased sensory sensitivity across multiple modalities in individuals with FM. The purpose of this research was to determine whether women with FM had increased levels of sensory defensiveness …

The Development Of A Therapeutic Listening Instrument For Allied Health: A Pilot Study, Linda Diane Roybal, Suzanne Laura Schwind, Elizabeth Jeanne Szoboszlay, Brittnee Jane Witham

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Occupational therapy education programs need a method for capturing student success in learning the necessary skills of therapeutic listening prior to fieldwork. There are no formalized instruments to measure therapeutic listening knowledge and skills in occupational therapy curriculums. Listening measurement tools that currently exist have been primarily created for other professionals in the medical field. Developing a listening instrument that measures the basic knowledge and skills of students’ listening would benefit occupational therapy education programs by determining the need for additional listening training of its students. This thesis study describes a pilot study used to develop a therapeutic listening instrument. …

Understanding And Preventing Falls: Perspectives Of First Responders And Older Adults, Monica Fernandez, Anita Diep Hin, Chelsea C. Prado

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

OBJECTIVE. The objectives of this study were to identify characteristics of older adult fallers in a local community in Marin County, California, examine the perceptions of older adults who contacted a local fire district after a fall, examine the perceptions of first responders from a local fire district regarding falls and fall prevention, explore the degree of depression in older adult fallers, and identify strategies to prevent falls in older adults.

METHODS. This research study was an exploratory and retrospective descriptive study that utilized a mixed-method design. The researchers coded narratives from Patient Care Report (PCRs) provided by the fire …

A Qualitative Study Of The Experiences Of First-Generation Peer Mentors, Cindelle Leyson, Jessica Suzanne Taylor, Tiffany Torres

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

While there are numerous studies reporting on the benefits that mentees receive from peer mentoring, there is limited research on the benefits to mentors, particularly first-generation students (FGS). The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of mentoring from the FGS mentors’ point of view. In this qualitative, exploratory design, four FGS mentors were interviewed about their experiences with a peer-mentoring program at their university. The participants believed they developed skills in the areas of time management, communication, and setting boundaries. The participants learned about themselves and gained an understanding of how the skills they developed while mentoring …

Employment Exchange Opportunities For Teens And Adults With Autism, Rafael Garcia, Kisa Nicole Geiger, Alex Robert Shragg

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a resource guide which includes information about the steps an individual with autism (AS) or Asperger syndrome (ASD) must take with the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) to gain vocational support services within Marin County. The resource guide also includes information about the variety of services available to support individuals with autism and Asperger syndrome, both from the DOR and from private agencies. The effectiveness of the resource guide is of significance as there are many young adults with autism or AS in Marin County who are transitioning from school to employment. Additionally, …

Fall Risk Evaluation Tool For Acquired Brain Injury: A Validation Of A Multifactorial Assessment: A Pilot Study, Tanya Elesia Orgill, Amanda Marie Woods, Josue Julian Zamora

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study examined the reliability and validity of FRET to predict falls in community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI).

Method: The target population was English speaking, community-dwelling individuals 18 years or older who have sustained an ABI. Individuals were excluded if they had neurodegenerative diseases, used a wheelchair for more than 25% of the day, or were classified as globally confused. Global confusion was assessed using the first three-questions on the Saint Louis University Mental Examination (SLUMS). A total of 12 participants were recruited for the study, two were excluded and there was one attrition. …

Haptics In Remote Collaborative Exercise Systems For Seniors, Hesam Alizadeh, Richard Tang, Ehud Sharlin, Anthony Tang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Group exercise provides motivation to follow and maintain a healthy daily exercise schedule while enjoying beneficial encouragement and social support from friends and exercise partners. However, mobility and transportation issues frequently prevent seniors from engaging in group activities. To address this problem, we investigated the exercise needs of seniors and developed a prototype remote exercise system. Our system uses haptic feedback to simulate assistive pushing and pulling of limbs when exercising with a partner. We developed three distinct vibration metaphors -- constant push/pull, corrective feedback, and notification -- to convey engagement and connection between exercise partners. We conducted a preliminary …

Development Of A Tool To Assess Children’S Perceptions Of Their Own Balance (The Pediatric Balance Perception Battery): A Pilot Study, Jillian L. Beckett, Ashlee A. Harmon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Psychosocial aspects of balance including self-perception, behaviors, and experiences, have been found to contribute to activity limitations and participation restrictions in adults. Clinical tools have been established to measure how adults feel about their own balance and the extent to which fear of falling and other related characteristics interfere with participation. There are no clinical tools presently available to explore these relationships and quantify the extent to which they interfere with activity and participation in children.

Purpose: To develop and test reliability and validity of a tool to evaluate balance self-perception in a pediatric population.

Participants: This sample of …

Physio@Home: Design Explorations To Support Movement Guidance, Richard Tang, Hesam Alizadeh, Anthony Tang, Scott Bateman, Joaquim A.P. Jorge

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Patients typically undergo physiotherapy with the help of a physiotherapist who teaches, guides, and corrects the patients as they perform exercises. It would be nice if people could repeat these exercises at home, potentially improving their recovery rate. However, without guidance and/or corrective feedback from a physiotherapist, the patient will not know whether they are doing their exercises correctly. To address this problem, we implemented a prototype that guides patients through pre-recorded exercise movements using visual guides overlaid atop a mirror-view of the patient on a wall-mounted display. We conducted informal evaluations and pilot studies to assess our prototype and …

Refeeding Syndrome In A Young Girl With Anorexia Nervosa., Om Parkash, Adil Ayub, Shahab Abid

Department of Medicine

We report the case of a 20-year-old anorexic girl (BMI=12.9), who was misdiagnosed the first time and developed severe electrolyte imbalances due to lack of awareness about refeeding syndrome. Few cases of RS have been reported in literature and protocols have been suggested for prevention and management of this syndrome, including the awareness of circumstances in which it is most likely to develop, refeeding slowly and building-up micronutrient content over several days. Improved awareness and understanding of refeeding syndrome along with a well-coordinated plan are vital in delivering safe and effective nutritional rehabilitation. We suggest a slow and gradual increase …

Use Of Audio Biofeedback To Reduce Tibial Impact Accelerations During Running, Claire M. Wood, Kristof Kipp

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Visual biofeedback of tibial peak positive acceleration (PPA) during running has been used successfully as a method of gait retraining to reduce PPAs. Audio biofeedback generated from PPA may present a novel, portable alternative. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using PPA-generated audio biofeedback to reduce PPAs while running. Nine runners were fitted with a wireless accelerometer on their left tibia. PPAs were recorded and a custom LabVIEW program was used to emit a single beep once the PPA reached a preset threshold. The numerical difference between this threshold and peak PPA during running was …

The Effect Of Trigger Point Dry Needling To The Multifidus Muscle On Resting And Contracted Thickness Of Transversus Abdominis In Healthy Subjects, Sarah Buckingham, Crystal Montoya, Daniella Morton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Randomized, blinded, controlled cross-over trial with each subject receiving both interventions within a seven-day span.

Objective: To determine if differences occurred in resting- or contraction-thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle following application of trigger point dry needling (TPN) of the lumbar multifidus (MF) muscle in asymptomatic subjects.

Background: Recent studies have shown TPN decreases pain in areas throughout the body. The effect of dry needling the MF on low back pain (LBP), and its effect on core stabilization have not been investigated.

Methods: Forty-three healthy individuals who had not experienced LBP in the previous six months were …

The Effects Of A Progressive Exercise Program On Functional Activity And Quality Of Life For Older Overweight Women With Knee Osteoarthritis, Ty Carlson, Devin Edvalson, Tyler Peck, Brad Robison

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common symptomatic condition experienced by older adults, especially in the overweight population, that affects the knees in particular. This study compares the effectiveness of two progressive exercise protocols (walking and stepping) on function and quality of life in older, overweight women with OA. This study includes self-management training and assesses participant selfperceived efficacy in managing OA.

Subjects This is a quasi-experimental design utilizing 16 women ≥ 50 years of age (60.44 ± 6.04) with a BMI > 25 (34.21 ± 7.28) and radiographic diagnosis of OA in at least one knee.

Methods and Measures …

Ability Of Ages And Stages Questionaire 3rd Edition To Identify Children In Need Of Comprehensive Motor Evaluation, Courtney Michele Carmichael, Elizabeth Ann Willison, Qing Zhang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

PURPOSE: The Ages and Stages Questionnaire Third Edition (ASQ-3) is a widely used screening tool designed to identify children who need comprehensive developmental assessment. Its accuracy for identifying children in need of additional motor assessment has not been determined. The purposes of this study were to establish concurrent validity between ASQ-3 gross motor (GM) and fine motor (FM) scores and their corresponding Peabody Developmental Motor Scales Second Edition (PDMS-2) quotients, and to examine the diagnostic accuracy of the ASQ-3 using the PDMS-2 as a gold standard reference test.

MATERIALS/METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a previous study in which …

Conceptual Framework Of A Novel Intervention To Improve Mobility In Children With Cerebral Palsy: The Successes And Challenges Of Implementing A Large Amplitude Movement Protocol, Tania Goodwill, Erin Jarrett, Beren Shah, Alanna Stockford

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

While cerebral palsy remains one of the most common childhood disabilities, clinicians continue to face significant challenges developing effective treatment strategies for the widely variable presentation of motor function impairments associated with cerebral palsy. A large gap exists between current research based evidence and feasible clinical practice. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel intervention protocol, explore the theoretical framework behind the protocol and provide insight to clinicians about the successes and challenges faced while pilot testing the intervention. The novel intervention was adapted and implemented by researchers combining a large amplitude movement protocol with the well-researched …

Evidence For The Validity Of A Tool For Improved Pressure Ulcer Staging By The Non-Expert In The Live Patient, Janelle Borg, Carrie Johnston, Megan Lucke, Jordan Sinclair

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Pressure ulcers (PrUs) are a costly issue for the health care system. The utilization of a tool that increases the accuracy of PrU identification and staging may allow the health care team to better manage these wounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the NE1 Wound Assessment Tool (NE1 WAT) for increasing the wound assessment accuracy of novice nurses.

Subjects: A convenience sample of 11 novice nurses evaluated 11 wounds on eight patients at a 730 bed, hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Methods: Subjects assessed 11 wounds on the patients independently. They …

Blended Pedagogy Pathophysiology Course: Effectiveness And Student Satisfaction, Betsy Botsford, Samantha Corn, Alanna Keenan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Evidence supports the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) versus a traditional face-to-face teaching model, but little is known regarding the effectiveness of a blended pedagogy. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a blended learning format in a pathophysiology course for entry-level Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, to evaluate their level of satisfaction of a podcast formatted course, and to observe changes in cohort performance over time.

Subjects: Five University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) DPT cohorts (n = 139) participated in the study. Some cohorts were taught in a traditional classroom …

Characteristics Of Subjects Who Avoid Activities And Participation Due To A Fear Of Falling In Parkinson’S Disease, Morgan Lopker, Molly Newman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibiting fear of falling avoidance behavior to those with no fear of falling avoidance behavior. Because avoidance behavior can have deleterious downstream consequences, it is important to determine what potentially mitigated physical and psychological factors are associated with it.

Subjects: Fifty-six community dwelling individuals (age=72.1 years, SD=9.6; males=42, females=14) with PD (Hoehn and Yahr Scale stage median=2.0, mode=3.0) were classified into two groups using the Fear of Falls Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ): avoiders (n=26, ≥20 FFABQ), and non-avoiders (n=30, <20 on the FFABQ).

Methods: Avoiders and non-avoiders were …

The Effects Of A Single Bout Of Self-~Myofascial Release On Flexibility And Maximum Voluntary Contraction, Jonathan Robert Garcia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of foam rolling on hamstrings flexibility, isometric and isokinetic torque. Participants: Thirteen female participants (N = 13; age: 28.5 + 6.8 years of age; height: 165.5 + 6.7 cm; mass: 64.2 + 8.4 kg) volunteered to participate in the study.

Methods: Hamstring flexibility was assessed using a sit and reach test; muscle strength was assessed by having participants complete a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hamstrings and maximal effort isokinetic knee flexion test using an isokinetic dynamometer. Participants completed these tests prior to any intervention (pre-rolling 1), …

“Additional Analysis Of Previously Collected Data: Food Choices In Children With Autism”, Kristin Crinion

Honors Theses

The objective of this study was to look at children with autism and their food choices based on previously collected data. The previously collected data includes a caregiver survey to determine food acceptance level (e.g. severe, moderate, typical), and a caregiver reported food inventory. The caregiver reported food inventory was used to see what specific foods children with autism are eating and in what food categories (e.g. dairy, fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrate). Per previously literature, it is researched that children with ASD tend to have more food selectivity than typically developing children (Suarez, Nelson, & Curtis, 2012). There is …

The Effects Of Obesity On Human Ambulation: A Lower Joint Analysis, Laura Gilbert

Senior Honors Theses

The effects of obesity on the body are complex and numerous especially when combining the effects on an already multi-faceted and multi-systems action such as human ambulation. This study summarizes a wide range of research performed, which investigated the effects of obesity on human ambulation. The effects are broken down into categories including osteoarthritis, replacement surgery, center of mass, stepping cycle, muscular activation, and specifics of the hip, knee and ankle joints as well as foot changes. The overwhelming majority of studies have found obesity to negatively impact ambulation by shifting center of mass (COM), increasing metabolic cost, decreasing cadence …

The Fenzian Unit: Applications To Physical Therapy And Beyond, Jeshua Paul Spadino Mr.

Senior Honors Theses

The field of physical therapy includes many different treatment options in the form of exercises and modalities. The development of a low electrical stimulation signal through the Fenzian unit has provided a new outlook on healing. This device gives information to and receives information from the central nervous system (CNS) through electro-biofeedback and is separated into its own category of modalities. The device can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, all with no adverse effects. This makes it a promising tool in the medical field. It is currently being validated as an authentic medical device through clinical …

Scoping Review - Physical Accessibility & Post-Secondary Education, Lea E. Klinger

Occupational Therapy Publications

No abstract provided.

Movement-Based Embodied Contemplative Practices: Definitions And Paradigms, Laura Schmalzl, Mardi A. Crane-Godreau, Peter Payne

Dartmouth Scholarship

Over the past decades, cognitive neuroscience has witnessed a shift from predominantly disembodied and computational views of the mind, to more embodied and situated views of the mind. These postulate that mental functions cannot be fully understood without reference to the physical body and the environment in which they are experienced. Within the field of contemplative science, the directing of attention to bodily sensations has so far mainly been studied in the context of seated meditation and mindfulness practices. However, the cultivation of interoceptive, proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness is also said to lie at the core of many movement-based contemplative …

The Effects Of A Foot-Toe Orthosis On Dynamic Balance And Hallux Valgus Angle, Adam Richard Kelly

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Decreased balance has been identified as a risk factor for lower extremity injury in several populations. Previous literature has investigated the effects of using orthotics, textured insoles and textured surfaces on balance. However, no research exists on the effects of a foot-toe orthosis on dynamic balance. Objective: To determine the effects of a foot-toe orthosis on dynamic balance and hallux valgus angle. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Athletic Training research laboratory. Participants: Sixty-three healthy and recreationally active collegiate students. (age: 21.59±1.49yrs, height 172.48±8.99cm, mass 73.86kg±15.64kg) Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups that received either …

Improving Gait And Function In Children With Cerebral Palsy; A Comparison Of Supported Speed Treadmill Training To Therapeutic Exercise, Brianna Palmer

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

An appraisal was made of an article by Schindl et al, regarding the efficacy of supported speed treadmill training (SSTTEP) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The selected paper included children with GMFCS Level II-IV spastic CP, and compared SSTTEP intervention to therapeutic exercise.

Both intervention groups significantly improved gait speed, cadence, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) global scores, however only the SSTTEP group maintained those gains four weeks after the study ended. The SSTTEP group also yielded decreased stride length.

The study is optimistic for both SSTTEP and therapeutic exercise interventions for improving gait in children with …

Development Of The Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-Sea), Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, Jacqueline P. Kelleher

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-SEA) allows teachers to examine the sensory aspects of classroom tasks and environments. The purpose is to assist in determining ways to modify tasks and environments to improve engagement and reduce problem behaviors in elementary school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Technology-Supported Art As A "Way To Participation", Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Brianna Vitale provided the painting featured on the cover of the Spring 2014 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Brianna completed the painting, titled “Flamingo,” using a mouth joystick (joust) to draw the image on her computer and an assistive device to translate her computer artwork into the watercolor painting. At 12 years old, Brianna has been living for the past 9 years with tetraplegia, the result of a spinal cord injury (SCI). Through technology and with the support of family, friends, and health care professionals, Brianna energetically engages in a variety of creative, social, and philanthropic activities.

Student Advocacy And Research Regarding Employability With Women In An Addiction Recovery Center, Christine Privott

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This article presents a course project that allowed senior undergraduate occupational science students the opportunity to experience advocacy and leadership roles as they prepared to transition to entry-level occupational therapy programs. The students coordinated an on-site employment fair for women residents of one Alcoholics Anonymous-based substance abuse recovery center in Kentucky. This ultimately led to a preliminary qualitative program evaluation study of the participants’ perceptions of employability after participating in the fair. Following a semi-structured interview protocol, nine participants were interviewed by student investigators immediately following the fair. The resulting data were compared within and across transcripts, and coded for …