Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Promoting Utilization Of The Allen Cognitive Level Screen 5 {Acls-5) Assessment Tool With Long Term Care Clients With Dementia To Promote Quality Of Care, Michelle S. Verni

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this capstone project was to examine any changes, after participating in an educational training, in occupational therapists' (OTs') clinical knowledge of the Allen Cognitive Level Screen 5 (ACLS-5) assessment tool related dementia levels and the OTs' perceived professional value and intention to use for promoting quality of care with long-term dementia clients. A one-day educational/training in-service with self-reported questionnaires was held. The questionnaires were used to measure the effectiveness of the educational/training in-service through any changes in clinical knowledge that would assist in increasing the intent to use the ACLS-5 in their settings to promote quality of …

Transition In Occupations Of Refugees During Resettlement, Jennifer H. Daine, Adam A. Chan, Jacqueline-Elizabeth Cantrell, Kimberley Keagan Banuelos

Student Research Posters

Purpose: In 2016, there were 22.5 million refugees worldwide (UNHCR, 2017). California resettled just over 5,000 of those 85,000 (Igielnik & Krogstad, 2017). Limited research has been conducted in the United States (U.S.) focusing on the refugee experience; furthermore, there is a significant gap in research regarding the impact of the refugee experience on the occupations of refugees as they transition to living in the U.S. Smith (2012) explored the adaptation of cultural weaving among Karen refugees to maintain their previous occupations and the impact of daily weaving on their lives within Western culture; however, the study focused only on …

Autism And Occupation: Video Modeling For Maker Activities, Hannah Gibeson, Kelly Yerby, Molly Smith, Brittany Yung

Student Research Posters

Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using video modeling (VM) while engaging in Maker activities is an essential part of occupational therapy research. Participants in this study were four individuals with ASD recruited from a project-based studio located in San Rafael, CA, and one staff member. The qualitative portion of this study analyzed the lived experiences and perspectives of the individuals with ASD and their service provider through qualitative semi-structured interview methods. The quantitative portion of this study analyzed the effectiveness of VM for Maker activities during the activity of making a box using a …

Mesotocin Influences Pinyon Jay Prosociality, J. F. Duque, W. Leichner, H. Ahmann, Jeffrey R. Stevens

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Many species exhibit prosocial behavior , in which one individual’s actions benefit another individual, often without an immediate benefit to itself. The neuropeptide oxytocin is an important hormonal mechanism influencing prosociality in mammals, but it is unclear whether the avian homologue mesotocin plays a similar functional role in birds. Here, we experimentally tested prosociality in pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), a highly social corvid species that spontaneously shares food with others. First, we measured prosocial preferences in a prosocial choice task with two different pay-off distributions: Prosocial trials delivered food to both the subject and either an empty cage …

Integration Of Pet Therapy To Enhance Occupational Performance, Brooke Harrell

MOT Student Capstones

Individuals with a Dementia diagnosis are on the continual rise in America. This debilitating condition remains incurable even with all the research and technology we have available today. Benefits of canine interactions have been demonstrated and it is becoming more common to incorporate canines into therapy practice. Canines have the ability to reduce anxiety and improve an individual's overall mood. By successfully impacting these two variables, canine interaction enhance client's potential and abilities tremendously. Canines provide an alternative outside of the box treatment method for clients with Dementia. Our role as an occupational therapist is to provide client centered care, …

The Benefits Of A Screening Tool For Seating And Mobility During The Initial Occupational Therapy Evaluation In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Ryan Haines

MOT Student Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners are familiar with the idea that wheelchair positioning and mobility can have an impact on one's ability to participate in daily routines and leisure activities, yet many times it is overlooked during the initial evaluation process. Residents of skilled nursing facilities who rely upon wheelchairs for their mobility are at a particularly high risk of developing medical complications, such as pressure sores, and respiratory issues secondary to long-term seated positioning. The purpose of this project is to create an easy to use wheelchair positioning screening tool to use on both long-term care residents and individuals who are …

The Effect Of An Iadl Group Serving Moderate Functional Adults With Intellectual Disabilities In A Group Home Setting, Megan P. Buckland

MOT Student Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this project is to explore and provide participants an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities in the hopes to increase their performance participation and improve their satisfaction in areas of occupations for Instruments of Daily Activities (IADL 's). These areas included, meal preparation and home management tasks. The IADL's were accomplished through group participation and on an individual basis. Method: The occupational therapy student provided two questionnaires for the parents and or guardians, as well primary caregivers in the group home. The participants were also given the Lawton-Brody's IADL scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. …

Let It Flow: Increasing Occupation-Centered Practice In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Patrick D. Robbins

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this study was to use the Kawa Model to discover and analyze the performance of the occupational therapy profession to incorporate occupation-centered practice in the skilled nursing setting. The guiding questions of the Kawa Model were used to guide phenomenological research inquiry into literature sources to generate drawings of the historical and current aspects of occupation-centered practice in the SNF setting. Environmental restrictions and obstacles from multiple sources were identified to prevent the implementation of occupation-centered services, while professional skills and values were identified with potential to initiate change in current practice trends. Two possible strategies for …

Effect Of Low-Intensity Long-Duration Ultrasound On The Symptomatic Relief Of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Study, Dominic Klyve, Ralph Ortiz, Davie O. Draper, Thomas M. Best

Mathematics Faculty Scholarship

Background: Wearable long-duration low-intensity ultrasound is an emerging non-invasive and non-narcotic therapy for the daily treatment of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to examine whether long-duration low-intensity ultrasound was effective in treating pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Ninety patients with moderate to severe knee pain and radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade I/II) were randomized for treatment with active (n = 55) or placebo (n = 35) devices applied daily to the treated knee. Investigators and subjects were blinded to treatment groups. Ultrasound (3 MHz, 0.132 W/cm2, 1.3 W) …

Parents' Feelings And Perceptions Towards Their Child's Speech Or Language Disorder, Elizabeth Holley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Throughout society, there remains a stigma in regards to a person’s speech and language. While the stereotype that a person with a speech or language disorder may have a lower quality of life shines light on the perceptions of mainstream society, there has been research that provides insight into parent’s feelings. The purpose of this project was to explore the research regarding parents’ feelings and perceptions towards their child’s speech or language disorder by conducting a literature review and a questionnaire that could be used as a measuring tool. The researchers used a questionnaire to focus on two main points: …

Physical Therapy And The Integration Of Dry Needling, Katie Montgomery

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research paper analyzes how the field of Physical Therapy has grown and evolved in the United States over the last sixty years. It also explores the education process of becoming a therapist, the responsibilities it entails, and the different treatment interventions therapist can use by taking a deeper look at the integration of dry needling techniques into the field of Physical Therapy.

Dry needling is defined and different techniques being utilized in the field currently are explained. Also discussed are locations where physical therapists are legally allowed to perform dry needling in the United States, the certification process, precautions …

Evaluating The Impact Of Operating A Falls Prevention Community Of Practice On Falls In A Residential Aged Care Setting, Jacqueline Francis-Coad, Terry Haines, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Debbie Nobre, Anne-Marie Hill

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background/Purpose: Falls are a leading adverse event in residential aged care (RAC) settings with prevention a global aim. The purpose of this study was to determine whether operating a falls prevention community of practice (CoP) delivering evidence-based prevention interventions could change the rate of falls and injurious falls in a RAC setting.

Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental pre/post design was conducted. Participants were 13 RAC sites (779 beds) of a single RAC organization, with 20 multidisciplinary staff volunteering as CoP members.

Results: Falls rates pre CoP were 10.1/1,000 occupied bed days (OBD) compared with 10.9 /1,000 OBD post CoP operation [coefficient …

Embodying The Illusion Of A Strong, Fit Back In People With Chronic Low Back Pain. A Pilot Proof-Of-Concept Study, Tomohiko Nishigami, Benedict Wand, Roger Newport, Natasha Ratcliffe, Kristy Themelis, David Moen, Cat Jones, G Lorimer Moseley, Tasha R. Stanton

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: This proof-of-concept pilot study aimed to investigate if a visual illusion that altered the size and muscularity of the back could be embodied and alter perception of the back.

Methods: The back visual illusions were created using the MIRAGE multisensory illusion system. Participants watched real-time footage of a modified version of their own back from behind. Participants undertook one experimental condition, in which the image portrayed a muscled, fit-looking back (Strong), and two control conditions (Reshaped and Normal) during a lifting task. Embodiment, back perception as well as pain intensity and beliefs about the back during lifting were assessed. …

Health And Appearance Reasons For Weight Loss As Predictors Of Long-Term Weight Change, Joseph E. Mroz, Carol H. Pullen, Patricia A. Hageman

Journal Articles: Physical Therapy

This study investigated whether women's initial reasons (health, appearance to others, or appearance to self) for wanting to lose weight influenced their weight change over a 30-month web-based intervention. Multilevel modeling with 1416 observations revealed that only appearance in relation to one's self was a significant (negative) predictor. Women highly motivated to lose weight to improve their appearance in relation to themselves gained weight at 30 months, whereas those not motivated for this reason achieved clinically significant weight loss. Results suggest examining participants' initial reasons for weight loss as an important component of intervention failure or success.

The Effects Of A Cognitive Training Program For Cognitively Intact Older Adults, Caroline Kinskey

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Cognitive training is a term used to describe programs that provide guided practice on tasks requiring different cognitive abilities such as memory or language. It is assumed that regular practice will improve or maintain functioning in a particular cognitive domain (e.g., memory) and those results will generalize beyond the context of training. Results have been mixed in the existing literature that has evaluated the potential benefits of cognitive training on cognitive and emotional functioning in cognitively intact older adults. This study investigated the effectiveness of a cognitive training program for older adults with no to very minimal cognitive decline. Nine …

How Graduate Experience Changes Beliefs In Working With Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Populations: A Survey Study, Stephanie Bove

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings that require savvy transitions between patients from many cultures and backgrounds. Graduate students may get little practice working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations depending upon where they perform their practicum and internships. Researchers at a mid-western university developed a survey to collect student perspectives regarding cultural competence. A single cohort received the survey at three intervals to track a change in responses from the beginning of their first year of graduate school through their clinical fellowship. Students took a Multicultural Issues class between their first and second survey responses. Data collected …

Pre-Sleep Routines In Adult Normal Sleepers, Jean Koketsu

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Sleep is the most important restorative occupation, and pre-sleep routines, which precede sleep, have not been explored in normal adult sleepers. Routines are an important construct in occupational therapy, but it is not well-researched.

The purpose of this project is to add to the body of knowledge regarding pre-sleep routines through description by normal sleepers. This research can inform occupational therapists in regard to the usual patterns and dynamics of pre-sleep routines. Open systems theory, a grounded theory approach, and graphic and interview methods were used in this qualitative study.

Participants were 16 adults, between the ages of 23 and …

Cognitive And Metacognitive Factors In Reading Comprehension For Occupational Therapy Assistant Students, Cynthia L. Meyer

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Difficulties with reading comprehension among occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students can diminish their ability to understand didactic textual information limiting clinical performance and can impact OTA attrition rates and limit graduate success when completing the national certification examination.

Participants were one cohort of OTA students from a rural public community college.

This was a convergent mixed-method design (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). The students’ perceptions of cognitive and metacognitive factors affecting reading and the students’ preferences for cognitive and metacognitive strategies were assessed through a 59-item survey assessment combining the Text-Learning Strategies Inventory (TLSI) (Merchie, Van Keer, & Vandevelde, 2014), the …

Perceptions Of Atp Certified Occupational Therapy Practitioners On Assistive Technology Education In Occupational Therapy Programs, Karen M. Dishman Otd, Otr, Atp

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on identifying which categories of assistive technology (AT) that practitioners perceived to be needed in entry-level master’s occupational therapy (OT) programs; and validating the need for post-professional AT training and post-professional AT certificate programs. For this capstone project, a survey approach was used as the data collection method. The purpose of the survey was to determine perceptions of OT practitioners on AT education received during their entry-level OT program. The survey was returned by 148 occupational therapy practitioners certified as assistive technology professionals (ATP) by the Rehabilitation and Engineering Society of North America (RESNA). Results indicated …

Occupational Therapy Intervention For Project Search Interns With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential For Improved Transition Outcomes, Jessie L. Bricker

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to rise, it is increasingly important to address the needs of adults with ASD as they transition into the work world. Project SEARCH, an internationally recognized program, has been successful in assisting individuals with disabilities in attaining competitive employment. Yet even in this program model, individuals with ASD have lower employment outcomes than individuals in other disability categories. The purpose of this action research study was to explore the needs of individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) within the Project SEARCH program from their own perspectives, and to examine …

An Epidemiological Study Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Room In Grand Forks, Nd, Carly Bertsch, Lucas Dolan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the emergency room records from Altru Health System in Grand Forks, ND from 2011-2015 to find trends in pediatric injuries from the ages of 0-19. The justification for the study is to provide Grand Forks with information about the frequency and distribution of pediatric sports and recreational injuries. No injury surveillance system has been implemented to monitor youth injuries, but his study is a continuation of a previous 10-year study and the combining of the two time frames would result in a 15-year compilation of data. By using descriptive data …

A Case Report: Physical Therapy Management Of A 25-Year-Old Female Experiencing A Whiplash Injury And Low Back Pain, Carmen Stanhope

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. There is a prevalence of whiplash mechanism injuries affecting the cervical spine following motor vehicle accidents. The approximate incidence in Western societies for whiplash associated disorder is 1 case for every 1,000 people in the population. The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions used in the treatment of a patient with whiplash associated disorder.

Case Description. This case study describes the clinical presentation, physical therapy intervention, and outcomes of a young adult female following a rear end motor vehicle accident (MVA). The patient presented …

Barefoot Training: Effect On Lateral Pelvic Drop And Emg Activity Of Gluteus Medius And Tfl, Hailey Brinkman, Anna Yanchek, Esley Thorton

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Exercise has been widely accepted for its key role in disease prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle. Due to its relative ease and low cost, running continues to be one of the most popular forms of exercise today. Although running can have a significant impact on disease prevention, injury prevalence in running is high. Barefoot running is a relatively new form of exercise that has gained popularity amongst the running community. However, enhancing muscular activity at the hip is a rehabilitation strategy, which may reduce lower extremity injury. Research investigating the hip muscle activity and movement with barefoot …

The Co-Treatment Of Physical Therapy And Music Therapy And Its Effect On Parkinson's Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Kayli Muckenhirn, Laura Whiteley

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background. A multidisciplinary approach combining physical therapy and music therapy can improve functional mobility in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Objective. The authors studied whether a multidisciplinary approach of PT and MT would reduce the primary symptoms associated with PD.

Methods. In a single subject design, one patient participated in the following interventions; seated activities, task-specific training, balance and posture, pre-gait activities, and gait activities. The patient was evaluated on the first, mid-term, and last days of treatment. Evaluations included the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Five Times …

Impact Of A Community-Based Rock Steady Boxing Program For People With Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study, Katerina Hoime, Rachel Klein, Jamie Maciejewski, Molly Nienhuis

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: High-intensity physical exercise has been shown to be beneficial in managing motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Exercise may also have global effects on factors that influence brain health and cognition. Programs that incorporate goal-based motor skill learning have shown promise in being more effective than aerobic exercise alone. People with PD have a need for ongoing, continuous, community-based exercise programs that are engaging and accessible. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a community-based exercise program, Rock Steady Boxing, on improving quality of life and physical mobility skills in people with …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Case Study, Braden Benson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of pain and disability among older adults and can lead to a decreased ability to perform daily functions. The purpose of this case report is to look at a single patient's rehabilitation following arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear utilizing therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and manual therapy techniques.

Case Description. The patient was a 69-year-old, Caucasian male who was referred to physical therapy for evaluation and treatment following left shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tear and sub-acromial decompression. The patient complained of increased pain and decreased …

Emg Of Serratus Anterior, Upper, Middle, And Lower Trapezius During Glenohumeral Abduction In A Participant With Scapular Dyskinesia: A Case Study, Daniel Garcia, Trevor Roppel, Mekenzie Scheresky, Shane Omdahl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction and Purpose. The purpose of this case study was to examine the differences in muscle activation between the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior in a participant with scapular dyskinesia.

Methods. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxon TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. EMG data was recorded during three different speeds of shoulder abduction. Four scapular muscles were monitored bilaterally during the experiment. The muscles that were monitored included the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior. The subject was also captured on video using the NiNox 125/250 …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae, And Middle Trapezius Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Hunter Huberty, Jacob Klingbeil, Michael Miller, Michael Utt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine is a common movement used for completing daily activities and participating in sports. As a contributing factor to back injuries, the performance of spine rotation is an important consideration for the rehabilitation and prevention of future back injury. Muscles involved in spine rotation have been researched, though limited findings exist for one of the largest back muscles: Latissimus Dorsi (LD). The LD muscle contributes to many movements of the trunk and limbs given its multiple attachment sites including the pelvis, scapula, ribs and humerus. Influence of the LD on spine rotation, however, has not …

Transforming Society Will Require Attention To Social Determinants Of Health, Todd E. Davenport

All Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Impact Of A Falls Prevention Community Of Practice In A Residential Aged Care Setting: A Realist Approach, J Francis-Coad, C Etherton-Beer, C Bulsara, N Blackburn, P Chivers, A Hill

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Falls are a major socio-economic problem among residential aged care (RAC) populations resulting in high rates of injury including hip fracture. Guidelines recommend that multifactorial prevention strategies are implemented but these require translation into clinical practice. A community of practice (CoP) was selected as a suitable model to support translation of the best available evidence into practice, as it could bring together likeminded people with falls expertise and local clinical knowledge providing a social learning opportunity in the pursuit of a common goal; falls prevention. The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of a falls prevention …