Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Impact Of Fall Efficacy On Occupational Performance In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Michelle Fong, Araya Moua, Erin Denola, Merit Franklin

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Falls are a major health concern in the older adult (OA) population. While there is research on falls and their prevention, research on how low fall efficacy (FE) impacts the occupational engagement of the OA population is limited. FE is defined as the confidence a person has in his/her ability to complete a task without falling (Tinetti & Powell, 1993). A qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of OAs with low FE and the impact on occupational performance. Participants who scored ≤ 6 on the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES) engaged in a …

Exploratory Application Of A Sensory Activity Schedule In Head Start Preschool, Marian Perez, Elaine Wong, Michelle Perryman

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Objective: The objective of this research is to determine whether the implementation of sensory activity schedule in a preschool classroom can increase the on-task behaviors of the students.

Methods: Three students were recruited to participate in a quantitative multiple single subject design with qualitative follow-up study. The participants performed sensorimotor activities before circle time and were monitored for frequency of their off-task behavior using a time sampling frequency data collection. Afterwards, the head teacher was interviewed to discuss the experience.

Results: Off-task behavior decreased from baseline on all three children, which supports the efficacy of sensory activity schedule in reducing …

Occupational Responses Of Older Adults Following Partner Loss, Carol Huang, Jane Song, Peter Behr, Stephanie Sterner

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Spousal loss has been frequently identified as a life stressor that can greatly impede one’s ability to age at home. The purpose of this study is to identify the occupational changes that commonly result after this event and their impacts on one’s ability to age in place. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological research design. Eight participants were recruited from an educational program for older adults and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. Researchers transcribed and coded all interviews to determine emergent themes. Two major categories of themes were found: occupational and intrinsic responses. The areas of occupation that …

Dating For College Students In The San Francisco Bay Area, Justin Pring, Cristina Cummings, Gabriela Saucedo, Cathy Lynn Gonzales

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dating is a widely practiced occupation by many individuals, especially the emerging adult, college student population. The primary objective of this research study was to develop a greater understanding of San Francisco (SF) Bay Area college students’ perception, practice, and occupational impact of dating. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with seven college students living in the SF Bay Area. Three themes emerged: the dating process, internal and external factors that influence dating, and personal growth from dating experiences. The data revealed that the emerging adult, college student population values dating and believes it can significantly impact their own development. However, this …

Veteran Wellness And Reintegration: Factors Contributing To Their Success In The Community, Melissa A. Escamilla

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the following study is to determine if there is a relationship between veteran wellness based on gender, discharge status, theatre of operations, substance use disorder, veteran self-efficacy, community reintegration post discharge, stigma and veteran physical and psychosocial factors. Military veteran wellness has been the focal point of service providers for ensuring post-discharge veterans' success. During the last decade there has been an increase in military veterans reintegrating into society with chronic ailments and undiagnosed conditions. The study examined 85 Texas veterans: (a) the relationship between veterans' substance abuse and their perception of stigma, (b) the relationship between …

American Sign-Language (Asl) For Audiologists, Colette Vossler-Welch

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The goal of this project is to provide a means for Audiologists, Speech-Language-pathologists and related personnel to improve their ability to communicate and connect with culturally Deaf individuals through the use of video-animated sign-language interpretations. Arguments for or against the bilingual approach of using ASL and the spoken language with regards to Deaf education will be discussed through both a personal memoir and a review of current literature. This study will also shed light upon the history of the American Deaf population, American Sign-Language (ASL) and will conclude with a training module in ASL. The training module will be available …

The Relationship Between Blood Flow And Motor Unit Firing Rates In Response To Fatiguing Exercise Post-Stroke, Spencer Murphy, Matthew J. Durand, Francesco Negro, Dario Farina, Sandra K. Hunter, Brian D. Schmit, David D. Gutterman, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

We quantified the relationship between the change in post-contraction blood flow with motor unit firing rates and metrics of fatigue during intermittent, sub-maximal fatiguing contractions of the knee extensor muscles after stroke. Ten chronic stroke survivors (>1-year post-stroke) and nine controls participated. Throughout fatiguing contractions, the discharge timings of individual motor units were identified by decomposition of high-density surface EMG signals. After five consecutive contractions, a blood flow measurement through the femoral artery was obtained using an ultrasound machine and probe designed for vascular measurements. There was a greater increase of motor unit firing rates from the beginning of …

Career Transitions Caused By Chronic Illness: A Career Construction Perspective, Julie Christine Hill

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

People living with chronic illness face significant challenges when it comes to finding and maintaining employment. There is ample research available that discussed the challenges and barriers to employment for this population. However, there is a lack of research devoted to interventions dedicated to assisting people with chronic illness in career exploration and development. This study attempted to address one possible intervention to assist people with chronic illness identify and pursue possible careers. The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of participating in the Career Construction Interview on the career exploration of individuals facing a forced …

Evaluating The Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services To Treat Performance Problems Of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Brian H. Hess

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Unemployment is a problem for individuals with disabilities. Supported employment provides occupational supports for individuals with disabilities to get a job and keep that job once hired. The Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services (PDC-HS) is used to address performance problems with employees in human services settings. This study evaluated using the PDC-HS with three adults with intellectual disabilities working in supported employment at a library cleaning shelves. The results of the PDC-HS identified insufficient training and prompting as barriers. The matched intervention package was effective in increasing performance of the shelf-cleaning task for all participants. Participant responses to a social validity …

The Validity Of The Six Minute Walk Test In Determining Vo2peak In Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study, Deandra Elcock

Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado

Peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak) is critical for developing and implementing an exercise prescription to guide a cancer survivor’s rehabilitative exercise program, which will improve physiological and psychological values in cancer survivors. Many clinicians choose a submaximal protocol, the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) to determine VO_2peak. The University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute’s (UNCCRI) treadmill protocol is cancer-specific and accurately determines VO_2peak. PURPOSE: To determine the validity of VO_2peak obtained from the 6MWT compared to the VO_2peak obtained by the UNCCRI treadmill protocol. METHODS: 34 cancer survivors completed the …

Executive Function And Motor Skills In Preschool Children, Meggin Kelley

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a short-term motor program on the executive function and motor skills in preschool children utilizing a Pretest and Post test design. The present study was designed with two periods of program intervention- once in the fall and once in the spring. It was hypothesized that a 10-week motor intervention would demonstrate positive motor and executive function gains in the experimental (motor) group. Children ranging from 4 to 6 years of age participated in this study. Baseline motor and executive function scores were obtained during the Pretest phase. Subsequently, …

Responsiveness Of The Promis And Its Concurrent Validity With Other Region- And Condition-Specific Proms In Patients Undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release, David N. Bernstein, Jeff R. Houck, Bilal Mahmood, Warren C. Hammert

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background

The Patient-reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) continues to be an important universal patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM) in orthopaedic surgery. However, there is concern about the performance of the PROMIS as a general health questionnaire in hand surgery compared with the performance of region- and condition-specific PROMs such as the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), respectively. To ensure that PROMIS domains capture patient-reported outcomes to the same degree as region- and condition-specific PROMs do, comparing PROM performance is necessary.

Questions/purposes

(1) Which PROMs demonstrate high responsiveness among patients undergoing carpal tunnel release (CTR)? …

The Effect Of Perceived Level Of Social Support On The Fear Of Falling, Kali A. Todd

Honors College Theses

Background: Perhaps the most prevalent cause of anxiety among the elderly is the fear of falling (FOF), considering that a fall can lead to serious complications and the decline of health. Kumar et al. found that subjects with a FOF usually have less social support. Therefore, increased social support could possibly decrease the FOF, thus decreasing the likelihood of a fall overall. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the amount of perceived social support one receives and the FOF among people ages 60 and up. Methods: In order to measure FOF and social support among …

“Evaluating Knowledge And Perspectives Of Behavior Analytic Language Strategies In The Clinical Practice Of Speech-Language Pathology”, Mackenzie Sturman

Honors Theses

Research shows that principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) may be beneficial to language acquisition. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have the responsibility of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals with various speech and language impairments, and work directly with language instruction. However, there is limited knowledge of the degree to which SLPs use concepts of behavior analytic language interventions in clinical practice for individuals of varying language and communication disorders. This study investigated the extent to which practicing SLPs use language strategies from ABA in their clinical practice. A qualitative approach was utilized by conducting individual semi-structured interviews with four practicing …

The Role Of Horticultural Therapy In The Treatment Of Refugees With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Molly Nadeau

Senior Honors Theses

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cites that there are an unprecedented number of refugees. As of 2017, over 68.5 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes, with 25.4 million of this group being classified as refugees (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2018). Often, mental health issues arise from the trauma that they face. Recently, the use of horticultural therapy, which uses gardening and plant-based activities as a form of treatment, has shown mental health improvements in military veterans and active duty soldiers diagnosed with stress related disorders. This paper will describe the role of …

Relationship Of Grip Strength And Quality Of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Melissa Van Omen

Honors Theses

Loss of muscle strength is one of the key features of aging. Quality of life is a factor that affects productive aging and loss of muscle strength. A literature review was completed to assess the possible relationship between grip strength and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, as measured through physical health in terms of independence with ADLs/IADLs, physical disability, and mobility. Articles were collected from various peer-reviewed, publish journals using the available databases of Western Michigan University libraries. Databases used include PubMed, Clinical Keys, the National Institute of Health (NIH), Springer Link, Scopus, BioMed Central, Wiley, and Oxford …

Different Effects Of Static And Vibrating Foam Rollers On Ankle Plantar Flexion Flexibility And Neuromuscular Activation, Brianna G. Mazzei

Honors College Theses

The relatively new implementation of vibration into foam rollers was developed in response to the positive feedback of whole-body vibration treatment and foam rolling therapy. The purpose of the study is to research the changes in range of motion and myoelectric activity of the ankle dorsiflexors in female NCAA Division I swimmers when using a vibrating foam roller in comparison to a static foam roller. Combining the self-myofascial release with the increased blood flow and muscle temperature exerted from vibration could possibly enhance the effects of foam-rolling treatment. The different effects of ankle flexibility and motor unit activation after static …

Exploring A Child’S History For Optimal Treatment Of Food Selectivity., Briana Lear

Honors Theses

Food selectivity is defined as “food refusal based on type, texture, temperature, or appearance of food, leading to a self-restricted diet” (Suarez, 2015). Food selectivity affects children of all ages. Food selectivity refers to when a child is eating as few as 5-10 different foods and demonstrates food refusal behaviors, which can make mealtime a challenge for children and their families (Suarez, 2015). Occupational therapy addresses activities of daily living (ADLS), therefore feeding, including food selectivity is included within the OT scope of practice. There is a need to create a comprehensive and thorough document to collect a client’s history …

The Relationship Between Biological And Psychosocial Risk Factors And Resting‐State Functional Connectivity In 2‐Monthold Bangladeshi Infants: A Feasibility And Pilot Study, Ted K. Turesky, Sarah K.G. Jensen, Xi Yu, Swapna Kumar, Yingying Wang, Danielle D. Sliva, Borjan Gagoski, Joseph Sanfilippo, Lilla Zöllei, Emma Boyd, Rashidul Haque, Shahria Hafiz Kakon, Nazrul Islam, William A. Petri Jr., Charles A. Nelson, Nadine Gaab

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Childhood poverty has been associated with structural and functional alterations in the developing brain. However, poverty does not alter brain development directly, but acts through associated biological or psychosocial risk factors (e.g. malnutrition, family conflict). Yet few studies have investigated risk factors in the context of infant neurodevelopment, and none have done so in low‐resource settings such as Bangladesh, where children are exposed to multiple, severe biological and psychosocial hazards. In this feasibility and pilot study, usable resting‐state fMRI data were acquired in infants from extremely poor (n = 16) and (relatively) more affluent (n = 16) families in Dhaka, …

How Professional Physical Therapist Education Programs Develop Cultural Competence Within Their Students: An Exploratory Concurrent Mixed Methods Study, Dustin E. Domingo

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory concurrent mixed methods study was to describe experiences that shape the factors of cultural intelligence (CQ) as perceived by students of professional physical therapist education programs. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to determine whether any particular factor of cultural intelligence influenced one’s overall cultural competence according to the cultural competence continuum by Cross et al. (1989).

Methodology: Students in a professional physical therapist education program completed a questionnaire, which included Likert scale questions, open ended questions, and a 37-item self-assessment based on the expanded cultural intelligence scale by Van Dyne …

The Use Of The Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool To Decrease The Risk Of Falls In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Brooke Mack

MOT Student Capstones

Older adult falls ages sixty-five and older are a major health concern in the United States of America. This project is an educational in-service provided through a power point presentation designed to educate community dwelling older adults on areas in their home that could increase their chance of falling in their home environment. This will be accomplished by using components of the home safety-self assessment tool. There are three main objectives which include: educating community dwelling older adults on various areas in the home that could lead to an increased risk of falls, suggest possible solutions, assistive devices, helpful products, …

Consultation-Based Ot Services To Improve Complex Environmental Modifications: Perspective Of Practicing Occupational Therapists, Brooke E. Wallace

MOT Student Capstones

Occupational therapists (OTs) are skilled medical professionals who use a holistic and clientcentered approach to improve one's functional independence. Research demonstrates that consultation-based occupational therapy services between a client, OT, and building professional would benefit aging and/or disabled adults who are seeking complex home modifications. The objectives of this capstone project are threefold: to increase practicing occupational therapists' awareness of an expanding area of need with >50% of participants in agreeance that consultation-based services will increase a client's level of independence, for OTs to report an increased familiarity level with relevant assessments and with the implementation process for consultation-based OT …

Enhancing Mot Student Fieldwork At The Community Free Clinic, Antwon Griffin

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this project was to development of a level I fieldwork manual to improve the structure of the occupational therapy student learning experience at Community Free Clinic. It aimed for the occupational therapy student to gain perspective and understanding of occupational therapy's role in a unique setting to enhance organization and critical thinking skills to apply theory to practice. The manual is based upon the importance of establishing mutual respect, trust, and communication skills with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care and cultural competence to provide additional services to the people of underserved communities. Evidence supports that …

Aol Transfer Training Program For Nursing Staff In The In-Patient Rehab Setting Through Occupational Therapy Based Skills, Bailey Christiano

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone is a project implementation of an AOL transfer training program for nursing staff for an in-patient rehab facility. The three objectives of this project include decreasing the overall number of client falls on the unit, increasing the self-efficacy of the nursing staff in regards to ADL transfers, and to educate the nursing staff on how to perform safe ADL transfers at a minimal assist level. Training videos were created through the collaboration of OT, nursing, and hospital videographers and were viewed by all nursing staff participants. Three hands-on training sessions for nursing staff were conducted by OT clinicians …

Occupational Therapy-Based Education Of Sensory-Enriched Activities For Interdisciplinary Services, Emily Minton

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone is a project implementation of sensory-based activities for an interdisciplinary team of therapy practitioners at a pediatric outpatient facility. The objectives of this project include increasing self-efficacy in pediatric-based practitioners addressing sensory seeking behaviors, educate practitioners on the importance of addressing sensory seeking behaviors to promote participation via sensory-enriched activities, and educating practitioners on four simple sensory-based activities to decrease sensory seeking behaviors during sessions. Educational handouts, as well as a PowerPoint presentation, and visual demonstration were created and viewed by all members of the interdisciplinary team at the pediatric outpatient clinic. The education session and all data …

A Study Of Music: Music Psychology, Music Therapy, And Worship Music, Jessica Whittemore

Senior Honors Theses

There are three specific fields related to music: the psychology of Music and how it affects human brain and functions, the methodology of Music Therapy and how it affects individuals undergoing treatment, and the psychological effects of Worship Music and how it can be used in music therapy. Music therapy is a growing field in which the therapeutic outcomes greatly benefit the patients. The overall purpose is to create a greater understanding of music and music therapy in order to a provide a system for introducing group worship services into music therapy to ultimately bring spiritual healing to individuals.

Caregiver Perceptions On The Effects Of A Therapeutic Camp On Well-Being Using The Flourishing Through Leisure Model, Abigail L. Greer, Brent Wolfe, Katy Gregg

Honors College Theses

Literature has noted the contribution of therapeutic camping programs in enhancing overall functioning and well-being. Therapeutic camps can provide an opportunity for recreation involvement, skill development, and reduction in deficits by providing a variety of activities suited for the needs of the population. This study explores caregivers’ perceptions on the impacts of a four week therapeutic day camp program on well-being in adolescents with disabilities. Qualitative data was collected through functional profiles, treatment goals, discharge summaries, and caregiver surveys provided by Camp RAD to evaluate the outcomes of the camp through the lens of the Flourishing through Leisure Model. By …

Exploring The Outcomes Of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy To Treat Urinary Incontinence 2 Years Post Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Case Report, Kathleen T. O'Loughlin

Research Days

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this poster is to investigate the effects of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) on urinary incontinence (UI) in an individual 2 years post radical prostatectomy (RP). This information is essential to developing a body of literature guides future treatment of men in this patient population.

Case Description: The subject was a 57-year-old male with UI and pelvic floor hypertonicity 2 years post RP secondary to prostate cancer. He was treated in an outpatient physical therapy clinic using PFPT for a total of 7 weeks.

Outcomes: The resting tone of the subject’s pelvic floor muscles …

The Use Of Mechanical Diagnosis And Treatment And Physical Therapy Intervention In A 31-Year-Old Female With Low Back Pain After A Motor Vehicle Accident: A Retrospective Case Report, Brianna Fields

Research Days

ABSTRACT

Background/Purpose: Over 2 million people in the United States are injured each year in motor vehicle accidents (MVA) and experience subsequent low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this retrospective case report is to present the evidence and clinical reasoning behind a Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment (MDT)-based physical therapy plan of care for a patient with LBP post-MVA.

Case Description: The patient was a 31-year-old African-American female with LBP after a MVA. The patient’s goals for physical therapy were to reduce pain with functional activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and return to pain-free function in duties …

Physical Therapy Clinical Decision Making, Intervention, And Outcomes Of A Patient With Cervicogenic Dizziness: A Retrospective Case Report, Melissa Koehl, Roberta O'Shea

Research Days

Background and Purpose: Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) is believed to be a result of altered proprioception secondary to cervical spine pain and/or dysfunction.^..There currently are no validated clinical tests or clinical prediction rules to accurately identify CGD, however, there are published physical therapy clinical decision-making guidelines available. This retrospective case report describes the use of published guidelines to aid clinical decision-making regarding the physical therapy examination, interventions, and outcomes of a patient with CGD.

Case Description: The patient was a 66-year old woman referred to PT with the medical diagnosis of dizziness. A detailed history and thorough …