Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupation-Based Practice In Occupational Therapy, Sarah Psillas

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The positive impact of occupation and well-being has been documented throughout the literature, however, the direct link of using occupation-based practice (OBP) and improvement of client outcomes has not been well established. This research study considered what OBP is, what the constructs are that comprise it, and how facilitators and barriers impact its use. Results: Results of this grounded theory study included four main constructs of occupation-based practice (actual occupation, meaningful and purposeful value, therapeutic intent, and engaged participation) as well as the theory of OccupationalTherapist’s Dynamic Use of Occupation-Based Practice. This theory explains the dynamic process that a …

Creating Confident And Connected Families: A Program To Improve Parental Self-Efficacy In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kelly Simpson

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) require life sustaining intervention for weeks to months after birth. This intervention is remarkably stressful for both the infant, who is ill-equipped to handle life outside the womb, and for the parents who are filled with fear and stress due to the illness of their son or daughter. The experience of hospitalization can lead to stress, shame, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder for families of NICU infants. Knowledge about the unique stressors, challenges, and needs for support of preterm infants has proven helpful to boost confidence and feelings of wellbeing within …

Thrust Joint Manipulation To The Cervical Spine In Participants With A Primary Complaint Of Temporomandibular Disorder (Tmd): A Randomized Clinical Trial, Breanna C. Reynolds

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common and costly problem often leading to chronic pain. There exists moderate evidence for physical therapy (PT) interventions in the management of TMD. A known relationship between TMD and the cervical spine exists with some evidence to support cervical intervention treatments. Cervical spine thrust joint manipulation (TJM) is an effective PT intervention explored in a limited fashion for this population. Objectives: To determine the immediate and short term (1 and 4 week) effects of cervical TJM on pain, dysfunction, and perception of change in individuals with a primary complaint of TMD. Methods: In this …

Cognitive Load Theory Principles Applied To Simulation Instructional Design For Novice Health Professional Learners, Susan M. Grieve

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

While the body of evidence supporting the use of simulation-based learning in the education of health professionals is growing, howor why simulation-based learning works is not yet understood. There is a clear need for evidence, grounded in contemporary educational theory, to clarify the features of simulation instructional design that optimize learning outcomes and efficiency in health care professional students.

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is a theoretical framework focused on a learner’s working memory capacity. One principle of CLT is example based learning. While this principle has been applied in both traditional classroom and laboratory settings, and has shown positive …

Effects Of Generic Group-Based Versus Personalized Individual-Based Exercise Programs On Balance, Gait, And Functional Performance Of Older Adults With Mild Balance Dysfunction And Living In Residential Care Facilities - A Randomized Controlled Trial, Varatharajan Lingam

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background and Purpose: To investigate the effect of an individualized exercise program versus a generic group-based exercise program on balance, gait, and functional performance of older adults categorized as having mild balance dysfunction and living in residential care facilities. Methods: Single blind randomized control design. One hundred-twenty residents fulfilled screening criteria for mild balance dysfunction based on the BioSwayTM balance and the Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT) primary outcome measures. Secondary assessment was completed using the Modified Physical Performance Test (PPT), hand-held dynamometer (lower-limb muscle strength testing), and gait speed analysis. Sixty subjects received individualized treatment from physical therapists (8 weeks). …

Effectiveness Of A Manual Therapy Approach In Treatment Of Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Haitham Ramadan

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The use of manual therapy for the management of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has not been adequately systematically reviewed in an attempt to determine its effectiveness on patients with LSS. The lack of evidence in support ofcommonly used conservative interventions continues to result in a lack of clarity regarding what interventions should be used to manage patients with LSS. Objective: To use a randomized comparative trial to compare the functional clinical outcomes achieved by patients with LSS receiving two different physical therapy interventions. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of40 participants diagnosed with LSS were randomized into …

Lived Experience Of Exemplary Physical Therapist Students In Clinical Education: A Phenonenological Study, Laura Hagan

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction and Review of the Literature. The academic community has made it priority to determine best practice in the clinical education (CE) of Physical Therapist (PT) students. The perspective of various stakeholders has been considered inthe profession’s pursuit of excellence. Previous research highlighting the characteristics of expert clinicians and clinicalinstructors in physical therapy has served as a model for those who strive for excellence. The student and critical stakeholder, however, has not been given the opportunity to be heard. To date, no literature has explored the experience of PT student who demonstrate excellence. This study aims to understand the lived …

Caring For Children With Severe Cerebral Palsy: The Lived Experience Of Parents, Jason Eric Cook

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experience of parents who care for their child withcerebral palsy who function at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level V. Additionally, the study also explores the parent’s understandings and beliefs about pain and non-pain related emotional distress, and the meaning of caring, providing care, and providing comfort for their child with GMFCS Level V cerebral palsy. The study was conducted using a qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenology approach with semi-structured interviews and participant-initiated journaling. The study included 11 participants who are caregiving parents of their child with GMFCS Level V cerebral …

User Engagement Associated With Web-Intervention Features To Attain Clinically Meaningful Weight Loss And Weight Maintenance In Rural Women, Patricia A. Hageman, Joseph E. Mroz, Michael A. Yoerger, Carol H. Pullen

Journal Articles: Physical Therapy

Objective: Purely web-based weight loss and weight-loss maintenance interventions show promise to influence behavior change. Yet, little is known about user engagement with features of web-based interventions that predict clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5% bodyweight loss). This study examines level of website feature engagement with the likelihood of attaining ≥5% bodyweight loss after 6 and 18 months participation in a web-based intervention, among rural women at high risk of obesity-related diseases and disability.

Methods: In this secondary analysis of clinical trial data of 201 rural women, we examined weight change and user engagement, measured as clicks on specific web-based intervention …

Evaluation Of The Prognostic Utility Of The Combination Of Platelet Count With Mean Platelet Volume As A Prognostic Indicator In Head And Neck Cancer., T. Tham, E. Leung, C. Olson, M. Wotman, J. Khaymovich, J. Coury, S. Teegala, P. Costantino

Journal Articles

The combination of platelet count to mean platelet volume (COP-MPV) has been recently reported as a prognostic indicator of oral cavity cancer and other cancer sites. The aim of the present study was to validate the utility of the COP-MPV as a prognostic indicator in all head and neck cancer (HNC) sites. The clinicopathological characteristics of the COP-MPV with HNC were also investigated. This is a retrospective cohort study that recruited consecutively treated patients at a tertiary level academic hospital. Clinicopathological characteristics were recorded, including the COP-MPV scores. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, as well as multivariate Cox Proportional …

The Effect Of Serratus Anterior Fatigue On Scapular Kinematics, Nathan Curtis Harrison

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Shoulder pain is a common occurrence in the general population. Pain has been associated with shoulder impairments and pathology. Associations between shoulder limitations, impairments, and mechanisms of injury and altered scapular motion appear in the literature. Fatigue of the scapular stabilizing muscles resulting from repeated arm motion has been reported to alter scapular kinematics, which could result in shoulder pathology, especially impingement.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of fatigue of the serratus anterior muscle on scapular kinematics. The hypotheses were that there would be decreased posterior tilt and decreased upward rotation during arm …

What Are Typical Outcomes Associated With Physical Therapy For Foot & Ankle Patients?, Judith F. Baumhauer, Christopher Neville, Kostantinos Vasalos, Chad Condidorio, Kathleen Fear, Jeff Houck

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Introduction/Purpose: It is unclear whether patients attending physical therapy, post-op or for conservative care, achieve clinically important differences (CID) on the patient reported outcome information system (PROMIS) scales. Key PROMIS outcomes physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) match well with treatments provided in physical therapy. Physical therapy may also influence depression (Dep). Documentation of PROMIS outcomes associated with physical therapy are useful to help set patient expectations. The purpose of this analysis was to document expected PROMIS PF, PI, and Dep outcomes after physical therapy for foot and ankle diagnoses by 1) reporting average improvement and 2) examining whether …

Interrater Reliability Of The Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale In Children With Spina Bifida, Elizabeth Ardolino, Megan Flores, Germaine Ferreira, Susan Jeantete, Kathleen Manella

Physical Therapy Collection

Purpose: There is a paucity of outcome measures to assess the quality of functional mobility in children with spina bifida¹. The Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (Peds NRS) is a valid and reliable outcome measure that was developed to assess the motor capacity of children with spinal cord injury^2-6. The purpose of this study was to examine the interrater reliability of the Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (Peds NRS) to classify motor capacity in children with myelomeningocele (MMC) form of spina bifida.

Subjects: Twenty-one children with MMC (1.4- 10 years of age; mean age of 5.3 …

Integrating Interprofessional Education With Simulation Experiences Within Ot And Pt Curricula: A Look At The Backwards Design Process, Nicole Rodriguez, Norman C. Belleza, Maureen Johnson

Physical Therapy Collection

Interprofessional education has become a significant focus across healthcare disciplines noting the benefits that can be achieved through improving patient outcomes, increasing awareness for potential referral to other providers, and fostering collaboration.

The integration of simulation into established OT and PT curriculum was a less daunting task by using the backward design process. Continued growth and the addition of Speech Therapy, Nursing, and Physician’s Assistant programs will further necessitate use of backward design to integrate meaningful multidisciplinary activities for students.

Patellar Tendon Morphology In Trans-Tibial Amputees Utilizing A Prosthesis With A Patellar-Tendon-Bearing Feature, Kai-Yu Ho, Michelle Harty, Jessica Kellogg, Kelly Teter, Szu-Ping Lee, Yu-Jen Chang, Gregory Bashford

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

A patellar-tendon-bearing (PTB) bar is a common design feature used in the socket of trans-tibial prostheses to place load on the pressure-tolerant tissue. As the patellar tendon in the residual limb is subjected to the perpendicular compressive force not commonly experienced in normal tendons, it is possible for tendon degeneration to occur over time. The purpose of this study was to compare patellar tendon morphology and neovascularity between the residual and intact limbs in trans-tibial amputees and healthy controls. Fifteen unilateral trans-tibial amputees who utilized a prosthesis with a PTB feature and 15 age- and sex- matched controls participated. Sonography …

Factors Related To Intra-Tendinous Morphology Of Achilles Tendon In Runners, Kai-Yu Ho, Ari Baquet, Yu-Jen Chang, Luang-Chang Chien, Michelle Harty, Gregory Bashford, Kornelia Kulig

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to determine and explore factors (age, sex, anthropometry, running and injury/pain history, tendon gross morphology, neovascularization, ankle range of motion, and ankle plantarflexor muscle endurance) related to intra-tendinous morphological alterations of the Achilles tendon in runners. An intra-tendinous morphological change was defined as collagen fiber disorganization detected by a low peak spatial frequency radius (PSFR) obtained from spatial frequency analysis (SFA) techniques in sonography. Ninety-one runners (53 males and 38 females; 37.9 ± 11.6 years) with 8.8 ± 7.3 years of running experience participated. Height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences were recorded. Participants …

The Role Of Sirt1 In Skeletal Muscle Function And Repair Of Older Mice, Mathew J. Myers, Danielle L. Sheperd, Andrya J. Durr, David S. Stanton, Junaith S. Mohamed, John M. Hollander, Stephen E. Alway

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a NAD+ sensitive deacetylase that has been linked to longevity and has been suggested to confer beneficial effects that counter aging-associated deterioration. Muscle repair is dependent upon satellite cell function, which is reported to be reduced with aging; however, it is not known if this is linked to an aging-suppression of SIRT1. This study tested the hypothesis that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) overexpression would increase the extent of muscle repair and muscle function in older mice. Methods We examined satellite cell dependent repair in tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles of 13 young wild-type mice (20–30 …

A Website Designed To Equip Occupational Therapists With Information And Strategies For Holistically Addressing Sexual Activity With The Geriatric Population, Amber Fernandez, Ashleigh Mora

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As individuals age, they are likely to experience occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation occurs in many forms. Many older adults experience occupational deprivation relating to the activity of daily living, sexual activity. Older adults experience many age-related changes, which impacts their ability to engage in sexual activity. Health care professionals have a responsibility to ensure older adults are able to engage in safe sexual practices. Yet, healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, are not addressing this need with their clients in a routine manner. A literature review was conducted in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of all the barriers older adults …

Creating A Sensory Inclusive Classroom: A Guide For Teachers, Bobbie Bertsch, Kylie Browen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

A school classroom is the place where students are expected to complete the majority of their learning. Many classrooms have a large amount of distracting sensory stimuli such as bright lights, visual stimuli on the walls, noises from individuals within the room, and sensory rich learning experiences. The physical environment can affect children's learning and attention (Miller-Kuhaneck & Kelleher, 2015). Based on an in-depth literature review, it has been found that certain components of the classroom can be altered to create an environment more inclusive for all children, regardless of abilities. In light of the push to keep children in …

Life History Of Margo B. Holm, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Abda, Emma Chafin, Jessica Lambert

Oral History Posters

This life history is one of 30 life history interviews which are part of a larger project, Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) at the National Level and Beyond. The purpose of study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice through the life history stories of occupational therapists who have held leadership roles at the national level and beyond. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy: A Life History Of Dr. Michael Iwama, Phd, Msc, Bscot, Bschp, Sarah Lovelace, Annabelle Tarnowski

Oral History Posters

A life history interview with a qualitative approach was conducted with Michael Iwama, PhD, MSc, BScOT, BScHP by two student researchers and an advisor from the University of North Dakota Department of Occupational Therapy. The purpose of this study is to provide occupational therapists with a view of history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from inception to current practice through the life history of Michael Iwama. The research was guided by the Kawa model to shape the interview schedule, and the view of the individual and their context (Iwama, Thomson, & Macdonald, 2009). The two-hour interview was recorded, …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Joan Rogers, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Michelle Arnhalt, Ivy Steiger

Oral History Posters

Objective: This qualitative study was to examine the evolution of occupational therapy practice throughout the life history and career of Joan Rogers. The purpose of the study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice through the life history stories of occupational therapists who have held leadership roles at the national level and beyond.

Method: The Kawa Model guided Semi-structured interview questions. Throughout the interview process, the researchers gained information regarding Joan Roger’s experiences related to gaining her occupational therapy …

What Stops Some Occupational Therapy Practitoners From Providing Fieldwork Education?, Jacqueline S. Schafer-Clay

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

A critical fieldwork shortage exists for the profession of occupational therapy and an evidence gap was found; literature with practitioners who do not provide fieldwork education was missing. The purpose of this capstone project was to identify the barriers that stop some occupational therapy practitioners from providing fieldwork education and what benefits and supports may motivate these same individuals to become fieldwork educators. A quantitative descriptive and correlational study with an online survey design, with 25 closed ended questions was distributed through snowball sampling across the United States. Responses were received from 42 states plus the District of Columbia. There …

Incorporating Meaningful Occupations Of Students With Moderate To Severe Intellectual Disabilities Into Structured Learning Experiences With Transition Planning At A Public School System, Catherine Gardner

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to learn from stakeholders how to identify meaningful occupations of students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and how to incorporate them into their structured learning experiences in school to help them prepare for adult life upon graduation at 21 years old. The project also sought to explore how to involve the students and their families in the process of identifying meaningful occupations.

The Impact Of An Occupation Based Parkinson Caregiver Program On Caregiver's Quality Of Life, Jennifer L. Labonte

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The goal of the study was to enhance the PD patient’s caregiver’s ability to provide quality care to meet the ever changing needs of a neurodegenerative medical condition along with enhancing quality of life indicators of the caregiver. The community based program covered 7 topics over 4 consecutive weeks. The project design was an experimental one group pre and posttest design. The outcome measurement tool was the Parkinson Caregiver QOL Index. Data was analyzed utilizing a paired t-test for individual questions and the total score on the Parkinson Caregiver QOL Scale. No statistical significance was found between pretest and posttest …

Parental Self-Efficacy Of The “Unexpected Parent”, Cinthia L. Arbogast

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Research focused on the “unexpected parent” is limited. This population of parent is increasing in frequency.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone study was to provide support to unexpected parents. The study focused on the area of establishing and maintaining routines and consistency as a means to decrease negative behavior in order to improve parental selfefficacy. With improved skills and perceived improved abilities, the aim of this study was to improve this performance of this group of parents during their participation in the occupation of parenting.

Theoretical Framework. The theory driving this research is the occupation-based model called the …

The Treatment Of Shoulder Dysfunction By The Correction Of Shouler Girdle Muscle Imbalances: A Case Study, Zachary Peterson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Shoulder dysfunction is a broad expression that encompasses the shoulder girdle not being able to perform fluently, without pain, or within normal ranges of motion. Current literature elaborates on potential causes of dysfunction such as: osteoarthritis, impingement syndrome, and cervical myelopathy. From a clinical standpoint, it is crucial to differentiate between possible diagnoses to ensure the proper treatment is utilized.

Case Description: The patient was a 66‐year‐old female who was referred with the initial diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis. She presented with headache pain that was debilitating and followed a pattern consistent with muscle guarding, limited L shoulder …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Karen Jacobs Edd, Otr/L, Cpe, Faota, Katelyn Jennings, Abby Wendel

Oral History Posters

This life history is one of 30 life history interviews which are part of a larger project,Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) at the National Level and Beyond. The purpose of study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice through the life history stories of occupational therapists who have held leadership roles at the national level and beyond. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather …

The Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Susan Haiman, Mps, Ot/L, Faota, Jacey Savage, Meaghan Wolfgram

Oral History Posters

Objective: This life history is one of 30 life history interviews, which are part of a larger project, Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) at the National Level and Beyond. The purpose of this qualitative study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history of occupational therapy and how the practice has evolved from the beginning to its current practice through the life history stories of accomplished occupational therapists.

Method: An in-depth, semi-structured, 120-minute interview was conducted with Susan Haiman via telephone from the University of North …

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Patricia Scott Phd, Mph, Ot, Faota, Bethany Easthouse, Samantha Plutko

Oral History Posters

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice through the life history stories of occupational therapists who have held leadership roles at the national level and beyond. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information.

Methods: Data was collected from one semi-structured interview with Dr. Scott. The interview was conducted via teleconference through the program Zoom and lasted approximately two hours. The questions asked during …