Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Understanding Perceptions Of Social Eating During Lunch For Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa: An Instrumental Case Study, Madelyn Duzyk

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Current literature on adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) show that social participation is a key factor of community reintegration and long-term recovery (Mekori et al., 2017; Preyde et al., 2017); however, there is little known about the impact of social eating for adolescents with AN.

Purpose: The purpose of this instrumental case study is to more fully understand the meaning of social eating during lunch for adolescents with AN and begin to illustrate social eating’s impact on treatment, community re-integration, and long-term remission.

Methods: A qualitative case-study methodology was developed to gain perceptions of social eating from adolescents with …

School-Based Practitioners' Perceptions Of Working With Students With Challenging Behaviors, Candace Thrash

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: School-based occupational therapy practitioners must develop a skill set that allows effective service delivery to individuals, groups, and populations in the school setting in order to support students with varying disabilities achieving their occupation-based goals. There is limited research and literature regarding occupational therapy practitioners’ perceptions regarding working with students with challenging behaviors and what they feel has prepared them to work with these students. It is important to determine if additional training, professional development, fieldwork experiences or mentorships are necessary to prepare school-based therapists to manage students effectively and confidently on their caseload who have challenging behaviors.

Purpose: …

Use Of Concept Mapping Within A Functional Neuroanatomy Course To Promote Critical Thinking Skills In Occupational Therapy Students, Alissa R. Baker

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Critical thinking involves examining and reflecting on one’s own biases, assumptions, and thinking processes. Within occupational therapy (OT), critical thinking skills are foundational skills to support effective clinical reasoning and decision making; however, there is limited evidence on how these skills can be developed and applied within OT education to support positive student outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to explore the use of explicit instruction on critical thinking paired with concept mapping as teaching methods to support entry-level OT student mastery of content knowledge related to functional neuroanatomy. This study aimed to answer the following …

Statistical Analysis Plan For The Stepped-Wedge Clinical Trial Healing Right Way - Enhancing Rehabilitation Services For Aboriginal Australians After Brain Injury, Elizabeth Armstrong, Tapan Rai, Deborah Hersh, Sandra Thompson, Juli Coffin, Natalie Ciccone, Leon Flicker, Dominique Cadilhac, Erin Godecke, Deborah Woods, Colleen Hayward, Graeme J. Hankey, Meaghan Mcallister, Judith Katzenellenbogen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Aboriginal Australians are known to suffer high levels of acquired brain injury (stroke and traumatic brain injury) yet experience significant barriers in accessing rehabilitation services. The aim of the Healing Right Way trial is to evaluate a culturally secure intervention for Aboriginal people with newly acquired brain injury to improve their rehabilitation experience and quality of life. Following publication of the trial protocol, this paper outlines the statistical analysis plan prior to locking the database. Methods: The trial involves a stepped wedge design with four steps over 3 years. Participants were 108 adult Aboriginal Australians admitted to one of …

The Effects Of Home-Based Exercise Therapy For Breast Cancer-Related Fatigue Induced By Radical Radiotherapy, Georgios Mavropalias, Prue Cormie, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Daniel A. Galvão, Dennis R. Taaffe, Christelle Schofield, Sharon Ray, Yvonne Zissiadis, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this trial was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a home-based resistance and aerobic exercise intervention for reducing CRF and improving HRQoL in breast cancer patients during RT. Methods: Women with breast cancer (N = 106) commencing RT were randomized to 12 weeks of home-based resistance and aerobic exercise (EX) or usual care/control (CON). The primary endpoint was CRF, with secondary endpoints of HRQoL, sleep duration and quality, and physical activity. Measurements were undertaken prior to …

Non-Pharmacological Management Of Idiopathic/Persistent Dyspareunia, Iveshia Ford

Capstone Showcase

Painful sexual intercourse, or dyspareunia, is a condition numerous women experience. An unknown, but still important, number of those affected find no relief with medication or surgery. Yet, it can be difficult for patients to discuss concerns with their provider. In addition, many providers do not have an adequate comfort level to discuss such topics. This paper aims to equip providers with non-pharmacological treatment options which include pelvic floor physical therapy, sex therapy and lifestyle changes. With the cultural shifts and changing ideas of sexuality in today’s age, it is important that clinicians remain versed in sexual health and patient …

Neurophysiological And Psychological Characteristics Of Individuals With History Of Lateral Ankle Sprain, Katherine Bain

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is among the most common lower limb musculoskeletal injuries impacting both the general and sport populations. Even more problematic is that approximately 70% of individuals who sustain an LAS develop residual deficits. Of that subgroup, roughly 40% develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Chronic ankle instability is a clinical diagnosis defined by the presence of ongoing impairments following the initial LAS which may include perceived instability, pain, mechanical instability, and episodes of giving way during physical activity. Not all who sustain multiple ankle sprains or experience residual deficits fit the clinical diagnosis criteria for CAI; yet may …

Increasing Social Inclusion For Children With Disabilities In Faith-Based Settings: A Four-Part Dissertation, Valerie Miller

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

The aim of this dissertation is to increase the body of research in occupational therapy about how to increase the social inclusion of children with disabilities in faith-based settings. Even since the advent of important legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act, which paved the way for community participation for individuals with disabilities, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers to participating in society. Decreased inclusion for individuals with disabilities is seen throughout all sectors of society. One area of regular societal participation for many Americans is in faith-based settings such as churches, synagogues and temples. It has been reported …

Content Validation Of A Patient-Reported Outcome Measure For Pediatric Clients With Hand And Upper Extremity Impairment, Jenny M. Dorich

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Occupational therapists and physical therapists practicing in hand therapy have adopted routine use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for evaluating treatment outcomes. However, the PROMs currently used in pediatric hand care are limited in clinical utility for the pediatric population. Thus, a need exists for developing a PROM that is tailored to the pediatric hand therapy population. The overarching purpose of this dissertation is to establish the content validity of a novel PROM for children with hand and upper extremity impairment – the Upper Extremity Life Impact Measure-Youth (UE LIM-Y).

This three-part dissertation applies published standards for PROM development …

The Effect Of Concussion History On Lower Extremity Injury Risk In College Athletes: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis, Vanessa Ramirez, Ryan Mccann, Eric Schussler, Jessica Martinez

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Collegiate athletes who suffer a concussion may possess prolonged impairments even after clearance for return-to-participation, which may place them at an increased risk of lower extremity injury.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining risk of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury following a concussion in collegiate athletes.

METHODS: A literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus. The following search terms were used to identify relevant articles, ["concussion" OR "brain injury" OR "mild traumatic brain injury" OR "mTBI"] AND ["lower extremity injury" OR "musculoskeletal injury"]. Articles were included if they were published between …

Comparison Of Landing Biomechanics Between Different Competitive Levels Of Irish Dance, Jade Shields

West Chester University Master’s Theses

Abstract

Objectives: To determine differences in lower limb landing biomechanics and lower extremity function scale scores between champion levels, in young female Irish dancers.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance

Participants: 12 Open Champion (OC) level female Irish dancers (11.9 ± 3.37 years) and 9 Preliminary Champion (PC) Irish dancers (13.5 ± 3.37 years) performed the landing error scoring system test (LESS), and completed the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and a descriptive data questionnaire

Main outcome measures: LESS scoring sheet and LEFS PRO

Results: No significant differences found between OC and PC levels on …

Analysis Of Pelvic Alignment Patterns Utilizing The Postural Restoration Institution Approach, Marisa Mills

West Chester University Master’s Theses

Background: Low back pain is a common problem that can include injury to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) with 15-30% of cases arising from LBP. Treatment for SIJ includes muscle energy. A newer approach from Postural Restoration Institution (PRI) centered around pelvic patterns alignment has also been used. There’s limited research found describing the prevalence of pelvic patterns within populations with PRI method.

Purpose: To examine prevalence of pelvic patterns and investigate a relationship of low back pain. Furthermore, to explore the specific patterns closely and the ability to re-align pelvic patterns by utilizing PRI repositioning exercises.

Study Design: Cross …

Patient And Therapist Perceptions Of Respiratory Functioning Due To Spinal Cord Injury: Implications For Music Therapists, A'Marie Dotson

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Decreased respiratory functioning is a common symptom of spinal cord injury (SCI) and can impact individuals’ personal, professional, and social lives. In spite of this, researchers have not explored the use of music in the lives of individuals with SCIs or music’s role in their healthcare professionals’ treatment plans to improve respiratory functioning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand how decreased respiratory functioning affects individuals with SCIs and healthcare professionals through a multiple case study design. Participants were two individuals with SCIs and three healthcare professionals (physical therapist, recreational therapist, and music therapist) who worked with …

Etiology Of Firefighter Injuries: A Health Care Practitioner Perspective, Alyssa Quinn Eastman

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

BACKGROUND: Structural firefighting involves the performance of rigorous occupational tasks in unpredictable, dynamic, and hot environments which increases firefighters’ risk of injury. Specifically, the National Fire Protection Association reported that musculoskeletal injuries account for 56% of non-fireground and 41% of fireground injuries. Furthermore, physical training is the most common cause of injury, accounting for one-third of all injuries and resulting in 41% of post-injury absences from work. There is limited research identifying occupational and exercise injury risk factors among firefighters. However, experienced health care practitioners working with fire departments may provide critical insight into potential mechanisms of these common injuries. …

Initial Steps For Integrating Academic Electronic Health Records Into Clinical Curricula Of Physical And Occupational Therapy In The United States: A Survey-Based Observational Study, Stephen C. Burrows, Lola Halperin, Eric C. Nemec, Wendy Romney

Healthcare Informatics Faculty Publications

Training programs must be designed to prepare physical and occupational therapy students for using Electronic Health Records (EHR) and interprofessional collaboration. This report aims to describe physical and occupational therapy students' perceptions of integrating Academic EHR in their Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curricula in the College of Health Professions, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut, the United States. A paper-based case approach to PBL was adapted by creating patient cases in an Academic EHR (AEHR). Students were asked to complete chart reviews and review provider notes to enhance their learning. An online survey was conducted to determine their perceptions of using AEHR …

Effects Of A Nurse-Led Tai Chi Programme On Improving Quality Of Life, Mental Wellbeing, And Physical Function Of Women With Breast Cancer: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Sadie Geraghty, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Calvin Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives:

Quality of life, mental wellbeing, and physical function deteriorate among women with breast cancer. Tai Chi is a moderate form of exercise that may be effective in improving the mental and physical wellbeing, therefore, the quality of life of women with breast cancer. This protocol paper outlines a trial to determine the therapeutic effects of a Tai Chi programme on breast cancer management.

Methods:

The study will be an interventional, single-blind, double-armed, randomized, and controlled trial involving a 12-week Tai Chi programme for women with breast cancer. Forty participants aged 18 years and above who are diagnosed with breast …

“Machine-Dependent”: The Lived Experiences Of Patients Receiving Hemodialysis In Pakistan, Haseeba Shouket, Eyal Gringart, Dierdre Drake, Ulrich Steinwandel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis in Pakistan. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 24 patients and six healthcare professionals, each participated in a semi-structured interview. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze interviews’ data. Two superordinate themes, “The experience of hemodialysis” and “The conceptualizations of hemodialysis” as well as six sub-themes were identified. The experience of hemodialysis was related to, the implications of HD procedure on everyday life, social, cognitive, emotional, financial, and occupational influences. While all participants recognized the importance of hemodialysis for their survival, their conceptualizations of the treatment varied. …

Doctoral Physical Therapy Students' Increased Confidence Following Exploration Of Active Video Gaming Systems In A Problem-Based Learning Curriculum In The United States: A Pre-And Post-Intervention Study, Michelle E. Wormley, Wendy Romney, Diana Veneri, Andrea Oberlander

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose: Active video gaming (AVG) is used in physical therapy (PT) to treat individuals with a variety of diagnoses across the lifespan. The literature supports improvements in balance, cardiovascular endurance, and motor control; however, evidence is lacking regarding the implementation of AVG in PT education. This study investigated doctoral physical therapy (DPT) students' confidence following active exploration of AVG systems as a PT intervention in the United States.

Methods: This pretest-posttest study included 60 DPT students in 2017 (Cohort 1) and 55 students in 2018 (Cohort 2) enrolled in a problem-based learning curriculum. AVG systems were embedded into patient cases …

Physical Activity Interventions In Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Maura D. Iversen, Marie Andre, Johan Von Heideken

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Introduction: Children with juvenile arthritis (JA) experience pain, stiffness, fatigue, and decreased motion leading to difficulties with daily activities and low physical activity (PA). PA is critical to improve health and function and mitigate JA-associated symptoms. This study evaluated the evidence for PA interventions in children with JA.

Materials and methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PA interventions in children with JA was conducted. Ovid (Medline), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases were searched for papers published in English between 1/1/1946 and 9/1/2021. Studies which concurrently assessed medical interventions were excluded. Participant and intervention characteristics and …

Telehealth Delivery Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy And Recreational Therapy: Supporting People With Chronic Pain During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Grace L. Roy

Honors Theses and Capstones

Chronic pain is a significant public health problem that requires person-centered and comprehensive care to address the many socioecological factors that contribute to pain. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth options for chronic pain management can help more people access the care that they need. The purpose of the current pilot study was to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of delivering a 6-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and recreational therapy intervention via telehealth for a group of seven participants with chronic pain. It was found that TeleACT-RT was associated with positive behavioral outcomes including increased psychological flexibility, …

A Virtual Camp For Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Changes In Physical Activity, Function, And Psychosocial Health, Sarah Creveling

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) have low levels of physical activity (PA), are more likely to be overweight or obese, and are at an increased risk of developing secondary conditions compared to their typically developing peers. Participation in PA has been linked to a myriad of benefits including improvements in psychosocial health, decreased risk of developing secondary conditions, and opportunities for socialization. Summer camps provide opportunities for adolescents with DD to participate in meaningful activities while being physically active during the summer months when school is out and there is a change in routines, skill and learning loss is a …

Mindfulness And Pain Regulation: The Role Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Individuals With Chronic Pain, Ariana C. White

Honors Theses and Capstones

Chronic pain is a significant and widely prevalent health condition which requires comprehensive care to address the many facets contributing to symptomatology. In 2016, 20% of American adults (about 50 million) reported experiencing chronic pain, of which 7.4% indicated that chronic pain frequently limited their life and participation in activities within the past 3 months (CDC, 2018). As a result, many individuals with chronic pain turn to opioid-based medication for pain relief, but long-term use of opioids actually increases pain sensation (Tobin, 2019). Moreover, opioid medication is unable to target underlying mental health components which emerge as part of chronic …

Bridging The Gap Between Clinical Service And Academic Education Of Hand-Splinting Practice: Perspectives And Experiences Of Thai Occupational Therapists, Anuchart Kaunnil, Veerawat Sansri, Surachart Thongchoomsin, Kannika Permpoonputtana, Mandy Stanley, Piyawat Trevittaya, Chirathip Thawisuk, Peeradech Thichanpiang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A gap in knowledge about current splinting practice exists between the educational program and clinical service. To bridge this gap, we investigated the perspectives and experiences of Thai occupational therapists regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use. A mixed-method study was designed. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. In the first quantitative phase, a survey questionnaire was mailed to occupational therapists. The questions were regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use at seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangkok and outskirt areas. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were completed to explore expert occupational therapists' …

Pooled Efficacy Analysis Of Incobotulinumtoxina In The Multipattern Treatment Of Upper- And Lower-Limb Spasticity In Children And Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy, Florian Heinen, Petr Kanovsky, A Sebastitan Schroeder, Henry G. Chambers, Edward Dabrowski, Thorin L. Geister, Hanna Dersch, Irena Pulte, Michael Althaus, Marta Banach, Deborah Gaebler-Spirag

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: This pooled analysis assessed the efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for lower-limb (LL) and upper-limb (UL) spasticity in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) using data from the first controlled injection cycle of 2 large Phase 3 studies, TIM (NCT01893411) and XARA (NCT02002884).

Methods: Ambulant and non-ambulant pediatric patients with spasticity due to CP (2–17 years of age; uni- or bilateral CP; Ashworth Scale [AS] score ≥2 in clinical patterns for treatment) were enrolled. Patients were randomized (2:1:1) to 3 incobotulinumtoxinA dose groups: 8, 6, 2 U/kg body weight (BW), maximum 200, 150, 50 U per LL clinical pattern in …

Barring Methadone Behind Bars: How Prisons Err When Denying Methadone Treatment To Inmates With Opioid Use Disorder, Julia Durst

Mitchell Hamline Law Review

No abstract provided.

Modelling Muscle Activation Using Emg Signal, Mercy U. Okonna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

(EMG) is a method for measuring muscle activity by an electrical signal, and is useful in studying motor control, postural control, and in physical therapy. A current research topic is creating an algorithm that can use the EMG signal to reliably classify a muscle as active or inactive. This thesis presents a classification algorithm for leg muscles with a single activation spike while walking. Time is rescaled into steps, which are identified using data from cameras measuring joint angles while walking. The algorithm is based on moving averages and a convex combination of mean signal strength in active and inactive …