Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Feasibility And Effectiveness Of A Prehabilitation Program Prior To Breast Cancer Surgery: A Critically Appraised Topic, Emma Choi, Alissa Lee, Kayla Woods, Morgan Mills, Carol Houston

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our project is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a prehabilitation (prehab) program for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery as compared to only receiving post-surgical rehabilitation. Our clinical mentor has recently obtained certification as a lymphedema specialist and is assisting with the opening of an outpatient mastectomy clinic through the Methodist University systems. Through our research process, we critically appraised two Level II articles, two Level III articles, and one Level IV article. Positive outcomes related to the feasibility were identified, however there is limited significant evidence supporting the effectiveness of the intervention. We recommend using …

Effect Of Botox And Therapy On Spasticity In Cerebral Palsy: A Critically Appraised Topic, Rachel Bray Mot/S, Tatum Cabot Mot/S, Peyton Clark Mot/S, Cameron Goodman Mot/S, Tarason Moore Mot/S, Claire Napier Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy often experience upper limb spasticity. Research has shown Botox injections in combination with occupational therapy can reduce the effects of spasticity in the upper limb. This literature review aims to determine how long is the appropriate duration of occupational therapy to administer after Botox injections to see decreased spasticity in the upper limbs.

Effects Of Sensory Intervention On Neurological Development In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paulina Bullard Mot/S, Emma Gadberry Mot/S, Siham Sherif Mot/S, Virginia Strawn Mot/S, Courtney Travis Mot/S, Delaney Weller Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The final portfolio contains four research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include a randomized clinical trial, a randomized control trial, a systematic review and meta-analysis, and an integrative review. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to recommend sensory intervention for neurological development of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). One of the articles describes statistically significant effects. One of the articles describes both statistically significant and non-statistically significant effects of sensory intervention on neurological development of premature infants in the NICU. The other two …

Group Therapy For Adults With Hip Replacements, Riley Burford Mot/S, Hillary Talley Mot/S, Elizabeth Seals Mot/S, Alishah Pirwani Mot/S, Tylan Wakefield Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the best current evidence regarding the feasibility of group occupational therapy and outcomes related to ADL performance. The final portfolio contains a total of four research articles. Study designs include two randomized control trials, one cohort design, and one systematic review. All studies related directly to the PICO question and were used to determine best evidence for the feasibility of group therapy of the older adult population who have hip replacements in a rehabilitation setting.

The Effects Of Air-Cell Based Cushions On Pressure Relief For Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic, Audrey Carr Mot/S, Olivia Hamby Mot/S, Hailey Hanson Mot/S, Olivia Kincaid Mot/S, Molly Mcwilliams Mot/S, Anna Pollan Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Most acute care level patients with a SCI are dependent in performing pressure relief. Research was appraised and synthesized to answer the question: Are air-filled cushions effective for reducing pressure and development of pressure ulcers among adults with a spinal cord injury who are unable to independently perform pressure relief?

Effect Of Early Mobilization On Length Of Hospital Stay In Covid-19 Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ashlee Hodges, Anna Claire Briscoe, Anna Beth Willoughby, Carlton Hubbard, Nathan Smith

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

For this project, we created a critically appraised topic to study the effects of early mobilization on length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

A Qualitative Study On Nurse Facilitators Of Mind-Body Skills Groups, Paula D. Blake-Beckford

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM), founded by Dr. James Gordon, provides communities with evidence-based Mind-Body Skills Groups (MBSGs) that foster self-care, self-awareness, and self-expression. MBSGs range from 8 to 12-week series on various mind-body practices wherein group members meet, practice, and reflect on the impact of mind-body skills in their lives. Research has demonstrated that participants in MBSGs have positive outcomes. Healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially nurses, gain resiliency from MBSGs. As facilitators of MBSGs, nurses develop essential skills transferable to clinical and educational settings. MBSGs are therapeutic for adult participants with chronic stress. Prior to this thesis, only one …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Transdisciplinary Approach To Treating Trauma, Destany Schadder

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis considers dance/movement therapy as a transdisciplinary approach to treating trauma in the body. It explains what the functions of the brain are, how trauma negatively affects it, and how posttraumatic stress disorder is expressed in both the body and the brain. It discusses multidisplinary approaches, it shows how these approaches leverage the body in treating trauma. Moreover, it demonstrates the benefits and advantages of a dance/movement therapist in supporting individuals who have experienced traumatic events. To achieve these goals, this thesis discusses research by neuroscientists, such as Damassio (1999), who maintain that the body and mind directly affect …

Interprofessional Collaboration With Occupational Therapy Assistant And Physical Therapist Assistant Students Through A Simulated Academic Setting, Brooke Gentry, Samantha Harris, Cindy Hayden, Allen Keener

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Background: There is a direct emphasis on interprofessional learning and interprofessional education (IPE) at the accreditation and national level (IPE, 2016). There are, however, no studies on the effectiveness in the delivery of interprofessional collaboration in the academic setting, specific to occupational therapy assistant students. Therefore, the following research has been developed to address this area of need in occupational therapy assistant education.

Methods: This research was conducted in the academic setting, through a simulated lab-based case with occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant students as the participants. The perceived confidence and communication were measured through a pre …

A Novel Approach Toward Concussion Testing, Jorge K. Mercado, Ari Schacter, Danielle Euzent

Student Theses

A concussion is a violent jarring or shaking of the head caused by whiplash or direct impact that results in a disturbance of brain function. Concussions can be mild and brief, as a person may be dazed momentarily or can be more serious, resulting in a loss of consciousness. Underreporting of concussions is prevalent because they are a symptom-based diagnosis, lacking a clinical test. In this study, we investigated the use of VNG testing as a clinical diagnosis of concussions. Looking at the VNG test battery, the previous research cohort found that saccades, gaze, and positional testing are the most …

Clinical Application And Feasibility Of Utilizing The Pedi-Cat To Assess Activity And Participation Among Children Receiving Physical Therapy Incorporating Hippotherapy, Susan Conroy, Trish Evans, Dana Butler-Moburg, Richard Beuttler, Janelle Robinson, Matt Huebert, Erin O. Mahoney, Marybeth Grant-Beuttler

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Hippotherapy (HPOT) is a physical therapy (PT) treatment tool using equine movement to improve mobility for children with movement impairments. Although research suggests HPOT improves body structure and function, there is limited evidence regarding its impact on activity and participation outcomes in a clinical setting. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) may be useful in HPOT settings to highlight changes in activity and participation.

Purpose

1) Evaluate the PEDI-CAT’s sensitivity to changes in activity and participation among children receiving PT using HPOT; 2) determine feasibility of administering the PEDI-CAT in a HPOT setting; and 3) …

Study Protocol: Investigating The Effects Of Uncarboxylated Osteocalcin And Anodal Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation On Recovery Post-Spinal Cord Injury In Mouse Model, Wing To Ip, Parth Shah, Brandon Nam

Student Theses

Individuals with spinal cord injury often present with severe neuromuscular spasticity due to over-secretion of the neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Spasticity is made worse by the other sequelae of SCI, including muscle atrophy and loss of bone mineral density. This manuscript presents a study protocol that attempts to target such widespread physiological changes affecting multiple body systems. Our protocol establishes a potential treatment approach for SCI by combining recent advances in literature with a novel approach never seen before. We hypothesize

that the use of the already-promising anodal trans-spinal direct current stimulation (A- TSDCS) along with exogenous administration …

Education For Patients And Caregivers To Reduce 30-Day Readmissions Into Acute Care, Tyler W. Taylor

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to reduce 30-day readmissions of patients into the acute care setting by developing, enhancing, and implementing education materials for patients and their caregivers during occupational therapy treatment sessions. Patients who experience unplanned readmissions into acute care within 30 days are subjected to disruption in occupations, functional decline, occupational deprivation, and role strain and stress on caregivers and families. All patients with occupational therapy orders from a physician that matched certain criteria received this treatment. However, only readmission rates for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure (HF), pneumonia, and cerebrovascular accident …

Cancer Survivors’ Participation In Meaningful Life Activities, A Mixed Methods Approach, Allison Jean L'Hotta

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

A new cancer diagnosis dramatically impacts an individual’s daily life. While data describing cancer-related symptoms (e.g. fatigue) and impairments (e.g. weakness) are abundant, there remains limited data detailing the impact of cancer on survivors’ daily life participation. Advancement in participation research is challenged by the lack of a universally accepted definition of participation and a standard approach to measurement. Previous research evaluating participation among cancer survivors is limited by small sample sizes, cross-sectional data including only a single disease group, and assessing participation exclusively among individuals who have completed active cancer treatment. The purpose of the presented dissertation was to …

Motivation, Daily Physical Activity Participation, And Depression Post-Stroke, Chun Lun Lau

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Self-management is an important concept in stroke rehabilitation and has received increased recognition for its effectiveness in preventing stroke recurrence and post-stroke depression. Among different self-management strategies, staying physically active is purported to be most helpful by patients in their day-to-day management of depression. However, stroke survivors are largely sedentary and only 17% meet the recommended level of physical activity. Motivation is a strong, frequently reported, but far less studied facilitator for post-stroke physical activity participation. The purpose of this dissertation was to gather needed information to develop a mobile motivation-based self-management intervention to enhance daily physical activity participation and …

Acute Response Of A Lower Extremity Mobility Routine On Arom, Sprint Time, And Vertical Jump Height In Flexible And Nonflexible Adults., Flinn Christian

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Although previous studies have shown that stretching can increase range of motion and affect performance, the comparison of the effects on flexible and nonflexible adults is not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how flexible and nonflexible adults responded to a lower extremity mobility routine focusing on the hip and ankle joints. A randomized treatment experimental design was used in which subjects had their hip and ankle ranges of motion, lower body flexibility, countermovement vertical jump, and sprint performance assessed. They were then randomly assigned to one of two treatment orders for hip (n=9) or ankle …

Concepts Of Leadership And The Value Of Leadership For Health Care Professionals: Perspectives From Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Tara Haj

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The complex and rapidly changing environment of health care requires health care professionals with leadership knowledge and skills. Many health professional education programs have recognized the importance of developing the leadership abilities of students studying to be professionals in their field. There is emerging evidence of the need for leadership development for physical therapists, including a set of leadership competencies that has recently been identified by physical therapists. The perspective of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students regarding leadership and the value of leadership for health care professionals is unknown.

This qualitative phenomenological study utilizing semi-structured interviews was conducted to …

Adaption, Retention, And Readaptation Strategies For Unfamiliar Leka (Lower-Extremity Knee Angles), Leea M. Perry

Honors Capstones

This capstone aimed to look into individuals’ abilities to adapt, retain, and readapt a newly-provided, typically over-exaggerated, goal knee angle for their right leg based upon feedback received and accuracy of examined gait pattern. Research was carried out using individuals aged 18-25, looking at the potential of “learning” per say, a new pattern for their rather instinctual previously formed habits for walking. Knee angle, both baseline and individuals’ attempts at goal angle, were measured with a knee brace worn throughout data collection. Participants for this study were blind in terms of what their goal LEKA (lower-extremity knee angle) was. The …

Trauma Healing With The Neurosequential Model Of Therapy And Bal-A-Vis-X, Becky Johnston

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Stigma related to childhood trauma is shifting with the help of advancements in the understanding of neurobiology and interventions that are proving to be effective for healing. There are immense costs and consequences for survivors of childhood trauma and their loved ones that were not so long ago considered irrelevant and the notion that kids bounce back from adversity was previously popular in the psychological community (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017). The broad strokes of Dr. Bruce Perry’s clinical intervention model, The Neurosequential Model of Therapy (NMT) describes a trauma-sensitive, sequential approach to changing the stress response within mental health counseling. …

Barriers To Exercise And Physical Activity - Insight From The Rural Practitioner, Erin G. Tillery

Honors College Theses

Sedentary lifestyles are a growing public health concern. Furthermore, many rural Americans lack adequate access to healthcare resources. When healthcare is sought, the patient-practitioner interactions may serve to influence the patient’s lifestyle choices. The practitioners' exercise and physical activity habits may shape the effectiveness of the patient-practitioners interaction. Here, we explored the potential barriers to exercise and physical activity (PA) in licensed physical and occupational therapists. In addition, we aimed to describe barriers to exercise and PA in individuals with a history of stroke from the perspective of the practitioner. Lastly, how current exercise and physical activity habits influence their …

General Variability Leads To Specific Adaptation Toward Energy Optimal Policies, Sabrina J. Abram, Katherine L. Poggensee, Natalia Sánchez, Surabhi N. Simha, James M. Finley, Steven H. Collins, J. Maxwell Donelan

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Our nervous systems can learn optimal control policies in response to changes to our bodies, tasks, and movement contexts. For example, humans can learn to adapt their control policy in walking contexts where the energy-optimal policy is shifted along variables such as step frequency or step width. However, it is unclear how the nervous system determines which ways to adapt its control policy. Here, we asked how human participants explore through variations in their control policy to identify more optimal policies in new contexts. We created new contexts using exoskeletons that apply assistive torques to each ankle at each walking …

Comparison Of Hemodynamic Responses Between Conventional And Virtual Reality Therapies In Patients With Heart Failure Admitted To An Emergency Room, Angélica Bologna Raposo, Alice Haniuda Moliterno, João Pedro Lucas Neves Silva, Rafael Varago Favri, Ana Paula Coelho Figueira Freire, Francis Lopes Pacagnelli

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Education and Professional Studies

This study aimed to evaluate and to compare the acute response, due to semi-immersive virtual reality (VR) and conventional therapies (CT), of hemodynamic parameters in hospitalized individuals admitted to an emergency unity for heart failure (HF). This is a viability study with 11 individuals subjected to sessions with and without VR. At CT, stretching, active or active-assisted exercises, and fractional inspiration were performed. In VR therapy (VRT), VR box glasses were used to promote VR relaxation associated with CT. The hemodynamic parameters evaluated were heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and double product. To analyze them, Student’s …

Intensive, Interprofessional Therapy: A Case Approach, Emma C. Schrotenboer

Honors Theses

This research looks at the impacts of intensive, interprofessional therapy for children with disabilities. There is very little literature currently published on this topic, although what is available generally finds that more intense therapy is more beneficial. The child who was studied was a camper at Adam’s Camp therapy camp, a week-long program that involves six hours of therapy each day with therapists from five different fields. Her progress over the week, as well as her retention of skills several weeks later, were determined by pre- and post-camp surveys sent to the mother and the therapists’ notes from during the …

Enhancing Life: Promoting Meaningful Interventions To Support Individuals With Dementia, Keelan N. Blasius

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project focused on the implementation of meaningful interventions to support the quality of life in individuals with dementia. Those with dementia often lack the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities, leading to increased loneliness and decreased quality of life. Individual and group sessions were administered to eight participants over the course of fourteen weeks. Progress was tracked through feedback surveys and pre-test/post-test assessments. This project found that engaging in meaningful activities helps to support quality of life while also decreasing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

Promoting Engagement In A School Setting, Jordyn M. Sippel

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The sensory system influences development and an individual’s ability to participate in their daily occupations, like education. Many students have difficulty participating in their school environment because they have difficulties processing or integrating sensory stimuli. These children may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimuli which may impact their ability to participate in the classroom. An occupational therapist can implement a sensory integrative approach to enhance the student’s ability to process the incoming information. The purpose of the capstone experience was to develop sensory-based strategies and implement the Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training (SMART) program to improve participation in …

Promoting Mental Health Of Middle And High School Students Using Universal And Targeted Strategies, Alyssa E. Brown

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background. The number of children and adolescents with mental health disorders is continuing to rise. Children with and without disabilities may experience mental health challenges. Children spend a significant amount of time at school, and therefore, it is important to address mental health in this setting. Purpose. My capstone project aimed to promote children and adolescent’s mental health using universal and targeted strategies. Methods. Students in grades six through twelve had the opportunity to participate in a seven-week cafeteria program. Students in grades nine through twelve participated in a seven-week leisure program. I distributed videos and mental health resources to …

An Occupation-Based Approach To Empower Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, Sydney L. Bodensteiner

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals experiencing homelessness often have decreased occupational participation in all domains of occupational therapy practice. The purpose of this capstone experience was to explore the role of occupational therapy among individuals experiencing homelessness. in Rapid City, SD. A Needs Assessment was developed in collaboration with Fork Real Community Café and the HOPE Center in order to identify the occupational needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Rapid City community. With the needs identified, I led holistic, client-centered, individual and group interventions to increase the occupational participation of guests. For individual interventions, guests completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure to determine …

Rehabilitation Through Reintegration: Supporting Survivors Of Stroke, Alexander T. Wiemann

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

After returning home from inpatient care, survivors of stroke have several ongoing needs related to this transition that are not always fully addressed, leading to poor community reintegration and psychosocial well-being. The purpose of this capstone project was to modify a community-based occupational therapy program to improve community reintegration and psychosocial well-being among survivors of stroke. One significant modification was the implementation of a survivor support group focused on psychosocial topics. Interviews and formal assessments conducted with participants indicated several perceived benefits from the support groups as well as a decrease in depression and anxiety and an increase in community …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Sensory Play Education In Daycare Setting, Bianca K. Claussen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Sensory integration involves individuals’ ability to interpret and understand their sensations to optimize their ability to participate in daily activities. Sensory integration begins at the beginning of a child’s life and continues developing and changing as individuals grow. Early childhood education is a crucial part of development, health, and the child’s overall well-being. The purpose of my capstone experience was to explore and educate the staff on the importance of sensory play. Three approaches were utilized throughout this capstone experience to provide the staff with a wide array of activities. These included observations to understand how the center completed their …

Quantifying Intra- And Interlimb Use During Unimanual And Bimanual Tasks In Persons With Hemiparesis Post-Stroke, Susan V. Duff, Aaron Miller, Lori Quinn, Gregory Youdan Jr., Lauri Bishop, Heather Ruthrauff, Eric Wade

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Individuals with hemiparesis post-stroke often have difficulty with tasks requiring upper extremity (UE) intra- and interlimb use, yet methods to quantify both are limited.

Objective

To develop a quantitative yet sensitive method to identify distinct features of UE intra- and interlimb use during task performance.

Methods

Twenty adults post-stroke and 20 controls wore five inertial sensors (wrists, upper arms, sternum) during 12 seated UE tasks. Three sensor modalities (acceleration, angular rate of change, orientation) were examined for three metrics (peak to peak amplitude, time, and frequency). To allow for comparison between sensor data, the resultant values were combined into …