Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Mending The Mind: Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Executive Dysfunction Post-Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury, Shannon E. Hegland

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Executive dysfunction is a common concern for children after experiencing a traumatic brain injury. This can greatly affect occupational performance. Occupational therapists can provide therapeutic services to improve executive function skills, utilize compensatory strategies to restore function over time, and educate parents and caregivers on the expected symptoms and impairments. During this capstone project, I focused on learning how to address executive dysfunction in the pediatric post TBI population and created deliverables to assist future therapists with the same task. Seven children who experienced executive dysfunction post- traumatic brain injury between the ages of two and eighteen were selected as …

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Associated Demyelinating Disorder Presenting As Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis After Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination: A Case Report, Jesse Lou, Dustin Sielski, Hanan Saleh, Brandon Trivax, Julie Ferris, Ronald Taylor

Posters

No abstract provided.

Sarcoid Myelitis Masking As Multiple Sclerosis In An Otherwise Healthy 45-Year-Old: A Case Report, Jesse Lou, Brandon Trivax

Posters

No abstract provided.

Right Arm Weakness And Vaginal Spotting: A Curious Case Of Paraneoplastic Necrotizing Myopathy Associated With Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma, Jesse Lou, Julie Ferris

Posters

No abstract provided.

Case Diagnosis: Jamestown Canyon Virus Causing Severe Guillain Barré Syndrome: A Case Report, Timothy Bazil, Megan Ziske, Evan Halchishick

Posters

No abstract provided.

Comparative Effects Of Eccentric Overload Training On Muscle Function Measures When Combined With Aquatic Plyometric Training, Cassidy Weeks

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Although there is a growing body of knowledge on eccentric resistance training and aquatic plyometric training on muscle function measures alone, no research to date has investigated the effects of a mixed training model. Aquatic plyometrics and overload eccentric training are two different training models which could work synergistically because the shortcomings of one model are the virtues of the other (i.e., plyometrics are not as effective at producing large muscle size and strength gains and eccentric-only training largely lacks the functional SSC component). The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the effects of a combined eccentric …

Impacts Of Methods And Pose On Performance Of Two Modern American Football Helmets, Ta’Quoris Newsome

Honors Theses

The standardization of American football helmets began with the development of the National Operating Committee for Safety in Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). The organization successfully developed a certification that quantifies a helmet’s ability to mitigate blunt force to prevent skull fractures; however, the ability to assure the same level of protection against concussion has been elusive. Regardless, The National Football League (NFL) and Virginia Tech University (VT) have developed blunt and rotational impact testing methodologies that aim to provide consumers with the effectiveness and safety of American football helmets through their respective ranking system. These ranking systems are intended to aid …

Structural And Functional Myocardial Adaptations To Task-Specific Epidural Stimulation In Chronic Spinal Cord Injury., Harley D. Ledbetter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality, and this is especially true in individuals with spinal cord injury. Decreased systemic blood pressure leads to cardiac deconditioning, thought to be related to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this population. This study investigates effects of myocardial loading from epidural stimulation in a group of individuals with spinal cord injury to understand how changes in preload and afterload could lead to beneficial myocardial remodeling. The study conducted echocardiograms to describe the myocardial changes after training with two different types of epidural stimulation intervention: one designed to facilitate movement (Voluntary) and …

Absence Of Neutralizing Antibody Formation During Incobotulinumtoxina Treatement Of Spasticity In Botulinum Toxin-Naive Children With Cerebral Palsy: Pooled Analysis Of Three Phase 3 Studies, Henry Chambers, Petr Kanovsky, A Sebastian Schroeder, Edward Dabrowski, Thorin Geister, Angelika Hanschmann, Irena Pulte, Michael Althaus, Marta Banach, Deborah Gaebler-Spira, Florian Heinen

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: The development of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) has been linked to secondary non-response to botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) injections. This may be of special concern when treating conditions like pediatric spasticity. We investigated NAb formation in three large Phase 3 studies with incobotulinumtoxinA, a BoNT-A lacking complexing proteins, in children/adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).

Patients and methods: Patients with lower-limb (LL), upper-limb (UL), or combined LL/UL spasticity (2–17 years; uni- or bilateral CP; Ashworth Scale score ≥2 in clinical patterns for treatment) received total body weight incobotulinumtoxinA ≤16–20 U/kg (max. 400–500 U) depending on the study (TIM: NCT01893411; TIMO: …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In The Holistic Management Of Chronic Pain, Megan K. Rodahl

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Chronic pain is a common yet debilitating condition, affecting over 1 in 5 adults in the United States (Dahlhamer et al., 2018) and limiting participation in valued occupations (Duenas et al., 2016). Despite its prevalence, chronic pain tends to be dismissed in the healthcare system and many clients begin to lose hope in recovery (National Guideline Centre, 2021). To address current deficits healthcare and education, this capstone project examines occupational therapy’s role in the holistic treatment of chronic pain. To explore this, a wide variety of client-centered interventions were used to treat clients with chronic pain conditions. Progress was assessed …

Expanding The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Oncology Patients: A Focus On Tumor- And Blood-Based Cancers, Erika N. Clark

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Tumor and blood-based cancer diagnosis rates are increasing rapidly in the United States. To improve survivorship, treatment practices are constantly evolving, however, patients are often left to face the consequences of survival. With decreased range of motion, strength, and ability to participate in desired activities, patients may experience a decrease in overall quality of life. Through a holistic lens, occupational therapists are well suited to address the diverse needs of cancer patients through the duration of their cancer treatments. Unfortunately, occupational therapy remains a widely underutilized service for this population. This capstone experience worked to address this gap by expanding …

Exploring Occupational Therapy In Perinatal Care: Promoting The Mental Health And Well-Being Of Women During And After An Unplanned Pregnancy, Sydney M. Korn

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Unplanned pregnancy can have a significant effect on the health and well-being of both the mother and her child. Those who experience an unplanned pregnancy are two times more likely to experience maternal depression or stress than those who plan their pregnancies which can negatively impact the mother-infant bond. This capstone sought to explore occupational therapy’s role within perinatal care, specifically addressing the mental health needs of women in unplanned pregnancies by collaborating with already established programs at a pregnancy resource center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and incorporating the principles of occupational therapy. It explored the use of modules …

Incorporating Trust-Based Relational Intervention In Occupational Therapy To Address Mental Health Needs Of Elementary Students, Maci K. Stouffer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background. The rate of children experiencing mental health issues is increasing exponentially. Many mental health conditions could be successfully treated in childhood, yet they are overlooked, with only half of the diagnosed cases treated and many others undiagnosed. Youth spend much of their day in school. Therefore, their mental health must be addressed within this setting. Purpose. This capstone project aimed to develop and implement a trauma-informed, occupation-based intervention program for elementary students. Equipping students with self-regulation skills, teaching appropriate calming strategies, and providing opportunities to practice the main components of building healthy relationships. The school staff was educated on …

Supporting The Role Of Professional Caregivers In Long-Term Care: Education, Training, And Caregiver Mental Health Interventions That Promote Dementia Care Excellence, Katelyn A. Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone experience was to create a dementia caregiver education program to support caregivers in their role of caring for individuals with dementia. The first four weeks of the capstone experience were spent at Emerald Crest in Burnsville, MN, learning from an occupational therapist with more than 13 years of experience. Advanced knowledge was gained through engaging in OT evaluation and intervention sessions, completing two dementia certifications, interviewing staff members to highlight the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and applying theory to practice. Knowledge was then synthesized, applied, and built upon to create a training manual for the …

Emergency Preparedness: Perceptions Of People With Disabilities, Lidia Adamina Fonseca

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of emergencies and disasters has increased over the past decade which has caused cities, states and countries to routinely develop emergency preparedness and management plans (Turk, 2016). Although these demands have increased, individuals with disabilities have been less represented in the development of the plans (Timmons, 2017; Turk, 2016). According to The World Bank Disaster Risk Management Report (2020), disasters (e.g., infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, hurricanes, earthquakes, industrial accidents.) and post-disaster consequences have increased over recent years.

Although individuals with disabilities have become more aware of emergency preparedness and its importance, researchers have noted that there …

Developing A Resilience Program For Occupational Therapy Students, Sienna Guzman, Jenna Lazo, Rachel Thompson, Madisson Walker

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Developing resilience in healthcare students is recognized as a valuable endeavor and programs at the university level exist for students in healthcare fields including medicine and nursing; however, there are no current programs for occupational therapy students (Delany et al., 2015). Research has shown that occupational therapy students experience high levels of stress that can lead to burnout (Everly et al., 1994). To address this programming gap, we developed and piloted a resilience program for occupational therapy students at Dominican University of California consisting of three components: 1) a self-compassion workshop, 2) a resilience website, and 3) a community building …

Exploration Of Occupational Barriers Of At-Promise Youth With Photovoice, Francis Bie, Brianna Baisch, Quyntz Ellenwood, Kerry Krohn, Iliana Santellan

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Numerous circumstances affect the quality of life of youth including a higher risk for poverty, social exclusion, discrimination, mental health challenges and/or stigma, which effects their ability to engage in occupations (Iwasaki, 2014, p. 317). Through highlighting how photovoice has been utilized in the past with under-represented groups, we wanted to address occupational injustices faced daily by “At-promise” youth. Through utilizing participatory-led research, we wanted to further empower youth to be advocates in their community. Our research aim was to utilize Participatory Action Research and photovoice as a guide for at-promise youth to explore occupational injustices, how to understand the …

A Virtual View Of Occupation: Transactionalism In Mmorpgs, John Miklos, Alex Nold, Shasta Rice, Amanda Flores

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

To date, most research on massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) has focused on the effects playing MMORPGs has on players’ health and wellness. The virtual environment of MMORPGs has yet to be explored as a space where meaningful occupations occur. This qualitative study explored the virtual environment using a transactional perspective in order to define the qualities of virtual worlds, how transactional relationships operate more clearly within these virtual worlds to construct occupational meaning, and subsequently to provide a foundation of qualitative data to support future research including virtual worlds. The sample included six MMORPG players with experience playing …

Improvements In Lower Limb Spasticity-Related Pain In Children/Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy After Incobotulinumtoxina Injections, Florian Heinen, Michaela Bonfert, Petr Kanovsky, A Sebastian Schroeder, Henry Chambers, Edward Dabrowski, Thorin Geister, Angelika Hanschmann, Michael Althaus, Marta Banach, Deborah Gaebler-Spira

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: The effects of incobotulinumtoxinA on lower limb (LL) spasticity-related pain (SRP) over multiple treatment cycles (ICs) in children/adolescents (C/As) with cerebral palsy (CP) were analyzed using pooled data from three prospective phase 3 trials.

Patients and methods: C/As aged 2–17 years with CP-associated LL spasticity received incobotulinumtoxinA for 4 ICs. SRP was assessed with the Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity (QPS) using C/A- (direct or via interviewer) and parent/caregiver (P/C)-completed LL modules. The pain population included all C/As with a key QPS item score >0 at baseline; post-baseline scores of 0 indicated complete pain relief.

Results: Data from …

Improvements In Upper Limb Spasticity-Related Pain In Children/Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy After Incobotulinumtoxina Injections, Florian Heinen, Michaela Bonfert, Petr Kanovsky, A Sebastian Schroeder, Henry Chambers, Edward Dabrowski, Thorin Geister, Angelika Hanschmann, Michael Althaus, Marta Banach, Deborah Gaebler-Spira

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: The effects of incobotulinumtoxinA on upper limb (UL) spasticity-related pain (SRP) over multiple treatment cycles (ICs) in children/adolescents (C/As) with cerebral palsy (CP) were analyzed using pooled data from two prospective phase 3 trials.

Patients and methods: C/As aged 2–17 years with CP-associated UL spasticity received incobotulinumtoxinA for 4 ICs. SRP was assessed with the Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity (QPS) using C/A- (direct or via interviewer) and parent/caregiver (P/C)-completed UL modules. The pain population included all C/As with a key QPS item score >0 at baseline; post-baseline scores of 0 indicated complete pain relief.

Results: Data from …

Prevalence Of Spasticity-Related Pain In Children/Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy, Florian Heinen, Michaela Bonfert, Petr Kanovsky, A Sebastian Schroeder, Henry Chambers, Edward Dabrowski, Thorin Geister, Angelika Hanschmann, Michael Althaus, Marta Banach, Deborah Gaebler-Spira

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: This analysis determined the prevalence and intensity of spasticity-related pain (SRP) in children/adolescents (C/As) with cerebral palsy (CP).

Patients and methods: Baseline data from the prospective incobotulinumtoxinA trials TIM, TIMO and XARA were pooled. In all three studies, SRP was assessed in C/As aged 2–17 years with lower limb (LL) and/or upper limb (UL) spasticity using the Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity (QPS); both self-reports (direct or via interviewer) and parent/caregiver (P/C) observer reports were included. A C/A was considered to have SRP if any QPS key item score was rated >0 at baseline. Individual QPS modules were …

Utilizing Emotional Intelligence To Cultivate Occupational Therapy Students' Leadership Skills, Talina Minasian

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Emotional intelligence (EI) education is a crucial component to facilitating professional and leadership skills. Strengthening emotional competence through training and education can support clinician success. The healthcare sector is complex and presents many challenges and emotionally demanding circumstances. Sharpening emotional intelligence skills can provide tools for students, practitioners, and leaders to effectively respond and rise above difficult situations. There is a strong need for healthcare programs to supplement their curriculums with EI learning.

This doctoral project explored the benefits and impact of integrating emotional intelligence education into a leadership course for entry-level occupational therapy (OT) students. Using current literature, a …

Development And Application Of 3d Kinematic Methodologies For Biomechanical Modelling In Adaptive Sports And Rehabilitation, Anne Marie Severyn

All Dissertations

Biomechanical analysis is widely used to assess human movement sciences, specifically using three-dimensional motion capture modelling. There are unprecedented opportunities to increase quantitative knowledge of rehabilitation and recreation for disadvantaged population groups. Specifically, 3D models and movement profiles for human gait analysis were generated with emphasis on post-stroke patients, with direct model translation to analyze equivalent measurements while horseback riding in use of the alternative form of rehabilitation, equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) or hippotherapy (HPOT). Significant improvements in gait symmetry and velocity were found within an inpatient rehabilitation setting for patients following a stroke, and the developed movement …

Early Detection Of Atypical Motor And Neurobehavior Of Infants At Risk Secondary To Opioid Exposure: A Prospective Study, Kara Boynewicz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Prenatal opioid exposure has been studied in relation to infants' medical outcomes. However, large gaps exist in the literature supporting early identification of atypical neurobehavior and motor development of infants with prenatal opioid exposure. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether prenatal opioid exposure has a negative influence on a newborn infant’s neurobehavior and motor development to aid in the early identification of potential delays. Using a prospective quasi experimental design, infants motor development using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and neurobehavior using the NICU Neonatal Network Scale (NNNS) was assessed on 58 infants in a …

The Effects Of A Telehealth Exercise Intervention On Balance In Adults With Down Syndrome, Mark Barton, Kristina Guerrero, Andrew Martinez, Alexandria Umagat

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: People with Down syndrome (Ds) often present with balance deficits, which compromise their safety during daily activity. While evidence shows that exercise can improve balance in the Ds population, it is unclear if a telehealth method will elicit similar benefits. We aimed to examine the effects of a virtual exercise program on balance in adults with Ds.

Methods: Twenty participants completed a 12-week telehealth exercise program based on the Mann Method. Balance testing took place before and after the intervention, which included: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (MCTSIB), Frailty and Injuries: …

Diagnostic Ultrasound As A Reliable Tool To Measure Multifidus Thickness, Katherine Shigemoto, Valeria Garcia Arteaga, Jessie Peterson, Nathan Gentry

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Lower back pain (LBP) is a recurrent issue in the general population, though it is generally seen 2-3 times more frequently in those who undergo transfemoral amputations, being considered worse than phantom limb or residual pain. It is suggested that LBP is more common in those who have a transfemoral amputation than those who have a transtibial amputation. Research thus far has seemed to focus on identifying links between unilateral amputation and LBP rather than bilateral.

The multifidus muscle is the most important dynamic stabilizer of the lumbar spine, accounting for two- thirds of lower lumbar segmental stability. A …

Physical Therapy Alumni Rural Employment Assessment, Karen Aleyda Santos, Nikkita Jacob Crozier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction and Purpose: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Doctor of Physical Therapy program (UNLVPT) encourages rural and underserved employment by requiring students to complete one clinical experience in either a rural or underserved setting. Students who participate in rural clinical experiences may be more likely to practice in rural settings. UNLVPT also assesses rural interest level during each student’s education. The purpose of this study was to determine if relationship exists between students’ pre- or post-clinical experience rural interest level and their practice location within the first two years after graduation. We hypothesized that an interest in rural practice …

Brain And Spinal Cord Adaptations Associated With Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Kara Meske, Savanna Budge Huerta, Austin Madriaga, Derrick Nguyenton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To evaluate the evidence for altered cortical and spinal cord functions in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP).

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases to appraise and analyze the studies published prior to December 10, 2021 that examined spinal reflex excitability measured using Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) amplitudes, corticospinal excitability measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-elicited motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes, motor threshold (MT), or stimulus-response (SR) curves, cortical reorganization assessed using TMS cortical mapping or structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or functional changes of the brain assessed using functional MRI (fMRI) in individuals with PFP.

Results: Eight studies …

Direction Of Attentional Focus In Prosthetic Training: Current Practice And Potential For Improving Motor Learning In Individuals With Lower Limb Loss, Alexander Bonczyk, Maria Katrina Tillada Dimapilis, Sarah Partridge, Samantha Ruiz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: Adopting an external focus of attention has been shown to benefit motor performance and learning. However, the potential of optimizing attentional focus for improving prosthetic motor skills in lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users has not been examined. In this study, we investigated the frequency and direction of attentional focus embedded in the verbal instructions in a clinical prosthetic training setting.

Methods: Twenty-one adult LLP users (8 female, 13 male; 85% at K3 level; mean age=50.5) were recruited from prosthetic clinics in the Southern Nevada region. Verbal interactions between LLP users and their prosthetists (mean experience=10 years, range=4-21 years) during …

Essential Tools For Sustainability Of A Student-Led, Pro-Bono Back School, Cory Brown, Rosalie Gutierrez, Jennifer Montes, Rondale Scruggs

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: In 2018, University of Nevada Las Vegas Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty, in cooperation with a community partner, created a student-led pro bono Back School to address a gap in healthcare for underinsured individuals with low back pain in Southern Nevada. To support the sustainability of the Back School, the authors of this paper set out to develop a student club to recruit and train DPT students to volunteer in the program using a specifically designed electronic training manual. Overall, the aim was to encourage students to join the new club's leadership team to prepare future …