Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Effectiveness Of Executive Functioning Interventions Among Homeless Elementary Aged Students, Julia Warmack, Abby Jessen, Taylor Koopmeiners

Critically Appraised Topics

Elementary-aged children who are homeless face challenges in the areas of self-regulation, working memory, attention, and time management (Wanger-Fuhs et al., 2014). Currently, there is a lack of research on homeless elementary-aged children and the influence occupational therapy can have on their academic success. Specifically, there is no comprehensive source that details the effects of the role of occupational therapy interventions on executive functioning skills such as self-regulation, working memory, attention, and time management for the population of homeless elementary-aged school children. The purpose of this CAT paper was to determine the effect of occupational therapy interventions that focus on …

Effectiveness And Availability Of Occupational Therapy Interventions For Improving Quality Of Life For Families Dealing With Virtual Learning During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Substance Use Issues, Madison Christian, Alexis Lehmann, Hannah Steckler

Critically Appraised Topics

Currently, there is an overall lack of evidence examining the effects of occupational therapy interventions to enhance families’ quality of life while dealing with virtual learning in school-aged children and the impacts of substance use on parents. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to determine the availability for immediate use and the quality of occupational therapy interventions for improving the quality of life for families with school-age children dealing with school issues and virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically with parents who are also experiencing substance use issues

The Link Between Occupational Therapy Interventions, Quality Of Life, And Social And Leisure Participation In Adults With Chronic Conditions, Katie Deboer, Callie Kleindl, Monicah Nyakoe

Critically Appraised Topics

The focus population for this critically appraised topic (CAT) was adults aged 18 years and older with chronic conditions. For this CAT, chronic conditions included depression, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory diseases, chronic kidney disease, neurological disorders, and cancers. Chronic conditions greatly impact a large majority of the older adult population. Of the adult population, about 80% had at least one type of chronic condition while close to 70% had two or more (National Council on Aging, 2021). Diving deeper, the prevalence of chronic conditions in adults 65 years and older varied by race/ethnicity. According to Lim et al. (2018), …

Identifying The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Pediatric Palliative Care Team For Pediatric Cancer Patients, Rudessa Bedonie, Hannah Gianan, Riley Thomas, Kennedy Tooke

Critically Appraised Topics

What is the role of occupational therapy in providing effective intervention during palliative care for pediatric cancer patients and their families during the transition to the end of life?

Nonpharmacological Practices For Reducing Agitation In Persons With Dementia, Meghan L. Farkas

Commonwealth Scholars Program

1 in 11 people aged 45 years and older experience subjective cognitive decline, with nearly a third identifying a decline in the ability to participate in social activities, work, or volunteering. There are twelve modifiable risk factors that can either increase or decrease an individual's possibility of developing Dementia. This can include excessive alcohol consumption, head injury, air pollution, lower education level, hypertension, hearing impairment, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, and infrequent social contact. These modifiable risk factors may prevent or delay up to 40% of dementias. Furthermore, many risk factors cluster around inequalities, which occur particularly in Black, …

Correlation Between Pitching Velocity And Plyometric Output, Landon Childers

Graduate Research Showcase

Baseball pitchers are constantly trying to find an edge to operate at peak performance. With many training techniques available intended to enhance performance, plyometrics should be strongly considered as this specific technique mirrors the explosive and ballistic nature of baseball. Plyometrics are defined as powerful muscular contractions after a rapid stretch or dynamic loading of the same muscle group. The purpose of this study was to provide further validation of using plyometrics to increase velocity in a baseball player’s pitch. In this study, a plyometrics exercise (vertical jump) was measured along with pitching velocity in 2 different sessions, separated by …

Shifting The Focus Of Mental Health Onto Graduate Students, Rosanna Jaramillo

Graduate Research Showcase

The transition from undergraduate to graduate school has the potential to increase demands among students surrounding coursework as well as fiscal responsibilities. The increased demand has the potential to alter the student’s physical activity which can negatively affect mental health. Physical exercise has the potential to reduce depression as well as negative mood symptoms, such as stress. Exercising also allows for boosting energy, improvement of sleep quality, and relaxation quality. The purpose of this research study was to examine the mental health of the graduate participants prior and after a two-week exercise regimen. The presented study focused on a two-week …

Men’S Pelvic Health Content In Entry-Level Doctor Of Physical Therapy Curricula: A Physical Therapy Clinician Perspective, Shani Johnson Pt, Dscpt, Cmpt, Rachel Anderson Spt, Marissa Hudoba Spt, Adam Fischer Spt, Benjamin Peters Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introducation

Pelvic floor musculature is involved in sexual, bowel, and bladder function, organ support, breathing, and load transfer.1 Sixteen percent of males experience pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).1 Therefore, it is important for physical therapists to adequately screen male patients to identify PFD either for proper treatment or referral to a men’s pelvic health (MPH) provider.

The Academy of Pelvic Health (APH) offers Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricular guidelines for Women’s Health content, but to date has no published guidelines for MPH.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to gain clinician perspective to assist in the development of DPT …

Vestibulo-Oculomotor Function, Cognitive Abilities, And Symptoms Of Depression In Male Collegiate Football Players, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, R. Ebersole Spt, A. Spanbauer Spt, D. Turlington Spt, D. Ziehme Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Background: Collegiate football players experience increased exposure to repetitive head impacts. These subconcussive head impacts can cause vestibulo-oculomotor (VOM) dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptomatology_1-4
• Purpose: To determine the prevalence of VOM dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptomology in cleared to play football players

Methods

• Participants: 62 male Division II Football players from Concordia University, Saint Paul
• Tests and Measures:
• Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA)
• Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)
• Near Point Convergence (NPC)
• Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)

Results

• Over half (51.6%) of cleared-to-play athletes presented with at least one positive VOM test
• Eight participants …

Practices And Pedagogies: A Qualitative Study Of Lgbtq+ Representation In Physical Therapy, Jeanne Lojovich Pt, Phd, Megan Coyle Spt, Lacie Kramer Spt, Tyrell O'Donnell Spt, Benjamin O'Fallon Spt, Laura Wangsness-Willemsen Phd

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• U.S. LGBTQ+ community represents 4.5% of the total population.₁
• MN LGBTQ+ community represents ~4% of total population.₂
• Unclear what percentage of LGBTQ+ are represented in PT/PTA professions.
• APTA/MNPTA are attempting efforts to improve diversity in PT/PTA professions.₃

Objective

• Aim to understand the successes, barriers, and shared experiences of under-represented who established careers as PTs or PTAs.

Methods

Subjects

• PT/PTA clinicians and students from the LGBTQ+ community

Four Focus Groups

• Recruitment through flyers and PT/PTA programs in MN
• Virtual 90-minute focus groups
• 2-4 participants with 2 PIs and 2 trained students

Data Analysis

• Audio recorded, transcribed and …

Public's Perceptions Of Early Mobility And Exercise In The Hospital And Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Descriptive Survey, Amy Toonstra Pt, Dpt, Sydney Chelstrom Spt, Emily Ciesynski Spt, Mackenzie Dockendorf Spt, Brandon Hixson Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• 50% Amount of barriers to early mobility related to patient factors₁
• 25% Rate of physical therapy nontreatment or patient refusal₂
• Is lack of knowledge about benefits of activity a cause for these phenomena?

Objective

To evaluate public opinion on importance and safety of early mobility and exercise for individuals in the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU).

Participants

186 adults were recruited at the Minnesota State Fair in the University of Minnesota Driven to Discover Building to participate in the survey.

Methods

• Survey
• Adapted from previous validated survey₃
• 11 items
• 5 point Likert scale
• Established content …

Optimizing Student Retention From Undergraduate To The Dpt Program Within The Same Institution, Lyndsey Vandenberg Pt, Dpt, Edd, Brittany Boss Spt, Kellen Cameron Spt, Lauren Simonson Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

University stakeholders such as academic advisors, admissions staff and undergraduate (UG) faculty have the ability to influence student retention from undergraduate to graduate school. The previous groups of this multi-year project identified that there were gaps in knowledge and resources available to these stakeholders. Prospective UG students wanted increased opportunities to interact with CSP DPT faculty and students. UG Faculty and staff desired additional information and resources that they could share with prospective students. The needs assessment that was conducted drove the main goals and products that this project implemented.

Objective

The purpose of this project was to improve …

The Effect Of An Informational Training Video On Parental Changes In Scoring Of The Asq-3, Erin Simunds Pt, Aisha Abdo Spt, Joe Hall Spt, Taylor Schaffer Spt, Jordyn Yourczek Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Research indicates that parents often raise concerns regarding their child’s development prior to physician recognition of the problem₁
• Parent-reported screening tools can bridge the communication gap between health professionals and parents
• Parental scoring did not significantly correlate with healthcare professionals₂
• This discrepancy may stem from training on scoring and administration of the screening tool

Objective

• This study investigated the effect of an informational training video (ITV) on changing parental scoring of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd edition (ASQ-3)

Outcome Measure: ASQ-3

• Standardized developmental screening tool used to test children aged 1-66 months via 21 questionnaires. Test …

Comparing Dominant To Non-Dominant Shoulder Complex Kinematics In Collegiate Volleyball Players, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, Jacob Brackett Spt, Michael Hensch Spt, Lauren Herland Spt, Erik Monson Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Mobility and function of the shoulder may impact performance and injury in volleyball.
• Most previous research identifying humerothoracic (HT), glenohumeral (GH), and scapulothoracic (ST) kinematics is limited through measurements with a goniometer or inclinometer.

Objective

• To identify HT, GH, and/or ST differences between DOM and NDOM shoulders of asymptomatic volleyball players.

Participants

• 22 asymptomatic female NCAA Division II volleyball players from Concordia University St. Paul (CSP)

Methods

• Demographics: age, height, weight, player position, injury history within past 5 years, years of participation
• Screen: ROM, MMT, special tests for radiculopathy, scapular dyskinesis, impingement, and instability
• The G4 electromagnetic motion capture …

Assessing The General Public’S Awareness Of The Pharmacological Benefits Of Structured, Prescribed Exercise In The Treatment Of Chronic Disease, Kristin Lefebvre Pt, Phd, Ccs, William Floyd Spt, Christine Lager Spt, Zoey Stewart Spt, Mckenzie Tirrell Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

This novel study sought to observe the general public’s beliefs on the comparison between pharmaceuticals and exercise for the management of chronic disease, as is consistent with the ACSM Exercise is Medicine (EIM) initiative. The EIM initiative seeks to establish physical activity as a standard of care alongside more traditional interventions such as pharmacology. Despite the established benefit of exercise, little is known about the general public's awareness of the pharmacological benefits of structured, prescribed exercise in the treatment of chronic disease.

Objective

Exercise can be an effective intervention for chronic disease and in some cases, as effective as …

The Influence Of An Acute Bout Of Aerobic Exercise On Vascular Endothelial Function In Moderate Stages Of Chronic Kidney Disease, Jeffrey S. Forsse, Zacharias Papadakis, Matthew N. Peterson, James Kyle Taylor, Burritt W. Hess, Nicholas Schwedock, Dale C. Allison, Jackson O. Griggs, Ronald L. Wilson, Peter W. Grandjean

Faculty and Student Publications

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is directly influenced by the deleterious effects of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The vascular endothelium may transiently respond to aerobic exercise and improve post-exercise vascular renal function in moderate stages of CKD. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a nitric-oxide-dependent measure of endothelial function that is transiently potentiated by exercise. The purpose of the study was to determine the acute influence of a single bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) or steady-state moderate-intensity exercise (SSE) on endothelial dysfunction in moderate stages of CKD. Twenty participants (n = 6 men; n = 14 women) completed 30 …

Physical Therapy Interventions And Outcomes In A Patient With Transfemoral Amputation Following Sound Side Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report, Scott Love, Debra Gray, Jenna Yent, Michael Jason Highsmith

Physical Therapy Collection

Background: Following a transfemoral amputation (TFA), osteoarthritis (OA) on the sound limb may occur secondary to overuse. Potential causative factors include gait abnormalities, increased knee load, and performing hopping activities without a prosthesis. Unilateral TFA patients may require a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve function.

Case Description and Methods: A 56-year-old male with a TFA who was diagnosed with left knee OA and was classified as a limited community ambulator underwent a TKA to restore function. The purpose of this case report is to determine the benefits of standard physical therapy (PT) augmented by a high intensity, whole-body …

Transitional Caregiver Support From Nicu To Early Intervention Services., Sophia Schutt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Transitional Caregiver Support from NICU to Early Intervention Services. Sophia B. Schutt, Dr. Julie Grabanski, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 501 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop an occupation-based educational product for caregivers leaving the NICU setting and transitioning into early intervention services. The project is aimed at assessing and reducing caregiver stress levels and increasing co-occupational outcomes with their infants.

Methods: A needs assessment was conducted to evaluate the gap in caregiver education during the transition in care. The educational …

Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy Services On Quality Of Life Among Chronically Homeless Mothers With Children, Stephanie Dullum, Caitlyn Fussy, Cierra Jacobson

Critically Appraised Topics

Chronically homeless mothers face many challenges with their quality of life due to trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, and stress that impacts the person, their environment, and occupations. Currently there is a lack of occupational therapy interventions for improving the quality of life for this population. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to address the role of occupational therapy within the population of chronically homeless mothers and how it can improve their quality of life.

Family-Centered Care For Preschool Children With Disabilities, Kaylee Athmann, Ashley Freund, Rachel Koenig

Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of this critically appraised topic paper was to define family-centered care, to look at family-centered care through the model of EHP, and to show the unique role occupational therapy plays in family-centered care. More specifically, we aimed to find the effects of family-centered care on health management. While family-centered care has been cited as beneficial by occupational therapists, there is a gap in these services being provided to preschoolers with disabilities.

Intervention Strategies To Combat The Impacts Of Covid-19 On Adolescents Mental Health: A Critically Appraised Topic, Rylie Garner, Lauryne Griego, Kailey Squier, Jamie Steinhoff

Critically Appraised Topics

Does sensory modulation and physical activity as an occupational therapy intervention improve mental health outcomes in adolescents resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Expanding Knowledge On Occupations, One Harmful Occupation At A Time, Taylor Dingus

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Humans are both natural doers and occupational beings, but in order to consider them as such, one must understand all occupational choices, the meanings and human behavior behind the choices, and the environment in which the choices take place (Helbig & McKay, 2003). Considering self-harm, substance abuse, and addiction as occupations advances this understanding of humans as occupational in nature who are molded by their occupational choices and factors surrounding them (Wasmuth, Brandon-Friedman, & Olesek, 2016). This study aimed to gain an understanding of the occupational nature of humans that engage in occupations defined as harmful by society in order …

The General Population's Perception Of Factors Associated With Positive Or Negative Perceptions Of Physical Therapy Care In Those With Low Back Pain, Jada M. Strowbridge

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Low back pain (LBP) has a global impact on health and is a substantial contributor to long term disability. The economic burden of LBP is immense and it is advancing annually. Costs attributing to LBP in the United States is about $84.1 to $624.8 billion. Physical therapy is commonly recommended for those with LBP since it is linked to improved clinical outcomes. However, patient perceptions can influence how this treatment approach is perceived. It is unclear if these perceptions can influence outcomes for patients suffering from LBP. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the factors associated with …

Use Of Real-Time Cadence To Prescribe Aerobic Physical Activity Intensity And Its Comparison With Existing Methods, Heontae Kim, Wei Sun, Mary Malaska, Bridget Miller, Ho Han

Faculty and Student Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical activity intensity prescription using real-time cadence on achieving the required intensities for health benefits. Forty adults (18–65 years) participated in the study. The intensity prescriptions included Rating of Perceived Exertion, Talk Test, Heart Rate, and Real-Time Cadence. The participants performed a2-min trial for both moderate- and vigorous-intensity according to each prescription. Atri-axial accelerometer was used as acriterion measure. After completion of the trials, participant’s preference for the prescriptions was assessed by three domains (e.g., understanding, performing, maintaining). The compliance and achievement rates of RC were calculated and compared …

The Benefits Of Habituation Altering Occupational Therapy Interventions To Improve Engagement In Adls And Iadls For Adults With Chronic Pain, Alexis Brolsma, Aleece Durbin, Casidi Pullar

Critically Appraised Topics

Adults experiencing chronic pain have difficulties performing ADLs and IADLs, consequently lowering their quality of life. Current research supports multiple interventions used by occupational therapists when working with adults with chronic pain, however, there is no primary intervention identified (Andrews et al., 2018; Guy et al., 2019; Guy et al., 2020; Nielsen et al., 2021; Schmid et al., 2019; Simon & Collins, 2017). The purpose of this CAT paper is to determine how beneficial occupational therapy interventions are at changing habits and routines (habituation) of adults (18+ years of age) with chronic pain in improving engagement in ADLs and IADLs.

Occupational Therapy In Palliative Care: Incorporating Meaningful Occupations And Education Programs For Occupational Therapists, Emily Geissler, Mariah Herring, Katya Kivi

Critically Appraised Topics

Based on the literature reviewed for this critically appraised topic (CAT), end-of-life care has become a more popular setting, and healthcare workers are beginning to see the need for occupational therapists. Due to the undefined role of an OT in this setting, it is difficult for the client to be provided with the best care that increases their quality of life near death, as well as inadequate training for how to address intervention. The issue found within palliative care is that clients are not provided the opportunity to engage in the meaningful activities that bring them joy. The purpose of …

Interventions For Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis To Increase Quality Of Life And Motivation In Activities Of Daily Living And Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living: A Critically Appraised Topic, Erin Ferebee, Makenzie Kroupa, Makayla Tucker

Critically Appraised Topics

PICO:

P: Adults with a chronic condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis

I: Programs and interventions most effective to improve participation in ADL & IADL

C: Motivation levels & QOL

O: Increased participation in ADL & IADLS

Focused Question - What occupational therapy (OT) intervention approaches are best for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients struggling with motivation, quality of life, as evidenced by the ability to participate in ADLs and IADLs?

Effectiveness Of Early Intervention Programs Addressing Mental Health Issues Caused By Long-Haul Covid-19 In Older Adults, Grace Kleinvachter, Lauren Fischer, Kelsey Rajewsky

Critically Appraised Topics

Lannigan & Tyminski (2021) shared that occupational therapy practitioners are ready to address the many complications that COVID-19 has caused, including emotional issues, by encouraging engagement in healthy occupations in their day-to-day lives. Occupational therapists have specific skills to combat these issues, help others reclaim their occupational identity, and improve quality of life (Lannigan & Tyminski, 2021; Wilcox & Frank, 2021). Symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 have greatly impacted the valued occupations of those over 50 years old, leading to an occupational justice need for further investigation. Occupational therapists should then use that knowledge to understand the degree of impact the …

Critically Appraised Topic: The Use Of Occupation-Based Sensory Intervention And Environmental Modification With School-Aged Children Who Have Experienced Trauma, Josie Huot, Abigail Kasper, Erin Siebenaler, Jessica Wetzel

Critically Appraised Topics

Children who have been exposed to trauma may develop sensory impairments, such as inadequate sensory processing and regulation when engaging in occupations within the school setting. Currently, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of sensory-based occupational therapy intervention with children who have experienced trauma. The purpose of this critically appraised topic paper is to describe the current evidence for utilizing sensory-based interventions, in combination with environmental modifications, to influence occupational engagement among school-aged children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy Self-Management Interventions Among Chronically Homeless Veterans With Mental Health And Substance Abuse Disorders, Jace Allard, Hannah Leisenheimer, Adeyinka Omotunde

Critically Appraised Topics

Homeless veterans are challenged with chronic mental health and substance abuse disorders that affect their abilities to carry out their daily functions. There is a paucity of focused literature to address the extent to which occupational therapy interventions help chronically homeless veterans that struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues. The purpose of this critically appraised topic paper was to investigate and demonstrate the extent to which substance abuse and mental health occupational therapy programs may help to increase the performance range of self-management skills of chronically homeless veterans.