Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Analysis Of Continuous Gait Data Requires Temporal Alignment Of Gait Phases, Elham Alijanpour, Kathryn Riis, Daniel M. Russell

College of Health Sciences Posters

A statistical method for comparing time-continuous curves, such as the kinematics of gait cycles, is statistical parametric mapping analysis (SPM) (Pataky, 2010). According to a recent study, SPM results were sensitive to how each stride's beginning was defined (Honert & Pataky, 2021). Nonetheless, for meaningful comparisons between gait cycles, temporal alignment of phases within a stride may be required (Helwig et al., 2011). With both temporally aligned and unaligned gait data, the goal was to evaluate SPM results for different walking speeds using various gait cycle definitions. Participants in this study were 10 young, healthy adults. To figure out the …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Transition Process For Young Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Hannah Tanous, Mckenzie Ulrich, Alexis Walther

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) focuses on occupational therapy’s role and best practice in assisting families with young adults that have developmental disabilities in making the transition out of the home into the community, secondary education, or supported independent living. The transition experience is unique to each individual, as there are both supports and barriers to the process.

Effectiveness Of The Use Of Kinesiotape For Adults With Elbow Tendinosis In Reducing Pain To Promote Engagement In Occupations, Natasha Minar, Kinley Nordin, Kaitlyn Peterson

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper focuses on the use of kinesiotape for adults experiencing chronic pain associated with elbow tendinosis that greatly influences their ability to engage fully in their meaningful occupations. Adults with elbow tendinosis may experience decreased functional mobility due to pain from their diagnosis (Eraslan et al., 2017; Karlıbel & Aksoy, 2022; Shakeri et al., 2018), thus decreasing their overall quality of life and well-being. In this paper, pain associated with elbow tendinosis, the effectiveness of kinesiotape compared to alternative interventions, and the role of occupational therapy in promoting engagement in meaningful occupations will be discussed. Kinesiotape …

Examining Occupational Therapists’ Role In Providing Client-Centered Care For School-Aged Children In The Educational Setting With Visual Impairment, Nicole Gentry, Skye Gross, Alyssa Hammon, Angela Mossman-Larson

Critically Appraised Topics

In a foundational statement outlining the profession’s belief regarding the needs of the pediatric population with visual impairments, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) stated children with visual impairments “benefit significantly from coordinated and comprehensive services to enable them to learn to use their remaining vision more efficiently and use nonvisual methods to complete activities” (Warren & Nobles, 2011, p. 2). According to Warren and Nobles (2011), individuals can have two types of visual impairments: cortical visual impairment and ocular visual impairment. Cortical visual impairment (CVI) deals with affected areas of the brain that limits visual processing, whereas ocular visual …

Telehealth Benefits In Rural Areas: Occupational Therapy, Grant E. Tolkkinen, Grace K. Torgerson, Kaitlyn J. Wanner

Critically Appraised Topics

This paper focuses on the efficacy of occupational-based interventions administered via telehealth within a rural-dwelling adult (18 years and older) population with mental health conditions. The main factors to consider in this scenario are the mental health services in rural areas, the features of the rural population, and the role of occupational therapy (OT) and telehealth in rural mental health. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework defined health management as “activities related to developing, managing, and maintaining health and wellness routines, including self-management, with the goal of improving or maintaining health to support participation and other occupation” (AOTA, 2020, p.32).

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Intersectionality Of Veterans Who Are Chronically Homeless, Mental Health, And Sleep Deprivation, Maci Bakken, Abby Eken, Morgan Halliday

Critically Appraised Topics

Currently, there are interventions available for rest and sleep for the general population. However, those interventions do not usually address the unique needs of the population of veterans who are homeless with mental health disorders. While there is information on the person, environmental, and occupational factors surrounding this topic separately, there is limited literature regarding how to address all of these factors when they transact with each other. The purpose of this critically appraised topic paper is to examine the impacts that being a veteran, having a mental health disorder, and being homeless have on sleep deprivation as well as …

Perception Of Workload And Task Importance During Complex And Dual Task Conditions, Alicia Maul, Cody Lamont, Erin Zurbrugg, Gillian Berry, Katherine Armstrong, Lea Keenantasker, Patricia Eckart, Cindy Zablotny, Theresa Raudsepp, Ryan Jacobson

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Background

• "cognitive processes and movement need to occur concurrently as part of social engagement; voluntary movement is not wholly automatic and when movement occurs, it leads to changing cognitive demands." (McIsaac et al, 2015)

• Current practice for creating dual-task challenges in the clinic include serial subtraction and carrying a glass of water (complex walking task) however these do not always translate to a patient's individualized challenges and goals

• Research has shown that a patient's engagement and performance improves when the task they are performing is meaningful in their lives. (McIsaac et al, 2015)

• Would including items …

Effects Of A Parkinson's Disease Community Exercise Group On Self Reported Promis Measures, Desiray Anderson, Alexis Creighton, Jillian Studer, Tyler Cuddeford

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an upper motor neuron disorder that results in bradykinesia, rigidity, shuffling gait patterns, and balance impairments. Non-motor issues include depression, anosmia, GI issues, pain, and more. Approximately 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every year.

Hypothesis: Self efficacy and satisfaction roles will positively correlate with participation in the 6 week exercise program.

Effectiveness Of Internet Based Treatment Methods For Symptom Management Of Vestibular Disorders: A Systematic Review, Nina Acosta, Rowan Pepe, Samantha Pavolko, Morgan Carline, Devin Conlon

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of internet-based and blended therapy for patients with peripheral, central, or mixed vestibular dysfunction based on current research.

Methods: Medline, CINAHL Complete, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library were searched from September 2022 to January 2023 using the search terms “vestibular,” “internet,” “computer,” “management,” “online,” “self-efficacy,” “vestibular disorder,” “rehabilitation,” “treatment,” “dizziness,” and “phys* ther*.”Studies were included if they used internet-based interventions for patients with diagnosed vestibular dysfunction caused by pure vestibular pathology. Three independent reviewers performed the selection process based on title, abstract, and full-text reading. In total, 8 …

Professional Behaviors On The Fieldwork Performance Evaluation: Perspectives Of Fieldwork Educators, Jessi S. Clark

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy (OT) students are assessed on their professional behavior skills during Level II fieldwork (FW) by fieldwork educators (FWEs) as measured by the Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE). Most of these professional behavior skills are not required components of entry-level OT education, therefore academic preparation may be variable. The purpose of this Capstone project was to study the perspective of FWEs regarding the seven professional behavior items on the FWPE, primarily the relative importance of and academic preparation for these items. Participants included FWEs who completed the FWPE in the last 15 years. They completed an online survey that utilized …

Program Evaluation Of A Community-Based Model For Driver Off-Road Assessment In Post-Acute Abi, Eugenia R. Herbst

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Social conditions from the pandemic forced changes to outpatient rehabilitation programs, necessitating pre-driving assessment be administered via telehealth, an alternative model of OT service-delivery. As a result, Shepherd Pathways adapted the clinical pre-driving program for telehealth service delivery. Program outcomes had not been formally assessed.

Purpose:

The purpose of this Capstone project was to conduct a formal program evaluation to collect, analyze, and use data to evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of a clinical return to drive program delivered via telehealth (CDC, n.d.; The university of Kansas toolbox, n.d.). The program evaluation examined the OT process and scope of services …

Skilled Nuring Facilities Therapists' Experiences With Acquiring Wheelchairs For Their Clients, Vincent Campbell

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The United States (U.S.) population is aging resulting in an increase in Skilled Nursing Home (SNF) residents. A larger proportion of SNF residents rely on wheelchairs for mobility. Currently there are no studies that determine the processes, which therapists utilize to correctly fit their clients for wheelchairs. Poor fitting wheelchairs can have a negative impact on the residents’ ability to participate in occupational activities. Residents may also suffer physical or psychological consequences from an ill-fitting wheelchair. Therapists in SNFs often have no established criteria in providing wheelchairs for their clients. There can be institutional barriers to providing appropriate wheelchairs for …

Perspective Of Patients And Stakeholders As Members Of A Research Team, Janet L Poole, Sharon L Newbill

Pediatrics Research and Scholarship

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare orphan disease, characterized by skin thickening, vascular insufficiency, and fibrosis of internal organs. SSc affects about 100,000 people in the United States. This study explored perceived benefits and challenges of patient partners and stakeholders, who were team members on a project to revise and test a self-management program (Taking Charge of Systemic Sclerosis). Five patient partners, 1 stakeholder from the Scleroderma Foundation and 1 stakeholder from a state chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation were interviewed. Conversations were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed. Four themes emerged from the analysis with corresponding subthemes: contributions …

Case Study: Effects Of Virtual Reality On Motor Control With A Child Diagnosed With Spastic Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, Alyssa Madison, Princess Roblete, Maureen Rinehimer

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

Background: Cerebral palsy is a neuromuscular disorder that affects a person’s motor control and balance. These individuals have difficulty co-contracting musculature resulting in decreased trunk control, hyper- or hypotonia, lack of body coordination, and sudden contractions when attempting to move. A recent technology that is beginning to be explored within the therapy world is the use of virtual reality (VR) to treat those with cerebral palsy.

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the effect of virtual reality technology with children who have cerebral palsy by focusing on motor control such as: functional reach, functional movements to promote independence, sitting balance, …

The Effect Of An 8-Week Core Training Program On 1-Mile And 100-Meter Dash Outdoor Running Times In College-Aged Athletes, Kelcie Hromisin, Robert Wagner, Anthony Tirro, Zachary Orzell, Cydney Moore, James Prentice, Melissa Cencetti

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

The Effect of an 8-week Core Training Program on 1 Mile and 100-M Dash Outdoor Running Times in College-Aged Athletes

Background:

The core provides proximal stability of the trunk which enhances power production and strength with distal limb movement. With almost half a million NCAA athletes in the United States, in a high-revenue industry, there is a strong incentive for athletes, coaches and industry alike to discover strategies to improve athletic performance. Available literature has studied the correlation between increasing core strength and the augmentation of balance and stability, power generation, core endurance, neuromuscular control and injury prevention. However, these …

Clinical Effectiveness Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Strength, Balance, Quality Of Life And Emotional Well-Being In Those With Visual Impairments: A Protocol Study, Laura Murphy, Nicole Joers, Alyssa Buonavolonta

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

As of 2019, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide are living with some degree of visual impairment according to the World Health Organization. Generic physical therapy has been shown to benefit those with visual impairments. In a 2014 systematic review, researchers analyzed multiple studies that focused on the visually impaired population and their progress on strengthening after participating in exercise programs. They found that the generalized PT helped to improve the performance on tests of physical function in those with visual impairments. There has been minimal research on aquatic therapy and those with visual impairments, yet there have been other …

Effectiveness Of Sensory Integration On School-Age Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Maryssa Hodder, Lauren Cunfer, Saige Miller

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that poses significant effects on an individual’s ability to effectively carry out daily functions; characteristics include hyperactive, inattentive, and impulsive behaviors (Dogru; Kadam). ADHD is problematic for school-aged children; children with ADHD lack the ability to integrate sensory information. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in managing ADHD symptoms in school aged children.

Methods: A search of literature was conducted during September of 2022 and January of 2023. Databases used to complete the search included EBSCO Host, Academic Search Ultimate, …

A Holistic Approach To Promote Sleep For People Emerging From Homelessness: A Good Night’S Rest In Your Nest Sleep Toolkit, Anna Burggraf

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Background: Sleep deprivation has been linked to chronic health issues, decreased physical and cognitive functioning, and overall decreased quality of life, which limits the ability to engage in desired tasks and occupations (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020). Obtaining restful sleep serves as a foundation for optimal cognitive and physical functioning during daily tasks, roles, and activities (AOTA, 2017). Individuals who have experienced homelessness consistently demonstrate higher rates of sleep inadequacies compared to the general public, highlighting the need for service providers to address the quality of sleep participation for this population (Gonzalez & Tyminski, 2020).

Purpose

• Promote sleep participation for …

The How To’S For Engaging With Medically Complex Children: A Resource Guide, Allyson Bourque

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to identify and address the factors that serve as barriers to engagement in valued occupations for children with serious or life-threatening illness.

Background: Children with serious or life-threatening illness are at great risk for occupational deprivation due to their complex medical needs as well as the inhibiting physical symptomology that may accompany their diagnoses (Doukkali et al., 2013; Kasven-Gonzales & Miale, 2010). Individuals working with this population have reported a need for more specialized education for working with children with medically complex needs (Gysels et al., 2005; Whiteford et al., 2020). It …

Life Skills Intervention For Formerly Incarcerated Individuals At Maricopa Reentry Center, Dalenna Bellum

OT Student Capstones

The rates of incarceration quickly rose in the United States in the late 1900’s in response to change in legislation in favor of more tough on crime movements and policy. In addition to these movements and other social, environmental, and demographic factors, certain groups of individuals faced increased risk for incarceration and increased challenges before, during, and after incarceration. The purpose of this doctoral capstone experience and report is to explore challenges during community reentry after incarceration that can lead to re-arrest, or recidivism. This is a crucial time because without the appropriate tools, resources, and supports, the individual is …

Effect Of A Wilderness Rafting Trip On Disability Identity With Those Who Have Physical Disabilities, Kathryn Bauer

OT Student Capstones

Background: Disability identity is a concept that can occur when one focuses their identity and purpose on their disability. This can be positive or negative and have direct effects on one’s quality of life. Several studies have found that being in the wilderness has improved one’s self-perception, community, and goals for the future. This project aims to measure, after going on a 12-day rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, if there is any change on one’s disability identity, as well as to analyze accessibility for those with physical disabilities.

Method: Six participants with physical disabilities were included. All …

Effects Of Physical Activity, Play And Mindfulness-Based Interventions On Emotional Regulation And Emotional Awareness Skills In Adults With Developmental Disabilities At A Day-Time Assistance Program, Aaron Arndt

OT Student Capstones

Background: According to literature, deficiencies in emotional regulation and emotional awareness skills are more prevalent among adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Limited research shows promising support that the use of noninvasive treatments such as exercise, and play can promote emotional well-being among this population. This project aims to better understand the benefits of physical activity, play, and mindfulness-based interventions on emotional regulation skills in adults with developmental disabilities who attend a day-time assistance program.

Method: This 14-week capstone project was conducted at Lauren’s Institute for Education’s Adult Day Treatment (DTA) program. The occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) student developed and implemented …

Effects Of Context Perception And Haptic Feedback On Sway, Andrew Meszaros, Tess Swake, Robin Dorociack, Catherine Enger, Gavin Boen, Alex Johnston, Braedon Miller

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The purpose of this research is to assess whether framing the context of haptic feedback as an "error" signal or "helpful" signal can impact sway control.

Perturbation-Based Balance Training Added To A Fall Prevention Exercise Program And Its Effect On Fall Risk And Fear Of Falling In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Joseph Espero, Jeremiah Everett, Leanne Gehrke, Sage Goodman, Spencer Hall, Melody Hansen, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Rebecca Dobler, Gabe Haberly

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Background:

● Falls lead to decreased independence, increased disability, and increased risk of death

● Falls occur in more than one out of four older adults each year

Research Suggests:

● 50 hours of a structured strength and balance exercise program supplemented with fall prevention education over 12 weeks decreases fall risk in community dwelling older adults

● One session of perturbations provided at the appropriate dosage can decrease fall risk by 50%, with multidirectional perturbations having the greatest benefit

Hypothesis:

● Adding one session of perturbation-based training to a structured strength and balance exercise program will reduce the risk …

Higher Sexual Excitation Is Associated With An Increase In Sex-Linked Substance Use In Women With A History Of Unwanted Sexual Contact, Harper R. Jones, Tierney K. Lorenz

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Survivors of unwanted sexual contact have an increased likelihood of using substances in sexual situations, which puts them at heightened risk for intoxication-related harms. Separately, research has indicated that women may intentionally use substances in sexual situations to either enhance pleasure (i.e., increase sexual excitation) and/or reduce sexual anxiety or shame (i.e., reduce sexual inhibition), a phenomenon termed sex-linked substance use (SLSU). A predominant assumption in the literature is that women with unwanted sex histories are more likely to disengage during sex, suggesting greater inhibition-related SLSU; however, there is little prior research directly examining if women who have unwanted sex …

Pre–Post Intervention Exploring Cognitive Function And Relationships With Weight Loss, Intervention Adherence And Dropout, Amanda N. Szabo-Reed, Laura E. Martin, Cary R. Savage, Richard A. Washburn, Joseph E. Donnelley

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Objective: To evaluate the association between baseline cognitive function, intervention dropout, adherence and 3-month weight loss (WL) when controlling for confounding demographic variables.

Methods: 107 (Mage = 40.9 yrs.), BMI in the overweight and obese range (BMI = 35.6 kg/m2), men (N = 17) and women (N = 90) completed a 3-month WL intervention. Participants attended weekly behavioral sessions, comply with a reduced calorie diet, and complete 100 min of physical activity (PA)/wk. Cognitive function tasks at baseline included Flanker (attention), Stroop (executive control) and working memory, demographics, body weight and cardiovascular fitness were assessed at baseline. Session attendance, adherence …

Concussion-Related Disruptions To Hub Connectivity In The Default Mode Network Are Related To Symptoms And Cognition, Heather C. Bouchard, Kate L. Higgins, Grace Amadon, Julia M. Laing-Young, Arthur C. Maerlender, Seima Al-Momani, Maital Neta, Cary R. Savage, Douglas H. Schultz

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Concussions present with a myriad of symptomatic and cognitive concerns; however, the relationship between these functional disruptions and the underlying changes in the brain are not yet well understood. Hubs, or brain regions that are connected to many different functional networks, may be specifically disrupted after concussion. Given the implications in concussion research, we quantified hub disruption within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and other brain networks. We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from collegiate student-athletes (n = 44) at three timepoints: baseline (prior to beginning their athletic season), acute post-injury (approximately 48 hours …

Cat Part Iv: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Support Upper Extremity Spasticity In Older Adults Following A Stroke, Mary Redlin, Allie Reiffenberger, Shannon Ring, Aubrey Rude

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic focuses on interventions for improving hand functions in activities of daily living (ADLs) for elderly adults who have chronic upper extremity spasticity following a stroke. For the purpose of this critically appraised topic, the focus will be on the elderly population, defined as being age 55 and older; research indicates stroke is most prevalent in this population (Mayo Clinic, 2022). When considering a particular theory, the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) is the most suitable model for our focus question (Dunn, 2017). The Ecology of Human Performance is focused on the person and environment to increase …

The Impact Of Sensory Deprivation And Sensory-Based Intervention For Incarcerated Adults Over The Age Of 65, Kyara G. Crowley, Connor N. Fuchs, Sydney L. Johnson

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic (CAT) focuses on sensory-based interventions for improving the quality of life for older adults who are incarcerated in the United States. There are many aspects to this topic; sensory deprivation in the prison system is addressed first, followed by the importance of sensory-based interventions, and finally the relationship between occupational therapy and quality of life.

Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma Lord

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance and strength after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits in strength and balance were also assessed among patients. METHODS: Four participants between the ages of 18-24 were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had ACL reconstruction surgery in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the experimental or control groups using counterbalancing. The two …