Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

A Recreational Therapy-Based Bibliotherapy Program For Perceived Stress And Coping Among Siblings Of Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Lindsey Kirschbaum

All Dissertations

Siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face unique challenges and experiences different from their peers who do not have a sibling with IDD. These challenges can include increased sense of responsibility at home, decreased attention from parents, and feelings of social isolation; all of which can increase stress. While sibling support groups offer opportunities for siblings of individuals with IDD to connect with other siblings, these groups do not formally focus on improving participants’ stress-coping outcomes. Bibliotherapy has been shown to help youth express stress-related feelings and learn stress-coping strategies. However, no known research has assessed the …

Influence Of Stimulation Frequency On Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor And Cathepsin-B Production In Healthy Young Adults, Yuichi Nishikawa, Hiroyuki Sakaguchi, Tatsuya Takada, Noriaki Maeda, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been shown to stimulate the production of myokines (i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), but the most effective EMS parameters for myokine production have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to quantify the optimal EMS frequency for stimulating myokine production. This study included sixteen young adults (male, n = 13, age = 27.3 ± 5.5 years). Participants underwent four EMS interventions (20 min each) with the following conditions: (1) 4 Hz, (2) 20 Hz, (3) 80 Hz, and (4) control (no intervention). Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after EMS. For …

Impacts Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction On The Occupations Of Postpartum Women, Julia Hernandez, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This study investigates the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) on the daily activities of postpartum women. Eleven women participated in an online survey, with four engaging in follow-up interviews via Microsoft Teams. The survey indicated that 91% of respondents experienced at least one symptom of PFD, including urine leakage, difficulty reaching the toilet in time, unexpected passing of wind, decreased vaginal sensation, a bulge at the vaginal opening, pelvic heaviness, and vulvar pain during sex. Despite these prevalent symptoms, 82% had not been offered pelvic floor therapy.

Participants rated their awareness of pelvic floor health topics predominantly as "Less …

The Effects Of Anchor Scheme On The Central And Peripheral Contributions To Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses And Sensations, And Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks To Failure, Robert Walker Smith

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The Effects of Anchor Scheme on the Central and Peripheral Contributions to Performance Fatigability, Perceived Responses and Sensations, and Psychological Factors Following Sustained, Isometric Forearm Flexion Tasks to Failure Robert W. Smith, Ph.D. University of Nebraska, 2024 Advisor: Terry J. Housh This study assessed time to task failure (TTF), performance fatigability (PF), neuromuscular responses, central and peripheral measures of fatigue, and perceived responses including sensations and psychological factors that contributed to task termination during sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the torque corresponding to RPE. Fifteen men (age = 21.5 ± 2.3 yrs; …

African American Patients Have A Higher Probability Of Cognitive Impairment After Incident Stroke: An Analysis Of National Electronic Health Record Data, Alicia Zha, Chenguang Zhang, Gen Zhu, Xinran Huang, Sahar Anjum, Yashar Talebi, Sean Savitz, Hulin Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) and stroke are diseases with significant disparities in race and geography. Post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) can be as high as 15-70 % but few studies have utilized large administrative or electronic health records (EHR) to evaluate trends in PSCI. We utilized an EHR database to evaluate for disparities in PSCI in a large sample of patients after first recorded stroke to evaluate for disparities in race.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of Cerner Health Facts® EHR database, which is comprised of EHR data from hundreds of hospitals/clinics in the US from 2009-2018. We …

Service Dog Knowledge And Utilization In Occupational Therapy Practice, Lauren E. Garcia, Sierra P. Mcnicol

Graduate Student Scholarship

The assumed efficacy behind service dog intervention is based on the well-known potential for the development of a strong, emotional bond between humans and dogs. Occupational therapists can use knowledge of their specific scope of practice to aid in the referral process, and the assessment process, and to help assist clients with training and comfortability throughout the service dog placement process. Existing literature on service dog use and implementation within occupational therapy (OT) practice is limited and lacking in rigor, internal and external validity, and reliability. The aims of the current study include evaluating the level of education occupational therapy …

Validation Of Scores From A Telephone Administered Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis, Robert W. Motl, Prudence Plummer, Deborah Backus, Jeffrey R. Hebert, Whitney N. Neal, Alexander V. Ng, John Lowman, Francois Bethoux, Hollie Schmidt, Robert Mcburney, Kevin K. Mccully, Gary R. Cutter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) has typically been delivered through paper-and-pencil or computer-based administration.

Purpose

This study examined the validity of inferences from scores derived via a telephone administration of the MSWS-12 applied as part of screening of participants with walking dysfunction into a clinical trial of exercise training in MS.

Method

The MSWS-12 was administered on two occasions separated by approximately 2 weeks through the telephone and then in-person (i.e., computer-based administration). Participants further completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), six-minute walk (6MW), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Multiple Sclerosis …

Positive Association Between Patients’ Perception Of Chronic Pain Rehabilitation As A Personally Meaningful Experience And The Flourishing Aspect Of Well-Being, Katrina J. Liddiard, Cary A. Brown, Annette J. Raynor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Chronic pain rehabilitation helps to reduce pain and restore valued life roles. Patients may have more positive outcomes when they perceive rehabilitation to be personally meaningful. This study examined associations between self-reported, personally meaningful rehabilitation and well-being. A pilot study was conducted using an online survey of people with chronic pain and experiences of rehabilitation. The PROMIS Pain Interference Short Form 8a and The Flourishing Scale were used to explore well-being. A modified self-report measure, the Meaningfulness in Rehabilitation Scale, was pilot-tested for construct validity and used in the survey. Of the 48 participants (81% female; 19% male), most attended …

The Effect Of Blood Flow Restriction Training On Quadriceps Activity After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial, Florian Forelli, Camille Nguyen, Jean Mazeas, Georgios Kakavas, Timothy E. Hewett, Andreas Bjerregaard, Vasileios Korakakis, Alexandre Jm Rambaud

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Background

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, a crucial priority is restoring knee muscle strength, especially the quadriceps, to reach the pre-injury strength levels as fast as possible. A feasible alternative to heavy loading might be blood flow restriction training that may elicit quadriceps muscle strength adaptations using low external loads. This study assessed whether quadriceps strengthening using low load blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) would enhance electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus medialis (VMO), vastus lateralis (VLO), and rectus femoris (RF) similar to quadriceps strengthening using heavy loads resistance training (HLRT). The secondary objective was to assess intra-quadriceps regional EMG differences …

Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Markers In Infants Using The Infant And Motor Engagement Scale, Cesley L. Taft

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Sleep Rehabilitation Program For Military Members With Tbis & Scis, Hailey M. Cassidy

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Increasing Reading Comprehension And Accuracy By Enhancing Reading Mechanics In Preadolescence: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Academia, Shireena Behel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Reading comprehension and accuracy are critical components of academic success in preadolescence. Research suggests that traditional school systems utilize a unisensory approach to learning, however, recent studies have emphasized the successful impact a multisensory approach can have on academic performance. This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop a multisensory, occupation-based reading program for the Huntsville Learning Center (HLC) Christian Summer Camp under the guidance of Mariana D’Amico, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Susan Callaway, HLC Family Development Coordinator. This required conducting pretest and post-test measurements, implementing occupation-based reading activities, and administering a post-program evaluation survey to determine the effectiveness of a …

Perceived Effects Of Kinesiotaping On Muscle Performance Of The Elderly Amongst Physical Therapists From Select Provinces Of Central Visayas, Alkiah Belle B. Cielo, Chiara Vivan C. Cudal, Elijah Emil Angelo C. De Leon, Khristine F. Dimagiba

Student Dissertations

Kinesiology Taping (KT) is a therapeutic intervention used to improve muscle performance in older adults. Its effectiveness, however, is subject to varying perceptions influenced by clinical exposure and outcomes. This study explored Filipino physical therapists’ agreement on KT’s physiological and therapeutic effects for the elderly in Central Visayas, aiming to address gaps between research and practice.

Healthcare Barriers And Supports To Healthcare Participation Within The Lgbtqia+ Community: A Systematic Review, Jordan Bradley

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Background: Historically the LGBTQIA+ community has faced many barriers to healthcare participation resulting in significant disparities.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to highlight the barriers and supports that affect the LGBTQIA+ communities’ participation in healthcare and highlight the inclusive practices and policy reforms needed to advance healthcare equity for this population.

Methods: ProQuest Central was utilized, identifying thirty-seven peer reviewed articles for synthesis. Included articles were written within the last 3 years and addressed LGBTQIA+ individuals’ participation in healthcare within the United States.

Results: The most prevalent barrier identified was discrimination appearing in overt and implicit forms. Environmental …

Using Real Patients In Physical Therapy Didactic Education: A Mixed-Methods Investigation, Stacia Hall Thompson, Mary Shotwell, Hina Garg, Michelle Webb

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical therapy educators use various strategies to promote student learning. One such way is to use real patients (RP) in the classroom to learn course material during simulation-based learning experiences (SLE). This study aimed to identify student physical therapist (SPT) perceptions regarding value, satisfaction, and confidence with SLE using RP, explore SPT perceptions and lived experiences regarding RP use in SLE during didactic physical therapy education, and determine differences in value, satisfaction, and confidence in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains based on demographic variables. Methods: The study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to simultaneously gather quantitative (survey) …

An Occupational Perspective On Collegiate Athlete Mental Health, Katelyn D. Cardwell

Graduate Student Scholarship

College can impact mental health for all students, especially those involved in a college sport. Sports require significant time dedication that decreases time available for students to be involved in other activities such as academics or leisure which can lead to increased stress. This study focuses on investigating the impact level of competition and location of school may have on student athletes’ mental health in the state of West Virginia. A mixed methods self-report survey with a total of 75 questions was administered online via Qualtrics software. Quantitative data was analyzed using Stats IQ feature on Qualtrics and qualitative data …

The Influence Of Active, Passive, And Manual Therapy Interventions On Escalation Of Health Care Events After Physical Therapist Care In Veterans With Low Back Pain, John M. Mayer, M. Jason Highsmith, Jason Maikos, Charity G. Patterson, Joseph Kakyomya, Bridget Smith, Nigel Shenoy, Christopher L. Dearth, Shawn Farrokhi

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Objective The objective of this study was to examine the associations between active, passive, and manual therapy interventions with the escalation-of-care events following physical therapist care for veterans with low back pain (LBP). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 3618 veterans who received physical therapist care for LBP between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2018. The VA Corporate Data Warehouse was utilized to identify LBP-related physical therapist visits and procedures, as well as opioid prescription and non-physical therapy clinic encounters. The association between physical therapist interventions with 1-year escalation-of-care events were assessed using adjusted odds ratios from …

Standardized Patient Evaluation Tool: A Valid Measure Of The Core Competencies, Lindsey E. Eberman, Jessica Edler Nye

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

The Value Of Using Validated Competency-Based Assessments Across The Career Span Of An Athletic Trainer, Matthew Drescher, Lindsey Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

The Development, Implementation, And Value Of The Athletic Training Milestones For Assessing Progressive Clinical Behaviors, Hollie Walusz, Eric Sauers, Mark Laursen, Forrest Pecha

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

Perceptions And Use Of The Athletic Training Milestones In Education: A Report From The Aate Research Network, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Barton E. Anderson, Julie M. Cavallario, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The Athletic Training Milestones (AT Milestones) were developed as an evaluation tool to capture the breadth and depth of athletic training knowledge, skills, and behavior. However, it is unclear whether athletic training programs are implementing this tool or how they are implementing it to gauge the clinical progression of students or residents in athletic training. We aimed to explore the perceptions and use of the AT Milestones among educators in athletic training programs. We used a cross-sectional, web- based survey with open-ended questions to collect data from athletic training programs on if and how they implement the AT Milestones at …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Maternal, Infant, And Family Wellness: Policy, Procedure, And Program Development, Emilee Armstrong

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to advocate for maternal, infant, and family wellness through occupational therapy services. The focus areas of my capstone project included administration, advocacy, policy and program development. I developed two post-cesarean delivery policies for maternal rehabilitation and father-infant bonding, a Kangaroo Father Care program, and an occupational therapy position proposal. The Kangaroo Father Care program included healthcare professional educational modules, an administration checklist, and facility and patient flyers. My project aimed to develop the foundation for implementing acute maternal rehabilitative services for a regional hospital in Northeast Indiana. The knowledge and skills I gained throughout my capstone …

Occupational Therapy & Dyslexia Curriculum, Tiara Ortiz

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone project, a truly innovative endeavor, was conducted in a school-based setting for children with dyslexia. I developed educational materials, distinct in their approach, for teachers and occupational therapists to implement individually or in a group setting. These materials comprise a curriculum that explicitly targets executive functioning and visual interventions, a novel and exciting approach to dyslexia treatment. The project was successfully implemented in the Bridge Program at the Christ School in Orlando, Florida, a private school program tailored to children with dyslexia. I was mentored by Dominque Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, the Bridge Program's school-based occupational therapist.

Integrating Physiological Measures Within A Music Therapy Research Course: Program Description And Initial Evaluation, Andrea M. Hunt, Felicity Sims

College of Performing Arts Departmental Research

Applying research to practice is an essential competency, and some educators have turned to course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) to support music therapy students in developing these skills. We provided a bounded CURE involving a research question requiring data from three different biosensors. We collected program evaluation outcomes where respondents reported increased interest and confidence in reading and doing research as well as personal investment in the project. Respondents also indicated that, as a result of taking this course, they were more likely to take part in research projects in the future and they were interested in pursuing master’s level …

Unification Of Art And Spirituality, Erin Barrus

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

David Wagenfeld, an artist and resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, provided the cover art for the Summer 2024 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Word Fusion” is a piece made from ink on paper that uses words to depict an image of a person walking through an environment. The image is rooted to the ground in love, joy, calmness, and peace. The person is one with themselves and their spirituality with arms portraying presence, joy, and serenity. David shares his experience of self-discovery and understanding of the beautiful dance between art and spirituality.

Letter To The Editor: The Copm: Culturally Sensitive By Design, Maryann Mccoll, Susan E. Baptiste, Anne Carswell, Mary Law, Helene Polatajko

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Clinical Application Of The Soil Model: A Practical Case Consideration, Shivani B. Vij

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Cultural Respect In Academia, Alondra Ammon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Given the aim to increase diverse representation in health care to promote equitable health care outcomes, occupational therapists must critically examine how we respect cultural diversity. This opinion piece intends to highlight the importance of creating academic spaces where students can thrive and carry over those teachings beyond the classroom and into the communities they serve. The author, who identifies as a person of color, is a Ph.D. candidate and academic occupational therapy educator who integrated their constructionist epistemological lens and reviewed literature to inform a working definition of cultural respect and recommendations. Cultural respect involves recognizing, understanding, and appreciating …

A Synthesis Of Professional Socialization Literature And Educational Opportunities In Occupational Therapy, Jessica Nakos

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this topic on education paper is to synthesize the literature on professional socialization across disciplines, emphasize professional socialization as a research priority, and discuss opportunities to improve occupational therapy education. Relevant literature from higher education, business education, and health care professions were included that support the critical role of professional socialization to development of professional identity. A critical appraisal and discussion provide reflection on the role of educators, opportunities for program improvements, and implications to occupational therapy research and education. Dimensions of meaning associated with professional socialization are introduced and offer a unique occupation-based lens through which …

Primary Care Occupational Therapy: Diagnoses, Outcomes, Reimbursement, And Team Satisfaction, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, Tina M. Sauber, Mandi Ogaard, Martina Mookadam, Shanthi V. Cambala, Felicia E. Trembath

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Literature supports including occupational therapists on primary care teams. Few occupational therapists practice in this setting. The health care community needs more information regarding the benefits of occupational therapists on the team.

Method: We completed an 18-month pilot integrating an occupational therapist in a primary care team, tracking conditions treated by the occupational therapist, visit duration, reimbursement, and level of primary care providers’ (PCP) satisfaction. We then evaluated outcomes via a retrospective chart review.

Results: Visits were brief, averaging 35 min. Longer visits did not improve outcomes. Occupational therapists were reimbursed by Medicare (47%), commercial (47%), …