Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Enhancing Fall Prevention: Prioritizing Postural Health And Monitoring Falls Among Persons With Parkinson's Disease (Pwpd) And Care Partners, Kara Day, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr, Karen Aranha Phd, Ot

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Falls are a significant concern for persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) that can lead to injury, occupational deprivation, and poor quality of life (QoL). This capstone project addressed the gap in resources related to fall prevention by focusing on postural health and fall monitoring for PwPD, their care partners, and community organizations. The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive guidebook for PwPD and care partners, as well as a handbook for community organizations to enhance postural health literacy, increase fall monitoring, reduce the risk of falling, and overall improve the QoL for PwPD and their care partners.

Lower Limb Prosthetics Impact On Social Participation, Kayla Jones, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amputations can cause a lack of motivation which will hinder occupational performance and participation after limb loss (Şimsek et al., 2020). The fit of an individual’s prosthetic is crucial to allow for an increase in participation (Diment et al., 2022). Occupational therapists treat the limb loss community but there is little evidence in the literature to support social participation with the use of a prosthetic limb. There is a need for new research to better understand how the use of a prosthetic can impact an individual’s social participation.

Self-Perceived Well-Being Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students In The United States In 2022 Compared To 2021, David Kietrys, Ellen Zambo Anderson, James S. Parrott, Suchismita Ray

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore well-being in a cohort of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in 2022, and compare factors related to well-being to a cohort of DPT students from 2021.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study combined data from a self-administered survey of participants who had participated in a well-being survey in 2021 (and agreed to be contacted for follow-up one year later) with survey data from first year DPT students during the fall of 2022. The survey included the WHO-5 Well-being Index, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, the Brief Resiliency Scale, and an array of …

Exploring Patients' Views Regarding The Support And Rehabilitation Needs Of People Living With Myocardial Ischaemia And No Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A Qualitative Interview Study, Helen Humphreys, Danielle Paddock, Sarah Brown, Aynsley Cowie, Colin Berry, Susan Dawkes, Simon Nichols

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to generate new qualitative insights to understand the rehabilitation needs of people living with a confirmed or presumed diagnosis of ischaemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA), explore which aspects of current cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes could meet the needs of people with INOCA and where adjustments (if any) may be appropriate. DESIGN: Semistructured qualitative interview study. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were undertaken (n=17; 88% female, age range 31-69 years) with people with a confirmed or presumed diagnosis of INOCA. RESULTS: Findings highlighted concerns around a lack of evidence-based guidance for cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes for …

The Physical And Psychological Impacts Of Exercise On Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Study, Savannah Posey

Honors Projects

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a subtype of a series of connective tissue disorders identified by joint hypermobility and multisystemic symptoms. It is caused by a lack of collagen production affecting the body’s ability to support important structures such as muscle, bone skin, and other connective tissues. To study the physical and psychological impacts of exercise on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a seven-week, phased exercise intervention program was implemented for a nineteen-year-old male with the disease. The program consisted of three phases focused on the strengthening of the surrounding musculature of the glenohumeral joint, along with improving muscular endurance and proprioception. …

A Multifactorial Fall Prevention Program, Virale Patel, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Falls among older adults are a pressing public health concern, leading to significant physical, psychological, and economic consequences. This capstone project aimed to design and implement a multifactorial fall prevention program to address unmet occupational needs and enhance safety and occupational participation among long-term care residents at a skilled nursing facility. The six-week program included targeted weekly sessions focusing on behavior modification, footwear safety, adaptive equipment training, strength and balance exercises, toileting strategies, and environmental modifications. Pre- and post-program assessments utilized the Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) and participant surveys to evaluate changes in confidence, fear of falling, and satisfaction …

Training Staff Members And Caregivers On Utilizing Allen Cognitive Levels To Aid Individuals Living With Alzheimer's And Dementia To Maintain Activities Of Daily Living, Kristy Boyd, Cassandra Nelson, Jennifer Summers

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project is about training staff members and caregivers on utilizing the Allen's cognitive levels to aid individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia to maintain their activities of daily living by creating a program that consists of modules, physical demonstration, and a deliverable for staff members and caregivers as well as therapeutic activities and sensory regulation activities for the participants.

Physical Fitness And Nutrition In Collegiate Musical Theater Programs, Alexis Ochi, Amy Morgan Ph.D, Mary-Jon Ludy Ph.D.

Honors Projects

BACKGROUND: Athleticism and physical fitness are often not the first characteristics one identifies when visualizing someone in musical theater. Watching just one performance can make it clear that dancing, acting, running, all while singing and keeping near perfect pitch requires a theater actor to be extremely fit. As well as fitness, nutrition considerations and injury prevention should also be considered due to the high physiological demand placed on these performers. Minimal research has been conducted regarding the fitness and nutritional habits of musical theater performers. PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of discussions about fitness and nutrition in collegiate musical …

Wearable Surface Electromyography System To Predict Freeze Of Gait In Parkinson's Disease Patients., Anna Moore, Jinxing Li, Christopher H Contag, Luke J Currano, Connor O Pyles, David A Hinkle, Vivek Shinde Patil

Neuroscience Articles

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling yet poorly understood paroxysmal gait disorder affecting the vast majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as they reach advanced stages of the disorder. Falling is one of the most disabling consequences of a FOG episode; it often results in injury and a future fear of falling, leading to diminished social engagement, a reduction in general fitness, loss of independence, and degradation of overall quality of life. Currently, there is no robust or reliable treatment against FOG in PD. In the absence of reliable and effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, alleviating the consequences …

Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Tdcs) Modulates Quadriceps Motor Cortex Inhibition And Facilitation During Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (Acl) Reconstruction: A Triple-Blind, Randomised Controlled Proof Of Concept Trial, Myles Calder Murphy, Colin Sylvester, Casey Whife, Peter D'Alessandro, Ebonie Kendra Rio, Ann Maree Vallence

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), maladaptive changes occur in the motor cortex representation of the quadriceps, evidenced by increases in intracortical inhibition and facilitation. The primary objective of this proof-of-concept study was to determine if anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can alter quadriceps intracortical inhibition and facilitation in an early-ACLR population after 6 weeks of application during exercise. Methods We performed a randomised, triple-blind controlled trial for proof of concept comparing anodal-tDCS to sham-tDCS following ACLR. Anodal-tDCS or sham-tDCS was delivered to the primary motor cortex for 20 min, three times per week, for 6 weeks from …

Do New Mothers In Their First-Year Postpartum Feel Prepared To Return To Daily Occupations?, Kim Rose, Jane L. Donat, Cedrica Durham, Bianca Haddock, Danyl Litumbe, Julia Otoski, Katsia Renaud

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose: Our research aimed to explore if new mothers felt prepared to return to their daily lives and the role occupational therapy could have in helping prepare women to transition into their new role as mothers. Previous literature has found that limits to occupational engagement and occupational balance have adversely affected the well-being of new mothers.

Methods: This sequential, exploratory mixed methods study employed the RedCap survey platform to collect demographic information, information regarding women’s birth experience and to obtain consent. Twenty-two women who filled out the survey met the inclusion criteria, and ten were selected to proceed with the …

Benefits Of Multisensory Rooms In Schools To Control Behaviors In Children With Disabilities, Kye Smith, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project explores the benefits of implementing multisensory rooms in schools to manage challenging behaviors in children with disabilities. Conducted at the Barack and Michelle Obama Ninth Grade Center in Lancaster, TX, the program involved participants aged 13-15 diagnosed with disabilities. A comprehensive needs assessment identified gaps in behavior management and overstimulation challenges. The program was designed using evidence-based strategies, including the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, and incorporated techniques such as the Take Five Breathing Strategy, deep pressure input, chair yoga, and meditation.

Through pre- and post-surveys with students, parents, and teachers, the study evaluated the program's impact on functional independence …

Pre-Sleep Routines Affecting Sleep In Adults, Diana Navarro, Rebecca King, Cassandra Nelson

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project examines the impact of pre-sleep routines on adult sleep quality, emphasizing the role of consistent habits, reduced technology use, and stress management. A six-week intervention incorporating evidence-based strategies such as sleep hygiene education, environmental adjustments, and relaxation techniques was conducted. Results revealed significant improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and enhanced physical and emotional well-being among participants. These findings highlight the importance of tailored pre-sleep routines in addressing sleep disorders and provide a foundation for broader implementation and future research.

Occupational Disruption In Graduate Students: Literature On The Effects Of Financial Strain And New Responsibilities Of Graduate School On Mental Health, Emilee Armstrong, Samantha Edwards, Arianna Z. Cook

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

This exploratory paper examines the intricate phenomenon of occupational disruption among graduate students, in an attempt at investigating the effect of financial strain and newly acquired responsibilities during graduate school on mental health. The research question guiding this exploration is centered on understanding the specific occupational disruptions experienced by graduate students, particularly those arising from financial strain and newly acquired occupations inherent in graduate school. The methodology involves a systematic search of pertinent literature across three databases, including The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), Google Scholar, and the National Institute of Health (NIH). Preliminary findings from the literature review …

Benefits Of Occupation-Based Outdoor Physical Activity To Mental Health, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

This paper examines the benefits of occupation-based outdoor physical activity as an intervention for individuals with mental health conditions to increase their psychological well-being. We conducted a focused review of the literature to support the participation in physical activity, if any within the lives of people with mental health concerns. We utilized the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) framework to understand and to determine the relevance of this review to find support in incorporating outdoor physical activities in occupational therapy interventions. We propose that engaging in outdoor recreation can facilitate meaningful occupational engagement and subsequent identity development which may potentially …

Individualized Sensory Based Functional Activity Program For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disability With A Co-Morbidity Of A Mental Health Condition, Dakota Laporte, Cynthia Haynes, Rebekah Jarrar

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This Program was designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a co-occurring mental health condition. This program was designed based on the individual's sensory needs to improve occupational performance in their lives. This capstone project filled a knowledge gap by creating a sensory based activity program for individuals with IDD and mental health conditions. Its primary goal was to educate participants about their sensory needs and integrate these into functional activities to improve occupational performance.

Powerful Families Podcast: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Family Education Of Mental Health Conditions And Substance Use Disorder, Wessleigh Holloway, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Mental health conditions and SUD significantly impact family members emotionally and physiologically, yet these effects are often insufficiently recognized and addressed (Delaney, 2023). Existing education programs focus on individuals in recovery, leaving families without the necessary knowledge and skills to support their loved ones effectively, resulting in feelings of powerlessness and confusion. This capstone project created an education program to equip family members of individuals with SUD or mental health challenges with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate addiction and recovery effectively. The program focuses on improving understanding of SUD, fostering healthier coping mechanisms, strengthening family trust, and enhancing …

Occupational Therapy Education And Advocacy For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Francis Green, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects individuals' daily lives. While occupational therapy (OT) has been shown to enhance independence, motor function, cognitive health, and emotional well-being for individuals with PD, awareness and understanding of these services remain limited among patients and caregivers. This capstone project sought to address this gap by developing and distributing tailored educational materials. Weekly handouts, supported by in-person discussions, were designed to raise awareness of OT’s role and provide actionable strategies for managing PD symptoms. Surveys conducted throughout the project provided valuable feedback on the educational materials created, ensuring the materials' …

Use Of Creative Outlets To Impact Quality Of Life For Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Andria Burden, Helen Carey, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) profoundly impacts quality of life by limiting participation in meaningful activities. This mixed-methods study explored the role of creative outlets in enhancing quality of life for individuals with ALS. Quantitative data from the ALS-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form (ALSSQOL-SF) and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews revealed key themes of adaptation, purpose, community, and quality of life. Findings indicate that creative outlets foster self-expression, social connection, and cognitive engagement while reducing isolation. Recommendations include integrating tailored creative activities into occupational therapy (OT), emphasizing group settings and early introduction to promote adaptability and community-building. This study underscores …

Awakening The Senses: Family-Centered Education On Sensory Stimulation For Children In The Icu, Kylie Pinson, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Awakening the Senses: Family-Centered Education on Sensory Stimulation for Children in the ICU. This project was designed to educate family members and healthcare providers on the sensory stimulation for children in the ICU, mainly focusing on patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Educational handouts were created along with sensory bins highlighting all 5 senses.

Effects Of Simultaneous Smartphone Texting And Auditory Stimulation On Gait, Sebastian Herrera Vargas

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

More often than not, pedestrians around busy college campuses, business parks, and shopping malls are seen walking while using their phones and listening to music or having earphones in. Activities on pedestrians’ phones that captivate them more and require higher cognitive processing demonstrated a higher detriment to their gait kinematics than less cognitively complicated activities (Brennan and Preloff, 2021). This study aims to establish whether or not gait parameters are affected by walking while engaging in cognitively demanding activities such as texting and listening to green noise. Green noise is a deviation from white noise, which amplifies the mid-range frequencies …

Remotely Delivered Yoga Therapy For Chronic Pain: A Case Study, Patience Kaltenbach, Laura Edoff, Marlysa Sullivan, Steffany Moonaz

Journal of Applied Yoga Studies

Many people seek yoga as a complementary therapy for the management of chronic pain. Barriers to maintaining care for chronic pain conditions include pain with movement, fear of exacerbating symptoms, limited resources for long-term care plans, and a lack of individualized self-management instruction. In this case study, the yoga therapist implemented an integrative framework to address the needs of a client impacted by fibromyalgia primarily using video-conferencing software. This adaptive approach demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefits of remote yoga therapy for chronic pain, including improved adherence, long-term pain management, and self-efficacy for maintaining quality of life initiated by client-motivated …

Effect Of Yoga Therapy For Managing Migraine: A Case Series, Andrea Moran, Lori Rubenstein Fazzio

Journal of Applied Yoga Studies

Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder. It is characterized by symptoms lasting 4-72 hours, headache with unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity, aggravation by routine physical activity, and association with nausea and/or photophobia and phonophobia. In this case series four females in the age range of 25-57 presented complaints of migraine headaches affecting their everyday lives. Additionally, they reported emotional challenges accompanying chronic pain due to migraine headaches such as stress, sleep deprivation, and anxiety. An online eight-week yoga therapy program was given for the management of migraine headaches. This program included lifestyle modifications, postures, breathing …

A Comparative Study Of Yoga And Stoicism For Achieving Mental Well-Being, Dr. R K Roshni Raj Lakshmi, Mr. Puyam Robinchandra Singh

Journal of Applied Yoga Studies

Background: The ideal way of life is a question perused upon by many thinkers. Western philosophy as well as Indian philosophy has dwelled on this. A common thread can be seen running through philosophical schools of stoicism and yoga. Evidence can be seen in both schools of philosophy to prove this similarity. The concepts of stoicism like the dual powers leading to creation, concept of eudemonia, restraint of sense organs and control of desire find their equivalent concepts in yoga texts. It can be thus, concluded that stoicism can be seen intertwined in yoga philosophy.

Aim of the philosophical study: …

A Philosophical And Spiritual Design For Prenatal Yoga Courses, Tia A. Arriola

Journal of Applied Yoga Studies

Fear and anxiety dominate much of the global birth culture, whereby approximately 80% of pregnant women report worrying with regard to the natural risks of childbirth (Rublein & Muschalla, 2022). This leads to increased rates of antenatal stress and postpartum depression. These psychosocial responses present risk factors for adverse developmental and health outcomes for the fetus, newborn, mother, and family (Shakarami et al., 2021). In the Western context, the overwhelming response is to increasingly medicalized childbirth, which, while offering life-saving support, may also pose its own set of adverse risks for mother and infant. Therefore, alterative and complementary approaches that …

Impact Of For-Credit Mindfulness Course On Student Resilience, Engagement, And Mental Health, Linda Yaron Weston

Journal of Applied Yoga Studies

This paper highlights the impact of a university for-credit introductory mindfulness course. Research compiled from student reflections, surveys, and interviews revealed that it had a notable impact on personal growth and development, including the capacity to navigate challenges, manage difficult emotions, and build resilience. This enhanced student learning, decision making, engagement, and connection to themselves, others, and the world around them. Course pedagogy and curriculum are included here alongside a narrative account of student experiences in the course. These findings indicate a promising practice for schools to include well-being supports in the student experience.

Exploring The Role Of Yoga In Improving The Quality Of Life Among Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia And Intellectual Disability, Laura Tolbaños-Roche

Journal of Applied Yoga Studies

Background and objectives

There is large evidence of the positive effect of yoga in mental health disorders, mainly anxiety and depression. However, the studies on the role of yoga in schizophrenia and intellectual disability are sparse and inconclusive. The objective of this study is exploring the role of a specific yoga intervention, based on the Gitananda Rishiculture Asthanga Yoga Tradition, in improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and intellectual disability in a mental health institution of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n=5) and patients diagnosed with intellectual disability (n=4) …

Editors' Note, Dr. Lori Rubenstein Fazzio, Dr. Meena Ramanathan, Dr. Praseeda Menon

Journal of Applied Yoga Studies

Welcome message from the editors.

6th Annual Occupational Therapy Program Research Conference, Kelly L. Taylor Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Occupational Therapy Program RESEARCH CONFERENCE

6TH OT COHORT | CLASS OF 2025

OT Program Student Presentations Graduate Students from the Class of 2025

Age-Related Differences In Behavioral Outcomes Of Bimanual Functional Motor Tasks In Children And Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review, Hubert D. Gascon, Sahian Alicia Maldonado Numata, Sandrine Emond, Samuel Nemanich, Maxime T. Robert

Occupational Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Aim: The objective of this review is to determine age-related differences in behavioral outcomes of bimanual motor tasks in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: This review followed the 6-stage Joanna Briggs institute methodology. The embase, EBSCO CINAHL, and PubMed databases were searched on May 2024. we included studies that employed instrumented measures to assess bimanual tasks in individuals with CP aged between 3 and 19 years.Results: Twenty-eight studies were included after full-text screening. This review reported on 544individuals with CP. Bimanual tasks were grouped in seven categories and their varying complexities were listed and analyzed. There are …