Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Preparing Occupational Therapy Students In A Role-Emerging Private School-Based Setting, Jerome Amigo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project occurred in collaboration with Cornerstone Christian Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a role-emerging area of practice, occupational therapy must focus on integrating services in private schools just as much as public schools. The need for resources to support future fieldwork students at Cornerstone Christian Academy makes it difficult for occupational therapy students to enhance their experiential learning opportunities and serve an underserved population of primary and middle school students.

The capstone project consisted of daily engagement with Cornerstone Christian Academy’s educational personnel, attending students, and the parents of the students for 14 weeks to ensure all …

Pediatric Trauma-Informed Care And Implications For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Quaneka Hoskin-Chase

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners are provided a wealth of knowledge through school and professional fieldwork experiences to understand and skillfully address the needs of children who have been exposed to trauma. Therapists are competently prepared to provide holistic and client-centered care that is dedicated to meaningful and volitional engagement (Lynch et al., 2021). However, many therapists still lack the confidence and awareness of their role related to trauma-informed care in the pediatric environment (Piller, 2022). Trauma compromises each domain of occupation (Lynch et al., 2021). As early intervention specialists, the lack of responsiveness to children’s trauma can have devastating and enduring …

Introduction Of The Anatomy Academy Program To Children In A Rural Elementary School, Rox Aurelio, Madison Dobbs, Nicole Horn, Gianni Terrana

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Children in rural communities experience health and education disparities. Early exposure to health promoting habits can positively impact future health habits. Healthcare providers who grew up in rural areas are more likely to practice in rural areas. Doctor of physical therapy students and physical therapists implemented Anatomy Academy, a service-learning program aimed at promoting healthy living and introducing healthcare occupations, to elementary students in a rural area as this program had previously only been implemented in urban areas. The Biomedical Institutional Review Board at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas approved this study. A 40-minute lesson was delivered weekly for …

Implementation Of Evidence-Based Practices To Improve Treatment For Patients With Neck Pain: A Pilot Study, Kristine David, Sarah Kaderka, Christoffer-Judd Villarias

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: To determine physical therapists’ barriers to implementation and subsequent maintenance of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for treating neck pain from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) neck pain Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) over the course of six months.

Materials and Methods: Participating physical therapists were trained on the EBPs of treating neck pain through a live 90-minute webinar followed by a hands-on, in-person 90-minute session. Clinics were supplied with all necessary equipment and reference guides. Assessment of participant maintenance to neck pain EBPs included data collection from a baseline Knowledge Check survey prior to educational sessions, an Implementation survey at …

Increasing Self-Efficacy With Menstrual Management For Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness Using The Inclusive “U N Me” Education Program, Edellene Ignacio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of the study was to increase self-efficacy with the occupation of menstrual management in young adults experiencing homelessness using the "Understanding and Navigating Menstrual Experience" or "U N ME" program. The objectives of this study were a reported increase in self-efficacy with menstrual management, the development of the U N ME program, and to promote the spread of accurate information to other menstruators in the community.

This study was a convergent parallel mixed-method study rooted in a phenomenological approach. The intervention featured four weekly workshops featuring education, group discussion, and an activity to tie the topic of the …

Promoting Positive Dementia Attitudes Through Occupational Engagement: The Development Of A Dementia Awareness Program For Community Older Adults, Cynthia Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: This capstone project explored the effects of adding occupational engagement into a dementia awareness program on attitudes toward dementia among community-dwelling older adults, aiming to challenge dementia myths and promote an inclusive environment through occupational therapy perspectives. Methods: This project used a pre-test, post-test design with convenience sampling to develop and assess a dementia awareness program based on insights from Silverado Red Rock Memory Care Community and participation from members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the program. Changes in positive attitudes toward dementia were measured using the Dementia Attitudes …

Seated Athletes' Motivation For Participation In Wheelchair Sports: A Qualitative Study, Audrey Lynn Miller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose for this phenomenological design qualitative analysis was to gain an understanding of the perspectives of seated athletes’ motivation for participation in adapted athletics and argues that there is a component of seating that affects motivation. Occupational therapists build client interventions using meaningful occupations. This study aimed to increase awareness of adapted athletics impact on occupational performance. There was a gap in the literature for qualitative research exploring the lens of adapted sports participation through the perspective of seated athletes. This study utilized one-time individual semi-structured interviews with five participants that currently participate on a wheelchair court sports team …

Feasibility Of An Occupation-Based Intervention Manual For Outpatient Hand Clinics, Mia Moralez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this quality improvement study was to determine the usefulness of an Occupation-based Intervention Manual (OBI) for hand therapists in Southern Nevada and if the utilization of the OBI manual supported client-centered outcomes regardless of diagnosis, age, or population.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used, and five participants met the inclusion criteria in the twelve-week study. Pre-interview questionnaire responses from the therapists were used to develop the OBI manual content and corresponding Utilization Tracker. Post-interview questionnaire responses were used to determine the application and outcomes of the OBI manual. Descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, and thematic analysis were used …

Effectiveness Of An Occupational Therapy-Focused Stroke Transitional Care Program In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Danniel Tapat

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: As a global health issue, stroke is one of the most common causes of disability for individuals around the world. The American Heart Association (2024) mentions that stroke is the fifth-highest cause of mortality and the top cause of disability in the United States. Objective: This project aimed to assess the change in the perceived readiness of individuals after implementing an occupational therapy (OT)-focused transitional care program for patients with stroke and their caregivers before returning home. Methods: The recruitment process for participants involved purposive sampling methods. The study utilized both the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form (RHDS-SF) …

An Educational Toolkit For Addressing Women’S Sexual Health And Activity: Preparation For Occupational Therapists, Brittan Wright

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite being an activity of daily living within the scope of Occupational Therapy, issues and concerns related to sexual health are infrequently addressed within practice. This gap is especially prevalent as it relates to women's sexual health and sexual activity specifically. This capstone project evaluated Occupational Therapists' level of knowledge and comfort when discussing sexual activity and women's sexual health. It measured the effectiveness of creating an online educational toolkit to increase knowledge and confidence. The project used a quality improvement approach with pre-and post-test surveys to determine the effectiveness of the educational toolkit to enhance knowledge and confidence in …

Comparing Children’S Engagement In Storybook Reading With And Without Access To Aac With A Literacy Supportive Feature, Brooke Zimmerman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This thesis evaluates the effects of comparing children’s engagement in storybook reading with and without access to high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with a literacy supportive feature. Literacy skills are a fundamental cornerstone for engagement in the lives of young children. Among these skills, the ability to decode words, or phonetically sound them out, plays a pivotal role in the acquisition of literacy. Proficiency in literacy also broadens the communication capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods. However, existing AAC technologies currently fall short in adequately strengthening literacy development, particularly …

Assessing Brain Processing Deficits Using Neuropsychological And Vision-Specific Tests For Concussion, Brent A. Harper, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Since verbal memory and visual processing transpire within analogous cerebral regions, this study assessed (i) if a visual function can predict verbal memory performance. It also hypothesized whether neurocognitive (e.g., ImPACT) tests focusing on the Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index will predict Verbal Memory scores and (ii) if vision metrics and age can identify individuals with a history of concussion. Finally, it also hypothesized that King–Devick and near point of convergence scores alongside age considerations will identify candidates with a prior reported history of concussion. Materials and methods: This observational cohort assessed 25 collegiate ice hockey players prior …

Unlocking The Power Of Experiential Learning: Student Reported Changes Following Combined Nicu Instruction, Megan M. Black, Natalie A. Perkins, Valerie F. Mcdaniel

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of in-person observation, in conjunction with didactic lectures, on students' perceived knowledge of speech-language pathology's (SLP) role and the roles of other healthcare professionals within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Method: Data for this study were initially collected for educational purposes and were later retrospectively analyzed with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Ten participants who met the inclusion criteria underwent a didactic lecture on SLPs in the NICU followed by observing an SLP in action at a local NICU. Participants completed multiple surveys, allowing for a comparison of their perceived knowledge …

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: The Hidden Issues And Entertainment Within The World Of Crime And Punishment, John Charlton, Christian Sorrells, Aaron Burney, Jonathan Yi

ENGL 1102 Showcase

An anthology diving into observing topics related to crime and punishment and determining the effect on the greater topic. Explains why people are so interested in crime, how PTSD can lead to violence and questioning how prisoners spend their time and all through provoking questions addressed in this anthology in the hope that it creates a greater understanding of crime and punishment as a whole.

Cultural Adaptation Of The Ayres Sensory Integration® (Asi) Caregiver Education Module 1: "The Importance Of Play In Asi" For Parents Of Children In Hong Kong With Sensory Integration Challenges, Stephen Chan

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® is an evidence-based intervention that includes parent education and participation to support outcomes. However, culturally-adapted guidelines for this parent component in Hong Kong have not been published.

Objective: To culturally and linguistically adapt Module 1 of the Ayres Sensory Integration® Caregiver Education Guidebook: “The Importance of Play” for Hong Kong parents of children with sensory integration challenges and obtain user input to determine if it is useful, easy to understand, and culturally relevant.

Method: Survey methodology from a convenient sample of 10 occupational therapists using Ayres Sensory Integration for at least 5 years. …

Parent Perceived Facilitators And Barriers To Implementation Of Ayres Sensory Integration® (Asi) Parent Education Modules For Autistic Children, Emily E. Lowry, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is an evidence-based intervention for children with challenges in sensory integration. Parent education is an integral part of ASI (Parham et al., 2011). To address parent education, researchers developed the ASI Parent Education Modules, developed by a team of researchers (Schaaf et al., 2015) and embellished by others (Roan et al., 2022) designed to educate parents about their child’s sensory integrative challenges, ideas for addressing these at home, and to promote collaboration between therapists and parents.

Objective: To examine parental perceptions of the facilitators and barriers impacting the implementation of ASI Parent Education Modules for …

The Experience Of The Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Waiting Room Design For Autistic Children, Maria J. Vetter, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Autistic children attend an annual average of 41.5 outpatient visits, while typically developing children attend an average of 3.3 visits (Liptak, Stuart, & Auinger, 2006). Autistic children generally experience sensory processing and self-regulation differences. Outpatient therapy waiting rooms are frequented by autistic children for outpatient services. These settings consist of unpredictable and uncontrollable stimuli that may be difficult for children with different sensory needs to tolerate, leading to high stress levels and struggles with self-regulation impacting their experience (Higuera-Trujillo et al., 2020; Schaaf et al., 2011). However, there is scant occupational therapy research informing the design of supportive waiting …

Certified Hand Therapists’ Perceptions Of The Impact And Implications Of Psychosocial Factors On Patients With Complex Traumatic Hand Injuries, Noha A. Elfar, Otr/L, Cht

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Background: Hand therapists utilize special skills in assessing, planning, and treating patients to prevent dysfunction, restore function, and/or reverse the progress of pathology of the upper limb to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and participate fully in life. However, little is known about how hand therapists address psychosocial factors in patients with complex traumatic hand injuries (CTHIs) and their perspectives on how physical and psychological adaptation is required following hand trauma to optimize care.¹

Purpose: To identify Certified Hand Therapists’ (CHTs) perceptions of the impact and implications of psychosocial factors in patients with CTHIs by analyzing qualitative …

Examining The Effect Of Genes On Depression As Mediated By Smoking And Modified By Sex, Kirsten Voorhies, Julian Hecker, Sanghun Lee, Georg Hahn, Dmitry Prokopenko, Merry-Lynn Mcdonald, Alexander C Wu, Ann Wu, John E Hokanson, Michael H Cho, Christoph Lange, Karin F Hoth, Sharon M Lutz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Depression is heritable, differs by sex, and has environmental risk factors such as cigarette smoking. However, the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on depression through cigarette smoking and the role of sex is unclear. In order to examine the association of SNPs with depression and smoking in the UK Biobank with replication in the COPDGene study, we used counterfactual-based mediation analysis to test the indirect or mediated effect of SNPs on broad depression through the log of pack-years of cigarette smoking, adjusting for age, sex, current smoking status, and genetic ancestry (via principal components). In secondary analyses, we adjusted …

Steps To Success: The Lived Experiences Of College Students On The Autism Spectrum, Magdalene Pearl

Online Theses and Dissertations

Young adults on the autism spectrum are likely to experience an occupational imbalance after graduating high school. This is evidenced by the approximately 37% to 50% of youth with autism who report unemployment or not continuing their education after high school and their researched struggles with managing mental health conditions, living independently in the community, and engaging in social activities. In order to better understand the perspectives of young adults with autism experiencing an occupational imbalance after graduating high school, this thesis aims to explore the experiences of college students with autism using a qualitative approach. College students with autism …

Effectiveness Of Escoop® Lenses On A Select Group Of Veterans, Connie Chronister Od, Denise T. Wilcox Od, Stanley Hatch Od, Mph

Optometric Clinical Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective chart review to see if the use of EScoop® lenses improved the referred veterans' contrast acuity and subjective visual discomfort of glare, photophobia, or difficulty with night driving. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed examinations of 23 veterans aged 36 to 91 who chose EScoop ® for their spectacle prescription. The EScoop ® set available in our clinic included two shades, yellow or orange, two center lens thicknesses (LT), 6 or 9 mm, and with or without 4 prism diopters yoked base up (BU) prism. Results: The largest diagnostic group tested …

Addressing The Physical Demands Of Caregiving Or Children With Disabilities In Nicaragua: A Quality Improvement Collaboration With Fne International, Grace Price

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Many caregivers of children with disabilities experience chronic pain and related symptoms of cumulative physical trauma. This type of phenomenon is particularly prevalent in developing, low-income countries where environmental accommodations may not be as accessible. A quality improvement program, was conducted as a doctoral capstone project to create resources addressing the physical needs of caregivers of children with disabilities in Nicaragua. Program participants included teachers at a school for children with disabilities and special needs in Nicaragua. The primary project deliverable consisted of conducting an in-person workshop to train the teachers with evidence-based methods for preventing chronic pain and other …

Navigating Child-Rearing With A Physical Disability: An Occupational Therapy Approach With Lived Experience, Randi M. Glisson

MOT Student Capstones

Parenting is a difficult occupation for anyone, but parenting with a physical disability presents additional challenges. Despite there being a similar rate of pregnancy for women with disabilities as non-disabled mothers, there is limited information available for parenting with a physical disability. The author theorized that by providing the needed educational resources on adaptive parenting, including the use of activity and environmental modifications and assistive technology, to parents with physical disabilities, knowledge of adaptive parenting would increase. This capstone incorporates a thorough literature review and is guided by the Model of Human Occupation and Human Activity Assistive Technology Model to …

Collegiate Student-Athlete Mental Health In West Virginia: An Occupational Perspective, Natalie P. Gates, Bailey A. Riggs, Drew D. Altizer

Graduate Student Scholarship

Collegiate athletes must take on multiple roles while they are attending a college or university, which can negatively impact their mental health. These student-athletes must not only follow the role demands and expectations of an athlete but also of a college student, all while emerging into adulthood in the college environment. This can be overwhelming for many collegiate athletes, and they often find it difficult to balance all their responsibilities to live a satisfactory life. Therefore, a role for occupational therapy exists in this realm. A quantitative study design using survey methods was chosen in hopes of identifying and describing …

Increasing Social Inclusion And Engagement Of Exercise For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: A Universal Resource Development For Wellness Facilities, Alexa Hall

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are 1.5 times more likely to disengage in exercise one-year post-injury despite 80% of these individuals agreeing that exercise is critical to their overall health and quality of life (Baehr. Et al., 2022). A needs assessment was conducted on why the lack of engagement in exercise exists for individuals with SCIs within fitness facilities to identify barriers preventing participation. A quality improvement program called the Spinal Cord Injury Wellness Toolkit was created based off these findings and implemented at the MUSC Wellness Center. 14 individuals with SCIs participated at wellness center; REDCap surveys were …

Feeding Deficits Contributing To Picky Eating, Olivia Paige Allen, Brianna Paige Pestrosky, Caitlyn Shaffer

Graduate Student Scholarship

Children are often known as picky eaters but many aspects contribute to feeding that one may not be aware of. These factors include sensory, oral motor, behavioral, neuromuscular, social skills, developmental readiness, and functional feeding skills. This study analyzes the aspects of feeding that contribute to picky eating and examines why some aspects may contribute more than others. The study will be conducted through the use of observation and standardized occupational therapy assessments while looking at children ages 2-10 years old. The goal of the study is to increase the knowledge of picky eating by relating it to the various …

Sensory Exploration Curriculum Development For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Community, Caroline F. Stegall

OTD Capstone Projects

This project served to promote sensory strategies among participants at a day program for adults with disabilities. Using an occupational therapy lens, a sensory exploration-based curriculum and collaborative efforts for a sensory room on site were developed.

The Impact Of Parent And Caregiver Perceptions Of Inclusivity Regarding The Concepts Of Inclusive Playgrounds​, Cydnee M. Bacci

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone was completed in partnership with Recreational Concepts, LLC and Ingrid Kanics OTR/L, FOATA, CPSI. The purpose of this project was to collect current and accurate data regarding parent and caregiver perceptions of inclusive play throughout the Middle Tennessee area. The inclusive playgrounds that participated in this study were Mary’s Magical Place, Henslee Park, and the Thisbe and Noah Promise Park Foundation. Current literature highlights the fact that a sizeable gap exists regarding who is using inclusive playgrounds and if they are properly facilitating inclusive play. Obtaining a deeper understanding of how inclusive playgrounds are being used leads to …

Nashville Dolphins Water Safety Awareness Project, Evan D. Eidson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed with Nashville Dolphins. The Nashville Dolphins offer free learn to swim lessons and swim team programs for children and adults with disabilities at no cost. The organization serves over 300 swimmers in the learn to swim classes and over 100 swimmers on their swim team. The programs are run by volunteers. The focus of this project was to develop programming resources to raise awareness of water safety and the steps for the Nashville Dolphins to help lower statistics of drowning rates. Deliverables provided to the organization include PowerPoint presentation to be sent to parents …

Exploring Leisure And Recreation Programming Within A Transitional Living Community, Alexandra Joynes

OTD Capstone Projects

Dismas House is an approved Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), 501(c)(3) non-profit residential re-entry program serving men who are returning to the community from state and county jails and prisons. The purpose of this capstone experience is to collaborate with Dismas House staff and residents to create sustainable resources for community dinner and programming engagement through a recreation and leisure lens. At Dismas House, the goal is to support these men as they navigate a variety of challenges that come with transition from prison back into society, whether this is through providing basic needs, focusing on health & well-being, employing …