Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Clinical Utility Of Opencap Motion Analysis In Lower Limb Prosthesis Users, Sarahi Fernandez Leon

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

The use of prosthetics has gradually increased due to various diseases, and it is estimated that 35-40 million people are prosthetic/orthotic users, with the number estimated to increase to two billion by 2050. Mobility has been determined to be a strong predictor of quality of life. There are various ways to measure mobility and predict outcomes in lower-limb amputees (LLA), such as self-report and performance-based measures. However, these come with many limitations, showcasing the need for quantitative measures of gait parameters to allow for better development of prosthetic components. Motion analysis tools are expensive and time consuming, but an inexpensive, …

Concomitant Epidural And Longitudinal Anterior Spinal Artery Contrast Spread In A Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (Tfesi), Philip J. Koehler Iii, Paul M. Kitei, David S. Stolzenberg, Elaine H. Hatch

Rothman Institute Papers

A 78-year-old female with a remote history of L3-4 decompression and fusion presented with several months of low back and radicular leg pain. MRI revealed moderate L2-L3 spinal canal stenosis, ligamentum flavum infolding, moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis, and a grade I retrolisthesis. A right sided L2-L3 TFESI was performed using multiplanar fluoroscopic imaging with a subpedicular supraneural approach. During live iodinated contrast injection, imaging revealed concomitant epidural and central arterial contrast spread. The needle was retracted and repeat live fluoroscopic imaging demonstrated no vascular uptake. Desired epidural and nerve root contrast spread remained in place with repeat still imaging. Dexamethasone …

A Comparison Of Vestibular Function In Young Adult Musicians And Non-Musician Peers, Alexandria W. Greene, Ashley G. Flagge, Nicholas S. Stanley

Ashley Flagge Publications

Purpose: The majority of college-level musicians exceed the daily recommended noise dose level during instrumental practices and performances, although less than one-third report wearing hearing protection while playing their instruments. Although the hazardous effects of music on the auditory system have been established, even in young adult musicians still early in their musical careers, the effects of music on the vestibular system are still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine vestibular/balance differences between young adult musicians and non-musicians to determine the effects of music exposure on the vestibular system.

Method: Young adult participants aged 18-27 years …

Advocating For Occupational Therapy Intervention With In-House Athletics, Jatia Littles, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists (OT) have the opportunity to work with athletes by outsourcing through orthopedic centers with professional leagues such as the National Football League (NFL) (Jobs in Sports, 2022) but rarely do you see OTs within the sports complex working in-house. Although many studies go into great detail on the benefits of occupational therapy during the rehabilitation process, there are only a limited number of studies that explore occupational therapy intervention in athletics (Andreas et al., 2021). This project designed and implemented an occupational therapy-focused advocacy project that involves informing interprofessional sports faculty on the benefits of OTs being a …

Short-Term And One-Week Follow-Up Of Dry Needling Effects On Shoulder Range Of Motion And Strength With Asymptomatic Individuals, Mark Hecimovich

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Dry needling, a subcutaneous treatment intervention using fine filiform needles, is growing in popularity amongst manual therapists and is used in treating myofascial trigger points, pain, range of motion, and strength, albeit with limited research. This research aimed to measure the effect of dry needling on the shoulder, its impact on external rotation, and abduction range of motion and strength with an asymptomatic cohort of individuals. It is hypothesized that dry needling on a cohort of healthy individuals will not influence both range of motion and strength.

This study consisted of a convenience sample of 20 university students aged 20 …

Perceived Patient-Centered Care In Marching Band Artists, A L. Merrill, Z K. Winkelmann, N A. Uriegas

Bakerman Student Research Awards

Objective: Approximately 27,000 college marching band (MB) artists in the United States could benefit from access to healthcare services and patient-centered clinicians. The purpose of this study was to explore HCPs MB artists have access to and their perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC). Methods: We used a cross-sectional web-based survey of MB artists (n=751, age=20±8 years). MB directors from 242 colleges were emailed a survey link to forward to MB artists. Participants indicated which HCPs they could access. Those who reported no access or unsure were prompted to describe what they would do if an injury or illness occurred. Participants …

An Occupational Therapy Educational Guidebook For Participating In African American Hair Care, Kyra Mann, Lakeisa Boykin

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This educational guidebook offers resources for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to support African American hair care during Activity of Daily Living (ADL) interventions. The materials aim to enhance OTPs' awareness, knowledge, and confidence, fostering inclusive and effective approaches to improve participation and success in these tasks.

Propulsion Patterns And Joint Kinematics In Experienced And Inexperienced Wheelchair Users, Alexander J. Ginter

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

There are many ways to propel a wheelchair, including four main propulsion patterns. However, there are no definitive criteria for a “correct” form. This study investigated differences in wheelchair propulsion between experienced and inexperienced wheelchair users to determine any differences in propulsion patterns, joint kinematics, or speed between the two groups, indicating what contributes to a more mature form. Subjects were recorded pushing a wheelchair for twenty feet, then each video was analyzed using Kinovea, a software for tracking body movements. There will be differences in the propulsion patterns between the two groups, and inexperienced users will push more frequently …

Investigating The Impact Of Mindfulness Practice On Quality Of Life And Anxiety Levels In College Students, Ope L. Oyeyemi

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Anxiety disorders are becoming more common among college students, seriously affecting their academic performance and overall well-being. This study sought to investigate how current mindfulness practices and willingness to engage in mindfulness relate to psychological outcomes in college students. Participants (N=432) were students ≥ 17 years old recruited from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Analyses compared differences in levels of anxiety, quality of life, depression symptom severity, cognitive dysfunction, and stress based on participant self-reported willingness to engage and current time spent engaging in mindfulness practices. It is expected that students who currently engage in more mindfulness will …

A Machine Learning Approach To Multifactorial Modeling Of Episodic Memory Performance, Evan Fletcher, Marianne Chanti-Ketterl, Emily Hokett, Yi Lor, Umesh Venkatesan, Paola Gilsanz, Rachel Whitmer, Ruijia Chen, Kristen George, Zvinka Zlatar

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive health is influenced by multiple modifiable and non-modifiable lifestyle factors. Machine learning tools offer a promising approach to better understand complex models of cognitive function. We used extreme gradient boosting (XG Boost), an algorithm of decision-tree modeling, to analyze the association between 15 late-life lifestyle and demographic factors with episodic memory performance. METHOD: Our dataset consisted of 2247 participants from the KHANDLE and STAR cohorts. Participants included 841 men and 1406 women, an ethnoracial diversity of 413 Asian, 987 Black, 349 Latinx, and 496 White adults with age range 54-90 (mean = 74). XG Boost models of continuous …

How An Athlete’S Injuries Affect Their Caregiver, John-Luke Taylor, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this proposal was to explore the experiences that caregivers face when their child recovers from a sports injury and needs physical rehab.

Parent Perceptions Of Modified Toy Cars Influence On Play For Children With Disabilities: A Case Study, Taylor Brown, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Erik Pérez, Karen Aranha

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Play is a crucial childhood occupation because it facilitates the growth of various developmental skills. Children with disabilities (CWD) often exhibit intrinsic factors that can prevent them from participating in meaningful childhood occupations, such as play. Mobility play is a specific type of play that refers to any means for the child to explore and move around their environment, which can be accessed through the use of commercially available toys, including motorized toy cars. However, these commercially available toys are not always accessible to this population due to their unique presentation that hinders performance and participation in the desired and …

The Benefit Of Creative Arts-Based Interventions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Marissa Patrick, Zeida Gutierrez

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affects emotional regulation, social communication, and executive functioning. Addressing emotional regulation in children with ASD is essential for enhancing mental health, quality of life, and functional independence in occupations such as social participation. Despite evidence supporting the use of creative arts-based interventions to improve mental health, limited research exists on their specific application for emotional regulation in this population.

This project aimed to implement and evaluate a creative arts-based intervention program designed to improve emotional regulation skills in children with ASD within occupational therapy (OT) practice. Conducted over five weeks …

Occupation-Based Programming For An Addiction Recovery Program, Mckenna Howard, Susan Macdermott Otd, Otr/L

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Addiction can impact engagement in many different occupations and occupational therapists can assist in returning to engagement in meaningful occupations. This capstone project focused on creating occupation-based programming for an addiction recovery program. This program aims to enhance engagement, skills, and confidence in daily occupations to promote overall well-being during recovery.

The Efficacy Of Occupation-Based Caregiver Education On Primitive Reflex Integration In Children With Asd, Alexis Cinotti, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone research improved the delivery of care regarding caregiver education in children with autism spectrum disorder and retained primitive reflexes. The purpose of this project was to generate resources for occupational therapy practitioners that provide caregiver education on primitive reflex integration interventions that directly correlate with specific ADL’s their child has difficulty with and how to incorporate these exercises in the home environment. Occupational therapy practitioners lack educational resources for caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD to explain the importance and impact of primitive reflex integration on participation in meaningful ADL’s and promote adherence to home exercise programs, implementing …

Understanding The Perceptions Of Technology In Homes For Aging In Place, Jinelle Abugan, Amy Lyons-Brown Ms, Otd, Otr/L, Molly Wuebker Otd, Otr/L, Actcp

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the thoughts and experiences of technology in homes and the use of technology-based home modifications to help individuals with participation and performance in daily activities. The education of perceptions of culture in homes will be supported by faculty, OTs, professional designers, about the need to explore culture in technology for home modifications aging in place.

Exercise As A Therapeutic Intervention And Its Effects On The Quality Of Life Of Those Diagnosed With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Theresa Stettner, Helen Carey, Cynthia Haynes

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The standard of care for those with ALS includes range of motion, limb relaxation, trunk balance, and gait training (Braga et al., 2018). This study examines perceived quality of life in ALS clients before and after an in-person exercise program and home exercise program to evaluate the benefits of exercise as exercise does not exacerbate symptoms of ALS (Meng et al., 2020). Daily occupation performance requires functional ability which may be preserved through exercise (Kalron et al., 2021).

Process Evaluation Of A Randomised Controlled Trial Intervention Designed To Improve Rehabilitation Services For Aboriginal Australians After Brain Injury: The Healing Right Way Trial, Judith M. Katzenellenbogen, Jane White, Melanie Robinson, Sandra C. Thompson, Amy Epstein, Mandy Stanley, Jane Klobas, Emma Haynes, Elizabeth A. Armstrong, Juli Coffin, Rachel Skoss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Healing Right Way (HRW) aimed to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal Australians with stroke or traumatic brain injury by facilitating system-level access to culturally secure rehabilitation services. Using a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial (RCT) design (ACTRN12618000139279, 30/01/2018), a two-pronged intervention was introduced in four rural and four urban hospitals, comprising 1.Cultural security training (CST) for staff and 2.Training/employment of Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinators (ABIC) to support Aboriginal patients for 6-months post-injury. Three-quarters of recruited patients lived rurally. The main outcome measure was quality-of-life, with secondary outcomes including functional measures, minimum processes of care (MPC); number rehabilitation occasions of service …

Blinding Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Is Compromised In Typically Developing Children Compared To Young Adults, Sophia Bertrand, Tonya Rich, Samuel Nemanich

Occupational Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Achieving successful blinding is a persistent challenge for clinical trials involving transcranial direct current stimulation. Studies involving populations with increased sensory sensitivity, such as children, could be at risk for increased bias from inadequate blinding due to unique sensation of stimulation relative to adults. The objectives of this study were 1) To examine differences in transcranial stimulation blinding between children and young adults and its relationship to sensory sensitivity. 2) To test the efficacy of an ActiSham protocol for participant blinding, compared to a traditional sham protocol. Typically developing right-handed children (N = 12, 5–14 yr) and young adults (N …

Oh, My Quad: A Clinical Commentary And Evidence-Based Framework For The Rehabilitation Of Quadriceps Size And Strength After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Braidy Solie, Mitchell Carlson, Christopher Doney, Michael Kiely, Robert Laprade

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Quadriceps weakness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a well-known phenomenon, with more persistent quadriceps weakness observed after ACLR with a bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps tendon autograft than with a hamstring tendon autograft. Longstanding quadriceps weakness after ACLR has been associated with suboptimal postoperative outcomes and the progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis, making the recovery of quadriceps size and strength a key component of ACLR rehabilitation. However, few articles have been written for the specific purpose of optimizing quadriceps size and strength after ACLR. Therefore, the purpose of this review article is to integrate the existing quadriceps muscle basic …

Immediate Effect Of Local Vibration On Motor Unit Firing Behavior And Muscle Strength In Healthy Young Adult Males, Yuichi Nishikawa, Aleš Holobar, Kohei Watanabe, Toshihiko Komatsuzaki, Takanori Chihara, Jiro Sakamoto, Takashi Kawagoe, Hidetaka Nagayasu, Kyoko Mori, Kenji Kawano, Noriaki Maeda, Shinobu Tanaka, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of vibration on motor unit (MU) firing behavior and physical performance of antagonist muscles in healthy young adult males.

Methods

Fourteen males (age = 24.3 ± 3.6 years) were included in this study. There were two conditions, one in which participants received 80 Hz vibration in the distal tendon of the hamstring for 30 s and the control condition (no vibration). High-density surface electromyography (HD-SEMG) signals and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extensor muscles were evaluated before and after the respective conditions and recorded from the vastus lateralis …

Examining Anxiety And Coping Strategies With Persons With Parkinson's Disease (Pwpd) Who Routinely Exercise, Ashlynn Milburn, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Karen Aranha, Maggie Abbott

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Forty to 50% of the PwPD are reported to experience anxiety (Kwok et al., 2019). Anxiety is psychological distress characterized by excessive worry, and apprehension about future events (Khatri et al., 2020). Psychological distress with this population is secondary to care dependency, poor work and social function, increased physical and cognitive decline, increased dementia risk, and high mortality rate (Kwok et al., 2019).Exercise and meditation have been found to be useful coping strategies to manage one’s physical condition as well as psychosocial factors such as anxiety, with PD (Mantri et al., 2021).Although these coping strategies have the potential to reduce …

Benefits Of Occupational Therapy In Concussion Treatment For Professional Athletes, Alexandria Brown, Zeida Gutierrez Ph.D., Mhs, Otr/L, James Wersal Otd, Msot, Otr/L, Cbis, Drs, Dcs

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a significant concern in sports, with an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million cases in the U.S. annually, many of which go unreported. These traumatic brain injuries result from various impacts, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and memory loss, which can disrupt an athlete's daily life. Recovery typically follows a staged protocol, with professional organizations implementing concussion management guidelines. Despite these measures, athletes often hesitate to report symptoms due to concerns about playing time or team expectations. There is a gap in treatment for concussions as activities of daily living and occupations are not addressed. Occupational therapy can help …

Preventing Depression In Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: An Educational Video Series, Sabrina Casares, Steven Gerardi, Meghan Skidmore

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Grandparent caregivers often face increased risk for depression, yet access to mental health resources—particularly self-help approaches—is limited. Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TXGRG), a non-profit organization supporting grandparent caregivers, lacked a specific mental health resource to address this need. This capstone project developed and implemented a self-help, occupation-based educational video series to provide practical strategies for preventing and managing depression. Designed for accessibility and ease of use, the video series offers tools grounded in daily occupations to promote mental well-being. This project fills a critical gap by equipping TXGRG and its caregivers with a proactive, occupation-focused mental health resource to support …

Life Review And Reminiscence In Occupational Therapy Practice: An Educational Video Series, Andrea Garza, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts millions of people, leading to cognitive decline and functional impairment. Life review therapy and reminiscence therapy are effective treatment approaches that have been used with people with dementia to stimulate cognitive processes and provide emotional support by reflecting on past experiences. Although therapeutic occupations based on reminiscence and life review have been used in occupational therapy (OT) practice, there is limited literature on the topic to guide clinical practice. Problem: There is a lack of guidance on the integration of occupation-based life review and reminiscence into OT practice for people with dementia. …

Cuisine As A Compass: Exploring The Therapeutic Benefits Of Community, Cooking, And More Within The Lgbtqia+ Population, Sera Shevchenko, Karen Park Otd, Otr/L, Bcp, Susan Macdermott Otd, Otr/L

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: The LGBTQIA+ population experiences unique barriers to occupation and well being. Anti-LGBTQ legislation encroaches on inclusive and affirming care affecting occupational access. Limited occupational participation and additional exhaustive adaptive strategies to engage in occupations safely have an emotional cost. This research study explores how food or mealtime occupations such as cooking, eating, and hosting can support LGBTQIA+ well-being. This research was made possible by LGBTQIA+ participants that are experts of their lived experience.

Methods: This mixed methods research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data on the significance of food-based occupations, culture, mental health, and identity in …

Increasing Teacher-Ot Collaboration In A School-Based Setting, Shayla Ransome, L. Brook Sawyer, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Pre-service PreK-4 teachers receive little to no education about SBOT practice, which hinders not only collaboration opportunities but also potentially impacts student performance and participation outcomes negatively. This capstone seeks to develop an interprofessional educational unit to increase collaboration between pre-service PreK-4 teachers and pre-OT practitioners, which will promote positive student performance and participation outcomes.

Neurodivergent Adults: Cultivating Intimate Partner Relationships Through Diverse Dating Platforms To Improve Well-Being And Life Satisfaction, Victoria R. Wolf, Mary Jan Greer

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focuses on program development to increase the social participation of neurodivergent adults in establishing intimate partner relationships (AOTA, 2020). Creating an opportunity for neurodivergent individuals to meet each other with the intent of forming intimate partner relationships can increase their social participation and overall life satisfaction (Mitran, 2022). According to AOTA (2020), intimate partner relationships are essential to many individuals' lives. Altering the modern-day approach and building online and in-person platforms that support the individuality of the neurodivergent population will enable them to form connections without prejudice or judgment (Mitran, 2022).

Adapting Classroom Activities To Increase Social Engagement, Ivie Hacker, Mary Jan Greer Ph.D., Otr

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone program focuses on enhancing the development of children with disabilities through adaptive play strategies. It aims to create a supportive, engaging environment that accommodates the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum. By incorporating individualized play techniques, the program promotes social, emotional, and cognitive skills, fostering greater communication, creativity, and physical coordination. The project explores the role of adaptive play in improving social interactions, reducing sensory sensitivities, and building self-confidence, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and development of children with autism.

Sex Education Program For Individuals With Disabilities, Kalynne Coates, Keisa Boykin

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a program to discuss the ADL of sex education with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).