Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

"You Sure Feel Like You're Alone, Kind Of Flailing Away Out There": Family Caregiver Perspectives Of Caring For An Individual With Glioblastoma Multiforme, Christy Muasher-Kerwin, Abby Baumbach, Yujun Liu, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Objectives

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. Family caregivers of individuals with GBM must navigate a wide range of their care recipients’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial deficits to provide effective care, which is both mentally and physically demanding. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of family caregivers of GBM patients about the barriers and challenges they encounter when providing care to their care recipients. Methods

Nineteen current and former family caregivers for individuals with GBM participated in semi-structured interviews from October 2023 through January 2024. We conducted interviews virtually and used applied …

Home Activity Resources In Senior Activity Centers, Skylar B. Hayes

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Due to the growing population of older adults in both our local community and in the world, the need for promotion of healthy aging is essential. The literature shows that community support and resources are critical to aging in place, which helps maintain independence as older adults age. A doctoral capstone project was conducted to address the need for support and resource to increase the quality of life of senior citizens attending community day centers. The project goals were to design and implement educational resources that increase older adult’s overall level of activity physically, cognitively, and socially. Through a mixed …

Perceived Unmet Needs And Barriers To Services Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury In Rural Populations, Megan M. Bruce

Graduate Student Scholarship

This study investigated unmet needs of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and of their caregivers living in rural communities. The objective of this research study was to identify occupational therapy’s role and intervention priorities for individuals with TBI and their caregivers in rural settings. Descriptive statistics were generated from quantitative survey responses obtained from 84 community-dwelling individuals with TBI and 40 caregivers ranging in age from 18 to 80 years. The most identified “barriers” were poor awareness of the ways to receive services (TBI Survivors = 65%, Caregivers = 61%), inadequate professional/provider knowledge about available supports and services (TBI …

Enhancing Stroke Rehabilitation: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Clifford Gordon, Olu Oyesanmi, Marc Kallins, Rahul Mhaskar, Sanjiv Tewari, Lisa Gramong, Kristy Ellison-Snow, Cynthia Koski

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Automated Thermo-Mechanical Therapy For Immediate Relief In Chronic Non-Specific Lower Back Pain (Cnslbp): A Randomized Controlled Trial, Kyle V. Donnery

Dissertations and Theses

Objective: Chronic non-specific lower back pain (cNSLBP) is a prevalent and disabling condition, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden due to high healthcare costs and productivity losses, with limited accessible and effective long-term treatment options. Automated Thermo-mechanical Therapy (ATT) is a promising, non-drug intervention that leverages innovative technical advances to provide multimodal pain relief, offering accessibility and low-cost delivery. This study tested ATT for immediate pain relief in individuals with cNSLBP in a single-session, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Forty participants with cNSLBP were randomly assigned to receive either active ATT (n=20) or control ATT (n=20) in a 40-minute session. The …

The Association Between Pain Sensitivity And Low Energy Availability, Sleep, Mental Health, And Stress In Female Endurance Athletes, Taylor R. Moler

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The disruption of certain physiological functions due to low energy availability (LEA) in female endurance athletes is a prominent concern. This condition resulting from LEA has been described as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which can include alterations in metabolism, menstrual function, bone deposition and resorption, mental well-being, and more. The goal of this study was to determine whether pain sensitivity was associated with LEA, sleep, mental health, and stress in female endurance athletes. Participants completed a demographic survey, the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), and …

Benefits Of Early Intervention With A Certified Lymphedema Therapist For Management Of Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (Rfs) And Axillary Web Syndrome (Aws) In Breast Cancer Patients, June Leary, June Leary

Capstone Showcase

All breast cancer treatment leads to soft tissue changes in the treated quadrant. While these changes are chronic, they are also identifiable and manageable with care from an appropriate provider. Scarring, lymphedema, radiation fibrosis syndrome (RFS), and axillary web syndrome (AWS) may all be part of the post-treatment soft tissue changes for a breast cancer survivor.

Familiarity with the likely presentation and lifelong management of a patient’s specific symptom burden is crucial. While any physical therapist can rehabilitate the neuropathies, shoulder pain, postural dysfunction, or other numerous orthopedic issues that may occur, there is an acknowledged deficit in the treatment …

Creating A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Evidence Based Evaluation Protocol, Mary Redlin

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in the United States admit approximately 300,000 infants annually (Valencia et al., 2023). Upon admission, neonatal occupational therapists assess a range of factors, including neurobehavioral, neuromotor, musculoskeletal, and sensory systems, as well as family/caregiver interactions and activities of daily living (Craig et al., 2018). This comprehensive evaluation underscores the need for effective assessment tools, efficient protocols, and adequate support for therapists. However, practitioners often face challenges that impact the quality of care, such as limited resources, lack of specialized training, and inconsistent organizational standards (Kaur et al., 2021). Occupational therapy has emerged as a …

Promoting Wellness In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Occupational Therapy Approach Guided By The Eight Dimensions Of Wellness, Mckenzie Ulrich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Wellness is a process where an individual intentionally makes choices to support a satisfying lifestyle and is aware of their choices (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015). In the United States, unhealthy lifestyle choices and the high prevalence of chronic conditions negatively influence one’s health, wellness, and quality of life (Li et al., 2018). Additionally, age-related changes can negatively influence one’s overall well-being. Examples of age-related changes may include changes in strength, mobility, coordination, balance, gait, and cognitive functioning (Bello-Haas et al., 2018a; Bello-Haas et al., 2018b; Judge & Dawson, 2018). Occupational therapy's role in health promotion and prevention includes promoting …

Occupational Participation Through Harm Reduction, Allie Reiffenberger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Individuals who have experienced homelessness face higher risks of physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders (SUD), which often co-occur, compared to the general population (Mosel, 2024; Parker & Scaffa, 2020; SAMHSA, 2023a). Due to past experiences and unmanaged chronic conditions, substance use, and negative health behaviors are common. The high prevalence of SUD, mental illness, and chronic health conditions in this group severely affects their ability to engage in daily activities, influencing overall health and well-being (Marshall et al., 2020a). While complete abstinence is often deemed ideal, it can be unrealistic for this population. Harm reduction seeks …

Accessibility Of Higher Education: Supporting Student Self-Advocacy, Morgan Diane Halliday

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As of the 2020-2021 academic year, 1 in 5 undergraduate students reported having a disability (National Center for Education Statistics, n.d.). College students with disabilities (CSWD) face social and physical environmental barriers to higher education due to exclusive policies, procedures, and designs. In turn, occupational engagement is decreased, inhibiting participation in education. A college education can support career opportunities, financial stability, and personal development (Plotner & May, 2019). Therefore, it is essential that CSWD have equitable access. Despite efforts from college campuses to become more accessible, gaps remain that require CSWD to be self-advocates. The purpose of this project was …

A Guide To Occupational Therapy Intervention Planning For Individuals With Migraines In Rural Communities, Angelina M. Caron

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One in ten individuals in the world experience migraines (Amari et al., 2022). Migraines are a debilitating condition that presents with symptoms of intense head pain, aura, and nausea (American Migraine Foundation, 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2023). These symptoms have a global effect on an individual’s life and affect the meaningful and necessary tasks they do each day including work, school, family and social life, and their emotional health and cognitive functioning (Buse et al., 2019; Estave et al., 2021). Occupational therapy (OT) can be used with individuals with migraine by addressing factors such as routines, migraine self-management, cognitive strategies, and …

Coming To Your Senses: A Guide For Sensory Considerations In Higher Education, Aspen D. Delano

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sensory stimuli bombard humans at every point during their day. Senses are the avenue through which humanity interacts with its world. Individuals have varying thresholds of sensory stimuli. When people face more stimuli than they can cope with, they struggle to interact with the world around them. This can pose a significant challenge for graduate-level college students due to the already strenuous mental load required for formal education. The association between sensory processing and stress has strengthened in recent years, with individuals reporting a positive feedback loop between these constructs (Harrold et al., 2024). Stress leads to greater sensory …

Current Practices In Implementing The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Needs Assessment: A National Survey, Laurie D. Stelter, Kaitlyn Cremer Baylor University, Lou Rutigliano, Leslye Morris, Lima Ghulmi, Ana Allegretti

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) programs navigate curricular decisions related to designing, implementing, and refining doctoral capstone processes. One of the complex requirements is the doctoral capstone needs assessment (DCNA) which each student completes prior to the implementation of the doctoral capstone project. The researchers aimed to contribute to the specificity of DCNA-related understanding, informing quality decision-making, via a national, cross-sectional survey of current DCNA practices. Purposive sampling resulted in a 24.3% (n=54) response rate of mostly Doctoral Capstone Coordinators (DCCs; 98.1%) representing programs across doctoral capstone experience levels. The timing of DCNA processes trended toward the latter half of …

Rebuttal: Reduced Oxidative Capacity Of Skeletal Muscle Is Not An Inevitable Consequence Of Adult Ageing, Ian R. Lanza, Christopher W. Sundberg, Jane A. Kent

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

We thank Drs Marcinek and Ferrucci for their perspective on the inevitability of age-related declines in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (Marcinek & Ferrucci, 2025). We agree that mitochondria have numerous roles in the cell beyond provision of chemical energy, many of which may be altered by ageing, but our focus in this debate is entirely on its role in energy production.

Whole Body Angular Momentum Characterizes Reactive Balance Adaptations And Perturbation Intensity, Mitchell D. Adam, Delaney Mcelvain, T. George Hornby, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Brian D. Schmit

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Identifying measures which accurately quantify reactive balance adaptation during walking is essential to understand how emerging perturbation-based gait paradigms impact stability over the course of an intervention. These perturbation paradigms have shown promise in reducing falls for numerous clinical populations, however tracking progress in objective terms throughout an intervention remains challenging. Whole body angular momentum (H) may be particularly suited to detect subtle adaptations in the reactive balance response and is applicable within numerous perturbation environments. We assessed the ability of young healthy adults to adapt to varying intensities of discrete, unexpected, treadmill-based perturbations directed mediolaterally, anteriorly, and posteriorly during …

Perspectives Of Midwives And Nurse Practitioners In Kentucky On Exercise Counseling During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study, Madhawa Perera, Taniya S. Nagpal, Maire M. Blankenship, Dano Tolusso, Jordyn Cox, Dilini Prashadika, Mark Schafer, Rachel A. Tinius

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Healthcare professionals are in an optimal position to deliver exercise information to pregnant women, yet previous research suggests this seldom happens. Midwives and nurse practitioners, who may have more time with pregnant women, are particularly well suited for this role.

Objectives

This qualitative study examined the exercise advice and counseling provided by midwives and nurse practitioners in Kentucky, focusing on the barriers they face.

Methods

Twenty-one midwives and nurse practitioners were recruited until the sample size reached saturation. A survey with open-ended questions was distributed to potential participants in regional hospitals, universities, and professional associations. The framework method was …

Age-Related Differences In Eye Movements And The Association With Archimedes Spiral Tracing Performance In Young And Older Adults, Brittany Heintz Walters, Wendy E. Huddleston, Kristian M. O'Connor, Jinsung Wang, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Kevin G. Keenan

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Age-related hand motor impairments may critically depend on visual information though few studies have examined eye movements during tasks of hand function in older adults. The purpose of this study was to assess eye movements and their association with performance while tracing on a touchscreen in young and older adults. Eye movements of 21 young (age 20–38 years; 12 females, 9 males) and 20 older (65–85 years; 10 females, 10 males) adults were recorded while performing an Archimedes spiral tracing task, a common clinical assessment sensitive to age-associated impairments in hand function. Participants traced an Archimedes spiral template on a …

Cultural Competency Of The Interprofessional Team In Burn Care Through An Occupational Therapy Model, Brooklyn Wiest

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Burn injuries are considered one of the most devastating injuries globally (Farzan et al., 2023). Those suffering from serious burns are likely to be affected in all areas of life (physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, intellectual, and psychological) (Abrams et al., 2016). Some of these impacts include changes in appearance, social isolation, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, employment, financial burden, and family problems. These are devastating outcomes are seen throughout diverse populations (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). As diverse populations are rising, an increase in equitable medical care is needed (Peters et al., 2022). Education and increasing awareness of culturally …

Facilitating Engagement In Meaningful Occupations Through Nature-Based Experiences, Sydney Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Many children, especially those living in urban areas, are spending less time in nature than ever before which is decreasing their engagement in meaningful occupations such as sleep, play, education, social participation, and activities of daily living. Interacting with nature can improve children’s emotional regulation, development, attention span, mental health, and overall well-being. It is important that children have access to nature and its benefits to ensure they are reaching their full potential in life. One method to improve children’s access to nature is providing them with nature-based activities that can be modified or adapted for those living in …

Effect Of Walking With An Active Ankle Exoskeleton On The Biomechanical Responses Of The Lumbar Spine, Jose E. Rubio, Junfei Tong, Aravind Sundaramurthy, Anup Pant, Sridevi Nagaraja, Meredith K. Owen, Michael A. Samaan, Brian W. Noehren, Jaques Reifman

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: Musculoskeletal injuries pose a health threat to U.S. Service members. In particular, the physical demands of walking and running with load carriage contribute to a high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries of the lower back. Active ankle exoskeleton devices are promising technologies that may help mitigate the impact of load carriage on the incidence of these injuries. However, the safe extended use of these devices requires an understanding of their beneficial or detrimental effects on the lumbar spine. In this pilot study, we investigated the impact of walking with an ankle exoskeleton device on lumbar biomechanical responses.

Methods: We collected …

The Role Of Advocacy And Occupational Justice In Increasing The Accessibility Of Parks For Parents With Disabilities, Nathan Burke-Tan

Doctoral Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to address ongoing accessibility barriers experienced by adults with disabilities, particularly those in caregiving roles, in public parks and playgrounds in the greater San Diego region. Although many parks meet the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), research shows that caregivers with disabilities continue to encounter obstacles that limit safe, meaningful participation in community spaces (Dalpra, 2022; Fernelius, 2017; Firkin et al., 2024; Movahed et al., 2023; Ogletree et al., 2020; Prellwitz & Skar, 2007). These persistent gaps indicate a need for stronger advocacy and clearer public awareness of …

Grounded In Experience: A Collaborative Approach To Resource Development For Adults With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Morgan Kam

Doctoral Projects

Background: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a complex connective tissue disorder that significantly affects daily occupations, participation, and quality of life, yet early support for individuals pursuing or newly receiving a diagnosis remains limited. Occupational therapy (OT) is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through interventions that promote self-management and functional engagement.

Purpose: This project aimed to develop an experience- and evidence-informed educational resource for individuals undergoing or newly receiving an EDS diagnosis, while increasing awareness of OT’s role in managing this chronic, multisystemic condition.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach integrated qualitative insights from interviews, online support groups, and practitioner feedback. A …

Family-Level Impacts Of Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy For Children With Disabilities: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Pilot Study, Emily Canigiula

Doctoral Projects

Equine-assisted occupational therapy (EAOT) has been shown to enhance functional, social, and quality-of-life outcomes for children with disabilities (McDaniel Peters & Wood, 2017; Prieto et al., 2022). While child-focused outcomes are well documented, significantly less is known about how EAOT participation may influence caregivers and the broader family unit, as existing research largely prioritizes individual outcomes over family experiences (Peters et al., 2017; Tan & Simmonds, 2018; Trzmiel et al., 2019; Xiao et al., 2023). Emerging qualitative studies suggest potential family-level impacts including family engagement, reduced parental stress, and enhanced feelings of pride, empowerment, and connection (Kalmback et al., 2020; …

Bridging Gaps With Occupational Therapy: The Unique Role Of Occupational Therapy In Women’S Day Shelters, Alex Sato

Doctoral Projects

Homelessness is a multifaceted, complex issue that we face as a society. Mainstream services provided to homeless or vulnerable populations tend to focus on housing and basic services. While these are essential and meaningful, literature suggests there is a lack in trauma and self-care support (Marzana et al., 2023; Milaney et al., 2020). Looking through an Occupational Therapy (OT) lens, there are a multitude of ways the profession can provide holistic care. Current OT service provision within this population most commonly focuses on obtaining and maintaining housing and addressing the survival occupations these individuals may be engaging in (Cunningham & …

Applying Occupational Empowerment Principles In A Life Skills Program For Unhoused Transitional-Aged Youth: Feasibility And Early Outcomes, Eriza Navarro

Doctoral Projects

The purpose of this occupational therapy doctoral capstone project was to address a gap in community-based services for unhoused transitional-aged youth (TAY) by promoting life skill acquisition and supporting participation in meaningful activities in order to enhance self-efficacy. This project aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a structured occupation-based life skills program that builds upon existing services at a local drop-in center. The program incorporated life skill education and activity-based, experiential interventions tailored to meet the needs and learning styles of the population. Methods included conducting a needs assessment, developing the program curriculum, and piloting the 6-week program consisting of …

Promoting Participation And Self-Efficacy Among Youth With Disabilities In Community-Based Vocational Education, Allison Hollender

Doctoral Projects

Occupational therapy, with its focus on participation, contextual adaptation, and strength-based practice, is uniquely suited to support the growth and inclusion of youth in transition (Angell et al., 2018; Cahill et al., 2020; Carroll et al., 2025). Research indicates that transitional-aged youth (TAY) with disabilities, ages 14-24, are less likely to graduate from high school, pursue postsecondary education, or live independently (BLS, 2024; Cheng & Shaewitz, 2022; Cook et al., 2015). These disparities are compounded by occupational deprivation, or limited opportunities for meaningful participation, which can negatively impact long-term self-efficacy and belonging (Arbesman & Logsdon, 2011; Cahill et al., 2020). …

From Silos To Synergies: How To Enhance Interdisciplinary Collaboration Among Graduate Students, Jennifer Jimenez

Doctoral Projects

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential for preparing collaborative healthcare practitioners, yet opportunities at San José State University (SJSU) have been limited, inconsistent, and largely dependent on individual faculty initiative. This capstone project aimed to strengthen IPE at SJSU by assessing institutional capacity and developing feasible, sustainable strategies to enhance exposure and participation across health-related programs. Guided by the Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) model and adult learning theory, the project combined a needs assessment, literature review, and partnership with the Healthy Development Community Clinic (HDCC) to create an instructor implementation guide and student introductory modules for HDCC service-learning onboarding. An IRB-approved mixed-methods faculty …

A Guide To Falls In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Sarah Ghione

Doctoral Projects

Approximately one in four older adults experiences a fall each year in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024b; Kakara et al., 2023). Among those residing in nursing homes for either short-term rehabilitation or long-term care, the risk of falls is doubled (Acker & Janssen, 2017; Shao et al., 2023). The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop an educational resource aimed at enhancing staff education and fall prevention efforts within a single nursing home, supporting the facility’s goal of reducing fall rates. Methods included a needs assessment, observational experiences, resource development, and the …

Psychological Techniques For Athletes With Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review, Nicole L. Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to …