Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Warrior Life Transition Program, Joshua Gartner

OT Doctoral Capstones

The problem that exists is that the Willliam Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC) treats issues amongst active duty and veteran personnel in a reactionary manner. 6 domains of need: Mental health, (including, sub-domains of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress), occupations, pain, family life/connection (Relationships), sleep and alcohol/ substance abuse. Currently there is no one assessment at the WBAMC IMC that looks to assess all of these areas in a reactive way. This project was to develop a reactive assessment to address these domains of need.

Supporting The Parents Of Transition Aged Students With Autism, Miguel Duran

OT Doctoral Capstones

The present capstone project sought to develop and implement an 8-week parent support program for the parents of transition aged youths diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder residing within the Socorro Independent School District. The parent support group included the topics of preparing for the transition process, state and local resources, and identifying caregiver strain for the first half of the program. The latter half of the program consisted of self-care and leisure activities for the parents to address levels of caregiver strain. The goal of the program was to identify potential changes in three areas: caregiver strain, perceived levels of …

Bright Futures: A Transitional Resource Guide​, Leslie Ayala

OT Doctoral Capstones

Bright Futures: A Transitional Resource Guide (BF) is a caregiver-informed collection of personal narratives shared by 15 caregivers of children with Down syndrome (DS), designed to promote preparedness, advocacy, and connection through storytelling and peer-recommended resources during key life transitions, including starting school and entering adulthood. Professionally published on the DS Coalition for El Paso website, BF was developed in collaboration with a software developer and funded by a grant from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, ensuring long-term, public accessibility.

Goals of BF:

• Disseminate trusted resources and lived experiences among caregivers of …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Postnatal Mental Health: An Eight-Week Postpartum Program, Paola Quiroz

OT Doctoral Capstones

Postpartum mental health includes various conditions such as postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression amongst others (Barbic Skye et al., 2021). Rates of postpartum depression (PPD) have been increasing in recent years, impacting mothers, children and entire families by changing the way a mother interacts with others (WHO, 2024). Postpartum mothers face unique challenges when transitioning into motherhood resulting in increased maternal stress and ultimately leading to PPD or PPA. Although rates of PPD and PPA are increasing, there is limited research involving non-pharmaceutical treatment options for new mothers.

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in maternal mental health because …

Reclaiming Control: A Self-Management Education Program For Cancer Survivors, Monica Elisa Gutierrez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Cancer survivors face physical, emotional, and cognitive side effects after cancer treatment which negatively affects their quality of life (QOL).

A remote 6-week self-management program was implemented to educate survivors on how to manage these challenges. Comparison of pre- and post-program surveys demonstrated increased confidence in managing side effects after participation in the program, indicating that self-management interventions can effectively enhance survivors’ symptom management skills. The Self-Management Program is effective in empowering cancer survivors, improving self-efficacy, and enhancing QOL.

Problematic Technology Use: An Education Program, Elijah Duran

OT Doctoral Capstones

There is a growing body of research on problematic technology use and its impact on children with autism. Studies have shown that excessive or unbalanced use of technology may contribute to challenges in mental health and social functioning for this population (Ang et al., 2018; Cerniglia et al., 2017; Ezeh et al., 2021; Hoge et al., 2017; Kawabe et al., 2016; Small et al., 2020; Yucelyigit & Aral, 2018). However, there is limited research on how this issue is being practically addressed. Children with autism, who are already at higher risk for developing problematic behaviors with technology (Normand et al., …

Pasos Seguros: Investigating The Impact Of Latin Dance And Fall Prevention Education On Fall Risk In Older Adults, Noelia De La Rosa

OT Doctoral Capstones

Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury and mortality among older adults, posing a significant public health concern worldwide. By participating in fun, culturally relevant, and recreational fall prevention interventions, older adults are more likely to be motivated and stay engaged in fall prevention educational programs.

Methods: Pasos Seguros (confident steps) provided six weekly 60-minute sessions at the UTEP Rehab Sciences Complex, each including 45 minutes of chair-supported Latin dance instruction (cumbia, bachata, salsa) followed by 15 minutes of fall prevention education (home safety, medication effects, and emergency preparedness) through the UTEP Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Results: A paired-samples …

Strength-Based Peer Mentoring To Empower Independence For Adults With Autism, Annmarie De La Rosa

OT Doctoral Capstones

Adults with autism face disproportionately high rates of unemployment or underemployment, limited engagement in post-secondary education, and restricted opportunities for social participation. This is largely due to the abrupt discontinuation of services after high school—often referred to as the “service cliff” (Roux, 2015). The loss of structured supports can result in a decline in functional independence, increased mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, and heightened social isolation (Chun et al., 2023; Schiltz et al., 2021).

This Capstone project aimed to address the unmet post-secondary needs of young adults with autism by implementing a peer mentoring program grounded in …

“The Estrada Protocol”: A Mindfulness Approach To Rehabilitation, Krysten Estrada

OT Doctoral Capstones

Although there are numerous resources that effectively address the physical aspects of elbow injuries in baseball players, limited research explores athletes’ mental recovery. This fourteen-week Capstone Experience at Border Therapy Services in El Paso, Texas, focused on creating and implementing “The Estrada Protocol,” a mindfulness rehabilitation plan aimed at supporting both the physical and psychological needs of baseball players recovering from elbow injuries. Working closely with site supervisor and subject matter expert Mark Scott and his staff, the researcher led meetings, educational sessions, and athlete interviews, while administering pre- and post-readiness assessments. Initial results yielded limited familiarity with the protocol, …

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Health, Safety, & Wellbeing In Farmers And Ranchers With Disabilities: ​ A Systematized Review, Trinity Edwards, Lauren Klone, Madilynn Edwards, Emily Morse, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Objective: This systematized review synthesizes evidence on occupational therapy (OT) interventions that enhance health, safety, and participation of agriculture workers with disabilities, advancing evidence-based, context-specific approaches in OT practice.

Abstract: Background: Farmers and ranchers have higher rates of injury, disability, and chronic conditions than the general population. These challenge their health and lifestyle (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2024; Miller & Aherin, 2018; Desai et al., 2022).

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of OT at improving safety, health, and well-being amongst agricultural workers with disabilities.

Design: We performed a systematized review of peer-reviewed …

Interventions To Improve Community Mobility In Autistic People: A Systematized Review, Sydney Maddox, Jada Ford, Heather Olson, Danielle Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Importance: Community mobility (CM) enables access to locations outside the home, allowing participation in work, leisure, and social environments. Autistic adults have reported less access to public transportation and driving than the general population (Wilson et al., 2021), impacting their community participation, life satisfaction, and likelihood of employment and further education (Egilson et al., 2016, Song et al., 2022, Wilson et al., 2021). Occupational therapists can support autistic people by providing interventions to increase CM.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve CM in autistic people.

Methods: We collaborated with a medical librarian to conduct a systematic review …

Interventions To Improve Functional Use Of Hemiplegic Upper Extremity Post-Stroke: A Systematized Review, Brieana R. Dean, Sarah N. Wamsley, Halle Clary, Max W. Granstrom, Danielle Westmark, Bridgette Quinn, Stacey Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability with upper limb hemiplegia, significantly limiting participation in daily life (Lee & Howe, 2024; Long et al., 2020). This systematized review was conducted to address interventions within the scope of OT used to improve functional use of hemiplegic UE for adults post-stroke. Design: A systematized review protocol was used with inclusion criteria of full-text, English-language articles addressing rehabilitation interventions for hemiplegic UEs post-stroke containing participants ranging from ages 18-85. A medical librarian at the McGoogan Health Sciences library conducted a search across multiple databases for articles meeting the criteria for the …

Safety Of Healthcare Workers In Acute Care During Patient Mobilization: A Systematized Review, Lina Al Azzawi, Peyton Collier, Delaney Ehlers, Ruby Kulovitz, Danielle M. Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Abstract synopsis

Evidence shows that low-tech aids and lifting equipment promote safe patient handling in acute care, with the most consistent support found for lifting equipment in reducing worker injuries. There was mixed evidence to support ergonomic training.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that enhance safety during patient mobilization for healthcare workers in acute care settings.

This systematized review of safe patient handling interventions included peer-reviewed studies that target healthcare worker safety during patient mobilization in acute care settings.

A medical librarian performed searches in Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus. …

Building Community-Engaged Capacity To Advance Telerehabilitation Services For Patients With Chronic Disease And/Or Disability, Ka-Chun Siu, Brad Dexter, Andrew Lindemeier, Karen Hux, Dipika Aggarwal

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Purpose:

This report was developed to capture insights from clinicians, patients, and families who have experienced or delivered telehealth services over the past four years. The rapid rise of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities, but as the initial surge subsided, its continued application in physical therapy has become less clear. This report explores what has worked well in telerehabilitation, identifies ongoing challenges, and provides actionable recommendations to bridge gaps in service delivery. By reflecting on these experiences, this work aims to inform the development of sustainable models that will advance clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, …

Exploring Perceptions Of Occupational And Physical Therapy Faculty Of Entry-Level Graduate Programs Post Covid-19: A Mixed Methods Study, Chelsea S. Reji, Anne M. Moscony, Dianna Lunsford

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

This study aimed to explore graduate-level occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) faculty’s perspectives on their academic responsibilities, well-being, and the needs of students following the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers hypothesized that a decrease in job satisfaction and overall well-being would be evident, indicating burnout syndrome in the faculty participants. A mixed-methods approach was utilized. Potential participants were recruited from websites of graduate-level OT and PT programs via email. Participants were included if they were currently teaching in a graduate-level OT or PT program, teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, and working full-time. Data were collected through Google Forms from …

Contemporary Normative Values For Five Common Static Standing Tasks On Firm And Compliant Floor Surfaces In Children Two To Thirteen Years, Nancy Darr

Funded Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Static upright tasks, including standing unsupported (SU), eyes closed (SEC), feet together (SFT), tandem (TS), and single limb (SLS), are routinely examined in children and are included in many norm-referenced measures. Existing normative values for these standing tasks may not apply to contemporary children and have not been established across wide age ranges. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate developmental trajectories of and relationships between four static standing positions (SPs [SU, SFT, TS, SLS]) in children aged 2 through 13 years who are developing typically. The effects of altered sensory input, including floor surface (firm and …

Influence Of Virtual Reality On Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics During Overground Walking, Hunter Derby, Nathan Conner, Adam C. Knight, Harish Chander

Funded Scholarship

The inability to regain balance following a trip-induced event is one of the leading causes of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to expose individuals to realistic environments with minimal injury risk compared to real-world exposures. The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity joint kinematics during overground walking when exposed to real and virtually generated trip obstacles. A total of 14 healthy participants [7 male, 7 female; age: 23.46 ± 3.31 years; height: 173.85 ± 8.46 cm; mass: 82.19 ± 11.41 kg; shoe size (men’s): 9.03 ± 2.71 s] were …

Athletic Trainers' Perspectives On Resources And Preparation Needed For Successful Salary Negotiation, Kimberly R. Detwiler, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Indigo B. White, Leanne E. Jones, Julie M. Cavallario

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Many athletic trainers (ATs) work under high stress, long hours, and low pay. These conditions often lead ATs and athletic training students to leave the profession. Previous studies show that over half of ATs do not negotiate salary, often because they feel the offer is fair or fear losing the job. Additional support is needed to help ATs prepare for negotiations, as current resources are limited.

Objective

This study explored ATs’ views on the resources need to prepare for salary negotiations during the hiring process.

Design

Consensual qualitative research.

Setting

Individual video interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-eight participants …

Beyond Strong: A Phenomenology Of Women Executives And The Connection Between Leadership And Fitness, Nozomi Bullock

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Senior-level executive leaders’ work in a dynamic, competitive, 24/7 business environment can be physically rigorous, mentally demanding, and emotionally isolating. The same holds true for women pursuing senior-level leadership roles in corporate America. Women who achieve and succeed in such roles remain the minority: Outsiders in elite spaces who are held to higher standards and overly scrutinized. Among senior-level executive women leaders, those committed to a fitness and training regimen including weightlifting constitute an even smaller minority. Senior-level executive roles require stamina, resilience, and courage—qualities that make up the foundation of the mindset of fitness and strength training (Foyster et …

Embracing The Suck: Overcoming Moral Injury-Related Attachment Trauma Through Outdoor Adventure, Emerald D. Ralston

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Moral injury is increasingly recognized as a distinct and debilitating consequence of military service, arising when individuals engage in, witness, or are unable to prevent actions that transgress their deeply held moral beliefs. In this dissertation, I argue that this form of trauma can be experienced as an attachment rupture, particularly when the military—functioning as an institutional attachment figure—betrays the servicemember’s trust. Such experiences compromise internal working models (IWMs) of self, others, and the world, and may result in complex trauma symptoms, including dissociation, depersonalization, and profound relational disconnection. These injuries are frequently stored in the body, rendering traditional cognitive …

Social Justice In Higher Education: The Forgotten Needs Of Students With Visual Impairments In Bangladesh, Mohammed Mozadded Hossen, Roy K. Chen, Nahal Salimi, Jane L. Nichols

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

Students with disabilities face myriad barriers and hurdles to success in higher education settings. Institutions in developing nations often lack the necessary resources to provide accessible instruction, and the absence of clearly defined policies further impedes upholding the educational rights of such a special population. The purpose of this study was to examine how undergraduate students with visual impairments in Bangladesh felt about their experiences related to social justice and challenges in learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenience sample of 133 students was recruited from two public universities. The authors developed two instruments, namely, the Social Justice Experiences in …

Barriers And Motivators To Attending Group Exercise Classes In Women With Anxiety, Depression And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sarah Ford

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Research has demonstrated the positive effect of exercise on mental health disorders such as anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies have also investigated the barriers and motivators that women in particular experience when contemplating the ways in which to engage in physical activity. However, a literature gap exists regarding women who experience anxiety disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the barriers and motivators that they specifically navigate when looking to attend group exercise classes. In this body of research for the award of Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, a scoping review was first conducted …

The Interplay Between Injury And Body Composition With Performance In Police Recruits, Vanessa Sutton

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The occupational demands of policing are challenging and potentially hazardous, with substantial rates of musculoskeletal injuries occurring during recruit training. Academy injury prevalence can be as high as one in five recruits. Injuries impact performance, result in lost training, and impose financial burdens on police agencies. However, limited research has explored pre-injury body composition or musculoskeletal characteristics in relation to police recruit performance. This thesis investigates injuries, body composition and musculoskeletal characteristics in physical performance and injury risk among law enforcement recruits.

Study One quantified prevalence and severity of pre-academy injuries and association with performance. Among 121 recruits, nearly half …

A Call For Integration Of Trauma-Informed Care Into Occupational Therapy: Improving Provider Competency Through A Case Study Of A Cooking Skills Program For Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Natalie Pravinkumar

OT Doctoral Capstones

Trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and violence, has evident lasting physical and mental health effects, such as chronic illness, behavioral changes, and depression. While trauma-informed care (TIC) helps providers recognize and respond to trauma, this training is often limited to mental health and social work fields. Many survivor populations never receive interventions designed with TIC in mind, restricting outcomes leading to reduced rehabilitation and reintegration.

Occupational therapy (OT) is fundamentally client-centered and functional, making it well suited for TIC. However, while they cover many similar topics, most OT programs do not include specific curriculum on TIC.

TIC education in OT …

Caring For Caregivers: An Occupational Therapy-Centered Mental Health And Wellness Program, Natalie Burgess

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: Address the mental health and wellness needs of caregivers of individuals with disabilities at Fundación Integra A.C.

Methods: Conducted a needs assessment, developed and implemented an 8-week occupational therapy-based wellness program, and evaluated outcomes using pre/post assessments and weekly feedback surveys.

Results: Caregivers showed reduced stress, improved self-reported health, and increased use of mindfulness and coping strategies.

Conclusion: Occupational therapy interventions can improve caregiver well-being and support sustainable caregiver education in community settings.

Precision Haptics For Rehabilitation: Quantifying Directional Bias And Force Threshold Effects On Motor Learning, Conor J. Nolan

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hand rehabilitation represents a critical challenge in modern physical therapy, with significant implications for patients' quality of life and functional independence. Despite technological advancements across healthcare, traditional hand assessment methods often rely on subjective measures or lack task-specific biomechanical assessment capabilities. This thesis investigates the effects of haptic force feedback, handedness, and rotation direction on circle-tracing task completion using a within-subjects factorial design with 20 university participants examining varying resistance levels (0.0N, 0.5N, 1.2N) across different movement configurations using a 3D Systems Touch X haptic device with 0.023mm precision. Results demonstrate that moderate haptic force (0.5N) significantly enhanced spatial accuracy …

Prediction Of Snatch And Clean And Jerk Performance From Physical Performance Measures In Elite Male Weightlifters, Ingo Sandau, Kristof Kipp

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study aimed to build a valid model to predict maximal weightlifting competition performance using ordinary least squares linear regression (OLR) and penalized (Ridge) linear regression (penLR) in 29 elite male weightlifters. One repetition maximum (1RM) or 3RM test results of assistant exercises were used as predictors. Maximal performance data of competition and assistant exercises were collected during a macrocycle in preparation for a competition. One repetition maximum snatch pull, 3RM back squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were used to predict the 1RM snatch; and 1RM clean pull, 3RM front squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were …

Exploration Of Occupational Therapy's Consultative Role For Social Emotional Development In The Rural Childcare Setting, Katherine M. Conley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Little research has been conducted investigating the consultative role of occupational therapy (OT) in childcare, especially their role in supporting the social and emotional development of children aged 1 – 5 years. This project takes place in a rural childcare setting where a needs assessment found gaps in classroom routines' functionality, the accessibility of center-wide age-appropriate resources, and the use of social and emotional supports in the classroom. The occupational therapy doctoral student utilized the coaching model, evidence-based research, and the foundations of occupational therapy with the intention to improve teachers’ confidence in implementing social and emotional content in the …

Clear Speech Intervention In Parkinson’S Disease: A Single Case Design Examining Acoustic And Aerodynamic Outcomes Following A Structured Protocol, Zachariah Jordan Backus

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Clear Speech Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease: A Single Case Design Examining Acoustic and Aerodynamic Outcomes Following a Structured Protocol

Zachariah Backus

Purpose:

Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neuro-progressive movement disorder that impacts all movement of the body, including speech production. Ninety percent of individuals living with PD will experience hypokinetic dysarthria, a motor speech disorder, during the progression of their disease. Clear speech instruction is a treatment strategy used to increase motor speech outcomes in those with PD. Studies have shown positive changes in articulation, prosody, voice, and listener perception measures in those with PD after clear speech instruction …

Transforming The Athlete Through Occupational Therapy-Facilitated Mentorship Programming, Cecelia D. Simons

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is a high prevalence of role strain experienced among collegiate athletes with increased attention and awareness surrounding its impact on the transition out of sport and into the next phase of their lives. Many colleges and universities throughout the United States have developed career readiness programs focused on mental health, career transitions, and resilience training preparation for life after sport. However, these programs are often delivered in a group format, making it difficult to provide individualized support to student-athletes. This project elaborated on the role occupational therapy serves in both program development and the transition out of sport. This …