Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Effects Of External Vibration Stimulation On Shoulder Internal Rotation And Hamstring Strength, C Caspari Spt, J Goodreau Spt, W Jonas Spt, K Lund Spt, T Thilmony Spt, S Johnson Mpt, Dscpt, Comt, Cidn

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Percussion therapy has gained popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in both rehabilitation and sports performance.
• Percussion therapy is an instrument-assisted treatment targeting soft tissue structures using torque, amplitude, and frequency for delivery. ¹

Objective

• Evaluate the effects of localized percussion application treatment to the gluteal and sacral region on shoulder internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM) and isometric hamstring strength using the concept of regional interdependence ^2,4,5

Participants

• 54 healthy adults from Concordia University - St. Paul and local exercise facilities
• 21 females
• 33 males
• Average age: 23.9

Methods

• Pre-therapeutic intervention measurements
• Supine shoulder IR ROM …

Correlation Between Shoulder Kinematics And Functional Outcomes Following Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty - A Pilot Study, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, A Blaschko, K Hall, M Samuelson, Z Thelen

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Background: Following a TSA, patients achieve pain relief, restoration of range of motion, improvements in patient-reported outcomes, and report overall satisfaction with their replaced shoulder^3-5
• Purpose: To examine Scapulothoracic (ST) kinematics on self-reported shoulder function outcomes
• Hypothesis: There will be a statistically significant correlation between ST kinematics and self-reported satisfaction of function in participants who are more than one year post-a TSA

Methods

• Participants: 14 subjects between 56-81 years old who underwent a TSA replacements at least one year ago by 1 of 3 orthopedic surgeons from one midwestern healthcare organization
• Tests & Measures:
• Penn Shoulder Scale (PSS) …

The Effect Of Assistive Device Use On Timed Up And Go Scores In Healthy Older Adults With No Fall History: A Pilot Study, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, C Bradley, K Caswell, J Teich, K Witte, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

Falls account for the most injury-related deaths in older adults and cost 50 billion dollars annually (1,2). The Timed up and Go(TUG) test is commonly used by PTs to identify individuals scoring >13.5 seconds as at risk for falling (3). Using this cutoff may justify physical therapy and be used as an assessment of improved function. The TUG is favored due to its inclusion of assistive device (AD) use. However, data suggest it may not be accurate in classifying those using ADs (4,5).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of AD use on TUG …

Correlation Between Shoulder Kinematics And Functional Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Linsey Hamilton Pt, Dpt, Scs, M Anderson, R Garofalo, L Nolan, C Quinton, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd

DPT Capstone Posters

Purpose/Hypothesis:

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become an efficacious surgical procedure for people with massive rotator cuff tears and concurrent glenohumeral osteoarthritis. While shoulder biomechanics and functional outcomes after a RTSA have been studied extensively, there is limited research on the relationship between shoulder girdle osteokinematics and functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between shoulder girdle osteokinematics and functional outcomes, using the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS), in patients who underwent RTSA. It is hypothesized that there would be a significant correlation between osteokinematic variables and the PSS. Participants: 20 participants (10 male) who …

Feasibility Of Using Blood Flow Restriction Training For Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Comparison, Erin Simunds Edd, Pt, J Fegurgur, A Lundquist, M Heller, S Neumann, C Lindgren

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Cerebral palsy (CP) affects mobility and strength due to spasticity, incoordination, and weakness,¹ making traditional high-load training challenging.
• Blood flow restriction (BFR) training enables increased work and fatigue at a lower load, resulting in adaptations in muscle composition similar to those achieved with high-load training.²
• Despite evidence supporting BFR use in neurological conditions³, limited information exists on how it will benefit young adults with ambulatory CP.^4,5
• Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility of BFR compared to progressive resistance training (PRT) in young adults with ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

• Two individuals with spastic CP, …

Patient And Family Perceptions Of Early Mobility And Exercise In The Hospital And Icu, Amy Toonstra Pt, Dpt, Phd, Catie Carroll Spt, Zachary Eicher Spt, Bailey Galvin Spt, Bridget Murphy Spt, Sarah Zemek Pt, Dpto

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Early mobility in the hospital and ICU leads to improved patient outcomes.¹
• However, patients still refuse PT treatment - Is this related to patient knowledge? ^2-5

Purpose: Explore patient and legally authorized representatives (LARs) perspectives of exercise and mobility in the hospital and ICU and determine if there's a correlation between perspective and PT refusal

Methods

Participants:104 participants from a Level 1 trauma hospital.

• Median age: 61.5 years
• Median length of stay: 13 days

Survey: 11 item validated survey scored using a 5-point likert scale.⁵

Analyses:

• Cronbach's alpha assessed internal consistency of survey.
• Spearman's Rho and …

Occupational Therapist's Role In Sensory Inclusive Space Design, Colleen Mcgill

SURF Posters 2025

The rise in individuals experiencing sensory processing difficulties has revealed the challenges they face in regard to engagement in different environments and social participation. Sensory processing difficulties can impact the individual's social connectedness to entertainment venues that confine larger crowds and overwhelming stimuli, causing a form of occupational deprivation. This form of occupational deprivation can not only affect the individual, but can also impact family interactions at social events. Occupational therapists have proven highly skilled when assessing and treating clients with sensory processing difficulties, as well as evaluating and adapting environments to promote successful participation. With that, there is a …

Review Of High-Intensity Interval Training (Hiit) Protocols For Older Adults With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review, Matthew G. Carter, Emma Pole, Elizabeth Buonanno, Abigail Curtis, Nicole Paranich

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 17.9 million lives lost each year, and has an incidence of 77-80% amongst those 60-80 years old. HIIT is not the initial treatment of choice in those with CVD among physical therapists because of the fear and concern relating to the patient’s response to high-intensity exercise.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on older adults with cardiovascular disease and, if it was effective, find the proper protocol for this population. This systematic review intends to find …

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …

The Impact Of Moral Injury On Veterans' Occupations, Sydney Santora

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Occupational therapy has been working with veterans since its origin. Once labeled as shell shock, occupational therapists addressed and continue to address veteran’s mental health, specifically Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While PTSD still affects veterans, there is another emerging phenomenon that is affecting veterans called moral injury. Moral injury (MI) is a condition resulting from “perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to, or learning about acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations” (Litz et al., 2009, p. 697). There is currently limited literature regarding occupational therapy’s treatment of moral injury. This study aimed to fill the gaps …

The Phenomenon Of Sports As An Occupation, Christopher G. Cercone

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

The “Phenomenon of Sports as an Occupation” is a mixed-methods, survey and interview-based research study that examines the impact of sports participation on occupational performance, identity, and routines. Findings highlight the value of recognizing sports in occupational therapy and may guide future practice and professional development. The study involved three groups of participants, including college athletes, occupational therapy practitioners, and adults involved in sports activities. Each group completed different surveys based on what sports mean to them and how sports have influenced their lives. Occupational therapy practitioners were asked about their feelings regarding increased involvement in sports rehabilitation. An interview …

Promoting Caregiver-Child Attunement: Social Emotional Wellness Through Yoga, Gianna R. Delfino

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

This doctoral capstone program, Social-Emotional Wellness Through Yoga: Promoting Caregiver-Child Attunement, aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a family-centered occupational therapy (OT) program designed to enhance emotional connection, co-regulation, and wellness in caregiver-child dyads at a pediatric outpatient clinic. This project was guided by a systematic review of literature on the effects of yoga on the mental health of children 3-10 years old, which suggests that yoga has positive outcomes on the mental health and wellbeing of children (Khunti et al., 2022). Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and strengths-based care, the 10-week group was designed for children ages 3–11 and their …

Open Doors Rehab: Student-Led Courtesy Occupation-Focused Stroke Rehabilitation Clinic, Caitlin Scully

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Experiencing a stroke is a life altering event. Effects range from minimal to severe, but nonetheless survivors are put in a position where they need to understand their health and how to move forward (Wolf et. al., 2009). Nagaraja et. al. (2022) draws attention to the issue that survivors who are not eligible for inpatient services are often discharged home with a home exercise program and no clinical or therapy follow- up. This creates a gap in the stroke recovery continuum of care, putting survivors at even more risk for additional health risks and complications. The need for stroke rehabilitative …

Caregiver Resources For Aging With An Intellectual And/Or Developmental Disability (Raidd), Lena M. Conway

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Caregivers of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) are essential in supporting health, well-being, and aging in place; however, they are often overlooked in policy and occupational therapy (OT) practice. Caregivers frequently experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, physical fatigue, and social marginalization. Adults with IDD face disproportionately high rates of chronic disease and mental health conditions, and despite the development of resources to support this population, caregivers report barriers to locating, understanding, and utilizing these assets. A scoping review was conducted to determine and explore the needs of caregivers and the systemic challenges they face, including fragmented …

Holistic Health: A Psychosocial Health And Wellness Program For College Students, Elizabeth C. Fasti

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

The Holistic Health program is a doctoral capstone quality improvement project that aims to increase the quality of life (QoL) and well-being for higher education students and increase staff and faculty knowledge of college students' mental health. Driven through education and program development, the program includes four key action plans. The first action plan was an in-person mindfulness-based program for college students. The second action plan includes a proposal for environmental adaptations to foster a safe and supportive campus environment for students. The third action plan includes expanding ready-to-use wellness and mindfulness resources for higher education students. The fourth and …

Parkinson’S Optimal Wellness And Educational Resource (Power) Project, Christina Mcfadden

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

By 2030, over 1.3 million adults in the U.S. are predicted to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), with Pennsylvania exhibiting a notably high incidence (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2023; Willis et al., 2022). Despite this prevalence, non-specialist clinicians, policymakers, and the public generally remain poorly informed in adequately supporting PD (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). There is a gap within the literature regarding occupational therapy’s (OT) role in community-based PD programming in the U.S. The Parkinson’s Optimal Wellness and Educational Resource (POWER) Project addresses this through a tertiary health approach as identified in the WHO’s Parkinson’s technical brief (2022). Informed by …

Let's Get Connected (Lcg), Delaney J. Boyd

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

The Let’s Get Connected (LGC) doctoral capstone project aimed to improve the social skills of primary school students through program development, education, and clinical intervention in order to encourage a more inclusive environment in the school. Regarding program development, LGC incorporated universal OT services during recess for all second grade students to socialize as a class. During the “All-In Recess” portion of the program, social emotional skills were taught through games that encouraged students to socialize and include all of their peers. The second tier included “Breakfast Bunch and Lunch Bunch”, which consisted of small social participation groups held during …

Promoting Mu, Christina A. Reilley

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Despite the broad scope of occupational therapy and its significant impact on patients' lives, the profession requires a strategic marketing plan to raise awareness. To address the lack of understanding on a micro level, a comprehensive marketing plan was developed for Misericordia University’s Occupational Therapy Department to align with the current wants and needs of prospective students. Designed as a 14-week doctoral capstone project, PromOTing MU aims to advocate for the profession by showcasing the experiences of current MUOT students. The cliff of OT programs expanding while application numbers decline is a prevalent issue addressed in PromOTing MU, which targets …

Explore Your Future, Faith M. Merritt

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

Explore Your Future, a doctoral capstone project, was developed to aid the development and learning of low socioeconomic status (SES) children attending the McGlynn Center. This project focused on career readiness, addressing community concerns by providing resources on career possibilities, educational pathways, and skills training. A scoping review revealed gaps in research on interventions improving career readiness in low SES children, with limited studies identified across seven databases. Early intervention is proven to enhance career exploration, social-emotional outcomes, social awareness, academic performance, and vocational identity (Howard & Ferrari, 2022). Improvements in self concept, interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and confidence …

Every Blessing Crafts, Alan Frausto

OT Doctoral Capstones

Depression is highly prevalent among residents in Long-Term Care Settings (LTCS), approximately up to 50% reported in studies (Matos Quieros et al., 2021; Shrestha et al., 2020; Ulbricht et al., 2019). Occupational Injustice (OI) such as occupational deprivation is a risk factor for residents in LTCS developing depression (Janssen & Grabanski, 2023). Additionally, Causey-Upton (2015) identified occupational marginalization, occupational imbalance, and occupational deprivation as specific forms of OI that residents face.

The field of occupational therapy (OT) has utilized arts and crafts as one of the first interventions since the beginning of the profession (Christiansen & Haertl, 2019, p. 129). …

Holistic Support Toolkit: Integrating Occupational Therapy In Trauma-Informed Parenting For Adoptive And Foster Families, Zenyacy Ortega Rojero

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: Adoptive families often face challenges related to early childhood trauma, impacting emotional regulation and daily routines.

Methodology: A bilingual, trauma-informed toolkit was created using feedback from foster/adoptive parents and CASA staff. A pre/post questionnaire assessed the impact on staff knowledge and confidence.

Results: The toolkit significantly increased staff understanding of trauma, OT’s role, sensory processing, and caregiver support (p < .05 across all ten indicators).

Discussion: Findings highlight OT’s contribution to trauma-informed care and the importance of interdisciplinary education for those supporting foster and adoptive families.

Conclusion: The toolkit promoted caregiver confidence and trauma-responsive approaches and has potential for long-term sustainability at CASA and beyond

Enhancing Developmental Care In The Nicu: A Program Evaluation And Roadmap For Trauma- Informed Practice, Roberto Conner

OT Doctoral Capstones

This capstone evaluated the current state of trauma-informed developmental care practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at El Paso Children’s Hospital to identify barriers and inform sustainable improvement strategies. The capstone student shadowed across multiple disciplines, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and lactation consultants. The capstone student surveyed NICU team members and interviewed unit leadership to assess staff knowledge, confidence, and feedback mechanisms. The capstone student found that staff expressed moderate confidence in delivering developmental care but faced barriers, including communication gaps between disciplines, limited leadership prioritization, and knowledge gaps. The capstone student developed a roadmap specific to …

Mind Matters: Addressing Food Insecurities As A Mental Health Barrier, Nicholas Thomas Guerra

OT Doctoral Capstones

Food insecurity (FI)—the limited or uncertain access to adequate food—is a growing concern among college students and is linked to increased stress, poor mental health, and reduced occupational engagement. Nationally, 41% of college students report experiencing FI, with higher rates among marginalized groups (Nickolaus et al., 2020). At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), 61% of students are affected, a figure influenced by financial strain, limited access to aid, and unique border-related barriers such as immigration status and language (El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, 2022; Weigel et al., 2007). This capstone project, grounded in the Person-Environment- Occupation (PEO) model, …

Efficacy Of Low-Level Laser Therapy For Osteoarthritis Of The Knee, Emily Drummond

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease associated with numerous effects on quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living (ADLs). In recent years, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been evaluated as a symptom management option for KOA due to its non-invasive mechanistic properties. The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficacy of LLLT as a modality of treatment to help reduce mild to moderate symptoms associated with KOA.

Methods: A search via PubMed database was made using the keywords “LLLT” AND “osteoarthritis” AND “knee” with additional specifiers resulting in 10 articles for review. Four articles were chosen …

Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perspectives On Leadership In Everyday Practice: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Mary E. Spores

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Leadership is a topic of interest for rapidly evolving healthcare professions and a cornerstone of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Centennial Vision. The history of leadership in the profession has a robust foundation and yet calls to action for leadership in the profession remain focused on traits, behaviors and transformative processes. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are positioned to be leaders of change with the use of leadership influence however, practitioner views on their enactment of leadership in everyday practice are sparse in the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to capture the perspectives of …

Perceptions Of School-Based Occupational Therapists Regarding The Access To Educator Credential Pathways In Kentucky, Jill Edlin

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: In Kentucky public schools, occupational therapists are employed as classified staff without access to educator credential pathways. This study explores occupational therapist’s perceptions of how those state-level structures impact recognition, collaboration, leadership, and day-to-day practice within the educational system context. Purpose: This qualitative descriptive study examines school-based occupational therapists’ perceptions of how the absence of educator credential pathways influences their professional practice, collaboration, and leadership in Kentucky public schools. Research objectives focus on describing Kentucky school-based occupational therapists’ perceptions of leadership opportunities as shaped by state educator credentialing. Objectives also focus on exploring how credentialing influences interprofessional collaboration with …

Transitioning To Graduate Level Academics: A Preparation Program For An Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program, Sergio Garcia

OT Doctoral Capstones

The objective of the capstone project was to create an online preparation program for The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Department of Occupational Therapy’s-Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program that would ease the transition experience into the program and would help increase their early academic success. The capstone project involved the planning, creation, and implementation of the program. The finalized program consists of four interactive, self-led, and self-paced modules. Interactive elements include activities, questions, opportunities for reflection, and hyperlinks. The finalized program will be implemented with incoming UTEP OTD students on a yearly basis.

Colostomy Care: Ep, Michelle Ramirez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: This capstone project aimed to improve knowledge and self-efficacy in colostomy care through a structured educational booklet.

Methods: Six adult inpatient participants at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus received the booklet and completed pre- and post-surveys.

Results: Participants had a 7.37% increase in scores, with statistically significant improvements in knowledge and confidence (p < .001). Patients reported the material was easy to understand and helpful.

Discussion: The project highlights the OT's role in education and emotional support during post-operative recovery. The booklet is a sustainable, low-cost tool that can be replicated across diverse clinical settings.

Empowering Caregivers Through An Occupation-Based Approach To Physical And Mental Health, Maria Duarte

OT Doctoral Capstones

Problem Statement: The informal caregivers at Fundación Integra A.C., primarily family members providing daily, unpaid care to loved ones with significant physical and cognitive needs, often lack the training and support necessary to safely mange the physical and mental demands of caregiving, increasing their risk of injury, burnout, and reduced quality of life.

Methods: 5-module caregiver education course over 8 weeks in person/via Zoom and all material was delivered in Spanish.

Results: Increased confidence, knowledge, and reduced stress.

Discussion: Small sample size, limited statistical significance however, still showed meaningful gains.

Conclusion: Physical and mental health focused program is effective among …

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …