Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Dropping Into The Expressive Art Therapy: A Community Engagement Arts Based Project, Sydney C. Smith, Meg Chang

Expressive Therapies Theses

This community engagement capstone explores how expressive arts practices (EXAP) may complement surf-based programming by supporting reflection, empathy, and meaning-making among participants. Research has demonstrated that surf therapy can promote emotional well-being, resilience, and social connection through embodied engagement with the ocean and supportive community environments. Integrating expressive arts practices within surf-based programs may extend these benefits by providing opportunities for reflection, creative expression, and interpersonal exchange. Grounded in expressive arts therapy (EXAT) theory and arts-based research (ABR) paradigms, this project examines how creative expression can support relational and emotional experiences within surf therapy settings. Using an arts-informed community engagement …

Defining Success In Collegiate Recovery Programs: A Systematic Review, Brooke Trogdon, John B. Moore

The Corinthian

Background: The transition to higher education is a critical period for emerging adults. Often marked by increased substance use experimentation due to a variety of internal and external factors. This group faces a heightened risk of developing substance-related health issues, necessitating targeted intervention and prevention efforts. Purpose: To systematically review and define key indicators of success for collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) that support students in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted using GALILEO and Google Scholar databases. Articles were appraised using the JBI critical appraisal tools. Results: CRPs provide a supportive …

Increasing Safe Driving Among Adults With Neurological Impairments In A Rural Setting, Melissa V. Burt

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project examined challenges related to safe driving for adults living in rural communities with neurological impairments. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation Model and Toglia's Dynamic Interactional Approach, the project focused on increasing awareness, accessibility, and utilization of occupational therapy (OT) led assessments, community-based services, and educational outreach on driving safety. Clinical skill development was demonstrated through standardized and informal assessments and evidence-based interventions with adults with neurological conditions. Program implementation included driving risk assessments, one-on-one CarFit sessions, the creation of educational pamphlets, and educational presentations to increase community and provider awareness of OT's role in driving rehabilitation. CarFit surveys …

Variation In Prevalence Of Participation Limitation, Injury Location, And Training Habits Between Young And Master Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study, Rachel Berns, Jo Armour Smith, Natalia Sánchez, Samantha N. Jeffcoat, Susan Sigward, Andrew Hooyman, Shawn Farrokhi

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background/Objectives

Running is a popular form of physical activity, but its growing participation has been accompanied by high rates of injury that may limit ongoing engagement, particularly in older runners. This study explored differences in running participation limitation, injury location, and training characteristics between young (18–34 years) and master (>35 years) runners.

Methods

A total of 207 runners (105 young, 102 master) completed an online survey assessing demographics, training habits, and injury-related participation limitations using the updated Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire.

Results

Master runners reported higher rates of injury-related participation limitation than young runners (51% …

Teaching Exercise: A Survey On Educational Aids And Self-Efficacy, Joshua I. Eaton, Lucas Morgan, Matthew Hermes

Honors College Theses

HEPs are an important part of therapeutic treatment because they allow for greater exercise stimulus than can be achieved from supervised exercise alone. 94.7% of physical therapists reported prescribing HEPs to their patients. However, patient adherence to these plans can be as low as 35%. Lack of HEP adherence likely leads to sub-optimal clinical outcomes in physical therapy patients. Self-efficacy is improved in patients by supplementing HEPs with instructional aids, especially in the form of videos instead of pictures or descriptions, because they act as a form of vicarious experience. It is possible that improving self-efficacy through vicarious experience could …

Occupational Therapy Program Development In Unhoused Communities, Abbigayle Jackson, Emma Pacheco, Mariko Turley, Jennifer Wickham, Tina M. Deangelis, Edd, Ms, Otr/L, Faota

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program Capstone Presentations

Objectives

- Outline the Modified Delphi process and its purpose for manual development

- Describe foundational elements of occupational therapy (OT) program development for unhoused populations

- Illustrate a program's community and societal impact

A Case Comparison Of Vo₂Max And Lower Extremity Injury In Collegiate Wrestlers, Kole J. Kendall

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

ABSTRACT

A CASE COMPARISON OF VO₂MAX AND LOWER EXTREMITY INJURY IN COLLEGIATE WRESTLERS

Kole Jacob Kendall

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between preseason aerobic capacity (VO₂max) and lower extremity injury prevalence in Division III collegiate wrestlers. In this two-participant case comparison, Participant 2 sustained a lower extremity injury and demonstrated the lower VO₂max value (37.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), whereas Participant 1 remained uninjured and demonstrated the higher VO₂max value (40.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Although statistical analysis was not feasible because of the limited sample size, this pattern suggests a possible association between lower aerobic capacity …

Evaluating The Suitability Of The Berg Balance Scale For Assessing Balance In Diabetes With And Without Prior Covid-19: A Methods-Validation Study, Garima Kaushik Dr, Sheetal Malhan Dr., Apoorva Tiwari Dr, Vishakha Daga Dr

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

ABSTRACT

Background: Balance impairment in diabetes mellitus is predominantly driven by somatosensory loss secondary to peripheral neuropathy. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is widely used to evaluate functional balance, yet it mainly reflects motor performance and may not adequately represent sensory mechanisms. Following COVID-19, additional concerns regarding deconditioning have emerged, but interpretation depends on the measurement tool employed.

Objective: To examine the construct behavior and suitability of the BBS for assessing balance in individuals with diabetes with and without prior COVID-19 infection, and to determine whether the scale reflects known determinants of diabetic imbalance.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted …

Reimagining Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Mentorship Through A Cultural Wealth Lens: A World Café Study, Nandita A. Singh, Mph, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork education plays a critical role in professional socialization; however, supervision models often privilege dominant sociocultural norms, disadvantaging students from non-dominant cultural and linguistic backgrounds and potentially limiting equitable workforce preparation.

Objectives: To examine how OT fieldwork partners conceptualize reciprocal mentorship within fieldwork education identify strategies grounded in Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) to support inclusive communication and strengths-based professional development.

Methods: Participatory qualitative study using a virtual World Café methodology, involving United States-based academic and clinical OT fieldwork contexts. Data were collected through audio-recorded discussions, digital whiteboards, and reflexive memos, and were analyzed using Braun …

Creating Supportive Environments For Children To Bloom: A Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy Approach, Morgan Benson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

A significant number of children receiving occupational therapy services have histories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including neglect, abuse, frequent changes in caregiving environments, and exposure to chronic stressors. These experiences can strongly affect sensory processing, emotional regulation, behavior, and participation in meaningful daily occupations. These challenges are often made more complex by limited caregiver education, inconsistent access to trauma-informed resources, and differences in therapist confidence when addressing trauma in pediatric practice. Occupational therapy practitioners are well-positioned to support these needs through holistic, occupation-based, and client-centered care that considers sensory, emotional, environmental, and developmental factors. The purpose of this capstone …

Enhancing Child Development In A Daycare Setting Using An Ot Perspective, Autumn F. Glaser

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project was to implement a program within a daycare setting using an occupational therapy perspective. The project explored the impact of staff education combined with guided, hands-on activities in supporting child development. Seven developmental areas served as a focus for two weeks each during the capstone experience. Main components of the program included presentations and debrief sessions for staff, hands-on, developmentally supportive activities with the children, handouts for caregivers, and the creation of a resource with activity ideas for daycare staff to utilize after program implementation. Pre and post-test surveys were used to assess the …

Blooming Beginnings: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Helping Families Grow, Grace L. Mcconnell

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The transition to parenthood is accompanied by monumental changes in health, wellness, roles, and routines. These changes impact an individual's ability to participate in their daily activities and particularly for mothers, this experience impacts her entire life. Through this transition, parents must not only participate in their own occupations but also learn how to advocate and care for their child(ren). However, families are provided very limited educational resources to prepare them for this transition. Occupational therapy can bridge the gap in family preparedness by utilizing evidence-based education to address physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Occupational therapy education can advise parents …

Empowering Children Through Self-Regulation: A Multi-Setting Occupational Therapy Initiative, Aarika Denae De Jong

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Self-regulation skills are essential for well-being during childhood and are associated with academic performance and positive psychosocial outcomes. Children with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience sensory differences that impact occupational performance and self-regulation. Rural populations face additional barriers to accessing early childhood opportunities and occupational therapy services. This doctoral capstone project aimed to support the development of self-regulation skills among children in both clinical and community settings. Through partnership with a rural public library, a Sensory Storytime Program was implemented using inclusive design principles to promote regulation skills. Additional resources, including a Sensory Regulation Kit …

Integrating Trauma-Informed Care Into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Kylie H. Rodig

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project examined how trauma-informed care (TIC) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) can be integrated into pediatric occupational therapy to better support children impacted by trauma. The project was guided by the question of how structured trauma-informed strategies, clinical tools, and caregiver education influence therapist understanding and application in practice.

A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating TIC- and TBRI-informed interventions during pediatric treatment sessions, trauma-informed evaluations, and ongoing reflective practice. Data were gathered through pre- and post-surveys, informal staff feedback, and reflective logs to capture changes in knowledge, confidence, and clinical application over time.

Results showed clear improvements in …

Occupational Therapy For Caregiver Support And General Clinical Practice In Rural Settings, Madysen M. Handel

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop advanced clinical practice skills and implement a structured caregiver intervention program within a rural outpatient pediatric occupational therapy setting at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley, Iowa. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation, the Occupational Adaptation model, and the cognitive behavioral frame of reference, the project emphasized caregiver participation, routine-based strategy use, and support for sensory-emotional regulation across daily environments. Caregiver stress and perceptions of strategy use were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and a caregiver follow-up survey developed to evaluate confidence supporting regulation strategies and participation within home routines. Results …

Optimizing Occupational Therapy In Inpatient Behavioral Health Settings, Haley J. Conrad

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to strengthen occupational therapy practice in inpatient behavioral health by creating theory‑aligned, trauma‑informed, and evidence‑supported resources. A needs assessment revealed gaps in resource organization, translation of theory to practice, engagement strategies, and access to behavioral‑health‑specific tools. Guided by MOHO, the CORE approach, the Recovery Model, and trauma‑informed care, a comprehensive OneNote system was developed to offer organized, accessible practice supports. Practitioners completed pre‑ and post‑implementation surveys, and summed domain scores were calculated for each participant. Results showed meaningful improvements in Adequacy & Organization, Knowledge & Theory, Effectiveness, and especially Quality & Usability, where all practitioners demonstrated …

Effects Of A Passive Assistive Hamstring Device On Overground Running Kinematics And Hamstring Activation., Quinn Castner

All Theses

Hamstring strain injuries are among the most common and recurring injuries in sports, occurring most often during the terminal swing phase of gait. Despite progress in rehabilitation, the incidence of injury has only increased, suggesting a need for a novel intervention. We designed a passive, assistive, wearable device with two specific criteria in mind: to offload the hamstrings during running, and do so without hindering normal kinematic patterns. The device consists of an adjustable elastic band anchored proximally at the waist and distally just above the ankle joint center. It stretches and shortens with the hamstrings, providing passive hip extension …

Adhesion Of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria To Thermoplastic Materials Used In Fabricating Medical Devices: Patient Consequences, Dev V. Mehta

Poster Presentations

Burn injury patients wear supportive orthoses made by heat-forming sheets of thermoplastic material (Figs. 1 & 2). Bacteria cause severe soft tissue infections in patients wearing contaminated orthoses. Thermoplastic medical devices can develop biofilms that include antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria, which significantly reduces the number of available treatment options. A biofilm is a community of microorganisms that share resources allowing them to exist in a nutrient-limited environment. Biofilm microbes secrete extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that attaches them firmly to a substrate surface while protecting them from harmful substances, including antibiotics. Bacteria living within biofilms on inanimate surfaces can survive for extended …

Modeling Structural Support To Facilitate Novel Treatments Of Degenerative Disc Disease, Jose Luis Calderon

Poster Presentations

Over 600 million people worldwide suffered from low back pain in 2020, with projections for 2050 being over 800 million [1]. Annual costs associated with low back pain total over 450 billion dollars in the US alone [2]. This research serves as a proof-of-concept for the use of structural supports to facilitate intervertebral disc healing. This treatment would involve the implementation of these supports along with existing injection treatments to promote regeneration. In both models, along with the combined model, the ability for these supports to alleviate intervertebral disc height loss is shown. This indicates that these supports would serve …

Comparative Investigation Of Bacterial Adhesion On Medical Device Thermoplastics, Dev V. Mehta

Honors Theses

This project will focus on determining if differences in bacterial cell wall composition influences adhesiveness to thermoplastic materials used to construct patient orthotic splints. Bacteria with decreased adhesion are unable to remain bonded to orthotic splints, increasing its ability to transfer to a patient’s wound, leading to an infection. Antibiotic resistant bacteria used in this investigation included gram-positive cocci vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and gram-negative rods extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each test bacterium is a major pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Saline, artificial perspiration, and ascites fluids were used to determine the …

The Scoop On Feeding Therapy: Where Occupational Therapy Fits In, Katherine G. Epperson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at Horn and Associates in Rehabilitation in Lexington, Ky. The primary ACOTE areas of focus included education, advocacy, and clinical practice skills. The goals of this project were to identify and fill gaps in knowledge related to the role of occupational therapy in feeding therapy in the pediatric population, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and create educational handouts to advocate and highlight the importance of occupational therapy in the realm of feeding.

A needs assessment was completed prior to completion of this capstone project in order to identify a need. For this needs assessment, I completed a …

Professional Advocacy: Designing And Implementing Resources For The Kota Website, Jaden Johnson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) focused on advocacy, leadership, and virtual program development within the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA). The project addressed a gap, bridging conversations surrounding advocacy to active engagement in professional advocacy through an 'Advocacy' webpage for the KOTA website. The goal of this capstone project is to make advocacy resources more accessible and increase participation in professional organizations for the benefit and unification of occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students and practitioners.

Virginia Stoffel's Presidential Address, Engagement, Exploration, and Empowerment (2015), served as the primary framework guiding this project. The framework …

Success In Motion: A Comparative Thematic Analysis Of Patient Success In Inpatient And Outpatient Physical Therapy, William T. Gish

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Physical therapy is practiced across a wide range of clinical settings that differ substantially in patient populations, goals, and care timelines. While standardized outcome measures are commonly used to evaluate treatment effectiveness, little research has examined how physical therapists themselves define successful outcomes  or whether those definitions vary across inpatient and outpatient contexts. This study employed a qualitative mixed-methods design to explore how physical therapists conceptualize success in clinical practice. Ten licensed physical therapists participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Supplementary quantitative data were collected via an online background survey. Five primary themes emerged: goal-oriented, patient-centered …

Clinical Case Study: The Effects Of Task Dynamics And Saltatory Pneumotactile Stimulation On Cerebral Oxygenation, Cognitive Performance, And Sensorimotor Function In An Adult Following Left Ischemic Mca Stroke, Bridget Slagle

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In the chronic stage of stroke recovery, neuroplasticity is thought to require external influence, and is often considered to be experience-dependent, or “Hebbian,” plasticity. Current studies have been investigating multiple ways to induce plasticity to enhance recovery, including investigating the role of sensory stimulation in cortical priming to enhance the effects of rehabilitation interventions.

This case study of an 80-year-old female with aphasia after L-MCA ischemic stroke included 18 neurotherapeutic sessions over 10 weeks. Each session included pneumotactile somatosensory stimulation to the glabrous hand and perioral face, delivered to both the left and right side via the GALILEO, as well …

A Comparative Analysis Of Two Play-Based Upper Extremity Training Programs In Improving Arm Motor Function In Children With Hemiplegia, Kara Borkowski

Honors Scholar Theses

Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common causes of childhood motor disability. Children with cerebral palsy often experience impaired movement, posture, and balance (Vitrikas et al., 2020). A key factor in the success of upper extremity training for children with cerebral palsy is the frequency and intensity of therapy sessions (Jackman et al., 2020). However, these sessions can be expensive, time consuming, and often difficult to fit into home routines. These limitations have led to an increasing exploration of the effects of caregiver-led programs, bridging many of the gaps these barriers create. The efficacy of a play-based training program …

Clinical Impact Of Prior Versus De Novo Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Use On Motor Recovery After Ischemic Stroke, Jonathan Xi, Alexandre Mazar, Michelle Jankkowski, Jose Mendez, P Tyler Roskos

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), or stroke, is the fourth highest cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. Although used typically as antidepressants, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have been linked to positive outcomes in stroke recovery. This retrospective chart review evaluated differences in motor recovery with prior versus de novo Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor use in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Methods: Participant data were obtained using a convenience sample of adult (aged 18 or older) ischemic stroke patients admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit at a suburban inpatient rehabilitation unit from January 1, 2016, …

Applying Evidence-Based Practice To Guide Occupational Therapy In The Nicu And Outpatient-Based Early Intervention Settings, Brooke A. Wilson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at increased risk for feeding difficulties, developmental delays, and sensory processing challenges due to prematurity and complex medical needs. These effects often persist into the first years of a child’s life, and many receive early intervention or outpatient therapies. Occupational therapy plays a critical role in addressing these concerns while supporting caregivers in building knowledge and confidence. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop in-depth clinical skills in the NICU and outpatient early intervention settings, educate caregivers, and complete continuing education courses related to neonatal and pediatric therapeutic …

Addressing The Motor And Non-Motor Symptoms Of Parkinson’S Disease Through Integration Of Clinical Skills And Community Educational Resources, Alison C. Lee

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) face many challenges to their daily life including various motor and non-motor symptoms that affects their participation in meaningful occupations. Non-motor symptoms like decreased social participation, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decline in cognition often go unnoticed and undertreated. Limited resources are available to clinicians and individuals with PD regarding tangible ways to address these concerns. Occupational therapy (OT) has a unique role in addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms through evidence-based resources, education, and general awareness. This project bridged this gap in care regarding non-motor symptoms of PD through the creation of easily accessible handouts, …

Improving Occupational Performance In Vision Neurorehabilitation, Catherine Lentsch

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Visual dysfunction affects up to 90% of individuals with traumatic brain injuries and up to half of stroke survivors, significantly impacting independence in daily occupations. This capstone project, conducted at Nebraska Methodist Hospital, aimed to improve clients’ occupational performance and enhance occupational therapy vision neurorehabilitation through advanced clinical skill development and the development of resources. The project involved the evaluation and treatment of eleven neurological patients across inpatient and outpatient settings. Guided by Warren’s Hierarchy of Visual Perceptual Skills and Toglia’s Dynamic Interactional Approach, the project emphasized stabilizing foundational visual skills before progressing to higher‑level visual-perceptual tasks and used near …

Fragile Patients, Intentional Care: Nonpharmacological Pain Management Treatment Approaches In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Kristie A. Moeller

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The aim of this project was to increase clinical skills in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and explore how nonpharmacological occupational therapy (OT) interventions impact pain management in the NICU for a variety of patients. Due to the increasing rates of admissions to the NICU and the impact that pain has on child development there was a clear need to gain skills to create interventions that would minimize the effect on infant development (Martin & Osterman, 2025; Pineda et al., 2025). The needs assessment revealed the need for occupational therapists (OTs) role in nonpharmacological pain management to …