Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Learning Experiences From An Interprofessional, University-Based, Student-Led Healthcare Clinic In The Uk., Katharine Wood, Helen Frank, Konstantinos Papadopoulos

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Student-led clinics (SLCs) are increasingly being adopted in physiotherapy and occupational therapy degree programs. SLCs are an innovative practice-based learning model that offers unique learning opportunities while solving the challenges of sourcing appropriate placements. However, there is little recent evidence of their use in healthcare education in the UK. To address this literature gap, a synchronous online focus group with seven participants was conducted to explore the learning experiences of undergraduate occupational therapy and physiotherapy students who attended an inter-professional, non-elective, university-based SLC in the UK. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify three main themes: (1) Learning With, …

National Survey Of Physical Therapists’ Participation As Health Educators In Physical Activity Promotion Among Older Adults, Casey Nicole Mokres

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physical inactivity among older adults remains a major national and global public health concern linked to preventable morbidity, mortality, and rising healthcare costs. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to promote physical activity (PA) through health education, yet their engagement in this role is not well defined. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between clinical practice factors—years of experience, board certification status, and practice setting—and three domains of the theoretical domains framework (knowledge, skills, and behavioral regulation) related to PA promotion among older adults. The framework guided identification of behavioral and contextual factors influencing therapists’ delivery of PA promotion interventions. Data …

The Impact Of Emotional Factors On The Functioning Of Selected Muscles: Facial Muscles, Trapezius Muscle, Diaphragm And Therapy Suggestions For Physiotherapists. A Systematic Review, Kacper Chojowski, Wojciech Janik, Piotr Steuer, Maciej Tomik, Michał Kuszewski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Delivery Of Trauma-Informed Services To Hospital-Based Clients Ot, Frank Czuba

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Hospitalization can traumatize clients and impact overall health outcomes, leading to increased hospital readmission rates and resulting in a negative impact for both clients and providers. Limited information exists regarding how hospital-based occupational therapists evaluate and address trauma, even though incorporating trauma-informed principles into professional practice can enhance the occupational therapy process. The study explored the comprehension and perceived significance of trauma-informed tenets among occupational therapists delivering services in hospital-based settings. A quantitative research study with an exploratory design was implemented to explore how occupational therapists (OT) understand and utilize trauma-informed practices with their clients in a hospital setting. An …

When Analgesia Is Contraindicated: Non-Pharmacologic Resolution Of Pain Enabling Rehabilitation Participation, Zane Shah, Anand Allam

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Senior Theses

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during cancer treatment, including chemotherapeutic invasive procedures such as frequent port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce levels of pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. This thesis analyzes existing data through a close examination of primary and secondary research articles that prove the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. Using the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Symptom Management Theory, …

Enhancing Stroke Recovery: A Proposal To Implement Self-Efficacy Strategies In Rehabilitation, Ariana M. Allen, Elliott P. Mcneely

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Self-efficacy is a critical predictor of rehabilitation success in stroke survivors, influencing motivation, therapy adherence, and functional recovery. This study will investigate the current use of structured self-efficacy enhancement programs (SEEPs) by healthcare professionals in post-stroke rehabilitation settings. Guided by Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory, this proposal outlines a study that will include a comprehensive literature review and suggestions for further research. It will explore the frequency and methods of SEEP use, including goal setting, motivational feedback, and graded task planning. Data would be analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings are expected to identify usage patterns, barriers, and opportunities to …

Organizational Support And Burnout In Occupational And Physical Therapists: A Quantitative Correlational Study In The Acute Care Setting, Brenda Ballou-Boyd Mrs.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: The United States is positioned for an upcoming healthcare crisis with an estimated deficit of 100,000 healthcare professionals by 2028 (Mercer, 2024). Burnout is well documented among the healthcare community and is a major contributing factor to an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals, including occupational and physical therapists. Most prior research has focused on burnout from a personal level, but addressing burnout from an organizational level may be more effective in reducing this phenomenon among occupational and physical therapy providers.

Purpose: Despite the high levels of burnout reported, a substantial gap exists in research dedicated towards the …

Somatosensory Realignment Following Single And Dual Force-Field Adaptation, Dylan Zangakis, Aaron Wong, Amanda S. Therrien

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

Evidence that adaptive motor learning coincides with a realignment of somatosensory perception has led to hypotheses that a shared mechanism underlies both processes. This implies that these two phenomena should exhibit similar properties. However, studies of somatosensory realignment with visuomotor adaptation have shown mixed support, possibly due to a confounding coactivation of sensory prediction errors and multisensory integration. Although the former is thought to drive adaptation, both processes may contribute to somatosensory realignment. Here, we examined somatosensory realignment following force-field adaptation, which is not confounded by multisensory integration. Across two experiments, we tested whether somatosensory realignment mimics three canonical properties …

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Resilience In Women's Lacrosse: An Ecological Dynamics Approach, Annika J. Wozney

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries remain a significant concern in the sport of women’s lacrosse due to the amount of cutting and rapid deceleration movements in the sport. Non-contact ACL injuries in women’s lacrosse arise from complex interactions involving biomechanical, anatomical, and neuromuscular factors. Traditional ACL injury prevention programs (IPPs) often focus on strengthening and neuromuscular training in controlled environments with pre-planned movements, which may not adequately simulate the cognitive demands and unpredictability during a competition. An ecological dynamics approach is proposed that considers the athlete, the game environment, and the immediate task to emphasize the athlete-environment relationship. By incorporating …

From Fog To Function: An Occupational Therapist's Guide To Evaluating And Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments, Lauren E. Toner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cancer – related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that interferes with cancer survivors’ occupational performance, independence, and quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, CRCI remains under recognized and inconsistently addressed within oncology care. About 70% of individuals diagnosed with cancer report cognitive changes during or after treatment, yet many do not receive treatment. Occupational therapists are clinically trained to evaluate and treat functional cognition, activities of daily activities, instrumental activities of daily living, and client centered goals, positioning them as key providers in addressing CRCI. However, limited occupational therapy specific resources have hindered …

Post-Stroke Depression (Psd) And Occupational Therapy (Ot) Intensity: A Retrospective Medicare Claims Analysis, Lauren H. Allen

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Purpose: Post stroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent and burdensome mental health complication following a stroke, affecting approximately one third of survivors. Examining how PSD relates to outpatient occupational therapy (OT) utilization may help identify gaps in post-stroke mental health care and reveal whether current billing practices adequately capture OT services.

Project Goals: This project aimed to determine whether an early PSD diagnosis predicts outpatient OT treatment intensity and describe patterns of OT billing related to mental health, including mental health current procedural terminology (CPT) code use and CPT code distributions.

Site: This project was conducted in collaboration …

Embodied Aging: Older Adults’ Gendered Participation In Physical And Recreational Activity In Assisted Living, Gavin Anderson

Self-Designed Majors Honors Papers

This study examines how older adults interpret their experiences with physical and recreational activity in assisted living, and how these interpretations influence how they engage in their everyday social and physical contexts. In the fall of 2025, eleven older adults—nine women and two men—living in an assisted living facility in a coastal city in Southeastern Connecticut participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. The facility provides both short-term post-acute care and long-term residential care, offering structured opportunities for physical and recreational engagement.

Past research demonstrates that participation in physical and recreational activity provides substantial benefits for older adults; yet, the lived experience …

Breaking The Boom-Bust Cycle: Supporting Pediatric Fatigue And Participation After Hsct Using The 5-Pet And Caregiver Education, Annelie Claire Kershaw

OTD Capstones

Pediatric patients recovering after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) often experience persistent fatigue, physical deconditioning, cognitive changes, and decreased participation after discharge. Fatigue is complex and multidimensional, making it difficult for children to understand, communicate, and manage as they return to school, play, social activities, and daily life. Occupational therapists are well positioned to support participation, activity pacing, caregiver education, and health management for children recovering after HSCT.

This capstone project addressed the need for developmentally appropriate fatigue management resources through the creation of multiple deliverables. The primary deliverable was the 5-Zone Pediatric Energy and Fatigue Scale (5-PET), which is …

Integrating Ai-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Into A First-Semester Dpt Course: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Learner Perceptions And Palpation Self-Efficacy, Michael Morgan, Jeb Helms, John Imundi

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Accurate palpation skills and three-dimensional anatomical understanding are foundational outcomes of entry-level physical therapist education; however, novice learners often struggle to translate static anatomical knowledge into applied palpation experiences. Ultrasound imaging (USI) offers real-time visualization of living anatomy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced features may further support novice learners by scaffolding anatomical orientation. The purpose of this study was to examine first-semester Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) learners’ perceptions of AI-enhanced USI integration related to anatomical understanding, palpation self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived relevance to future practice.

Method: A single-group convergent mixed-methods study was conducted with 60 first-semester DPT learners in …

Acute Lower Leg Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Increases Leg Blood Flow And Exercise Capacity In Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease, Thomas K. Pellinger, Catherine B. Neighbors, Joshua C. Hefta, Patrick H. Luo, Carl B. Suarez, Erotokritos T. Varlas, Grant H. Simmons, Brett J. Wong

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

We tested the hypothesis that two different durations of lower leg transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) increase post-TENS popliteal artery blood flow (PABF), popliteal vascular conductance (PVC), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Seven subjects (5 male, 2 female) with PAD (67.9 ± 7.4 years; claudication: ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.90) participated in three randomized treatment sessions: control or bilateral TENS (3.0 Hz burst mode, 250 µs) for either 15 or 45 min. PABF (Doppler ultrasound) was measured before and after treatment. 6MWD and time/distance to claudication onset were measured 25 min post-treatment during each session. PABF, PVC and 6MWD increased after both 15 and 45 min of TENS (P < 0.05, post-TENS vs. pre-TENS baseline/control). Our preliminary results suggest that as little as 15 min of lower leg TENS increases leg blood flow and exercise capacity in individuals with PAD.

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Among Children And Adolescents With And Without Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Xiao Liang, Raffy C.F. Chan, Justin A. Haegele, Sean Healy, Richard H. Xu, Chang Liu, Ming Chen, Minghui Li, Hui Zhang, Cindy H.P. Sit, David H.K. Shum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose

Physical inactivity is a health concern for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) as it directly increases their risk of developing various health problems. Evidence on differences in accelerometer-assessed physical activity between children and adolescents with and without NDDs is inconclusive. And age- and body mass index (BMI)-related effects on physical activity remain unclear.

Methods

The systematic literature searches were performed in 6 databases up to March 2025. Methodological quality was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Hedges' g was used to express the effect size index with 95 % confidence interval …

Bridging The Gap Between Function-Based And Iddsi Standards In Dysphagia Care, Chien-Hui Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

No abstract provided.

Application Of The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 In Older Adults: A Narrative Review Of Current Evidence And Future Direction, Yuan-Chen Chang, Tsan-Hon Liou, Lien-Chieh Lin, Reuben Escorpizo, Shih-Wei Huang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is increasingly valued in geriatric care and rehabilitation for its patient-centered approach and sensitivity to cognitive and social dimensions of disability. It has demonstrated utility in assessing disability prevalence, predicting functional outcomes after dementia, and monitoring rehabilitation effectiveness in older adults. This review evaluated WHODAS 2.0’s application in older populations, identifying research gaps and clinical implications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase in April 2025 by using the keywords “WHODAS,” “Elderly,” “Geriatric,” and “Disability” without time restrictions. Studies evaluating disability in …

Experience And Barriers In Pediatric Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Quantitative Survey Study, François-Xavier Brajot, Ai-Ju Wu, Pao-Chuan Torng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Purpose: Despite an important need for health care services targeting pediatric dysphagia, there exist a number of barriers to doing so, including workforce competence. The current study surveyed practicing Speech-Language Pathologists to determine (1) the importance of pediatric dysphagia in their caseload, (2) the adequacy of existing educational resources, and (3) perceived barriers to providing quality care in Taiwan.

Methods: An anonymous survey was completed by Speech-Language Pathologists working in Taiwan. Responses were analyzed with respect to current work setting, experience, preparation, and perceived barriers.

Results: Survey results from 122 respondents indicated that the pediatric dysphagia caseload is unexpectedly low …

L3 Extraforaminal Herniated Intervertebral Disc Masquerading As Knee Disorder, Ming-Yen Hsiao, Chueh-Hung Wu, Tyng-Guey Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

No abstract provided.

Real-World Anti-Amyloid Therapy Beyond Traditional Symptomatic Populations: A Longitudinal Case Series, Jayoung Han, Yuan Fang, Darlingtina Esiaka, Olufunmilola Abraham

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Introduction: Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies are approved as disease-modifying therapies for early Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but real-world evidence remains limited, particularly among individuals treated during preclinical or minimally symptomatic stages. This study characterized clinical and biomarker trajectories among anti-amyloid therapy recipients across disease stages.

Method: We conducted a longitudinal retrospective case series of three biomarker-positive individuals from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who received lecanemab or donanemab. Clinical, cognitive, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma biomarker, and amyloid PET data were examined.

Results: In all three cases, most of the observation period preceded anti-amyloid therapy initiation. Clinical trajectories varied by biomarker profile and treatment …

Examining The Relationship Between Sleep And Physical Activity Among University Students, Maddie Stock

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Sleep and physical activity (PA) are important factors for maintaining overall health and are positively associated. The relationship between sleep and PA is well-documented for the general adult population, but there is less research on college students who are in a formative stage of developing lifelong health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between aerobic PA and sleep in college students. College students at a Midwest University were invited to participate by completing the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment evaluating students’ health behaviors over the previous 1-2 weeks. These values were used …

Braided Thoughts: Beautifully Indigenous, Trinity Gould

OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation

I am an enrolled tribal member of the Spokane Tribe, and I have cultural ties to the surrounding tribes as well. I have a daughter who is currently a first line descendent of my tribe through me, and I want to tell my daughter the importance of our shared culture.

I want to show her through this zine a snippet of our culture traditions and practices to educate her that our culture is still here and we should be proud of who we are and our culture. I want her to uphold our traditions to carry on to the next …

"Mangia, You're Too Skinny": A Story Of Italian Culture, Theresa Oliveri-Montes

OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation

"Mangia, You're Too Skinny": A Story of Italian Culture is a personal reflection of my Italian heritage. With this zine, I sought to not only explain, but illustrate, pieces of Italian culture and traditions. Each photograph includes members of my family and our food that we prepare.

My family immigrated to the United States from San Giovanni in Fiore, which is a small village in Calabria, located in southern Italy. They did not experience the "American Dream" that is portrayed in the media. Instead, they grappled with fear, prejudice, and the pressure to assimilate, which resulted in the loss of …

Places My Anxiety Lives, Sydney Dombrowik

OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation

Through sharing my story, I hope to increase awareness of how anxiety can influence everyday life and remind others that they are not alone in their mental health journey. The pages in this zine highlight the different environments where my anxiety is most present.

My own experiences have shown me that mental health can have a significant impact on health outcomes, routines, and wellbeing. As a future occupational therapist, I will strive to consider each client's mental health experiences and perspectives when providing client-centered care.

The Culture Of Fast Fashion, Karli Reed

OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation

As a current Whitworth OTD student, I reacted this zine to educate fellow students and young adults about the impacts of fast fashion. Social media often pressures us to keep up with trends and fit a certain mold, but finding your own voice and style is far more meaningful. Exploring fashion in a more person- and environmentally-friendly way -- such as thrifting, repairing clothing, or investing in quality pieces form ethical brands -- can help reduce many of the issues highlighted in this zine.

As future practitioners/members of society, we can also share these ideas with our clients and peers. …

Rooted: Nature, Belonging, & Occupational Justice, Grace Barnett

OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation

This zine was created for OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation. I recognize that I cannot speak or represent all cultures, but I approach this work with cultural curiosity and a commitment to learning. I was intentional about not speaking for others, but instead reflecting on my own understanding, experiences, and using scholarly articles.

I chose this topic because environments have a powerful influence on occupational participation. Nature, in particular, has been a source of healing, grounding, and comfort in my own life, which shaped my interest in exploring this connection more deeply though an occupational lens.

One of the …

The Stories That Shape Us, Brenna Strand

OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation

Reading has always been a meaningful occupation in my life. Some of my earliest memories involve my family gathering around stories, reading a chapter of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson before bed, or sharing stories around a campfire. These rituals shaped my sense of connection, imagination, and belonging. However, when I entered school and began struggling to read independently, I felt a growing disconnect from the culture and routines that had once grounded me. That experience made me aware of how deeply reading influences identity, confidence, and participation in everyday life.

This zine explores reading through an occupational therapy lens, …

What If I Fail...?, Benjamin Janke

OTD 721: Cultural Responsiveness & Occupation

The theme of "fear of failure" is a unique field in occupational therapy because of the power it has to completely inhibit or affirm occupational participation. Fear of failure is something that has been a struggle in my past and is still part of my life that I'm trying to work on as a person and as an aspiring occupational therapy practitioner.

Even though failing is difficult and sometimes painful, it's amazing to see what rises in its place with time. Because of how unique our fears and perceptions about failure are, we must utilize cultural humility and holistic care …